Generating Ideas

For strategies for generating ideas, see Ch. 19.

Find Two Subjects. Pick subjects you can compare and contrast purposefully. An examination question may give them to you, ready-made: “Compare and contrast ancient Roman sculpture with that of the ancient Greeks.” But suppose you have to find your subjects for yourself. You’ll need to choose things that have a sensible basis for comparison, a common element.

moon rocks + stars = no common element

Dallas + Atlanta = cities to consider settling in

Jimmy Fallon + Jimmy Kimmel = television talk-show personalities

Besides having a common element, the subjects should share enough to compare but differ enough to throw each other into sharp relief.

sports cars + racing cars = common element + telling differences

sports cars + oil tankers = limited common element + unpromising differences

Try generating a list or brainstorming. Recall what you’ve recently read, discussed, or spotted on the Web. Let your mind skitter around in search of pairs that go together, or play the game of free association, jotting down a word and whatever it brings to mind: Democrats? Republicans. New York? Los Angeles. Facebook? LinkedIn. Or try the following questions:

DISCOVERY CHECKLIST

  • Do you know two people who are strikingly different in attitude or behavior (perhaps your parents or two brothers, two friends, two teachers)?
  • Can you think of two groups that are both alike and different (perhaps two teams, two clubs, two sets of relatives)?
  • Have you taken two courses that were quite different but both valuable?
  • Do you prefer one of two places where you have lived or visited?
  • Can you recall two events in your life that shared similar aspects but turned out to be quite different (perhaps two sporting events, two romances, two vacations, the births of two children, an event then and now)?
  • Can you compare and contrast two holidays or two family customs?
  • Are you familiar with two writers, two artists, or two musicians who seem to have similar goals but quite different accomplishments?

Once you have a list of pairs, put a star by those that seem promising. Ask yourself what similarities immediately come to mind. What differences? Can you jot down several of each? Are these striking, significant similarities and differences? If not, move on until you discover a workable pair.

Limit Your Scope. If you want to compare and contrast Japanese literature and American literature in 750 words, your task is probably impossible. But to cut down the size of your subject, you might compare and contrast, say, a haiku of Bashō about a snake with a short poem about a snake by Emily Dickinson. This topic you could cover in 750 words.

Develop Your Pair to Build Support. As you examine your two subjects, your goal is twofold. First, analyze each using a similar approach so you have a reasonable basis for comparison and contrast. Then find the details and examples that will support your points. Consider these sources of support:

For more on interviewing, see Ch. 6.

See B1–B2 in the Quick Research Guide for advice on finding a few useful sources. For more on using sources for support, see Ch. 12.

Two events, processes, procedures Ask a reporter’s questions — 5 W’s (who, what, where, when, why) and an H (how).
Two events from the past Using the same questions, interview someone present at each event, or read news or other accounts.
Two perceptions (public and private) Interview someone behind the scenes; read or listen to contrasting views.
Two approaches or viewpoints Browse online for Web sites or pages that supply different examples.
Two policies or options Look for articles reporting studies or government statistics.