Comparison Formats
Essays in which the
student looks at two different things and makes a judgment in
relation to the two of them are called “comparison,” “contrast”
or “comparison and contrast.”
Comparison--focuses on similarities, differences, or a
combination
Contrast—focuses only on differences
Comparison essays can
be organized in two different basic formats: block by block or
point by point. Some essays use a combination of these two
forms, but, in general, it’s better for academic writing to use
one format or the other.
Block by Block
In this format, when
comparing two things, after making a thesis that shows the point
that the writer is making, the writer will say everything he or
she has to say about the first thing in one block and then will
follow this with everything about the second in another block.
Please note that the topics are covered in the same order for
both things—the same issues in the same order.
Sample outline
of Block by Block:
Thesis: There are
many differences between a community college and a university.
A.
Community college
1. Cost of tuition
2. Access to instructors
3. Availability of classes
B.
University
1. Cost of tuition
2. Access to instructors
3. Availability of classes
Point by Point
In a point by point
comparison essay, after the initial thesis, there are points of
comparison made between the two things being compared. In this
format, the writer goes back and forth between the two things
being compared. This is the most common format for academic
writing.
Sample outline
for Point by Point:
Thesis: There are
many differences between a community college and a university.
A.
Cost of tuition
1. Community college
2. University
B. Access to instructors
1.
Community college
2.
University
C. Availability of
classes
1.
Community college
2.
University
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