1. Basic Principles of Comparing and Contrasting
Common Places: Integrated Reading and Writing
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2. job in Dallas or the one in
Should I take the
job in Dallas or the one in
San Francisco? Should
we even consider the
job in Mayhew?
All three
offers look really promising. But there are so many factors to consider.
Sometimes the best way to analyze two things is to compare and contrast.

3. To compare and contrast, choose two things in the same category.
Dallas vs. San Francisco
This is a fair comparison because both are large cities with lots of job opportunities, entertainment options, shopping, and other amenities.
Dallas vs. Mayhew (population 1200)
This is not necessarily a fair comparison because Dallas offers many more amenities (and jobs) than a small town such as Mayhew.
To compare and contrast, choose two things in the same category.

4. compare Dallas and San Francisco.
Let’s
compare Dallas and San Francisco.
We’ll need to do a comparison of grocery prices.
How do the
costs of utilities compare?
I’m worried about transportation costs.
Determine the features (or points or criteria) you will use to compare the two things.
I know housing expenses can vary widely.
$$ ???

5. Living
in San Francisco
Living in Dallas
Comparing and contrasting is the analysis of similarities and differences in the categories you’ve chosen.

6. The End