Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay

How to organize a compare and contrast essay by using the block organization format. How to organize a compare and contrast essay by using the block organization format.

1.Introduction presents the subject that is to be compared or contrasted ends with a thesis statement that focuses the comparison or contrast

What is a thesis statement? A thesis statement declares what you believe and what you intend to prove. The thesis statement is typically located at the end of your opening paragraph. It is specific and focused. A strong thesis proves a point without discussing “everything about …” It clearly asserts your own conclusion based on evidence. It avoids the first person. ("I believe," "In my opinion")

2. Body Paragraph 1: includes a clear topic sentence about similarities supporting details (give details to develop and support the main idea of the paragraph)

3. Body Paragraph 2: includes a clear topic sentence about differences supporting details (give details to develop and support the main idea of the paragraph)

4. Conclusion summarizes the differences and similarities and allows writers to state their feeling about the topic.

Here is a quick breakdown: * Paragraph 1: Introduction (with Thesis Statement) * Paragraph 2: Body paragraph 1 - similarities * Paragraph 3: Body Paragraph 2 – differences * Paragraph 4: Conclusion

Another important thing is using comparison and contrast connectors to make your sentences & paragraphs clearer. Another important thing is using comparison and contrast connectors to make your sentences & paragraphs clearer.

Comparison and Contrast Connectors: SimilaritiesDifferencesAddition Similarly likewise on the other hand however in comparison but in contrast while whereas although even though nevertheless despite in spite of both...and not only...but also