Comparison & Contrast

Why are we learning this? 

• Analyze how the writer/ speaker use the compare/contrast method to achieve a purpose to PURPOSE ( make a point, assert an argument) 

• Learn to employ the method in our writing to accomplish the same thing. 

• (same things as narration and description)

What does Compare and contrast mean? 

• Compare examination of similarities

• Contrast examination of differences

Purpose: Two types of Comparison 

• Strict Comparison: examine subjects from the same category 

• Fanciful Comparison: examine subjects that are seemingly very different (more metaphorical) 

• FYI: difficult to base an entire essay on this type of comparison; good for underscoring or

highlighting dramatic similarities (essentially, used as a rhetorical device to attract the reader to an argument)

Audience

• What the reader knows about the subjects compared/contrasted with the amount of detail and defining necessary 

Two well-known things:

Two little known things:

One known and one unknown thing:

Try to compare a balanced ( talk about both equally as much) 

Strategies

• Divided pattern (subject by subject): present one subject in its entirety, then the other. 

• Alternating pattern (point by point): provides information first on the aspect of the topic, then on another (and so on.) 

The two are NOT Mutually Exclusive

• It is BEST to combine the divided and alternating patterns whenever possible. 

Guidelines For Writing 

1. Balance Parts 

2.  Include Reminders (why we are comparing/contrasting these subjects) 

3. Supply reasons (this is often the overall argument)