Operating Definitions and Guidelines for Writing - Methods of Development
Comparison

1. What is comparison?

The method of development in which the writer examines the similarities and/or differences between persons, objects, or ideas to support a point.

Essential Features

a. A way of thinking that we use unconsciously to make decisions.

b. It has these three types -

The 3 Types of Comparisons

Straight

Contrast

Analogy

Emphasizes

Both similarities and differences

Mostly differences

Mostly similarities

Objects come from

The same class

The same class

Different classes

2. Why do writers use comparison?

  • To show that things which appear similar are really different
  • To show that things which appear different are really similar
  • To evaluate
  • To explain the unfamiliar in terms of the familiar

3. What are the structural patterns for a comparison?

a. Point by point
b. Block
c. Mixed

4. How can readers and writers recognize comparison when they see it? Look for these items. If most of them are there, it’s highly likely that the text is a comparison.

a. Look for objects being compared
b. Identify the points of comparison
c. Find the purpose for the comparison
d. Discern the structural pattern
e. Look for these transitions

Similarly
And
Both
Neither
Like
Also
Too
In addition
As well as
In contrast
While
But
Yet
However

Although
Whereas
On the other hand
Another difference
Just as …, so…
Unlike
Conversely

5. How does one write a comparison essay?
Follow these steps being especially careful to observe the rules in boldface below.

a. Observe people and life and cultivate the habit of looking for fruitful comparisons, those that fulfill one of the purposes in #2.

b. Be sure that the objects are in the same class so that there is a clear basis for the comparison. The academic comparison must be fair; one does not compare apples to oranges.

c. List the points of comparison down the left side on a chart like the one below. List the objects of comparison along the top. Before writing, note the details briefly in the blocks. Write the body paragraphs according to the details. When revising, double check against the grid to be sure that each point of comparison is actually applied to each object. The academic comparison must be balanced.

Objects of Comparison >>>>

Points of comparison

down arrow

A

B

C

1.

Detail that applies point 1 to object A

Detail that applies point 1 to object B

Detail that applies point 1 to object C

2.

Detail that applies point 2 to object A

Detail that applies point 2 to object B

Detail that applies point 2 to object C

3.

Detail that applies point 3 to object A

Detail that applies point 3 to object B

Detail that applies point 3 to object C

d. Decide whether a block or point by point organization works best for the purpose selected.

e. Be sure to tell what one learns from making the comparison.

6. How does the thesis pattern for comparison go?

  • One possibility: A look at ____ (objects of comparison) in terms of ___ (the points of comparison) shows that ___ (general finding)
  • Another possibility: Looking at ___ (object A) and ___ (object B) shows that although they seem ___ (similar/different), they really are ___ (different/similar).

7. How can one practice recognizing academic comparisons?

In outside reading (not English or reading textbooks), look for items placed in relation to one another and evaluated. Look for the words and transitions which indicate comparison. Look also for examples in film.

An Example and Option for Comparison Writing

If a comparison is assigned, think it through as above, and ask these questions also: in what area of life is there information which can be fruitfully compared? What purpose listed above does it serve? Who can benefit from knowing this information? These are some possible outlines for comparison writing.

Block

I. Introduction that uses a college-level strategy, states how the subject came up, features a thesis stated in the prescribed pattern, and identifies the audience who can benefit from knowing this information.

II. Body

A. Object A

1. Point of contrast 1
2. Point of contrast 2
3. Point of contrast 3 . . .

B. Object B

1. Point of contrast 1
2. Point of contrast 2
3. Point of contrast 3 . . .

III. Conclusion



Point By Point

I. Same type of introduction

II. Body

A. Point of contrast 1

1. Object A
2. Object B

B. Point of contrast 2

1. Object A
2. Object B

C. Point of contrast 3

1. Object A
2. Object B

III. Conclusion