Organizing Compare/Contrast Essays
Block Format (better for similarities)
I.
Introduction
 Begin with a sentence that catches the reader’s interest. (A question, a reason why
the topic is interesting/important, or something they both have in common.)
 Name the 2 texts and images you will be comparing and/or contrasting (include
full author names the first time, thereafter, use last names only).
 Build an idea about these 2 texts/images that produces your Thesis.
 Make a claim about the 2 texts/images in your thesis (this should be specific –
and, someone else could argue against you)
II.
Body Paragraphs
 1stdiscuss the features of one text/image (topic sentence)
o Use quotations or paraphrasing to prove your point
o Use as many paragraphs as needed to avoid very long paragraphs – be
sure you have explored your subject thoroughly.
 Transition - 2nd discuss the same features with the next text/image (topic sentence)
o Use quotations or paraphrasing to prove your point
o Use as many paragraphs as needed to avoid very long paragraphs – be
sure you have explored your subject thoroughly. (use the same # of
paragraphs here as you did to discuss the 1st text/image)
 Transition - 3rd discuss how the two are similar or different (topic sentence)
o Use quotations or paraphrasing to prove your point
o Use as many paragraphs as needed to avoid very long paragraphs – be
sure you have explored your subject thoroughly.
III.
Counter Argument (and Rebuttal)
 Provide a viewpoint that challenges your thesis. (imagine a skeptical reader
reading your essay - show how different conclusions can be made)
o One might object here that… or, It might seem that… It’s true that…
Admittedly… Of course… But how?… But isn’t this just? … But if this
is so, what about…?
 Then, turn back to your own point of view – disprove the counter-argument.
Acknowledge its validity or plausibility, but suggest why on balance it’s relatively
less important than what you propose.
o But… Yet… However… Nevertheless… Still…
IV.
Conclusion
 Reflect on your thesis and mention your strongest points (in general terms).
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Point by Point (better for differences)
I.
Introduction
 Begin with a sentence that catches the reader’s interest. (A question, a reason why
the topic is interesting/important, or something they both have in common.)
 Name the 2 texts and images you will be comparing and/or contrasting (include
full author names the first time, thereafter, use last names only).
 Build an idea about these 2 texts/images that produces your Thesis.
 Make a claim about the 2 texts/images in your thesis (this should be specific –
and, someone else could argue against you)
II.
Body Paragraphs
 1st Point (topic sentence)
 Discuss the first text/image in relation to your point
 Use quotations or paraphrasing to prove your point
 Discuss the second text/image in relation to your point
 Use quotations or paraphrasing to prove your point
 Transition - 2nd Point (topic sentence)
 Discuss the first text/image in relation to your point
 Use quotations or paraphrasing to prove your point
 Discuss the second text/image in relation to your point
 Use quotations or paraphrasing to prove your point
 Transition - 3rd Point (topic sentence)
 Discuss the first text/image in relation to your point
 Use quotations or paraphrasing to prove your point
 Discuss the second text/image in relation to your point
 Use quotations or paraphrasing to prove your point
etc…
III.
Counter Argument (and Rebuttal)
 Provide a viewpoint that challenges your thesis. (Imagine a skeptical reader
reading your essay - show how different conclusions can be made)
o One might object here that… or, It might seem that… It’s true that…
Admittedly… Of course… But how?… But isn’t this just? … But if this
is so, what about…?
 Then, turn back to your own point of view – disprove the counter-argument.
Acknowledge its validity or plausibility, but suggest why on balance it’s relatively
less important than what you propose.
o But… Yet… However… Nevertheless… Still…
IV.
Conclusion
 Reflect on your thesis and mention your strongest points (in general terms).
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