Writing Tips for Compare and Contrast Essay: Block Method.
The block method is used for essays of one to three pages in length. The first half of the paper discusses Point A, and the second half discusses Point B. It is concise in its presentation of the whole picture and avoids monotony. However, it doesn’t work for longer essays, and it can often sound like a summary instead of an essay.
The block method is not the only way of writing a comparison and contrast essay. In the point-by-point method, each paragraph gives a point (or idea) and its similarities and contrasts. In the combination method, you combine the point-by-point method with the block method.
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There are two ways to organize a comparison and contrast essay. The first (and often the clearest) method is the Point-by-Point method. The second method is called the Block method. Both methods are described on this handout.
A compare and contrast essay therefore looks at the similarities of two or more objects, and the differences. This essay type is common at university, where lecturers frequently test your understanding by asking you to compare and contrast two theories, two methods, two historical periods.
Two outline methods can help you organize your facts: use the block method, or point-by-point method, to write a compare and contrast essay outline. While using the block structure, all the information is presented for the first subject, and its characteristics and specific details are explained. This concludes one block.
For example, a comparative essay using the block method on the French and Russian revolutions would address the French Revolution in the first half of the essay and the Russian Revolution in the second half. If you choose the block method, however, do not simply append two disconnected essays to an introductory thesis.
When should you use Block vs. Point-by-Point Method? As a general rule, use block method for paragraphs, such as a discussion board post. Since paragraphs are shorter, the reader won’t lose track of each point as it is discussed in relation to each topic. Use point-by-point method for longer essays to more closely compare and contrast the two.
There are two basic methods or styles of organizing a compare and contrast essay. With the subject by subject or block method, you address each subject in separate paragraphs. If you have selected the subject by subject method for your essay, the body will consist of several pairs of paragraphs.
While you make your outline, you have to think which style of arrangement you’re going to use. There are two classic comparison and contrast essay writing style you: the block arrangement and the alternating arrangement. The two styles are further explained in the next two paragraphs. Comparison and Contrast Essay Writing Style: Block Arrangement.
However in structure B, the comparison takes place throughout the whole essay and avoids looking at the poems separately. This is a better model to use and one which can be applied to comparisons.
We have some sample essays for the same that you can go through to truly understand our level of service. A topic sentence should indicate the main idea of the paragraph. When deciding which to use for your SAT essay, consider neatness, your comfort, and the time limit.
Comparison: Sample Point by Point Essay.. In longer essays, each half of the comparison is a separate paragraph (as in this essay). In a short essay, they may be combined in one paragraph. A transition separates the two halves of the comparison (different from, in contrast, on the other hand, etc.).
