1. Arguing Through Similarities and Differences
Comparison
Arguing Through Similarities and Differences

2. 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)

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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:

8. 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.

9. 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