1. COMPARISON/CONTRAST Definitions
*To compare is to show similarities (likenesses).
*To contrast is to show differences.
For example, when shopping for a stereo system, a buyer may read a consumer guide, gather information on the internet, read the newspaper, or get testimonials from friends, so he/she may make an informed decision. Any number of factors could be used when contrasting stereos, several of which are cost, reliabili8ty, special features, and space.
Horn * English Studies

2. COMPARISON/CONTRAST Two Techniques
Strategies for organizing information
Establish meaningful similarities/differences
Subjects in the same class
Helps us make informed decisions based on facts
Comparison/contrast is used for different topics and purposes.
Comparison/contrast may be separate or combined.

3. COMPARISON/CONTRAST Whole-by-Whole Method or Divided
Introduction--shows two subjects that are being contrasted and lists 3-4 differences.
Paragraph 2-mentions the first subject and discusses the differences, using facts and a transition.
Paragraph 3-mentions the second subject and discusses the differences, using facts.
Paragraph 4-conclusion--shows one subject is superior to the other or that both are comparable (equal.)

4. COMPARISON/CONTRAST Part-By-Part or Point-by-Point or Alternating
Introduction—lists the two subjects that are being contrasted in 3-4 areas
Paragraph 2--discusses subjects 1 and 2 in the first area of difference, giving facts and using transitions

5. COMPARISON/CONTRAST (ALTERNATING)
(continued)
Paragraph 3--discusses subjects 1 and 2 in the second area of difference, giving facts and using transitions
Paragraph 4--discusses subjects 1 and 2 in the third area of difference, giving facts and using transitions.

6. COMPARISON/CONTRAST (ALTERNATING)
Paragraph 5--(optional) discusses subjects 1 and 2
in the fourth difference, giving facts and using transitions.
Paragraph 6--The conclusion shows one subject is
superior to the other, or both are equal.

7. COMPARISON/CONTRAST Application of Whole-by-Whole Method
Topic: HCCS vs. University of Houston
Paragraph 1: Establishes two subjects (HCCS and U of H) are being compared and contrasted. This is the introduction, which lists one similarity and 3-4 differences.
Note: This essay will require the internet for facts and statistics.
Paragraph 2: HCCS (name of first subject.) Subject 1 will be discussed in terms of the following:
Cost
Financial assistance (grants and scholarships)
Class size (teacher-to-student ratio)
Resources (tutoring, advising, computers and lab aides, books in library)

8. Application of Whole-by-Whole Method
Paragraph 3: University of Houston (name of second subject) Subject 2 will be discussed in terms of the following:
Cost
Financial assistance
Class size
Resources
Paragraph 4: This is the conclusion, which shows that one is superior or that both are equal.

9. COMPARISON/CONTRAST Application of Part-by-Part Method
Paragraph 1: The introduction shows in list format that two subjects
are similar in one area and they differ in 3-4 areas.
Paragraph 2: Difference 1 – Cost
HCCS
University of Houston
Note: Use facts and statistics from the internet as evidence.

10. Application of Part-by-Part Method
Paragraph 3: Difference 2 – Financial assistance
HCCS
University of Houston
Note: Use facts and statistics from the internet as evidence.
Paragraph 4: Difference 3 – Class size

11. Application of Part-by-Part Method
Paragraph 5: Difference 4 –Resources
HCCS
University of Houston
Note: Use facts and statistics from the internet as evidence.
Paragraph 6: This is the conclusion, which shows that one
Is superior or that both are equal.

12. COMPARISON/CONTRAST Advantages and Disadvantages of Part-by-Part Method
Better for short essays
Differences are easier to spot because they are lined up
Can be short, choppy, and disorganized without proper transitions, such as however, on the other hand, conversely

13. COMPARISON/CONTRAST Advantages and Disadvantages of Whole-by-Whole Method
Better for longer essays when background information is needed or when the reader wants to display a lot of information at a glance
Can be viewed as a separate essay if no transitions are used
Takes longer for readers to see the difference, since they are not aligned

14. COMPARISON/CONTRAST Internet Assignment
Directions: Compare two subjects in one area and contrast them in 3-4 areas. NO CARS or SCHOOLS! Suggestions follow on the following page.
Purpose of Assignment: Use the internet to research a topic. Because there is so much information available, you must first decide which facts to include that will enhance you essay. Secondly, highlight the points you will use in your essay. Third, decide which method is more appropriate—part-by-part or point-by-point.
Note: Attach all internet notes to your essay.

15. REMINDERS
Whether you quote directly or paraphrase from the internet, you must give credit to the source or author by using parenthetical references. Important: Failure to cite a source may cause a student to receive an F on the assignment.

16. POSSIBLE TOPICS Computers Animals Actors Philosophers:
Computers
Computers
Animals
Actors
Philosophers
Recording Artists
Politicians
Talk Show Hosts
Writers
TV shows
Dancing
Horn * English Studies

17. CONCLUSION
Shows one is superior to the other or that both are equal.

18. Determining the Organizational Pattern
COMPARISON/CONTRAST
Determining the Organizational Pattern
The writer determines how he/she wishes to organize the material for proper effect.
The writer needs to consider the topic, purpose, and how much an audience knows about the subject matter.
Remember: Your purpose is to inform and then recommend based on what the research suggests, not based on your personal opinion. As a writer, you must assume your readers have some information about the topic, but they are not “experts.” It is hoped that after you research the topic, you will learn more about your subject.