Format and Writing Process
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When you write a comparison or contrast essay, your opinion
about the two elements in question becomes your thesis
statement.
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Sample Thesis Statements
Wendy’s Restaurant’s spicy chicken sandwich is
preferable to Chick fil A Restaurant’s spicy
chicken sandwich.
Democrats and Republicans ultimately want the
same thing for our country.
Android phones provide better options than Iphones.
Vaseline works just as effectively as Carmex to
prevent chapped lips.
Which theses are for comparison essays? Which are
for contrast essays?
There are two patterns for comparison or contrast essays. One pattern is the
Point by Point Pattern. The other pattern is the Block Pattern. These patterns
do not follow the typical five paragraph essay structure. These structures
actually have five – eight paragraphs.
Thesis:
 Point 1





A.
B.
Point 3



Android phones provide
better options than I-Phones.

Social media sharing options
through Apps.
Point 2


A.
B.

A.
B.
Conclusion
Point By Point Structure/Outline




Android

I-phone
Free Apps options

Android

I-Phone
Music listening options

Android

I-Phone
Conclusion
Sample Point by Point Outline
Thesis:
 A.





B




Point 1
Point 2
Point 3



Point 1
Point 2
Point 3
Conclusion
Block Structure/ Outline

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
Sample Block Outline
Thesis:
 Point 1






A.
B.




A.
B.
Conclusion
Point By Point Structure


Point 1
Point 2
Point 3
B

Point 3



Point 2


A.
B.
Thesis:
 A.

Point 1
Point 2
Point 3
Conclusion
Block Structure


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
Point By Point Structure Sample

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
Block Structure Sample
Point By Point

Use when a focus on the
points is more effective (for
example, why one object is
better than another would
focus on the points).
Block

Use when a complete, overall
focus on the objects is more
effective (for example, why
one time period is better
than another).
•

Avoid comparing and contrasting for
no apparent reason. A thesis
statement that states “There are
similarities and differences between
the two stories” will not engage the
reader. A reader would respond “So
what? Who cares?” to this type of
thesis.
Find a purpose that will draw in your
reader. For example, the two
creation stories both have a
forbidden element is not as engaging
as “While temptation is usually
negative, it has long-term positive
outcome in both creation stories.”
•
•
•
Describe your subjects clearly and
distinctly by using vivid examples.
Beware a tendency to overelaborate on
one object and then skimp on the other,
especially in an essay that claims x is
better than y.
Give each object reasonable treatment
so you can show that you know both
sides and have made a valid judgment.
•
•
•
You must use transitional phrases to
ensure a smooth transition from one
point to another and from one subject
to another.
Without transitions, your argument will
be difficult to follow and seem to jump
back and forth without a clear point.
See compare/contrast transitions on the
next slide.
 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

•
•
Keep it unbalanced. Have two
comparisons and one contrast or two
contrasts and one comparison.
Consider the one as your
counterargument.
Write the introduction and conclusion
according to the structure you
currently use.
Use a Venn Diagram to gather ideas.
VENN DIAGRAM TEMPLATE
Object A
Object B
Differences
Differences
Similarities
Determine if you will compare or contrast based on the Venn Diagram.
Next, determine which format you want to use. Point by Point Pattern
emphasizes the points and Block Pattern emphasizes the objects.
 Try
both outlines and see which one you
prefer
 Using
the outline, write a draft of the essay,
including ACTS, three to six body paragraphs,
and a conclusion.
 Leave
the draft alone for at least 12 hours (if
time permits)
 Revise for elements of the comparison or
contrast essay such as the following:
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Focus - An engaging, purposeful thesis statement
Support - Evidence from each object to support
each point
Coherence - Transitions from point to point,
transitions from object to object, and transitions
from paragraph to paragraph Unity - A strong conclusion that summarizes the
body of the essay and leaves an impact on the
reader (think clincher)
 Leave
the draft alone for at least 6 hours (if
time permits)
 Edit for punctuation, grammar and spelling
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Are Commas used correctly?
Do the subjects and verbs agree?
Are the correct too, your, and its used?
Are the sentences complete – no fragments or
run-ons?
Did you do a grammar and spell check on the
typed essay?
Is the essay double-spaced in Times New Roman
font?
Is the essay in APA format?
 Leave
the draft alone for at least 3 hours (if
time permits).
 Score the essay against the rubric or the
guidelines for the essay.
 Revise the essay as needed.
 Type
or write the final draft.
 Note that some steps in the writing process
occur simultaneously- revise, edit, and
reflect while typing the final draft.