1. Comparison/Contrast
Getting Started

2. Why Compare?
When we compare or contrast something, it is usually for a reason:
To decide which one is better
To determine which has the most
Which costs less
Whatever the situation, we often compare two items to determine which item is most suitable.

3. Why Compare? The key to comparison/contrast is being consistent.
We can’t make a good decision about which is better if we don’t cover the information in a clear, consistent manner.
For Example: If I am comparing two digital cameras to determine which I want to buy, it won’t help to compare the pixel size of a Canon to the lens quality of an Olympus.
I must set up clear criteria and use that criteria for each item being compared.

4. Step 1 - Choosing a topic Choose a topic that you can say a lot about.
Choose something that, in the conclusion, you finish by indicating which item you would choose or prefer.
It can be about something you use, like computer software; something you play, like games; someplace you have lived or visited, like a hometown or vacation spot..
Choose any topic that you can give detailed information about.

5. Choosing a topic
You must be sure that whatever you choose to compare has a basis for comparison.
If I compare apples and oranges, the basis for comparison is that they are both fruit.
If I decide to compare jet airplanes with basketballs, the basis might be that they both are involved with air. However, I don’t really have a solid basis of comparison; therefore, the topic won’t work.

6. Step 2 - Choosing Criteria
Once your topic is chosen, you must then choose at least three criteria to help form your comparison.
Physical attributes
Color
texture
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin C
Calcium
Uses
Pies
juices

7. Step 3 - Organization Next, decide on a format.
There are two ways to organize a comparison contrast:
Block
Point by Point

8. Block Format The first half of the paper covers one item
The second half covers the other item
Apples
Physical Attributes
Vitamins and Minerals
Uses
Oranges
Example from book: “Grant and Lee” (314-16)

9. Point-by-Point Format
Covers the information one point at a time
Physical Attributes
Apples
Oranges
Vitamins and Minerals
Uses
Example from book: “Aben and James” (311-13)

10. Step 4 - Putting it all together
Either format works, but the point-by-point tends to be easiest.
Since you are covering one criterion per paragraph, it is hard to insert extra information about one side that you don’t address for the other side.

11. In the Nutshell That’s comparison/contrast in a nutshell.
The key to success with this format it to pick a topic you can give detailed information about and to be consistent.
Good luck!