1. Introduction / The Introductory Paragraph:

a. the hook:

b. background information:

c. the thesis statement:  

2. Body Paragraphs: There are three basic styles to organize essays that compare and contrast. 

a. basic block style

Introductory Paragraph

Body Paragraph 1 (Similarities between A and B)

Body Paragraph 2 (Differences between A and B)

Concluding Paragraph

b. block comparison style

Introductory Paragraph

Body Paragraph 1 (Points about A) 1. 2. 3.

Body Paragraph 2 (Points about B in comparison to A) 1. 2. 3.

Concluding Paragraph

c. point-by-point style

Introductory Paragraph

Body Paragraph 1 Point 1: A and B

Body Paragraph 2 Point 2: A and B

Body Paragraph 3 Point 3: A and B

Concluding Paragraph

[graphic illustrations based on WC2, pp. 158-59]

3. Conclusion / The Concluding Paragraph