Arguing Through Similarities and Differences Comparison Arguing Through Similarities and Differences

What is Comparison Writing? Comparing and contrasting two topics to prove that one is superior/better/more useful/easier or that both are different but equal “A comparison gives you and your audience the opportunity to investigate the ways in which these subjects are alike or distinct” (Johnson-Sheehan & Paine, 2015, p.107) “when a writer […] compares two very different things or people, they are often challenging the traditional cultural frames and identities” (Johnson-Sheehan & Paine, 2015, p.107)

When is Comparison Writing Used? To decide which approach to a project is better to take To prove that two very different perspectives are not as different as we may assume To decide which choice is the best option To find problems with specific approaches, objects, or perspectives

Two Ways to Structure Comparison Writing Points of Comparison Model Similarities/ Differences Model Intro Description of Subject 1 Description of Subject 2 Similarities Differences Conclusion Intro Description of Subject 1 Description of Subject 2 Point of Comparison 1 Point of Comparison 2 Point of Comparison 3 Conclusion

Example Comparing electric and gas cars Points of Comparison: Costs Efficiency Environmental impact

Points of Comparison Model INTRO: thesis statement description of gas cars description of electric cars BODY: Costs costs associated with gas cars costs associated with electric cars Efficiency efficiency of gas cars efficiency of electric cars Environmental impact environmental impacts of gas cars environmental impacts of electric cars CONCLUSION

Similarities/ Differences Model INTRO: thesis statement description of gas cars description of electric cars BODY: Similarities of gas and electric cars Differences of gas and electric cars CONCLUSION:

What to Remember 1. Stay Focused: 2. Provide Equal Coverage: Don’t tell the reader everything about your two topics, just the points of comparison that support and explain your thesis statement 2. Provide Equal Coverage: If you bring up an element of one topic, you need to discuss it in relation to the other topic as well. Do not spend more time on one topic than the other, no matter how you feel about the topics.

What to Remember 3. Follow Your Structure It is very easy to repeat ideas in comparison writing if you do not have a good plan in place