Slide 1

Comparison/Contrast
Getting Started


Slide 2

Why Compare?
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When we compare or contrast something, it is
usually for a reason:
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To decide which one is better
To determine which has the most
Which costs less

Whatever the situation, we often compare two
items to determine which item is most
suitable.


Slide 3

Why Compare?
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The key to comparison/contrast is being consistent.
We can’t make a good decision about which is better
if we don’t cover the information in a clear, consistent
manner.
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For Example: If I am comparing two digital cameras to
determine which I want to buy, it won’t help to compare
the pixel size of a Canon to the lens quality of an
Olympus.
I must set up clear criteria and use that criteria for each
item being compared.


Slide 4

Step 1 - Choosing a topic
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Choose a topic that you can say a lot about.
Choose something that, in the conclusion, you finish
by indicating which item you would choose or prefer.
It can be about something you use, like computer
software; something you play, like games; someplace
you have lived or visited, like a hometown or vacation
spot..
Choose any topic that you can give detailed
information about.


Slide 5

Choosing a topic
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You must be sure that whatever you choose
to compare has a basis for comparison.
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If I compare apples and oranges, the basis for
comparison is that they are both fruit.
If I decide to compare jet airplanes with
basketballs, the basis might be that they both
are involved with air. However, I don’t really
have a solid basis of comparison; therefore,
the topic won’t work.


Slide 6

Step 2 - Choosing Criteria
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Once your topic is chosen, you must then choose at
least three criteria to help form your comparison.
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Physical attributes
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Vitamins and minerals
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Color
texture
Vitamin C
Calcium

Uses
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Pies
juices


Slide 7

Step 3 - Organization
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Next, decide on a format.
There are two ways to organize a comparison
contrast:
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Block
Point by Point


Slide 8

Block Format
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The first half of the paper covers one item
The second half covers the other item
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Apples
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Oranges
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Physical Attributes
Vitamins and Minerals
Uses
Physical Attributes
Vitamins and Minerals
Uses

Example from book: “Grant and Lee” (314-16)


Slide 9

Point-by-Point Format
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Covers the information one point at a time
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Physical Attributes
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Vitamins and Minerals
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Apples
Oranges

Uses
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Apples
Oranges

Apples
Oranges

Example from book: “Aben and James” (311-13)


Slide 10

Step 4 - Putting it all together
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Either format works, but the point-by-point
tends to be easiest.
Since you are covering one criterion per
paragraph, it is hard to insert extra
information about one side that you don’t
address for the other side.


Slide 11

In the Nutshell
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That’s comparison/contrast in a nutshell.
The key to success with this format it to pick a
topic you can give detailed information about
and to be consistent.
Good luck!