Organizing the Comparison and Contrast Essay
Definitions:
 Topic: the overall content matter of the paper
 Subject: one of the items being compared
 Point: one thing to be compared between two or more subjects
 Comparison: how subjects are alike
 Contrast: how subjects are different
Mrs. Kelsey
Organizing Structures
Point-by-Point Strategy
1. Choose one point of comparison.
2. Write about that point for subject A, then for subject B.
3. Pick a second point of comparison.
4. Write about that point for subject A, then for subject B.
Point-by-Point Example
Suppose you’re comparing a book with the movie made from that story.
 You might write about the characters in the book and movie in Body Paragraph #1.
 You might then write about the setting in the book and movie in Body Paragraph #2.
 For consistency, begin with the same item in each section.
Point-by-Point Outline
Topic: Book vs. Movie
 Introduction
 BP #1: characters in the book and movie
 BP #2: setting in the book and movie
 BP #3: plot of the book and movie
 Conclusion
Block-by-Block Strategy
1. Write about all the points of comparison and contrast, just for subject A. Focus on subject A
only.
2. Write another block, but this time write about all the points of comparison and contrast, just for
subject B. Focus on subject B only.
Block-by-Block Example
Suppose you’re still comparing that book with the movie.
 Write about all the points of comparison and contrast in the book in Body Paragraph #1.
 Write about all the points of comparison and contrast in the movie in Body Paragraph #2.
 Again, for consistency, begin with the same item in each section.
Block-by-Block Outline
Topic: Book vs. Movie
1. Introduction
2. BP #1: Write about all the points of comparison and contrast in the book
3. BP #2: Write about all the points of comparison and contrast in the movie
4. Conclusion
Use Transitions
Transitions move the paper smoothly from one idea to the next.
Comparison and contrast transition words are used to show relationships between ideas.
Comparison Words
Using a transition from this list will signal to readers that you're changing from one item to the next and
it will also tell the reader that the two items are similar:
also, as, as well as, both, in the same manner, in the same way, like, likewise, most important, same,
similar, similarly, the same as, too
Contrast Words
Transitions from this list of words will signal readers that the two items you're discussing are different:
although, but, differ, even though, however, in contrast, instead, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the
other hand, unless, unlike, while, yet
Avoid Worn-out Adverbs
 Adverbs like very, really, and somewhat are imprecise. Replace them with more precise words.
Instead of “really very tired,” say “exhausted.”
 Many times, the worn-out adverb is completely unnecessary in the sentence, in which case you
can just delete it.
Use a Graphic Organizer
This will help you organize your points of comparison and contrast.
Write an Outline
This will help you organize the writing of your essay.
Point-by-point:
I. Point #1
a) Subject A
b) Subject B
II. Point #2
a) Subject A
b) Subject B
Block-by-block:
I. Subject A
a) Point #1
b) Point #2
II. Subject B
a) Point #1
b) Point #2