Compare and Contrast Essay Tips
Choose a method of organization:
1. Point-by-Point Method- The Point-by-Point method alternates arguments about the two items (A and
B) that you are comparing and/or contrasting. The pattern is as follows:
 Point 1 - discuss Washington
 Point 1 - discuss DuBois
 Discussion about overall links between Washington and DuBois
 Point 2 – discuss Washington
 Point 2 - discuss Dubois
 Discussion about overall links between Washington and DuBois
 Point 3 – discuss Washington
 Point 3 - discuss DuBois
 Discussion about overall links between Washington and DuBois
This method is often easier for a reader to follow because similarities and differences are more obvious when placed next to each other. For this reason, writers generally use this method for longer essays.
2. Block Method- The Block Method presents all arguments related to A, and then compares and/or contrasts them to all arguments related to B. This style is a little bit more difficult to use because there is so much space between points about A and points about B; however, it can be useful for shorter assignments. The pattern is as follows:
 Point 1 about Washington (A)
 Point 2 about Washington (A)
 Etc.
 Point 1 about DuBois (B) with discussion about connections to Washington (A)
 Point 2 about DuBois (B) with discussion about connections to Washington (A)
 Etc.
Pointer: Make sure to present your points in the same order for A and B!
There are a couple of common problems that students run into using this method:
 A lot of students end up simply listing everything about A and then everything about B without actually making connections between them.
 Students may include the connections in one paragraph towards the end of the essay. Since your whole essay is supposed to make these connections, you won’t be completing the assignment if you don’t include the comparisons throughout.
 To avoid these problems with this structure, make sure to include lots of transitional statements when discussing B, such as “In the same way” or “In contrast to”. This will help your reader to remember information about A, and to understand how A and B are related to each other.

Prompt: Compare and contrast Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. DuBois as advocates for African
American rights.
1. Start with your thesis statement. You do not need to write a full introduction.
2. Body paragraphs- Include a claim and detailed evidence as support. Also, please attempt to explain
how your evidence supports your claim (warrant).
Note: The number and type of body paragraphs will depend on whether you chose point-by-point method or block method.
4. Conclusion- Wrap up your argument and evaluate who was a stronger advocate for African Americans:
Booker T. Washington or W.E.B. DuBois.
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Claim/Thesis Scale
Claim/Thesis is an effective statement that includes a brief presentation of the arguments/points to be made and incorporates class content as well as relevant, original thought.
Claim/Thesis is an effective statement that includes a brief presentation of the arguments/points to be made.
Claim/Thesis is a simple restatement of the question without stating arguments to be made.
Claim/Thesis not readily identifiable and does not state arguments to be made.
No claim/thesis is provided.
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Evidence / Data Scale
Accurate details effectively support the central claim. Use of relevant evidence is sustained throughout the entire analysis.
Accurate details effectively support the central claim. Use of relevant evidence is generally sustained with some gaps.
Adequate evidence supports the claim. Minor inaccuracies or irrelevant details may exist.
Evidence was provided, but it lacked detail or did not directly support the claim. Some inaccuracies may exist.
No effective evidence is provided.