This document provides information on two organizational methods for comparison and contrast essays: the block method and the point-by-point method. The block method discusses the first subject in full before moving to the second subject. The point-by-point method discusses each point of comparison for both subjects in each paragraph. Outlines for each method are provided with examples comparing two universities or high school versus college.

1. Comparison & Contrast
Essays – Outline and Organize

2. Organizational Methods
When you write a comparison and contrast essay, you can choose one of
the TWO organizational methods.
1. The Block Method
• You develop one subject completely, without interruption, before
describing the second subject.
• It may be difficult for the readers to see the parallel points of
comparison between your two subjects.
2. The Point-by-Point Method
– Both subjects are presented in each paragraph, so readers go
back and forth between the two subjects.
– The parallel points of comparison may be easier to see.

3. The Block Method:
In the block method, you present information about one
subject first and then present information about the other
subject. The number of points you discuss about each
topic should be the same.
Introductory Paragraph
Thesis Statement
Body Paragraph 1
Topic A
Body Paragraph 2
Topic B
Concluding Paragraph

4. The Block Method
INTRODUCTION Paragraph I Hook, background information and THESIS!
BODY
Paragraph II Subject A
Point 1
Point 2
Point 3
Paragraph III Subject B
Point 1
Point 2
Point 3
CONCLUSION Paragraph IV Restatement of the thesis,
suggestion/opinion/prediction

5. The Block Method EXAMPLE:
INTRODUCTION Paragraph I Hook, background information and THESIS!
BODY
Paragraph II GW University
- Location
- Cost of tuition
- Employment opportunity
Paragraph III University of VA
- Location
- Cost of tuition
- Employment opportunity
CONCLUSION Paragraph IV Restatement of the thesis,
suggestion/opinion/prediction

6. The Point-by-Point Method
• In the point-by-point method, one point for comparison/contrast is
the topic for each body paragraph. The writer discusses both
subjects in relation to that one point.
Introductory Paragraph
Thesis Statement
Body Paragraph I
Point 1: Topic A & B
Body Paragraph II
Point 2: Topic A & B
Body Paragraph III
Point 3: Topic A & B
Concluding Paragraph

7. The Point-by-Point Method
INTRODUCTION Paragraph I Hook, connection information and THESIS!
BODY
Paragraph II
Point 1
Subject A
Subject B
Paragraph III
Point 2
Subject A
Subject B
Paragraph IV
Point 3
Subject A
Subject B
CONCLUSION Paragraph V Restatement of the thesis,
suggestion/opinion/prediction

8. The Point-by-Point Method
INTRODUCTION Paragraph I Hook, connection information and THESIS!
BODY
Paragraph II
Location
The GW University
University of Virginia
Paragraph III
Cost of tuition
The GW University
University of Virginia
Paragraph IV
Employment opportunity
The GW University
University of Virginia
CONCLUSION Paragraph V Restatement of the thesis,
suggestion/opinion/prediction

9. Which of these topics are appropriate
for a COMPARISON ESSAY?
1. The steps in applying for a bank loan to purchase a vehicle _____
2. Rio de Janeiro versus Barcelona as a vacation destination ______
3. Life with or without a baby in the house _______
4. Living in a house versus living in an apartment ______
5. High school versus college ____
Check your answers on the next slide.

10. Which of these topics are appropriate
for a COMPARISON ESSAY?
1. The steps in applying for a bank loan to purchase a vehicle ___X__
2. Rio de Janeiro versus Barcelona as a vacation destination ______
3. Life with or without a baby in the house _______
4. Living in a house versus living in an apartment ______
5. High school versus college ____

11. High School versus College ____
INTRODUCTION Paragraph I Hook, connection information and THESIS!
BODY
Paragraph II
Paragraph III
Paragraph IV
CONCLUSION Paragraph V Restatement of the thesis,
suggestion/opinion/prediction
Think about what would be good topics to discuss in your body paragraphs in a
point by point organization outline. Jot down your answers on a piece of paper.

12. High School versus College ____
INTRODUCTION Paragraph I Hook, connection information and THESIS!
BODY
Paragraph II
Classes
Subject A
Subject B
Paragraph III
Teachers
Subject A
Subject B
Paragraph IV
Study Time
Subject A
Subject B
CONCLUSION Paragraph V Restatement of the thesis,
suggestion/opinion/prediction
Did you think of similar things?

13. INTRODUCTION Paragraph I Hook, connection information and THESIS!
BODY
Paragraph II
Paragraph III
CONCLUSION Paragraph IV Restatement of the thesis,
suggestion/opinion/prediction
High School versus College ____
Now reorganize your ideas to fit in a block method outline. Jot down your
answers on a piece of paper.

14. INTRODUCTIO
N
Paragraph I Hook, connection information and
THESIS!
BODY
Paragraph II High School
Point 1:Classes
Point 2:Teachers
Point 3:Study Time
Paragraph III College
Point 1:Classes
Point 2:Teachers
Point 3:Study Time
CONCLUSION Paragraph IV Restatement of the thesis,
suggestion/opinion/prediction
High School versus College ____
Here is what my example looks like now. Did you organize your ideas in a similar
way?