1. Writing the Comparison and Contrast Essay

2. Paragraph Organization --Block--
History
Purpose for holiday/Changes over time
Customs/traditions
Day of the Dead →→
Halloween
For the Block Method, your second paragraph would include all of the details from the top of the chart for the BMW, following by all of the details from the bottom of the chart for the Honda. Your conclusion would provide some type of final analysis or evaluation based on the evidence presented in the body paragraphs.
2nd Paragraph
3rd Paragraph

3. Outline -- Block Method
I. Introduction
a) Hook
b) Background Information
c) Thesis
II. Halloween
a) History
b) Purpose
c) Customs/Traditions
III. Dia De Los Muertos
a) History
b) Purpose
c) Customs/Traditions
IV. Conclusion
a) Emphasize Major Similarities
b) So What? Evaluate
c) Clincher
This method is also referred to as Subject by Subject or Whole to Whole. With this pattern (AB,AAA,BBB,AB A = Person or Place, Thing, Idea #1 and B = Person or Place, Thing, Idea # 2 ) you first discuss all of the details for one subject, in this case the BMW, and then all of the details for the second subject, the Honda Civic. The conclusion will reach some sort of final evaluation about the items you have chosen for your paper. If you were writing about cars, you might conclude your paper by making a selection based on the criteria. For example: Based on the excellent mileage, the low cost of insurance, and the price of the vehicle, the Honda Civic will definitely be my choice when I buy a new car.

4. Example Indicators To Contrast To Compare -although also as -but
in the same way
like
likewise
similarly
comparable
equally
in addition
To Contrast
-although
-but
-even though
-however
-on the other hand
-otherwise
-yet
-still
-conversely
-as opposed to
-different from
-whereas
These transitions words will help to guide your reader through your comparisons and contrasts.