Module 6Comparison-Contrasting

OrganizationWhen we compare or contrast two items, we need toconsider exactly which points should be compared. We usecomparison when we focus on similarities, and we use theterm contrast when we focus on differences.

Choosing a Two-Part TopicYou must think carefully before creating the topic sentenceof that paragraph.

You must choose a two-part topic that has a sufficientnumber of points to compare or contrast.But you should avoid selecting two-part topics that have toomany points to compare or contrast that you would not beable to discuss them in one paragraph.

Example of TopicSpanish word “río” and Englishword “river”

Toospecific.

The United States and Europe. Too broadTraveling by train in Europe andtraveling by train in the UnitedStates

Bettertopic

Choosing a Two-Part Topic

Once you have chosen a two-part topic that is not toolimiting and not too broad, you must remember that a goodcomparison/contrast paragraph devotes an equal or nearlyequal amount of space to each of the two parts.

If the writer is interested in only one of the topics, the dangeris that the paragraph will end up being one-sided.

Examples

Example of One-sided ContrastAmerican trains go to only a few towns, areinfrequent, are often shabby anduncomfortable. In contrast, European trainsare much nicer.

Example of a Better-Written ContrastAmerican trains go to only a few towns, areinfrequent, and uncomfortable. In contrast,European trains go to virtually every smalltown, are always dependable, and are cleanand attractive.

The second example gives attention to both topics.

Achieving Coherence

There are two methods for ordering material whenwriting a comparison/contrast paragraph. One way iscalled block organization, and the other is calledpoint-by-point organization.

Point-by-Point Method

When you use the point-by-point method, youcompare or contrast point 1 of topic 1 and then point1 of topic 2. Then you go on to your second points foreach of the two topics. You continue until you havecovered all the points.

Example – ParagraphHere is a paragraph from Julius Lester’s All is Well. In this paragraph, thewriter uses the point-by point method to compare the difficulties ofbeing a boy in our society a generation ago with the difficulties of beinga girl at the same time.

I know that it was difficult being a girl as it was a boy, if

not more so. While I stood paralyzed at one end of a dance

floor trying to find the courage to ask a girl for dance, most of

the girls waited in terror at the other, afraid that no one, not

even I, would ask them. And while I resented having to ask a girl

for a date, wasn’t it also horrible to be the one who waited for

the phone to ring? And how many of those girls laughed at me

making a fool of myself on the baseball diamond would have

gladly given up their places on the sideline for mine on the field.

Notice how, after the opening topic sentence, the writeruses half of the sentence to describe a boy’s situationgrowing up, and the other half to describe a girl’sexperience.

This technique is often used in longer pieces of writing inwhich many points of comparison are made. This methodhelps the reader keep the comparison or contrast carefullyin mind at each point.

OutlinePoint-by-Point Method

If the paragraph is broken down into its parts, this is how achart for the outline might look like.

First topic: Boys Second topic: GirlsTopicsentence

I know that it was as difficult being a girl as it was aboy, if not more so.

Point 1 DancingI stood paralyzed onthe dance floor.

Most girls waited in terrorto be asked out.

Point 2 DatesI resented having toask a girl for a date.

It was also horrible towait for the phone toring.

Point 3 Playing GamesMany of those girlslaughed at me makinga fool of myself.

They would have gladlygiven up their places formine.

Block Method

The other method for ordering material in a paragraph ofcomparison and contrast is known as the block method.

When you use this method, you present all the facts andsupporting details about one part of your topic, and thenyou give all the facts and supporting details about theother part.

Example – ParagraphHere is another version of the paragraph by Julius Lester. This time writtenaccording to the block method.

I know that it was difficult being a girl as it was a boy, if

not more so. I stood paralyzed at one end of a dance floor

trying to find the courage to ask a girl for dance. I also resented

having to ask a girl for a date. Furthermore, I often felt foolish on

the baseball diamond. On the other hand, most of the girls

waited in terror at the other end of the dance floor, afraid that

no one, not even I, would ask them to dance. In addition, it was

a horrible situation for the girls who had to wait for the phone to

ring, hoping for a date. And how many of those girls who stood

on the sidelines would have gladly traded places with me on

the baseball diamond?

Notice how the first half of this version presents all of thedetails about the boy, and the second part of theparagraph presents all of the information about girls. Thismethod is often used in shorter pieces because the readerwill easily remember three or four short points.

OrganizationBlock Method

If the paragraph is broken down into its parts, this is how itmight look like.

Topics Point 1 Point 2 Point 3Topic 1Boys

I stoodparalyzedon thedance floor

I resentedhaving toask a girl fora date.

I felt foolishon thebaseballdiamond.

Topic 2Girls

Most girlswaited interror to beasked out.

It was alsohorrible towait for thephone toring.

They wouldhave gladlytradedplaces withme.

.