Comparison/Contrast

Getting Started

Why Compare? When we compare or contrast something, it is

usually for a reason: To decide which one is better To determine which has the most Which costs less

Whatever the situation, we often compare two items to determine which item is most suitable.

Why Compare? The key to comparison/contrast is being consistent. We can’t make a good decision about which is better

if we don’t cover the information in a clear, consistent manner.

For Example: If I am comparing two digital cameras to determine which I want to buy, it won’t help to compare the pixel size of a Canon to the lens quality of an Olympus.

I must set up clear criteria and use that criteria for each item being compared.

Step 1 - Choosing a topic Choose a topic that you can say a lot about. Choose something that, in the conclusion, you finish

by indicating which item you would choose or prefer. It can be about something you use, like computer

software; something you play, like games; someplace you have lived or visited, like a hometown or vacation spot..

Choose any topic that you can give detailed information about.

Choosing a topic You must be sure that whatever you choose

to compare has a basis for comparison. If I compare apples and oranges, the basis for

comparison is that they are both fruit. If I decide to compare jet airplanes with

basketballs, the basis might be that they both are involved with air. However, I don’t really have a solid basis of comparison; therefore, the topic won’t work.

Step 2 - Choosing Criteria Once your topic is chosen, you must then choose at

least three criteria to help form your comparison. Physical attributes

Color texture

Vitamins and minerals Vitamin C Calcium

Uses Pies juices

Step 3 - Organization Next, decide on a format. There are two ways to organize a comparison

contrast: Block Point by Point

Block Format The first half of the paper covers one item The second half covers the other item

Apples Physical Attributes Vitamins and Minerals Uses

Oranges Physical Attributes Vitamins and Minerals Uses

Example from book: “Grant and Lee” (314-16)

Point-by-Point Format Covers the information one point at a time

Physical Attributes Apples Oranges

Vitamins and Minerals Apples Oranges

Uses Apples Oranges

Example from book: “Aben and James” (311-13)

Step 4 - Putting it all together Either format works, but the point-by-point

tends to be easiest. Since you are covering one criterion per

paragraph, it is hard to insert extra information about one side that you don’t address for the other side.

In the Nutshell That’s comparison/contrast in a nutshell. The key to success with this format it to pick a

topic you can give detailed information about and to be consistent.

Good luck!