Purdue University North Central Writing Center Handout

Comparison and Contrast

Here are three main forms of comparison and contrast:

1.         To inform about an unfamiliar subject by relating it to another subject more familiar to the reader.  For example:

                        Relating a prehistoric jaguar (unfamiliar) to a domestic cat (familiar).

2.         To inform about two unfamiliar subjects by relating them to a familiar general principle or idea which applies to both.  For example:

Plot structures of mystery books (familiar principle) related to Vertigo and Murder in the Pagoda (unfamiliar subjects)

3.         To inform about an unfamiliar general principle or idea by comparing and             contrasting two representatives of it.  For example:

Show how popular music reflects mass culture (unfamiliar idea), by  comparing and contrasting bluegrass and rock (familiar representatives).

Three methods of organizing your paper:

1.         Whole-by-Whole Method:  Fully present subject A, then fully present subject B.  For example: 

Present all information about the prehistoric jaguar, then present all information about the domestic cat.  

2.         Part-to-Part Method:  Present a part of subject A, a part of subject B, another part of subject A, another part of subject B. . .  For example:

Present the skeletal structure of the prehistoric jaguar (A), then the skeletal structure of the domestic cat (B).  Next, present the feeding habits of the prehistoric jaguar (A), then the feeding habits of the domestic cat (B), and so on.

3.            Likeness-Difference Method:  Present all the ways subjects A and B are alike, then present all the ways they differ (or vice versa).  For example:

Present all the ways prehistoric jaguars and domestic cats are alike, then present all the ways they are different.

Remember

·        Narrow your thesis to enable the point of your paper to be made clearly

·        Know enough about your subjects to be able to speak with authority

·        Strive for a balanced presentation of each subject

·        Document all sources

This information sheet is meant to be used as a guideline for structuring a comparison and contrast paper.  For more detailed information, consult your instructor or ask a Writing Center tutor for help.  A one-on-one tutoring session may help you focus your ideas.

WCdsk\compare&.doc