The most popular form of compare/contrast papers, Block organization is organized by discussing one subject, point by point, in complete detail before moving on to the next subject. The writer should select points by which both subjects can be examined. The number of body paragraphs will be determined by the number of points discussed in the essay.
| Paragraph | Function | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Introduce the two or more subjects being compared and lead to a thesis statement or argument. | While they are both based on works by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings trilogy surpasses The Hobbit trilogy in both scope and box office returns while still using practical effects to attain greater realism and focused more on story telling rather than “filmable moments” that added little to the plot. |
| First Body Paragraph | Discuss point #1 of the first subject. | The Lord of the Rings trilogy was planned as a trilogy which allowed for a cheaper and easier production. |
| Second Body Paragraph | Discuss point #2 of the first subject. | Adjusting for inflation, The Lord of the Rings trilogy made $5.4 million at the box office. |
| Third Body Paragraph | Discuss point #3 of the first subject. | The Lord of the Rings trilogy relied on practical effects for a majority of their shots with CGI being used to enhance what was physically present. |
| Fourth Body Paragraph | Transition to and discuss point #2 of the second subject, providing similarities and differences with point #2 of the first subject. | Because the source material was short book, The Hobbit trilogy was originally designed as a single movie but was then stretched into a second and then third film. |
| Fifth Body Paragraph | Discuss point #2 of the second subject, providing similarities and differences with point #2 of the first subject. | Adjusting for inflation, The Hobbit trilogy made $3.8 million at the box office. |
| Sixth Body Paragraph | Discuss point #3 of the second subject, providing similarities and differences with point #3 of the first subject. | Most of The Hobbit trilogy's special effects were CGI and completed in post-production. |
| Conclusion | Without repeating any claims or adding any new information, emphasize the importance of the similarities and differences between the two subjects as they are relevant to your thesis. | With the amount of time, effort, and positive response at the box office, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy is the superior adaptation. |