Comparison Essay: Block Approach
In the block form of the comparison essay, you discuss each of the articles or topics separately and then in the final body paragraph integrate your discussion – this is the point where you directly compare the two ideas. While your final body paragraph is the heart of your comparison essay, it may be the smallest since you have already done the work of describing the two ideas in your earlier paragraphs.
Introduction:
Briefly describe the two things you are comparing, and present your thesis.
Body #1: First Article
Summarize the essential parts of the first article. While you want to introduce the reader to the article as a whole, focus on only those parts that are critical to proving your thesis statement. Transition: Why are the first and second articles relevant to one another? How do they connect? Body #2: Second Article
Summarize the essential parts of the second article. While you want to introduce the reader to the article as a whole, focus on only those parts that are critical to proving your thesis statement. When appropriate, make reference to the first article, creating a bridge to your final body paragraph.
Body # 3: Comparison of First and Second Articles
Focus on the specific similarities and differences between the two articles. This paragraph should directly affirm your thesis and be based upon your discussions of the two articles.
Conclusion: Affirm your thesis one last time, letting your reader know that you made good on the promise of your introductory paragraph.

Example of the Comparison Essay: Block Approach
Introduction:
While football and baseball share many similar characteristics, they are fundamentally different sports. In football, brawn is the deciding factor, while in baseball it is brains.
Discussion of Football:
Football is a contact sport in which it is required that players directly attack one another.
For this reason, they must wear heavy padding and protective helmets. While the quarterback must make important tactical decisions, the job of the majority of the players is to attack and intimidate the opposite team.
Transition:
Whereas in football only the quarterback