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 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 Uses 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!