Topic/Focus: Argument, Comparison or Contrast (This is a summative assessment that will help you to outline the main ideas and the details for your essay)
Length: Write full sentences in each part of the outlining
BLOCK OUTLINE
I. INTRODUCTION
Hook:
Background information about the two subjects:
Thesis statement:
II. The First Subject
A. State the first point or aspect of comparison/contrast
1. Minor supporting detail
2. Minor supporting detail
B. State the second point or aspect of comparison/contrast
1. Minor supporting detail
2. Minor supporting detail
C. State the third point or aspect of comparison/contrast
1. Minor supporting detail
2. Minor supporting detail
*Don’t mention the second subject in your first body paragraph. Use the same aspects/points in both paragraphs.
III. The Second Subject
A. State the first point of comparison/contrast of the second subject
1. Minor supporting detail
2. Minor supporting detail
B. State the second point of comparison/contrast of the second subject
1. Minor supporting detail
2. Minor supporting detail
C. State the third point of comparison/contrast of the second subject
1. Minor supporting detail
2. Minor supporting detail
IV. Conclusion
Restate thesis in a creative way
Make a summary of the main points
Insert a remarkable thought or end with a wrap-up statement
POINT-BY-POINT OUTLINE
I. INTRODUCTION
Hook:
Background information about the two subjects:
Thesis statement:
II. The First Point
A. Subject A:
1. Minor supporting detail
2. Minor supporting detail
B. Subject B:
1. Minor supporting detail
2. Minor supporting detail
III. The Second Point
A. Subject A:
1. Minor supporting detail
2. Minor supporting detail
B. Subject B:
1. Minor supporting detail
2 Minor supporting detail
IV. The Third Point
A. Subject A:
1. Minor supporting detail
2. Minor supporting detail
B. Subject B:
1. Minor supporting detail
2 Minor supporting detail
V. Conclusion
Restate thesis in a creative way
Make a summary of the main points
Insert a remarkable thought or end with a wrap-up statement
EXAMPLE OF BLOCK METHOD
Title: Comparative Analysis of Cats and Dogs as Ideal Pets
I. Introduction
- Opening Statement: The debate surrounding “cats and dogs” has persisted for generations.
- Introduction to General Topic: It’s rare to find someone who equally adores both creatures.
- Introduction of Specific Subjects: Cats’ revered status in ancient Egypt because of their sweetness, companionship, and independence contrasts with dogs’ evolution as loyal, playful, and intelligent companions.
- Thesis Statement: Choosing between cats and dogs as pets involves assessing their management, costs, and behavior, but after close examination it becomes apparent that cats are better suited for individuals with constrained schedules and a preference for minimal disturbances.
II. Body (Subject A: Cats)
- Cats and Lifestyle Impact: Cats’ independence means they are less disruptive to owners’ routines.
- They follow instincts rather than commands.
- Cats require minimal supervision during the day and use a sandbox for toileting.
- Vet Visits and Cat Management:
- Cats can be easily managed in cages during vet visits.
- Their calm demeanor reduces noise and simplifies transportation.
- Travel Considerations for Cat Owners:
- Cats can tolerate short periods alone without distress.
- Provision of litter boxes and food during travel.
- Economical Aspects of Cat Ownership:
- Lower costs for cat food (approx. $500/year).
- Less frequent vet visits due to indoor lifestyle.
- Limited grooming expenses as cats are self-maintaining.
- Potential Drawbacks of Cats:
- Cat urine odor challenges for carpet cleaning.
- Scratching behavior can damage furniture.
III. Body (Subject B: Dogs)
- Dogs and Lifestyle Impact:
- Dogs’ reliance on companionship and outdoor activity.
- Regular interaction required; not suited for extended periods alone.
- Walking demands, especially for working owners.
- Vet Visits and Dog Management:
- Larger dogs pose challenges in cages at vet clinics.
- Active and potentially noisy within clinic settings.
- Travel Considerations for Dog Owners:
- Dogs experience separation anxiety when left alone.
- Need for pet care arrangements during travel.
- Economic Implications of Dog Ownership:
- Higher dog food costs (approx. $2700/year).
- Frequent vet visits due to outdoor exposure.
- Increased grooming expenses for bathing, nail trimming, etc.
- Potential Drawbacks of Dogs:
- Potential for carpet accidents, but less intense odor than cat urine.
- Puppies can damage furniture through chewing behaviors.
IV. Conclusion
- Concluding Statement: Selecting a pet involves evaluating lifestyle, finances, and behavior, but after a close analysis cats suit those with limited time and who desire less disruption.
- Highlighting Attributes: While dogs boast qualities of loyalty, playfulness, and intelligence, cats exude independence, sweetness, and offer unwavering companionship with significantly fewer disruptions, management requirements, and financial burdens.
- Closing Remark: Irrespective of the chosen furry companion, the foremost endeavor remains fostering an environment of warmth and care within a home, ensuring the mutual growth of both pet and owner.
EXAMPLE OF POINT-BY-POINT METHOD
Title: Comparative Analysis of Cats and Dogs as Ideal Pets
I. Introduction
- Opening Statement: The enduring debate over “cats and dogs.”
- Introduction to General Topic: Rare occurrence of equal fondness for both.
- Introduction of Specific Subjects: Cats’ historical reverence because of their sweetness, independence, and companionship vs. dogs’ loyalty, playfulness, and intelligence.
- Thesis Statement: Choosing between cats and dogs as pets involves assessing their management, costs, and behavior, but after close examination it becomes apparent that cats are better suited for individuals with constrained schedules and a preference for minimal disturbances.
II. Body
- Lifestyle Impact:
- Cats:
- Instinct-driven behavior minimizes disruption.
- Minimal supervision due to self-sufficiency.
- Dogs:
- Dependent on companionship and outdoor activity.
- Regular interaction essential.
- Cats:
III. Body
- Vet Visits and Management:
- Cats:
- manageable in vet cages.
- Calm demeanor reduces noise.
- Dogs:
- Large dogs’ cage challenges.
- Potential noise at vet clinics.
- Cats:
IV. Body
- Travel Considerations for Cat Owners:
- Cats:
- tolerate brief alone time.
- Litter boxes and food provision for travel.
- Dogs:
- Dogs’ separation anxiety.
- Necessity for pet care during travel.
- Cats:
V. Body
- Economical Aspects of Pet Ownership:
- Cats:
- Lower cat food costs (~$500/year).
- Infrequent vet visits.
- Minimal grooming costs.
- Dogs:
- Higher dog food costs (~$2700/year).
- Frequent vet visits.
- Elevated grooming expenses.
- Cats:
VI. Body
- Potential Drawbacks:
- Cats:
- Challenging urine odor
- and furniture scratching.
- Dogs:
- Carpet accidents with milder odor.
- Furniture damage, especially with puppies.
- Cats:
VII. Conclusion
- Concluding Statement: Selecting a pet involves evaluating lifestyle, finances, and behavior, but after a close analysis cats suit those with limited time and who desire less disruption.
- Highlighting Attributes: While dogs boast qualities of loyalty, playfulness, and intelligence, cats exude independence, sweetness, and offer unwavering companionship with significantly fewer disruptions, management requirements, and financial burdens.
- Closing Remark: Regardless of choice, prioritize a nurturing pet-friendly home, fostering mutual growth.