Chapter 13 Comparison and Contrast: Showing Similarities and Differences

Writing Comparison and Contrast

Defining Comparison and Contrast
Comparison and contrast is a method of showing similarities and differences between subjects. Comparison is concerned with organizing and developing points of similarity; contrast serves the same function for difference. In some instances, a writing assignment may require that you cover only similarities or only difference. Occasionally, and instructor may ask you to separate one from the other. Usually, you will combine them within the larger design of your Paragraph or essay.

Working with the 4 Ps
Regardless of nature of your topic for writing, you will develop your ideas by using a procedure called the 4 Ps: purpose, points, patterns, and presentation.

Purpose:
In most of your writing, the main purpose will be either to inform or to persuade.

Informative writing:
If you want to explain something about a topic by showing each subject in relationship with others, then your purpose is informative.

Persuasive Writing:
If you want to show that one actor, one movie, one writer, one president, one product, or one idea is better than another, your purpose is persuasive.

Points:
The points are the ideas that will be applied somewhat equally to both sides of your comparison and contrast. They begin to emerge in freewriting, take on more precision in brainstorming, acquire a main position in listing, and assume the major part of the framework in the outline.

Patterns
Two basic pattern of organization: (1) subject by subject (opposing) or (2) point by point (alternating). In long pagers you may mix the two patterns, but in most college assignments, you will probably select just one and make it your basic organizational plan.

Use this basic outline for the subject by subject pattern:
I. Subject X
A. Point 1
B. Point 2
II. Subject Y
A. Point 1
B. Point 2
Use this basic outline for the point by point pattern:
I. Point 1
A. Subject X
B. Subject Y
II. Point 2
A. Subject X
B. Subject Y

Presentation

• Give each point more or less equal treatment. Attention to each part of the outline will usually ensure balanced development.
• Use transitional words and phrases to indicate comparison and contrast and to establish coherence.
• Use a carefully stated topic sentence for a paragraph and a clear thesis for an essay. Each developmental paragraph should have a topic sentence broad enough to embrace its content.
  
  

Source: Brandon, L. & Brandon, K. (2008). Paragraphs & Essays with Integrated Readings. Houghton Mifflin Company.