Final answer:
The correct statement about comparison/contrast essays is that they are primarily organized using point-by-point or block methods. These essays are structured to analyze and evaluate subjects, not necessarily to present an author's opinion or to persuade that one subject is superior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The accurate statement about writing a comparison/contrast essay is: A. The point-by-point method and the block method are the two primary methods of organization for comparison/contrast essays. This statement is true because these two organizational structures are commonly used to systematically compare and contrast subjects within an essay, providing a clear and logically ordered analysis of the similarities and differences.
It is not required that an author state his or her personal opinion about the subjects in a comparison/contrast essay, which makes option B inaccurate. Additionally, it isn't generally easier or more effective to compare than to contrast, as effectiveness depends on the writer's purpose and the subjects being addressed, making option C incorrect. Lastly, the primary goal of a comparison/contrast essay is not necessarily to persuade the reader that one subject is better than another, but rather to analyze and evaluate the subjects, which makes option D incorrect.
Moreover, a well-written comparison/contrast essay goes beyond merely listing similarities and differences. It should use those points to make a larger argument about the texts or subjects being compared, often highlighting unexpected insights when the two are juxtaposed. This means considering different literary strategies and organizational options to structure the essay effectively, ultimately enhancing the understanding of one or both subjects being analyzed.