This document discusses three methods for organizing a compare and contrast writing paragraph: point-by-point/category-by-category, subject-by-subject, and similarities followed by differences. The point-by-point method discusses each point or category until fully covered. The subject-by-subject method writes about one subject then the other, covering the same categories for each. The similarities/differences method first discusses all differences between subjects then all similarities. Examples and outlines are provided for each organization method.

1. Patterns for Organization
with
Compare and Contrast
Writing
VS.

2. Compare and Contrast
Let’s look at different ways we can approach
writing a paragraph that compares and
contrasts a beach vacation vs. a snow or ski
vacation.
April 14, 2014
Copyright Rasmussen, Inc. 2011.
Proprietary and Confidential.
2
VS.

3. Begin with Brainstorming

4. 3 Methods of Organization
You choose the one that works for you!
• Method One: Point-by-Point or Category-by
Category
• Method Two: Subject-by-Subject
• Method Three: Similarities followed by
differences

5. Method One: Point –by-Point
Category-by-Category
State a point and follow with details (elaboration).
State the next point and follow with details.
April 14, 2014
Copyright Rasmussen, Inc. 2011.
Proprietary and Confidential.
5

6. Point-by-Point
• Discuss each point until you have covered each of
your categories:
1. Weather at the beach vs. the mountains
2. Activities at the beach vs. the mountains
3. Gear at the beach vs. the mountains
1. Motivation for going on vacation
2. Protection from the elements at both locations
3. Travel to both locations

7. Method One: Point –by-Point
Category-by-Category
I. Beach and Snow
A. Contrast
1. Weather
2. Activities
3. Gear
B. Compare
1. Motivation
2. Protection
3. Travel

8. Outline-Point by Point: Weather
I. Beach and Snow
A. Weather
A. When choosing to go on a beach vacation, you are
hoping for sunshine, warm nights and 80 degree days
with no rain.
B. The heat from the sun combined with the refreshing
cool water from the ocean or the pool is ideal for a
beach vacation, but make sure you have plenty of
sunscreen to combat the harmful rays from the sun.
C. If a ski vacation is on your horizon, you should plan for
fresh snowfall and temperatures in the 30’s.
D. If the weather is in the 30’s, there is a good chance
that you will be awarded with fresh powder for skiing.

9. Transition Words to Signal
Comparison and Contrast
Comparison:
o also
o much like
o both
o one way
o in the same way
o similarly
o much as
o another way
o likewise
o as
Contrast:
o although
o on the one hand
o even though
o on the other hand
o by contrast
o otherwise
o but
o though
o however

10. Example Point-by-Point Sentences:
Weather
The weather is one of clearest differences between a
beach vacation and a ski vacation. When choosing to go
on a beach vacation, you are hoping for sunshine, warm
nights and 80 degree days with no rain. The heat from the
sun combined with the refreshing cool water from the
ocean or the pool is ideal for a beach vacation, but make
sure you have plenty of sunscreen to combat the harmful
rays from the sun. However, if a ski vacation is on your
horizon, you should plan for fresh snowfall and
temperatures in the 30’s. If the weather is in the 30’s,
there is a good chance that you will be awarded with fresh
powder to ski on. Weather plays a major role when
deciding between going to the beach or the mountains.
Supporting
Detail
Sentences

11. Method Two: Subject-by-Subject
Write a topic sentence.
Discuss one subject, the beach vacation.
Write about all of the categories.
Categories: weather, activities, gear, motivation, travel, and
protection from elements
Then discuss the next subject, the ski vacation.
Discuss the same categories: weather, activities, gear,
motivation, travel, and protection from elements
Wrap up with concluding statement.
April 14, 2014
Copyright Rasmussen, Inc. 2011.
Proprietary and Confidential.
11

12. Visual Look: Subject-by-Subject
Topic Sentence
Beach
– 2 sentences about weather (differences)
– 2 sentences about activities (differences)
– 2 sentences about gear (differences)
– 1 sentence about motivation (similarities)
– 1 sentences about protection from the elements (similarities)
– 1 sentence about travel (similarities)
Snow
– 2 sentences about weather (differences)
– 2 sentences about activities (differences)
– 2 sentences about gear (differences)
– 1 sentence about motivation (similarities)
– 1 sentences about protection from the elements (similarities)
– 1 sentence about travel (similarities)
Concluding Sentence
April 14, 2014
Copyright Rasmussen, Inc. 2011.
Proprietary and Confidential.
12

13. Method 3: Similarities and Differences
First, discuss all of the differences between the
two subjects and then discuss all of the
similarities between the two subjects.

14. Method 3: Similarities and Differences
Contrast (Differences)
I. Beach and Snow
Vacations
A. Contrast
1. Weather
2. Activities
3. Gear
Compare (Similarities)
I. Beach and Snow
Vacations
A. Compare
1. Motivation
2. Protection from
the elements
3. Travel