Compare &
Contrast Essay
Block Method
COMPARE & CONTRAST PROMPT
Holt Anthology Essay Prompt •
You have been asked to write a compare & contrast essay in the
this class. The greatest emphasis will be on revision/editing,
so the most points will be given to the revision steps for your
grade on the essays. You will find the prompt below.
Now that you have read “Thank You, M’am,” and
“Marigolds,” you can compare and contrast what is
going on in the lives of the teenagers, Roger and
Lizabeth, and how they change. When you write a
comparison-contrast essay, you look for similarities and
differences between the two stories. You will use the
Block Method described in the PPT for your outline.
COMPARE & CONTRAST ESSAY
The Block Method
 Write a generic introduction explaining
 Discuss the stories one at a time [introduction].
 First we write about the elements we find most
important to our thesis in the order given [body].
 Then we discuss the other story following the same
order as the first story [second introduction and
body].
 Finally we come to the ending paragraph and the
re-write of our beginning thesis statement in
A Writer’s Framework [Three-Part Structure]
•Introduction
Create an opening; who are you writing to?
Grab your readers’ interest with an attention getter.
Tell the reader the titles, etc. of works being compared (authors, background information
on authors etc.)
End with your thesis statement that tells how the stories are the same or different. This
statement is your opinion on the stories.
•Body
Provide at least two reasons based on your Block Outline that support your opinion
statement.
Give at least two pieces of evidence (four pieces of evidence total) to support each reason.
Organize the reasons logically following the element lists from your outline.
•Conclusion
Sum up your major points in one or two sentences.
End with a new but related thought.
Writing Plan
Block Method
Story 1
Element 1:
Main Character & his situation
Element 2:
Character’s motives &
conflict(s)
Element 3:
What character learns
Element 4:
Resolution of conflict(s)
Element 5:
Theme
Outline
“Thank You, M’am”
Writing Plan
Block Method
Story 2
Element 1:
Main Character & her situation
Element 2:
Character’s motives &
conflict(s)
Element 3:
What character learns
Element 4:
Resolution of conflict(s)
Element 5:
Theme
Outline
“Marigolds”
Instructions for
Brainstorm/Outline
Brainstorm Ideas for your thesis statement with a partner.
Be ready to share one of your Elements with the class.
Continue filling out the outline as much as possible.
Finish the outline.
Use an Element of one story that appeals to you the most,( as a good basis
for proof of your thesis statement) then write your sentence grabber on
your outline form (backside of prompt handout).
Handwrite a rough draft . After writing the rough draft you can peer edit
and polish it then save to H Drive and then Google Apps.
Next Step: Edit and Revision Checklist