Comparison/Contrast Essay Structure Block Format
Introduction
1. Begin with a general statement about the subject.
2. Add a second general statement to expand on the first sentence.
3. Introduce the story title(s) and author(s)/subject in the next sentence.
4. Provide a thesis that includes the three points of comparison. Be specific!
Body paragraph #1
1. Create a topic sentence for the first piece of literature/subject. (TS)
2. Provide a concrete detail that supports the thesis/topic sentence. (CD)
3. Provide two or more commentary about the concrete detail. (CMs)
4. Add a second concrete detail (quote). (CD)
5. Provide two commentaries to support it. (CMs)
6. Finish with a concluding sentence that provides a transition to the second piece of
literature/subject. (CS)
7. DO NOT mention the second piece of literature except in the CS.
Body paragraph #2
1. Begin with a transition showing that you are comparing the second piece of
literature or subject to the first one. (TS)
2. Provide a concrete detail from the second selection/subject that supports the
thesis. (CD)
3. Provide two commentaries that explain how the second piece/subject is similar
and different from the first one. (CMs)
4. Add a second concrete detail. (CD)
5. Add two more commentaries to further point out similarities/differences. (CMs)
6. Make sure you continue to use cue words (transitions) to show these relationships.
Body Paragraph #3 (same format as #2)
Conclusion
1. Write a thesis restatement. (Re-state, not repeat)
2. Sum up your main point.
3. Provide a connection to the real world. (2-3 sentences)
CUE Words/Transitions for C/C analysis
Similarity Difference
similar to dissimilar
like unlike
as well in contrast
in addition to differs from
likewise however
also but
both on the other hand
too