comparative essay example block method

Abortion is an example of a very controversial issue. The two opposing viewpoints surrounding abortion are like two sides of a coin.On one side, there is the pro-choice activist and on the other is the pro-life activist.The argument is a balanced one; for every point supporting abortion there is a counter-point condemning abortion. This essay will delineate the controversy in one type of comparison/contrast essay form: the Argument versus Argument, or, Block-by-Block format. In this style of writing, first you present all the arguments surrounding one side of the issue, then you present all the arguments surrounding the other side of the issue. You are generally not expected to reach a conclusion, but simply to present the opposing sides of the argument. Second Pattern: Point-by-Point This second example is also an essay about abortion. We have used the same information and line of reasoning in this essay, however, this one will be presented in the Point-by-Point style argument. The Point-by-Point style argument presents both sides of the argument at the same time. First, you would present one point on a specific topic, then you would follow that up with the opposing point on the same topic. Again, you are generally not expected to draw any conclusions, simply to fairly present both sides of the argument. Tutorial & Instructional Programs.
Alternating method: Point-by-point pattern In the alternating method, you find related 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, military strategy, and the administrative system. A Paragraph 1 in body new technology and the French Revolution B Paragraph 2 in body new technology and the Russian Revolution A Paragraph 3 in body military strategy and the French Revolution B Paragraph 4 in body military strategy and the Russian Revolution A Paragraph 5 in body administrative system and the French Revolution B Paragraph 6 in body administrative system and the Russian Revolution 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 alternating method? Professors often like the alternating system because it generally does a better job of highlighting similarities and differences by juxtaposing your points about 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).
In this video, I highlight the basic differences between point-by-point and block-style essay structures, and I give examples of both for a compare and.
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. First and second paragraphs of body: The first paragraph will address a characteristic of Subject X and the second paragraph will address the same point for Subject Y. Third and fourth paragraphs of body: The third paragraph will address another characteristic of Subject X and the fourth paragraph will address the same point for Subject Y. Include additional pairs of paragraphs for additional points of comparison, discussing other points of similarity and difference, with the characteristics of Subject X being listed first. In the point by point method, you examine one aspect of one subject and the same aspect of the second subject within the same paragraph. If you have selected the point by point method for your essay, the body should consist of a minimum of three paragraphs. First paragraph of body: State a characteristic of Subject X and then state how Subject Y is similar/dissimilar.
Introduction 1.Attract the reader’s attention. 2.Provide background information about your topic. 3.Identify the two things being compared and contrasted. 4.State the purpose for making the comparison and/or contrast. 5.State the thesis. Body Paragraphs 1.In the first paragraph, discuss the similarities. 2.In the next paragraph, discuss the differences. Conclusion 1.Paraphrase the thesis. 2.Summarize the main similarities and differences. 3.Paraphrase the importance of the topic. Block Method Student Essay Fighting the Battle against Drugs The use of drugs has increased in recent years, according to numerous articles in medical journals. They threaten communities all over the world because of how affect the organs of the body and their functions. Crack and cocaine are two of these dangerous drugs. Thus, it is important for health care professionals to have knowledge about them in order to deal with any problems related to their use that patients may experience. While they may appear similar at first glance, in fact they have three major differences. Crack and cocaine have three similar effects on the human body. Although crack is heat resistant and cocaine is destroyed by heat, both cause hypertension. Also, crack and cocaine bring about physiological and psychological damage, depending on pre-existing conditions and the extent of drug use. For example, hallucination, psychosis, paranoia and aggressive behavior may occur, and an overdose of either may cause cardiac collapse or convulsion. Finally, use of both drugs can lead to addiction. Despite crack and cocaine’s similarities, they have three major differences. First, although crack and cocaine are derived from the coca plant, they differ in form. Crack has the form of flakes whereas cocaine is found in the form of powder, which can be dissolved. Furthermore, both crack and cocaine contain cocaine, but in various.