Compare/Contrast Papers

What is point-by-point organization?

This organizational pattern is most effective when used on longer essays, such as a comparison of two articles, short stories, or novels. The body of such an essay is organized by discussing one point at a time and how it applies to each subject before moving on to the next point. For long works, at least three points should be examined if not more.

Note: Unlike Block organization, this pattern will probably require more than one body paragraph for each point being discussed.
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 both subjects,
comparing and contrasting the manifestation of
this point in each subject.		 The Lord of the Rings trilogy was planned as a trilogy which allowed for a cheaper and easier production, unlike The Hobbit trilogy which was originally designed as a single movie but was later stretched into three films.
Second Body Paragraph Discuss point #2 of both subjects,
comparing and contrasting the manifestation of
this point in each subject.		 Adjusting for inflation, The Lord of the Rings trilogy made $5.4 million at the box office but The Hobbit trilogy only made $3.8 million.
Third Body Paragraph Discuss point #3 of both subjects,
comparing and contrasting the manifestation of
this point in each 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 while 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.