Compare/Contrast Essay

Comparison or Contrast Essay: is an essay in which you either compare (show similarities) something or contrast (show differences) something. Comparison and contrast can be used in both fiction and nonfiction.

There are TWO classic organizational patterns used in a comparison OR contrast essay:

• Block Arrangement-the author describes the first idea, event, situation, or character completely. He then describes the second and compares or contrasts it with the first.

• Point-by-Point-the author takes one point from each idea, event, situation, or character and compares or contrasts them directly. He/she then compares or contrasts a second point, then a third, and so on.

APPLES ORANGES

OK, SO HOW DO I WRITE THIS ESSAY?

Block Arrangement• Intro• Apples (sentence Structure is , , )• Oranges (sentence Structure is , , )• Conclusion

Point-by-point Arrangement• Intro• Appearance• Origin• Taste • Conclusion

See Sample Document

EXIT CARD

1. How do the two forms of compare/contrast writing (block and point-by-point) help you the writer be clear and organized?

2. Name one part from today’s lesson that has been made clear or that you still are unclear about.