1. Comparison/Contrast

2. Comparisons Show Relationships
Making comparisons examines two or more items:
Items alike
Items different
Or items that are both

3. Some Issues are Trivial
Whether to order. . .
hot, juicy pizza or
a sub sandwich

4. Some Issues are More Serious
Should I buy a. . .
Ford or
Chevy?

5. Comparisons Also Discuss Unfamiliar Things
A sportswriter might compare:
The English sport of rugby
American football

6. A history teacher might compare: United States court system
France’s court system
United States court system

7. Comparisons Influence Important Decisions
What will be your major?
engineering
chemistry
law
medicine

8. Comparisons Must Share Common Ground
Two golfers:
Driving ability
Putting ability
Sand play
Preferred clubs

9. Organizing a Comparison
There are two basic patterns to organize a comparison/contrast paper:
Block Pattern
Alternating Pattern

10. Block Organization
In the block style of organization, each subject is discussed one at a time.
Each section needs to be short.
Readers can only remember short pieces of information.

11. Block Style
For an essay that compares and contrasts writing in college and writing at work:
Subject A: Writing in College
Aspect 1: Audience Instructor
Aspect 2: Purpose To fulfill an assignment.
Aspect 3: Outcomes: Feedback, evaluation, grade

12. Block Organization Subject B: Writing at Work Aspect 1: Audience:
Boss or customer
Aspect 2: Purpose :
To convey information
Aspect 3: Outcomes:
Follow-up action

13. Point-By Point Organization
Aspect 1: Audience
College: Instructor
Work: Boss
Aspect 2: Purpose
College: To fulfill an
assignment
Work: To convey information
Aspect 3: Outcomes
College: Feedback, grade
Work: Follow-up action

14. Vocabulary of Comparing/Contrasting
Although on the contrary
both on the other hand
however similarly
in contrast though
like where (whereas)
while

15. Comparing and Contrasting
Can be as simple as comparing a
Kitten
to a
Puppy

16. Or It Can be as Complicated As Different Kinds of Cows
N T R A S T I N G C O M P A R I N G
Different Kinds of Cows

17. Most important: be organized and it will. . .
put a smile on your face.