Compare and Contrast Writing

Mrs. King

2010

Comparative Thinking

We think comparatively everyday. (i.e. Should I wear the blue shirt or the green shirt?)

When writing a comparison/contrast paper, we must ask ourselves several questions in preparation: is there a basis for comparison between two items? What are the common criteria we will use to compare them? How will we organize the paper? What is the significance of this comparison and contrast; what point am I trying to communicate to the reader?

First: Choose a topic

There should be a basic connection, some grounds for comparison from the onset

Organize your items

Point by point organization—the discussion would address both items for each criteria before moving on to the next one

Point by point outline

Items for comparison/contrast: cars and trucks

Criteria for comparison/contrast: sticker price, gas consumption, towing capacity, and comfort

IntroductionI. Sticker Price

A. Cars: Less expensiveB. Trucks: More expensive

Point by point

Using the point-by-point or ABAB approach to organization, each criteria is addressed prior to moving on to the next, and cars are always discussed first.

The benefit to organizing a paper in this way could be to highlight the differences between the two items by placing them in proximity to one another.

This strategy also helps your reader to see that you’ve treated the two items evenly, using the same criteria.

Organize your points

Block organization (AB)—discusses each item, using all criteria, prior to moving on to the second item

Block organization outline

I. Cars: A. Sticker PriceGas ConsumptionTowing CapacityComfort

Block organization

Enables you to create a full picture of one item before proceeding to the next, though you will want to note that all criteria are still addressed, in the same order.

The approach could be especially beneficial if you were comparing two places and wanted to create a full description of each.

Conclusion

Beyond just comparing or contrasting two items, you will want to make a point with your discussion, to come to some conclusion or significance based on the comparisons.

Your conclusion for the car/truck essay might be that for those individuals who need only transportation, a car would be ideal, while those who require towing ability would sacrifice gas mileage and pay a higher sicker price for a truck. Therefore, the choice is based on personal preference.