Organizing and Outlining Compare Contrast Essay Organization l

Organizing and Outlining Compare Contrast Essay

Organization l When comparing two subjects in an essay, you can utilize either the block format or point by point format. l You must choose one format; you cannot mix or blend the two formats.

BLOCK FORMAT l Introduction l Begin with a sentence that will capture the reader’s interest. l Question? l Reason people find the topic interesting l Quotation that relates to the topic

Introduction Name the two subjects l Thesis statement—This is a one sentence statement of what you plan on proving in the essay. l DON’T SAY “SQUANTO AND MARY ROWLANDSON’S CAPTIVITIES ARE SIMILAR IN SOME WAYS AND DIFFERENT IN OTHERS”. That’s obvious. It’s like saying, “I’m similar to my friends in some ways and different in others. ” Duh. l Instead, try something like this…”Squanto’s captivity was quite different from Rowlandson’s because of the treatment he received from Sir George; his narrative was more effective in achieving the purpose of illustrating the humanity of the Native American than Rowlandson’s purpose of dehumanizing the Native Americans. ” l

Body Paragraphs l Paragraph l This 2 paragraph describes the features of the first subject. Be sure to include at least 3 examples that will later help to prove that similarities and differences exist. DO NOT MENTION THE SECOND SUBJECT.

Body Paragraphs l Paragraph 3 This paragraph MUST begin with a transition showing you are comparing the second subject to the first. Be sure to include at least 3 examples proving the similarities or differences. l For each comparison, use compare/contrast cue words such as l Like l Similar to l Also l Unlike l On the other hand l

Body Paragraphs l Paragraph l In 4 this paragraph, you will discuss both stories and which one achieves the author or filmmaker’s purpose better and why. Give direct examples from both texts

Conclusion o Give a brief, general summary of the most important similarities/differences. End with a personal statement, a prediction, or another snappy quotation

POINT BY POINT FORMAT l Introduction l Same as for block format

Body Paragraphs—Point by Point Format l Paragraph 2 l Discuss how both subjects compare on ONE feature. (How did both Squanto and Rowlandson view their capture and captors initially) l Using my sample thesis, in this paragraph I would discuss how the characters of Squanto and Rowlandson’s view their captors before their captivity. Be sure to include 3 -4 examples proving the similarities or differences!

Body Paragraphs—Point by Point Format l Paragraph 3 Use a transition word to move from the first point of comparison to the next. Without a transition, your essay will be choppy l Continue the pattern started in Paragraph 2. Now answer what both Squanto and Rowlandson did to adapt and survive. Be sure to include 3 -4 examples proving the similarities or differences. l l Paragraph 4 Use a transition word to move from the first point of comparison to the next. Without a transition, your essay will be choppy l Continue the pattern started in Paragraph 3. Now discuss what both Squanto and Rowlandson’s treatment was like in captivity. Be sure to include 3 -4 examples proving the similarities or differences. l

Body Paragraphs—Point by Point l Paragraph 5 Use a transition word to move from the first point of comparison to the next. Without a transition, your essay will be choppy l Continue the pattern started in Paragraph 3. Now discuss how both Squanto’s captivity and Rowlandson’s captivity changed the way each viewed their captors. Be sure to include 3 -4 examples proving the similarities or differences. l l Paragraph 6 Use a transition word to move from the first point of comparison to the next. Without a transition, your essay will be choppy l Now discuss which narrative was most effective in achieving the author’s/director’s purpose and give specific examples as to why one was better than the other. l

Conclusion—Point by Point l Looks the same as block comparison