When using the block format for a two-paragraph comparison, discuss one subject in

the first paragraph and the other in the second, as follows:

Paragraph 1: The opening sentence names the two subjects and states that they are
very similar, very different or have many important (or interesting) similarities and
differences.

Organizing Compare-Contrast Paragraphs

Organizing two compare-and-contrast paragraphs is just a mini version of creating a

compare-and-contrast essay. Discuss all the features of subject No. 2 in relation to
subject No. 1 using compare-contrast cue words such as "like," "similar to," "also,"
"unlike," and "on the other hand," for each comparison. Paragraph 1:
Paragraph 2: The opening sentence must contain a transition showing you are comparing
the second subject to the first, such as: "Unlike (or similar to) subject No. 1,
subject No. 2..." Create the paragraphs as follows:

Paragraph 1: The opening sentence names the two subjects and states that they are
very similar, very different or have many important (or interesting) similarities and
differences. In organizing compare-contrast paragraphs, using either of the above
methods, students may find it helpful to create a compare-contrast-prewriting chart.
In the same way, compare-contrast paragraphs compare and contrast two things in two
separate paragraphs. Paragraph 1:
Paragraph 2: The opening sentence must contain a transition showing that you are
pivoting to discussing differences, such as: "Despite all these similarities, (these
two subjects) differ in significant ways." To create this chart, students would
create a three-column table or chart with the following headers topping each column:
"Subject 1," "Features," and "Subject 2. There are two basic methods for organizing
compare-contrast paragraphs: the block format and a format where the writer separates
similarities and differences. Crafting such a chart helps the student create an easy
visual aid to help write the compare-contrast paragraphs for either of the previously
discussed methods. For example, a student might compare life in the city (Subject No.
1) vs. the country (Subject No. 2). Continue discussing similarities only using
compare-contrast cue words such as "like," "similar to" and "also," for each
comparison. Then describe all the differences, using compare-contrast cue words such
as "differs," "unlike," and "on the other hand," for each comparison. This format
requires careful use of many compare-contrast cue words and is, therefore, more
difficult to write well. The remainder of the paragraph describes the features of the
first subject without referring to the second subject. When using this format,
discuss only the similarities in the first paragraph and only the differences in the
next. This kind of essay examines two or more subjects by comparing their
similarities and contrasting their differences. Next to "Culture," the student would
list "museums" in the "City" column and "historic places" under the "Country" column,
and so on. Then, next "Entertainment," the student could list "theaters, clubs" under
the "City" header and "festivals, bonfires" under the "Country" header.