Comparison and Contrast Defined

Comparison means to point out similarities; Contrast  means to point out differences.
It is very important, when writing,  to make a conscious decision to use comparison,
contrast or both.  When answering essay tests, etc.  it is also important to read what
is asked for clearly; again,  is it comparison, or contrast, or both?

Whenever we look between two courses of actions, two subjects, two or more of anything,
we are performing a comparison and contrast.  When you purchased your computer,
you most likely did a comparison and contrast between computers.  When you go to the
supermarket, and are choosing a shampoo, you are performing a comparison and
contrast.  Notice that the purpose of comparison and contrast is to provide similarities
and differences between subjects in the same class. Comparing and contrasting, for
example, life to a box of chocolates as Forest Gump did , is actually using what is called
an analogy.  An analogy is a special form of comparison and contrast which allows a writer
to compare and contrast subjects in different classes to make a point.  They are useful for
short illustration, but they will break down and become illogical sooner or later.  They
cannot be used as a form of evidence for supporting an argument, generalization, etc.
Analogies perform a valuable function in serving as one of many tools to clarify the
subject under discussion.  They are a uniquely human attribute.

Remember those yearly IQ tests given in school?  One section always contained such
items as: a fox is to a hen house as an eagle is to a: 1.) car  2.)  color, such as black
3.) triangle or 4.) fish.  I always looked forward to this section as for me, at least, this
was a very east part!  Lack of ability to recognize the relationship implied by an analogy
is cause for alarm.  Many incidences of head trauma will result in the inability to make
the connection between the two subjects.  So this innate  cognitive human ability is an
important one, but it is not one to dwell on when writing.

DO'S and Don'ts of Comparison and Contrast Writing

1.  Clarify the basis of your comparison and contrast

Always clearly state a thesis which not only identifies the subjects that will compared
and contrasted,  but it should also state the points that you will compare and contrast
the subjects on--i.e.you will compare and contrast a cadillac sedan with a Toyota sedan
on the points of  purchase price, upkeep, performance, and mileage.

2.  Use transitional words, or verbal indicators, to maintain coherence

Transitional words (links between sentences, paragraphs, or ideas) are occasionally
called verbal indicators as well.  These transitions are especially needed in comparison
and contrast writing to make for smoother movement between subjects and different
points of comparison and contrast.  A writer should not just write" Oranges are great
for your health.  Lemons are good for you too."  Better to write: "Oranges are great
for your health. Similarly, lemons are good for you too."  Some transitional words to
remember are:  whereas, but, in contrast to, unlike, like, as, likewise, similarly, also,
therefore, consequently, first, second, third, etc. , finally, and in conclusion.  Use these
to move all writing along smoothly.  These will enable the writer to establish coherence,
and the reader will appreciate a smooth reading of the material.

3.  Organize:  Block and Alternate Organization

There are two ways to organize any comparison and contrast.  First, block organization
places each subject in separate paragraphs and discusses everything about subject A
first, and then discusses all the same points on subject B separately.  For example:

I.  Cadillac  Sedan                         II.  Toyota Sedan

     A.  Purchase Price                          A.  Purchase Price
     B.  Performance                              B.  Performance
     C.  Upkeep                                      C.  Upkeep
     D.  Mileage                                     D.  Mileage

The second method is called the alternate method because it alternates subjects
according to the points being discussed.  Subjects will be in the same paragraph.
This type of organization needs more transitions than block because the writer is
constantly switching from subject A to subject B.  For example:

I.  Purchase Price              II.  Performance          III.  Upkeep           IV.  Mileage
    A.  Cadillac                          A. Cadillac                     A.  Cadillac            A.  Cadillac
    B.  Toyota                            B.  Toyota                     B.  Toyota              B.  Toyota

Regardless of which pattern you use, be sure and compare and contrast on each
point discussed.

Top of Page

• Does the writer  have a clearly stated topic ?
• Does it  name the topic and points of comparison and contrast?
• Are transitions used,  between subjects/points, for coherence?
• Is the writing organized using either alternate or block organization?
• If analogies are used, are they logical and to the point?

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           Last Updated:  July, 2003
            Patricia A. Hutchins
            http://www.delta.edu/pahutchi/compcont.html