1. Understanding Comparison and Contrast
Informational Text
Understanding Comparison and Contrast

2. Comparison and Contrast
When you compare, you look at two or more things and see how they are the same; when you contrast, you look for differences.
Look at these two photographs of eggs. First compare the two photographs. Then contrast them.
Using a Venn Diagram

3. Comparison and Contrast
To compare and contrast things, writers use a compare-and-contrast organizational pattern. Writers use one of two methods.
Block method
The writer discusses all the features of subject 1, then all the features of subject 2.
Point-by-point method
The writer chooses a feature and shows how it applies to subject 1, then how it applies to subject 2.

4. Comparison and Contrast
To use the block method, discuss all the features of subject 1. Then discuss all the features of subject 2.
Topic–eggs
Topic-eggs
Subject 2
Subject 1
Container– nest
Container-basket
Setting-natural
Setting– artificial

5. Comparison and Contrast
To use the point-by-point method, choose a feature and show how it applies to subject 1. Then show how each feature applies to subject 2.
Subject 1
Subject 2
Topic–eggs
Topic-eggs
Feature 1
Container-basket
Container– nest
Feature 2
Setting– artificial
Feature 3
Setting-natural

6. Comparison and Contrast
Remember, when you compare two or more things, think about how they are the same; when you contrast, you look for differences.
These two dragons are the same in some ways and different in other ways.

7. Comparison and Contrast
To compare the dragons of Pern in “The Smallest Dragonboy,” you would look for ways in which the dragons are the same.
They all bond with a human for life.
They all help defend the planet from the evil Thread.

8. Comparison and Contrast
To contrast the dragons of Pern, you would look for ways in which they are different.
Green dragons are small and fast.
Brown dragons are large and strong.
Only the huge bronze dragons can mate with the queen.

9. Comparison and Contrast Point-by-Point Method
In “Here Be Dragons,” the writer compares and contrasts dragons. Which method does the writer use?
Point-by-Point Method
Block Method
Subject 1: Eastern dragons
Feature 1: Behavior
Feature 2: Origins
Feature 3: Appearance
Feature 1: Behavior
Subject 1: Eastern dragons
Subject 2: Western dragons
Feature 2: Origins
Subject 1: Eastern dragons
Subject 2: Western dragons
Subject 2: Western dragons
Feature 1: Behavior
Feature 2: Origins
Feature 3: Appearance

10. Comparison and Contrast
The End