There are two main patterns for writing a compare and contrast essay: the point-by-point pattern and the block pattern. The point-by-point pattern discusses each similarity and difference between two objects point-by-point. The block pattern discusses all attributes of the first object together, then all attributes of the second object, to facilitate comparison. Effective transition words to use include "similarly" for comparisons and "however" for contrasts.

2. • To compare is to examine how things are
similar, while to contrast is to see how they
differ. A compare and contrast essay therefore
looks at the similarities of two or more
objects, and the differences.

3. VENN DIAGRAM TEMPLATE
Object A Object B
Similarities
Differences Differences

4. There are two patterns for comparison or contrast
essays. One pattern is the Point by Point Pattern.
The other pattern is the Block Pattern.

5. Block Structure/ Outline Sample Block Outline
 Thesis:
 A.
 Point 1
 Point 2
 Point 3
 B
 Point 1
 Point 2
 Point 3
 Conclusion
 Android phones provide
better options than I-Phones.
 Android Phones
 Social media sharing options
 Free Apps
 Music listening choices
 I-Phones
 Social media sharing options
 Free Apps
 Music listening choices
 Conclusion

6. Point By Point Structure/Outline Sample Point by Point Outline
 Thesis:
 Point 1
 A.
 B.
 Point 2
 A.
 B.
 Point 3
 A.
 B.
 Conclusion
 Android phones provide
better options than I-Phones.
 Social media sharing options
through Apps.
 Android
 I-phone
 Free Apps options
 Android
 I-Phone
 Music listening options
 Android
 I-Phone
 Conclusion

7.  Comparison
 Also
 Similarly
 Too
 Both
 Like
 Have in common
 Share the same
 In the same manner
 Not only…but also
 Contrast
 However
 On the other hand
 In contrast
 Unlike
 But
 Nevertheless
 Instead of
 While