Comparison Contrast Essay | Block Method | English Writing Skills 2020

Summary

In this educational video, Wendy from Worldwide Speak introduces the structure of a comparison and contrast essay, focusing on the block method. She explains the use of a Venn diagram to visualize similarities and differences, and outlines the essay's structure, including an introduction, two body paragraphs (one for each subject), and a conclusion. Wendy emphasizes the importance of a clear thesis statement and maintaining order in presenting comparison points. She also offers advice on writing effective introductions and conclusions, providing examples of thesis statements for essays focusing on similarities, differences, or both.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video is aimed at English language learners who are new to writing essays in English, focusing on the structure of comparison and contrast essays.
• 📈 The script introduces two methods for writing comparison and contrast essays: the block method and the point-by-point method, with a focus on the block method in this video.
• 📊 The block method uses a Venn diagram approach, with two body paragraphs, each focusing on one subject (e.g., oranges and apples), making it simpler for beginners.
• 📝 The block method is suitable for shorter essays and is considered easier to write due to its limited structure of just two body paragraphs.
• 🔑 The structure of a block method essay includes an introduction, two body paragraphs (one for each subject), and a conclusion, totaling four paragraphs.
• 🎯 The introduction should have a hook to grab attention, background information, and a strong thesis statement indicating the focus on similarities, differences, or both.
• 📝 Thesis examples are provided for essays focusing on similarities, differences, or both, using specific words to signal the essay's focus to the reader.
• 🍊 In the block method, the first body paragraph discusses one subject in detail, while the second body paragraph discusses the second subject in comparison to the first.
• 🍏 When focusing on differences, the first body paragraph covers the unique aspects of the first subject, and the second paragraph does the same for the second subject, highlighting contrasts.
• 🔄 Writing about both similarities and differences involves focusing the first body paragraph on commonalities and the second on distinctions, with each paragraph mentioning both subjects but focusing on one aspect.
• ✍️ The conclusion paragraph restates the thesis, summarizes the points of comparison, and may include a final opinion or realization after comparing the subjects.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is the structural overview of a comparison and contrast essay, specifically focusing on the block method for English language learners.

What are the two methods mentioned for writing a comparison and contrast essay?

The two methods mentioned for writing a comparison and contrast essay are the block method and the point-by-point method.

What is the block method in the context of a comparison and contrast essay?

The block method is a structure where the writer discusses each subject separately in two body paragraphs, focusing on one subject at a time, and then comparing them in the second paragraph.

What is the point-by-point method in the context of a comparison and contrast essay?

The point-by-point method is a structure where the writer discusses both subjects in each body paragraph, comparing them directly on each point of comparison.

What does a Venn diagram represent in the context of comparing and contrasting?

A Venn diagram represents the similarities and differences between two subjects. The overlapping segment in the middle shows what the two subjects have in common, while the outsides of the circles show what is different about each subject.

How many body paragraphs are typically used in the block method for a comparison and contrast essay?

In the block method, there are typically two body paragraphs used, one for each subject being compared and contrasted.

What are the four main parts of a comparison and contrast essay according to the script?

The four main parts of a comparison and contrast essay are the introduction paragraph, body paragraph one focusing on Subject A, body paragraph two focusing on Subject B, and the conclusion paragraph.

What should be included in the introduction paragraph of a comparison and contrast essay?

The introduction paragraph should include a hook to grab the reader's attention, background information about the subjects being compared, and a strong thesis statement that clearly states the focus of the essay.

What is a thesis statement and why is it important in a comparison and contrast essay?

A thesis statement is a clear and concise sentence that states the main argument or focus of the essay. It is important because it informs the reader about the essay's purpose and whether it will focus on similarities, differences, or both.

Can you provide an example of a thesis statement for an essay focusing on similarities?

An example of a thesis statement for an essay focusing on similarities could be: 'As long-time favorites, it's easy to see how similar these two fruits are.'

How should the conclusion paragraph of a comparison and contrast essay be structured?

The conclusion paragraph should restate the thesis, summarize the main points of comparison or contrast, and may include an opinion or realization about the subjects after the comparison has been made.

Why is maintaining the same order of points in each body paragraph important in the block method?

Maintaining the same order of points in each body paragraph is important because it helps the reader follow the comparison and contrast more easily, ensuring clarity and coherence in the essay.

What is the purpose of using comparison transition words in a comparison and contrast essay?

The purpose of using comparison transition words is to signal to the reader when the writer is making a comparison or contrast between the two subjects, aiding in the clarity and flow of the essay.