example of a comparative thesis statement

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10 Good Examples Of Thesis Statements For A Compare And Contrast Essay

If you’ve been set this type of paper, you’ll need to know how to handle each part of its construction; and one of those parts is getting your thesis statement right!

It should come after the introduction and is usually just one sentence in the first paragraph of your first chapter. So, for something so short, it could be overlooked as not being as important as other parts of the paper. Well, don’t overlook it! In that short thesis statement should be contained your intention for the whole paper- so make sure you get it right! Don't hesitate to use this essay website in case something is not clear to you.

A thesis statement should interpret the significance of the subject to be discussed. Simply, it informs the reader of the expectations they can have for the rest of the essay; it is the argument for the forthcoming thesis.

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Here are 10 good examples:

• Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream contrasts the fairies and the mortals’ perception of, and boundaries of, reality, which is furthered by the play within a play.
• Although Egyptian and South American pyramids differed greatly in many respects, as with their exterior and interior construction techniques, they also had many striking similarities; most obviously, they were made by two geographically different peoples who had no contact with one another according to official history.
• There are an incredible amount of similarities between the stories of the movies Dances With Wolves and Avatar, with plenty of reason to think this is not accidental.
• When comparing and contrasting the Republicans and Democrats, it seems as though they have so much more in common than not.
• With Richard Dawkins and others promoting atheism these days, there are many atheists who have uncanny similarities with Christian preachers.
• Seeing as Judaism, Christianity and Islam all stem from the same Abrahamic religion, and therefore they all technically worship the same god, are there enough differences between them to keep them opposed?
• How exactly does Milton’s Paradise Lost differ to Genesis of the Bible, and due to many factors (such as having a single author) does Milton’s work actually contain more wisdom than the other?
• With quantum physics discovering what many would claim as old mystical truths, let’s examine just how many similarities can be seen in the spiritual and scientific worlds.
• Manet’s Olympia painting obviously has many similarities to the Titian’s original (the Venus of Urbino) and there are plenty of apparent contrasts in its artistic perception, but what of the public’s perception to such paintings at different points in time?
• With so many obelisks placed in major cities around the world, are there enough similarities in their placement to give weight to ancient ley line theories?

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The Comparative Essay

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What is a comparative essay?

A comparative essay asks that you compare at least two (possibly more) items. These items will differ depending on the assignment. You might be asked to compare

• positions on an issue (e.g., responses to midwifery in Canada and the United States)
• theories (e.g., capitalism and communism)
• figures (e.g., GDP in the United States and Britain)
• texts (e.g., Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Macbeth )
• events (e.g., the Great Depression and the global financial crisis of 2008–9)

Although the assignment may say “compare,” the assumption is that you will consider both the similarities and differences; in other words, you will compare and contrast.

Make sure you know the basis for comparison

The assignment sheet may say exactly what you need to compare, or it may ask you to come up with a basis for comparison yourself.

• Provided by the essay question: The essay question may ask that you consider the figure of the gentleman in Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations and Anne Brontë’s The Tenant of Wildfell Hall . The basis for comparison will be the figure of the gentleman.
• Developed by you: The question may simply ask that you compare the two novels. If so, you will need to develop a basis for comparison, that is, a theme, concern, or device common to both works from which you can draw similarities and differences.

Develop a list of similarities and differences

Once you know your basis for comparison, think critically about the similarities and differences between the items you are comparing, and compile a list of them.

For example, you might decide that in Great Expectations , being a true gentleman is not a matter of manners or position but morality, whereas in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall , being a true gentleman is not about luxury and self-indulgence but hard work and productivity.

The list you have generated is not yet your outline for the essay, but it should provide you with enough similarities and differences to construct an initial plan.

Develop a thesis based on the relative weight of similarities and differences

Once you have listed similarities and differences, decide whether the similarities on the whole outweigh the differences or vice versa. Create a thesis statement that reflects their relative weights. A more complex thesis will usually include both similarities and differences. Here are examples of the two main cases:

While Callaghan’s “All the Years of Her Life” and Mistry’s “Of White Hairs and Cricket” both follow the conventions of the coming-of-age narrative, Callaghan’s story adheres more closely to these conventions by allowing its central protagonist to mature. In Mistry’s story, by contrast, no real growth occurs.

Although Darwin and Lamarck came to different conclusions about whether acquired traits can be inherited, they shared the key distinction of recognizing that species evolve over time.

Come up with a structure for your essay

Note that the French and Russian revolutions (A and B) may be dissimilar rather than similar in the way they affected innovation in any of the three areas of technology, military strategy, and administration. To use the alternating method, you just need to have something noteworthy to say about both A and B in each area. Finally, you may certainly include more than three pairs of alternating points: allow the subject matter to determine the number of points you choose to develop in the body of your essay.

When do I use the block method? The block method is particularly useful in the following cases:

• You are unable to find points about A and B that are closely related to each other.
• Your ideas about B build upon or extend your ideas about A.
• You are comparing three or more subjects as opposed to the traditional two.

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• Comparing and contrasting in an essay | Tips & examples

Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay | Tips & Examples

Published on August 6, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

Comparing and contrasting is an important skill in academic writing . It involves taking two or more subjects and analyzing the differences and similarities between them.

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Table of contents

When should i compare and contrast, making effective comparisons, comparing and contrasting as a brainstorming tool, structuring your comparisons, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about comparing and contrasting.

Many assignments will invite you to make comparisons quite explicitly, as in these prompts.

• Compare the treatment of the theme of beauty in the poetry of William Wordsworth and John Keats.
• Compare and contrast in-class and distance learning. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each approach?

Some other prompts may not directly ask you to compare and contrast, but present you with a topic where comparing and contrasting could be a good approach.

One way to approach this essay might be to contrast the situation before the Great Depression with the situation during it, to highlight how large a difference it made.

Comparing and contrasting is also used in all kinds of academic contexts where it’s not explicitly prompted. For example, a literature review involves comparing and contrasting different studies on your topic, and an argumentative essay may involve weighing up the pros and cons of different arguments.

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As the name suggests, comparing and contrasting is about identifying both similarities and differences. You might focus on contrasting quite different subjects or comparing subjects with a lot in common—but there must be some grounds for comparison in the first place.

For example, you might contrast French society before and after the French Revolution; you’d likely find many differences, but there would be a valid basis for comparison. However, if you contrasted pre-revolutionary France with Han-dynasty China, your reader might wonder why you chose to compare these two societies.

This is why it’s important to clarify the point of your comparisons by writing a focused thesis statement . Every element of an essay should serve your central argument in some way. Consider what you’re trying to accomplish with any comparisons you make, and be sure to make this clear to the reader.

Comparing and contrasting can be a useful tool to help organize your thoughts before you begin writing any type of academic text. You might use it to compare different theories and approaches you’ve encountered in your preliminary research, for example.

Let’s say your research involves the competing psychological approaches of behaviorism and cognitive psychology. You might make a table to summarize the key differences between them.

Or say you’re writing about the major global conflicts of the twentieth century. You might visualize the key similarities and differences in a Venn diagram.

These visualizations wouldn’t make it into your actual writing, so they don’t have to be very formal in terms of phrasing or presentation. The point of comparing and contrasting at this stage is to help you organize and shape your ideas to aid you in structuring your arguments.

When comparing and contrasting in an essay, there are two main ways to structure your comparisons: the alternating method and the block method.

The alternating method

In the alternating method, you structure your text according to what aspect you’re comparing. You cover both your subjects side by side in terms of a specific point of comparison. Your text is structured like this:

Mouse over the example paragraph below to see how this approach works.

One challenge teachers face is identifying and assisting students who are struggling without disrupting the rest of the class. In a traditional classroom environment, the teacher can easily identify when a student is struggling based on their demeanor in class or simply by regularly checking on students during exercises. They can then offer assistance quietly during the exercise or discuss it further after class. Meanwhile, in a Zoom-based class, the lack of physical presence makes it more difficult to pay attention to individual students’ responses and notice frustrations, and there is less flexibility to speak with students privately to offer assistance. In this case, therefore, the traditional classroom environment holds the advantage, although it appears likely that aiding students in a virtual classroom environment will become easier as the technology, and teachers’ familiarity with it, improves.

The block method

In the block method, you cover each of the overall subjects you’re comparing in a block. You say everything you have to say about your first subject, then discuss your second subject, making comparisons and contrasts back to the things you’ve already said about the first. Your text is structured like this:

• Point of comparison A
• Point of comparison B

The most commonly cited advantage of distance learning is the flexibility and accessibility it offers. Rather than being required to travel to a specific location every week (and to live near enough to feasibly do so), students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows not only for a wider geographical spread of students but for the possibility of studying while travelling. However, distance learning presents its own accessibility challenges; not all students have a stable internet connection and a computer or other device with which to participate in online classes, and less technologically literate students and teachers may struggle with the technical aspects of class participation. Furthermore, discomfort and distractions can hinder an individual student’s ability to engage with the class from home, creating divergent learning experiences for different students. Distance learning, then, seems to improve accessibility in some ways while representing a step backwards in others.

Note that these two methods can be combined; these two example paragraphs could both be part of the same essay, but it’s wise to use an essay outline to plan out which approach you’re taking in each paragraph.

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Some essay prompts include the keywords “compare” and/or “contrast.” In these cases, an essay structured around comparing and contrasting is the appropriate response.

Comparing and contrasting is also a useful approach in all kinds of academic writing : You might compare different studies in a literature review , weigh up different arguments in an argumentative essay , or consider different theoretical approaches in a theoretical framework .

Your subjects might be very different or quite similar, but it’s important that there be meaningful grounds for comparison . You can probably describe many differences between a cat and a bicycle, but there isn’t really any connection between them to justify the comparison.

You’ll have to write a thesis statement explaining the central point you want to make in your essay , so be sure to know in advance what connects your subjects and makes them worth comparing.

Comparisons in essays are generally structured in one of two ways:

• The alternating method, where you compare your subjects side by side according to one specific aspect at a time.
• The block method, where you cover each subject separately in its entirety.

It’s also possible to combine both methods, for example by writing a full paragraph on each of your topics and then a final paragraph contrasting the two according to a specific metric.

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How to Write a Compare Contrast Thesis: Tips and Examples

When it comes to composing essays, students are often faced with the challenge of establishing a clear and concise thesis statement. In compare and contrast essays, this task becomes even more crucial as it determines the overall structure and direction of the essay. Your thesis statement essentially acts as a guide for the reader, letting them know what to expect and how to navigate through your essay.

A good compare contrast thesis statement is like a roadmap that guides the reader through your essay. It provides a brief preview of what’s to come and highlights the main points of comparison or contrast. The thesis statement should be clear, concise, and thought-provoking, grabbing the reader’s attention right from the start.

There are two main types of compare contrast thesis statements: point-by-point and block format. The point-by-point format compares each aspect of the two subjects in separate paragraphs, while the block format contrasts the subjects in separate paragraphs. Both formats have their own advantages and can be used depending on the topics being compared and the overall structure of the essay.

A compare contrast thesis statement could look something like this:

In the theater industry, the experience of watching live performances can be contrasted in two major ways: in traditional theaters and in open-air theaters. While both types of theaters offer their own unique charm, they also have significant differences. This essay will explore the similarities and differences between traditional theaters and open-air theaters, using examples from well-known theaters to support the discussion. By comparing and contrasting the two types of theaters, this essay aims to shed light on what makes each experience special and why theater enthusiasts should explore both options.

For more tips on writing a compare contrast thesis and to read further examples, check out YourDictionary and ThoughtCo . These resources provide detailed information on how to write effective thesis statements, as well as sample essays and templates to help you get started. With a little research and practice, you’ll be well on your way to writing a strong compare contrast essay that will impress your readers.

Understanding the Purpose of a Compare Contrast Thesis

Having a strong and well-crafted thesis statement is essential for composing an effective compare and contrast essay. It acts as a guide for both the writer and the reader, providing them with a clear understanding of the main focus of the essay and the points being compared and contrasted.

A good compare and contrast thesis statement should clearly identify the two things being compared, highlight the main similarities and differences between them, and set the structure for the essay. It should also provide a brief preview of the main arguments or points that will be discussed in the body paragraphs.

There are two common types of compare and contrast thesis statements: the block format and the point-by-point format.

In the block format, each topic or point of comparison is discussed in a separate paragraph. This format allows for a more detailed analysis of each topic, but it can be more challenging to maintain a coherent flow in the essay.

The point-by-point format, on the other hand, alternates between the two topics being compared in each paragraph. This format allows for a more direct comparison and is easier to read, but it may not allow for as much in-depth analysis of each topic.

Here are two examples to further illustrate the different types of compare and contrast thesis statements:

Example 1 (Block Format):

Example 2 (Point-by-Point Format):

Choosing a Compare Contrast Thesis Structure

One popular structure is the point-by-point structure. This structure is used to compare and contrast two or more topics in a paragraph-by-paragraph format. In this structure, each paragraph focuses on a specific point of comparison or contrast, providing examples and evidence to support the thesis statement. This structure is often used in research papers and academic essays.

Another common structure is the block structure. In this structure, the writer discusses all the points about one topic in a series of paragraphs, and then all the points about the second topic in a separate series of paragraphs. This structure is often used in shorter essays or when the topics being compared are very different from each other. A block structure is a good choice when you want to establish clear boundaries between the compared and contrasted ideas.

A good thesis statement for a compare contrast essay should be brief and to the point. It should clearly state what the essay will be comparing and contrasting. For example, a thesis statement for a compare contrast essay about two different schools might be: “While School A has a more traditional approach to education, School B uses a more student-centered approach.” This thesis statement clearly outlines the main points that will be discussed in the essay.

When writing the body paragraphs of a compare contrast essay, make sure to use clear topic sentences that establish the focus of each paragraph. Each paragraph should then provide examples and evidence to support the main points of the thesis statement. For example, a topic sentence for a paragraph about School A might be: “One of the main differences between School A and School B is their approach to discipline.”

Overall, a compare contrast thesis should have a clear structure that guides the reader through the essay. Whether you choose a point-by-point or block structure (or another variation), make sure to establish a strong thesis statement, compose clear and focused paragraphs, and provide ample examples and evidence to support your thesis. By following these tips and using the provided examples, students can create well-structured and engaging compare contrast theses.

Crafting a Strong Compare Contrast Thesis Statement

Understanding the structure of a compare contrast essay.

The body paragraphs can be structured in two different ways: the block method and the point-by-point method. In the block method, each paragraph focuses on one aspect of the two topics being compared or contrasted. The point-by-point method, on the other hand, compares and contrasts in a paragraph-by-paragraph format, discussing one point at a time.

Tips for Writing Compare Contrast Thesis Statements

1. Research the topics you will be comparing and contrasting. This will help you gather enough information to support your thesis statement.

2. Use specific language and avoid vague statements. Your thesis statement should clearly indicate what is being compared and contrasted.

3. Consider the type of essay you are writing. Different types of essays may require different structures for compare contrast thesis statements.

4. Start with a simple draft of your thesis statement and refine it as you further develop your essay. Your thesis may change as you conduct more research and analyze the information you have gathered.

5. Use strong and compelling language in your thesis statement. This will grab the reader’s attention and make them want to read further.

Examples of Compare Contrast Thesis Statements

1. Example using a block structure:

“While both high school and college are important for academic growth, they differ in terms of the learning environment, the amount of freedom and responsibility given to students, and the types of activities available outside of academics.”

2. Example using a point-by-point structure:

“Comparing and contrasting the theater experience between modern cinemas and traditional theaters, it becomes clear that modern cinemas offer more comfort and convenience, while traditional theaters create a sense of nostalgia and charm.”

By following these tips and examples, you can create a strong compare contrast thesis statement that sets the foundation for a well-structured and insightful essay.

Examples of Effective Compare Contrast Thesis Statements

• Example 1: While both high schools and colleges are educational institutions, they differ in terms of the types of courses offered, the structure of the education system, and the overall learning environment.
• Example 2: When comparing the experience of watching a movie in theaters versus at home, it becomes evident that going to theaters offers a more immersive and communal experience, while watching at home provides more convenience and control over the viewing experience.
• Example 3: By researching and comparing the lives of historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, it becomes apparent that they had different approaches to achieving racial equality, with King advocating for nonviolent resistance and integration, while Malcolm X supported more radical and separatist views.
• Example 4: Composing a compare contrast essay using a point-by-point format makes it easier to show the similarities and differences between two topics. In this essay, we will compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of using traditional books versus e-readers for reading.
• Example 5: In the above examples, the thesis statements are clear, concise, and specific, allowing the reader to understand what the essay will be about. This demonstrates the importance of creating a strong thesis statement that supports and guides the writing process.

Read the Compare Contrast Thesis Template

In the body paragraphs of your compare contrast essay, you’ll go into more detail about the topics being compared. There are two common ways to structure these paragraphs: block format and point-by-point format. With the block format, you write about one topic fully, and then the other, showing the similarities and differences between the two. With the point-by-point format, you compare and contrast specific aspects of each topic in each paragraph.

Within each paragraph, you’ll want to start with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph, followed by supporting sentences that provide evidence and examples to back up your thesis statement. This format helps to create a clear and logical flow of ideas, making it easy for readers to follow along and understand your comparisons.

By reading a compare contrast thesis template, like the one provided by ThoughtCo and YourDictionary, students can get a good sense of what a strong thesis statement looks like and how to structure their essays effectively. It makes the writing process much easier and helps students avoid common pitfalls. With a clear template to guide you, you’ll be able to compose a compare contrast thesis that is cohesive, well-supported, and impactful.

What is a compare contrast thesis?

A compare contrast thesis is a statement that identifies the similarities and differences between two or more subjects or ideas. It serves as the main argument or focus of a compare and contrast essay.

What are some tips for writing a compare contrast thesis?

Some tips for writing a compare contrast thesis include clearly defining the subjects or ideas being compared, organizing the essay using a clear and logical structure, and using specific evidence and examples to support your arguments.

Can you give an example of a compare contrast thesis?

Of course! Here is an example of a compare contrast thesis: “While both cats and dogs can be great pets, cats are more independent and require less maintenance, whereas dogs are more loyal and require more attention.”

How long should a compare contrast thesis be?

A compare contrast thesis should be concise and clearly stated. It can range from one to a few sentences, depending on the complexity of the comparison being made.

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Alex Koliada, PhD, is a well-known doctor. He is famous for studying aging, genetics, and other medical conditions. He works at the Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics. His scientific research has been published in the most reputable international magazines. Alex holds a BA in English and Comparative Literature from the University of Southern California , and a TEFL certification from The Boston Language Institute.

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Writing a paper: comparing & contrasting.

A compare and contrast paper discusses the similarities and differences between two or more topics. The paper should contain an introduction with a thesis statement, a body where the comparisons and contrasts are discussed, and a conclusion.

Address Both Similarities and Differences

Because this is a compare and contrast paper, both the similarities and differences should be discussed. This will require analysis on your part, as some topics will appear to be quite similar, and you will have to work to find the differing elements.

Make Sure You Have a Clear Thesis Statement

Just like any other essay, a compare and contrast essay needs a thesis statement. The thesis statement should not only tell your reader what you will do, but it should also address the purpose and importance of comparing and contrasting the material.

Use Clear Transitions

Transitions are important in compare and contrast essays, where you will be moving frequently between different topics or perspectives.

• Examples of transitions and phrases for comparisons: as well, similar to, consistent with, likewise, too
• Examples of transitions and phrases for contrasts: on the other hand, however, although, differs, conversely, rather than.

For more information, check out our transitions page.

Structure Your Paper

Consider how you will present the information. You could present all of the similarities first and then present all of the differences. Or you could go point by point and show the similarity and difference of one point, then the similarity and difference for another point, and so on.

Include Analysis

It is tempting to just provide summary for this type of paper, but analysis will show the importance of the comparisons and contrasts. For instance, if you are comparing two articles on the topic of the nursing shortage, help us understand what this will achieve. Did you find consensus between the articles that will support a certain action step for people in the field? Did you find discrepancies between the two that point to the need for further investigation?

Make Analogous Comparisons

When drawing comparisons or making contrasts, be sure you are dealing with similar aspects of each item. To use an old cliché, are you comparing apples to apples?

• Example of poor comparisons: Kubista studied the effects of a later start time on high school students, but Cook used a mixed methods approach. (This example does not compare similar items. It is not a clear contrast because the sentence does not discuss the same element of the articles. It is like comparing apples to oranges.)
• Example of analogous comparisons: Cook used a mixed methods approach, whereas Kubista used only quantitative methods. (Here, methods are clearly being compared, allowing the reader to understand the distinction.

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Writing Resources

Comparative essays.

This handout is available for download in DOCX format and PDF format .

What is a comparative essay?

A comparative essay asks that you compare at least two (or possibly more) items. These items will differ depending on the assignment. You might be asked to compare

• positions on an issue (e.g., responses to midwifery in Canada and the United States)
• theories (e.g., capitalism and communism)
• figures (e.g., GDP in the United States and Britain)
• texts (e.g., Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Macbeth )
• events (e.g., the Great Depression and the global financial crisis of 2008-9)

Although the assignment may say “compare,” the assumption is that you will consider both the similarities and differences; in other words, you will compare and contrast.

Make sure you know the basis for comparison

The assignment sheet may say exactly what you need to compare, or it may ask you to come up with a basis for comparison yourself.

• Provided by the essay question: The essay question may ask that you consider the figure of the gentleman in Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations and Anne Brontë’s The Tenant of Wildfell Hall . The basis for comparison will be the figure of the gentleman.
• Developed by you: The question may simply ask that you compare the two novels. If so, you will need to develop a basis for comparison, that is, a theme, concern, or device common to both works from which you can draw similarities and differences.

Develop a list of similarities and differences

Once you know your basis for comparison, think critically about the similarities and differences between the items you are comparing, and compile a list of them. For example, you might decide that in Great Expectations , being a true gentleman is not a matter of manners or position but morality, whereas in The Tenant of Wildfell Hall , being a true gentleman is not about luxury and self-indulgence but hard work and productivity. Your list is not yet your outline for the essay, but it should provide you with enough similarities and differences to construct an initial plan.

Develop a thesis based on the relative weight of similarities and differences

Once you have listed similarities and differences, decide whether the similarities on the whole outweigh the differences or vice versa. Create a thesis statement that reflects their relative weights. A more complex thesis will usually include both similarities and differences and will argue that one of them (either the similarities or the differences) outweighs the other.

Come up with a structure for your essay

Alternating method: point-by-point pattern.

In the alternating method, you find points common to your central subjects A and B, and alternate between A and B on the basis of these points (ABABAB …). For instance, a comparative essay on the French and Russian revolutions might examine how both revolutions either encouraged or thwarted innovation in terms of new technology (body paragraphs 1 and 2), military strategy (body paragraphs 3 and 4), and the administrative system (body paragraphs 5 and 6).

Two notes about the alternating method:

• The two entities may be dissimilar in the themes you identify. To use this method, they need not be similar; you just need to have something to say about both A and B in each area.
• You may certainly include more than three pairs of alternating points: allow the subject matter to determine the number of points you develop in the body of your essay.

When do I use the alternating method?

The alternating method generally does a better job of highlighting similarities and differences between A and B. It also tends to produce a more tightly integrated and analytical paper. Consider the alternating method if you are able to identify clearly related points between A and B. Otherwise, if you attempt to impose the alternating method, you will probably find it counterproductive.

Block method: Subject-by-subject pattern

In the block method (AB), you discuss all of A, then all of B. 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, make sure they are connected! The B block should refer to the A block and make clear points of comparison whenever comparisons are relevant: (“Unlike A, B . . .” or “Like A, B . . .”). This technique will allow for a higher level of critical engagement, continuity, and cohesion.

When do I use the block method?

The block method is particularly useful in the following cases:

• You are unable to find points about A and B that are closely related to each other.
• Your ideas about B build upon or extend your ideas about A.
• You are comparing three or more subjects as opposed to the traditional two.

Adapted from the University of Toronto, https://advice.writing.utoronto.ca/types-of-writing/comparative-essay/, 2020.

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