Name: _________________________________________
Date: _________________________________
6B- _____
Writing: Compare-Contrast Essays
Directions: Use the notes below to help you understand how to organize a
compare-contrast essay.
*If your structure is clear and logical, it will probably be effective,
even if it doesn’t perfectly match one of the forms below. That said, these
forms are proven winners.
1. Block Form: Write about the first subject (ex: cats) in the first body paragraph and
the second subject (ex: dogs) in the second body paragraph.


Usually, there is not a third body paragraph.
If you mention a particular point (ex: characters) in the first body paragraph,
you must mention the same point (ex: characters) in the second body
paragraph, and in the same order.
Sample Block Form Outline: (Cats vs. Dogs)
I. Introduction
A. Hook: Attract reader’s attention to the broad topic of the essay (a topic that
includes both subjects of comparison; for example, pets); appeal to life in general,
not the texts in particular.
Ex: From the Westminster Kennel Show to all of the silly cats in viral
videos online, we see pets everywhere. But what makes pets so
loveable?
B. Line: Provide the title, author, and a Google Earth summary of both texts.
Ex: In “(Title)” by (author), the author describes the many joys and
responsibilities of owning a cat, and in “(Title)” by ( author), the author
describes the pleasures and the pitfalls of owning a dog.
C. Sinker / Thesis: Answer the essay question. Provide the main idea of the entire
essay. Often in a compare-contrast essay, you can say that your subjects are
somewhat similar and somewhat different.
*In the body paragraphs, you’ll explain HOW they’re similar and
different.
Ex: Despite their differences, cats and dogs have quite a few things in
common.
(over)
II. Body ¶ #1: Cats
Ex: Cats have very independent personalities, but the rewards they
bestow upon their caretakers are very enjoyable.
A. Personality (Provide details)
B. Rewards (Provide details)
III. Body ¶ #2: Dogs
Ex: Unlike cats, dogs have very social personalities; nonetheless,
similar to cats, dogs offer tremendous rewards to their caretakers.
A. Personality (different) (Provide details)
B. Rewards (similar) (Provide details)
IV. Conclusion
A. Review: Repeat thesis and topic sentences.
Ex: Basically, the authors suggest that the similarities and differences
between cats and dogs are most dramatic in regard to their size, their
personalities, the responsibilities associated with ownership, and the
benefits they offer to their guardians.
B. Insight Statement: Write an insight statement about the broad topic of the essay;
make an H.I.S. connection.
Ex: Ultimately, the similarities and differences between cats and dogs
reveal that, in many ways, pets can be quite different from each other.
That said, in the best cases we come to love our pets for a simple
reason, because they love us back!
(next)
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2. Point-by-Point Form: Write about a particular point (size) about the first subject
(cats) and then  in the same paragraph  immediately compare or contrast it to the
same point (size) about the second subject (dogs).

Usually, you discuss one point per body paragraph.
Sample Point-by-Point Form Outline: (Cats vs. Dogs)
I. Introduction
A. Hook: Attract reader’s attention to the broad topic of the essay (a topic that
includes both subjects of comparison; for example, pets); appeal to life in general,
not the texts in particular.
Ex: From the Westminster Kennel Show to all of the silly cats in viral
videos online, we see pets everywhere. But what makes pets so
loveable?
B. Line: Provide the title, author, and a Google Earth summary of both texts.
Ex: In “(Title)” by (author), the author describes the many joys and
responsibilities of owning a cat, and in “(Title)” by ( author), the author
describes the pleasures and the pitfalls of owning a dog.
C. Sinker / Thesis: Answer the essay question. Provide the main idea of the entire
essay. Often in a compare-contrast essay, you can say that your subjects are
somewhat similar and somewhat different.
*In the body paragraphs, you’ll explain HOW they’re similar and
different.
Ex: Despite their differences, cats and dogs have quite a few things in
common.
II. Body ¶ #1: Personality
Ex: Cats and dogs possess quite different personalities.
A. Personality of cats (Provide details)
B. Personality of dogs (different) (Provide details)
III. Body ¶ #2: Rewards
Ex: While cats and dogs have clearly different personalities, they offer
a similar reward to their caretakers.
A. Reward for cat-owners (Provide details)
B. Reward for dog-owners (similar) (Provide details)
(over)
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IV. Conclusion
A. Review: Repeat thesis and topic sentences.
Ex: Basically, the authors suggest that the similarities and differences
between cats and dogs are most dramatic in regard to their personality,
while the benefit they offer to their guardians is virtually the same.
B. Insight Statement: Write an insight statement about the broad topic of the
essay; make an H.I.S. connection.
Ex: Ultimately, the similarities and differences between cats and dogs
reveal that, in many ways, pets can be quite different from each other.
That said, in the best cases we come to love our pets for a simple
reason, because they love us back!
Examples of Compare-Contrast Transitions
Comparison / Similarities
Contrast / Differences
Similar to
Unlike
Similarly
In contrast to
Likewise
Contrary to
Just as
By contrast
In the same manner
On the other hand
Like
While
In the same fashion
Conversely
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