Unit 7: Comparison and Contrast
Comparison and Contrast Method
The Comparison and Contrast method is an expository technique used to understand a subject by examining its similarities and/or differences with another subject.
It is best applied to closely related subjects that might be easily confused (e.g., mortality vs. morbidity), not unrelated items (e.g., cell phone vs. bench).
Comparison evaluates similarities; Contrast assesses differences.
Beyond identifying points, effective comparison and contrast requires analysis and evaluation to draw meaningful conclusions or facilitate decision-making, especially at the tertiary level.
Two Methods for Application:
Open Method: Lists all similarities, then all differences, without pre-specified criteria. Useful for extensive brainstorming but can be repetitive.
Focussed (Closed) Method: Establishes specific criteria against which each subject is measured. Ideal when the writer has a specific purpose or standard.
Strategies for Effectiveness:
Brainstorm extensively using the open method initially.
Focus points on significant factors relevant to your purpose, avoiding superficial details.
Define a clear goal for the comparison (e.g., making a decision, exploring understanding).
Analyze and evaluate all generated information to draw accurate conclusions.
Identifying Suitable Topics:
Topics must feature two subjects that are closely related.
The presence of "and" does not automatically mean comparison/contrast; assess if cause/effect or another relationship is implied (e.g., "Recession and the stock market" is cause/effect).
Ensure at least 3-4 solid bases for both comparison and contrast can be generated.
Thesis Statement Development:
A single sentence that coordinates points, highlights contrasting features and comparisons, and states the clear focus and purpose of the essay.
Should be concise, not a long list of points.
Introduction Components:
Establish the context and importance of the area of focus.
Explicitly identify the two subjects.
State the basis on which they will be compared/contrasted (often the thesis statement).
Typically 3-8 sentences long.
Essay Assessment:
Ensure the basis of comparison/contrast is clearly developed in paragraphs.
Avoid simplistic thesis statements (e.g., "There are similarities and differences…") that lack purpose.
Maintain a balanced and objective assessment, justifying any emphasis on similarities or differences.
The Comparison and Contrast method is an expository technique used to understand a subject by examining its similarities and/or differences with another subject. This method is best applied to closely related subjects that might be easily confused, such as mortality versus morbidity, rather than unrelated items like a cell phone versus a bench. Specifically, comparison evaluates similarities, while contrast assesses differences. Beyond merely identifying points, effective comparison and contrast requires in-depth analysis and evaluation to draw meaningful conclusions or facilitate decision-making, especially at the tertiary level.
There are two primary methods for applying this technique. The Open Method involves listing all similarities first, then all differences, without pre-specified criteria. While useful for extensive brainstorming, it can sometimes be repetitive. Conversely, the Focussed (Closed) Method establishes specific criteria against which each subject is measured, making it ideal when the writer has a specific purpose or standard in mind.
To ensure effectiveness, several strategies can be employed. It is often beneficial to brainstorm extensively using the Open Method initially. Subsequently, focus points should be centered on significant factors relevant to your purpose, actively avoiding superficial details. A clear goal for the comparison must be defined, such as making a decision or exploring understanding. Finally, it is crucial to analyze and evaluate all generated information to draw accurate conclusions.
When identifying suitable topics for this method, the subjects must be closely related. The presence of "and" in a topic does not automatically signify a comparison/contrast opportunity; it is important to assess if a cause/effect or another relationship is implied, for instance, "Recession and the stock market" suggests a cause/effect dynamic. It is also important to ensure at least 3-4 solid bases for both comparison and contrast can be generated.
Developing a strong thesis statement is key. This should be a single sentence that coordinates points, highlights contrasting features and comparisons, and clearly states the focus and purpose of the essay. It should be concise, not a long list of points.
The introduction components typically include establishing the context and importance of the area of focus, explicitly identifying the two subjects, and stating the basis on which they will be compared or contrasted, which is often contained within the thesis statement. An introduction is typically 3-8 sentences long.
For essay assessment, ensure the basis of comparison/contrast is clearly developed in paragraphs. Avoid simplistic thesis statements, such as "There are similarities and differences…," as these lack a clear purpose. Maintain a balanced and objective assessment, justifying any emphasis placed on either similarities or differences.