Comparison/Contrast Getting Started. Why Compare? When we compare or contrast something, it is...
Transcript of Comparison/Contrast Getting Started. Why Compare? When we compare or contrast something, it is...
Comparison/Contrast
Getting Started
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Step 3 - Organization Next, decide on a format. There are two ways to organize a comparison
contrast: Block Point by Point
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 Physical Attributes Vitamins and Minerals Uses
Example from book: “Grant and Lee” (314-16)
Point-by-Point Format Covers the information one point at a time
Physical Attributes Apples Oranges
Vitamins and Minerals Apples Oranges
Uses Apples Oranges
Example from book: “Aben and James” (311-13)
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.
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!