This document discusses comparison and contrast as a writing technique. It provides examples of comparing trivial topics like food choices as well as more complex comparisons of legal systems or sports. The document outlines two basic patterns for organizing a comparison/contrast paper: block pattern and alternating pattern. The block pattern discusses one subject at a time in separate sections while the alternating pattern discusses points about both subjects together. Key elements to compare like audience, purpose, and outcomes are given. Finally, common transition words for comparing and contrasting are listed.

1. Comparison/Contrast
Karen S. Wright

2. Making comparisons examines
two or more items:
•Items alike
•Items different
•Or items that are both

3. Some Issues are Trivial
Whether to order. . .
hot, juicy pizza
or
a sub sandwich

4. Should I buy a. . .
Ford
or
Chevy?

5. Comparisons Also Discuss Unfamiliar Things
A sportswriter
might compare:
The English sport
of rugby
American football

6. A history teacher might compare:
France’s court system
United States court system

7. Comparisons Influence Important Decisions
What will be
your major?
chemistry
engineering
law medicine

8. Comparisons Must Share Common
Ground
Two golfers:
Driving ability
Putting ability
Sand play
Preferred clubs

9. Organizing a Comparison
There are two basic patterns to organize a
comparison/contrast paper:
Block Pattern
Alternating Pattern

10. Block Organization
In the block style of organization, each subject is
discussed one at a time.
Each section needs
to be short.
Readers can only
remember short
pieces of information.

11. Block Style
For an essay that compares and
contrasts writing in college and
writing at work:
Subject A: Writing in College
Point 1: Audience Instructor
Point 2: Purpose To
fulfill an
assignment.
Point 3: Outcomes: Feedback,
evaluation,
grade

12. Block Organization
Subject B: Writing at Work
Point 1: Audience:
Boss or customer
Point 2: Purpose :
To convey information
Point 3: Outcomes:
Follow-up action

13. Point-By Point Organization
Point 1: Audience
College: Instructor
Work: Boss
Point 2: Purpose
College: To fulfill an
assignment
Work: To convey information
Point 3: Outcomes
College: Feedback, grade
Work: Follow-up action

14. Vocabulary of
Comparing/Contrasting
Although on the contrary
both on the other hand
however similarly
in contrast though
like where (whereas)
while

15. Can be as simple as comparing a
to a
Puppy
Kitten

16. C
O
M
P
A
R
I
N
G
C
O
N
T
R
A
S
T
I
N
GDifferent Kinds of Cows

17. Most important: be organized
and it will. . .
put a smile on your face.