Useful for when your assignment asks you to both compare AND contrast items. Each paragraph immediately focuses on discussions of similarities and weaknesses. While this method works best for short answer or essays, it is possible to take each similarity/difference and turn it into its own paragraph.
1. Introduction
a. Introduce Items (works/objects)
b. Thesis Statement
i.Topic 1
ii. Topic 2
iii. Topic 3
iv. Etc.
2. Similarities between Works/Objects
a. Similarity 1
b. Similarity 2
c. Etc.
3. Differences between Works/Objects
a. Difference 1
b. Difference 2
c. Etc.
4. Summary as to why one work/object is better than the other
a. Supporting Point 1
b. Supporting Point 2
c. Etc.
5. Conclusion
a. Restate Thesis
b. Summarize how you proved your argument
1. Introduction
a. Introduce Items
i. First Work – The Lord of the Rings Trilogy had ample preparation time, budget, and a generous release schedule but used practical effects to attain greater realism and focused more on story telling rather than “filmable moments” that added little to the plot.
ii. Second Work – The Hobbit Trilogy did not have the preparation time, budget, or generous release schedule in order to be successful films.
b. Thesis Statement
i. When comparing the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and the Hobbit Trilogy, it is clear that preparation time, budget, special effects, and a well-spaced release schedule can have a tremendous effect on film quality.
2. Similarities
a. Release Schedule
b. Budget
3. Differences
a. Preparation Time
b. Practical Effects/CGI
4. Conclusion
a. Restate Thesis
b. Summarize how you proved your argument