What is a Comparison Essay?

In class, we learned about different ways to set up a comparison essay. One way is the block method, which is done by having all of the information on the first topic presented, and then having all information of the second topic. Another way that we learned was called the flip- flop method. In this method, you first write about one specific idea about your topic and then write about another specific idea. It is important to continually connect and compare corresponding ideas.

We have also read two articles that are examples of comparison essays in class. The first one called, "Brothers, Bad Blood and the Blackwater Tangle," was a story about two brothers who were involved with the Blackwater scandle. The security contractor was accused of killing 17 Iraqis in Baghdad, while guarding a State Department convoy.

The second article that we have read was called, "Battle of the Beds: Suave S.U.V.’s With Pickup Lines." This essay compared the strengths and weaknesses of the Ford Explorer Sport Trac to the Chevrolet Avalanche. While the Explorer Sport Trac is smaller and less expensive than the Chevrolet Avalanche, the Sport Trac comes with a very small cargo bed. And even though the Chevrolet Avalanche can be opened up from the back of the cab to extend its cargo- carrying capacity, it takes away the two back seats, making the vehicle unsecure.

Both of these essays were set up very differently. While the article about the two brothers did not have a particular writing style, the one comparing the pick- up trucks followed more of the block method.

I plan to use this information to help me with my essay because after seeing several examples of different writting styles used I can pick one that works the best for me.