Why this comparison is important and what it tells readers.

Body section/Paragraph 3: Criterion C (Style).

Body section/Paragraph 2: Criterion B (Major appeal).

Body section/Paragraph 1: Criterion A (Ornamentation).

Thesis: Although neoclassical and gothic architecture are both western European forms that are exemplified in civic buildings and churches, they nonetheless reveal, through different structural design and ornamentation, the different intellectual principles of the two societies that created them.

Overall, in order to use this method, you must be able to apply criteria to every item, text, or idea you are comparing. The points can be either similarities or differences. Helpful tip: Note that you can have more than three points of comparison, especially in longer essays. Using the point-by-point method in a comparative essay allows you to draw direct comparisons and produce a more tightly integrated essay. Sample outlines for comparative essays on neoclassical and gothic architecture Building a point-by-point essay This method works best if you want readers to understand and agree with the advantages of something you are proposing, such as introducing a new process or theory by showing how it compares to something more traditional. In the block method, however, you say everything you need to say about one thing, then do the same thing with the other. This method allows you to emphasize points of similarity and of difference as you proceed. The point-by-point method examines one aspect of comparison in each paragraph and usually alternates back and forth between the two objects, texts, or ideas being compared. You have a choice of two basic methods for organizing a comparative essay: the point-by-point method or the block method. Helpful tip: Avoid a thesis statement that simply states your obvious purpose.Į.g., The aim of this essay is to compare with reference to. Here is an example of a fairly common thesis statement structure:Į.g., Although neoclassical architecture and gothic architecture have, they reveal profound differences in their interpretation of. Helpful tip: Organize your criteria in columns or a Venn diagram using visual methods to map your pre-writing work can help you to stay on track and more clearly get a sense of how the essay will be structured.īased on the information in the above table, you could focus on how ornamentation and design principles reveal prevailing intellectual thought about architecture in the respective eras and societies.Īfter brainstorming, try to develop a thesis statement that identifies the results of your comparison.

Neoclassical architecture versus Gothic architecture Churches Doing so allows you to see which criteria you should use in your comparison, if not specified by your professor or instructor. Once you have decided what theme or idea you are investigating, you will need to gather details of whatever you are comparing, especially in terms of similarities and differences.

Gather the details of whatever you are comparing.

A basis of comparison must apply to all items you are comparing, but the details will be different.įor example, if you are asked to 'compare neoclassical architecture and gothic architecture,' you could compare the influence of social context on the two styles. You will have to do some preliminary reading, likely using your course materials, to get an idea of what kind of criteria you will use to assess whatever you are comparing. Such essays may be called comparative essays, comparison essays, or compare-and-contrast essays.Ī basis of comparison represents the main idea, category, or theme you will investigate. Helpful tip: When you are asked to write a comparative essay, remember that, unless you are instructed otherwise, you are usually being asked to assess both similarities and differences. You explain to your reader what insights can be gained from the comparison, or judge whether one thing is better than another according to established criteria. Writing a comparison usually requires that you assess the similarities and differences between two or more theories, procedures, or processes.

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