Compare and Contrast

comparison Comparisons discuss the similarities between two items—different types of apples or different essays For example, how many commonalities do macs and pcs have? In other words, how are they alike?

contrasts Contrasting examines the differences between two or more items. For example: what are the differences between macs and pcs?

Organization One side at a time Point by point

One side at a time When you organize your essay with the one side at a time or block method, you discuss everything relevant about one subject before discussing the second subject. For example, if the topic where to compare and contrast two news papers, it would be organized as: Everything about The South Bend Tribune’s news coverage: International National Local Then: Everything about The Chicago Tribune’s news coverage: local

Point by point To organize a compare/contrast using point by point, the writer would alternate from one aspect of the first subject to the same aspect of your other subject For example: 1st aspect of South Bend Tribune and Chicago Tribune SB Tribune: international coverage C Tribune: international coverage 2nd aspect SB Tribune: national coverage C Tribune: national coverage 3rd aspect SB Tribune: local coverage C Tribune: local coverage

When do I use one side at a time versus point by point? This is mostly a personal choice, but I might consider: one side at a time appears to be more unified because it blocks broad similarities and differences. However, it is usually used when subjects are less complex. point by point gives more indepth coverage of similarities and differences. It is a great organizational tool when the topic is complex.