Comparing and Contrasting
For sample essays and advice on writing a comparison-and-contrast essay, see Ch. 7.
Set a pair of subjects side by side to compare and contrast them. When you compare, you point out similarities; when you contrast, you discuss differences. You can use two basic methods of organization for comparison and contrast—the opposing pattern and the alternating pattern—as illustrated for a comparison and contrast of two brothers.
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| OPPOSING PATTERN,SUBJECT BY SUBJECT | ALTERNATING PATTERN,POINT BY POINT |
|
Subject A: Jim |
Point 1: Appearance |
|
Point 1: Appearance |
Subject A: Jim |
|
Point 2: Personality |
Subject B: Jack |
|
Point 3: Interests |
Point 2: Personality |
|
Subject B: Jack |
Subject A: Jim |
|
Point 1: Appearance |
Subject B: Jack |
|
Point 2: Personality |
Point 3: Interests |
|
Point 3: Interests |
Subject A: Jim |
|
Subject B: Jack |
You need a reason to compare and contrast—a final evaluation, perhaps a decision about which thing is better or another purpose. For example, compare Jack and Jim to do more than point out lanky or curly hair. Use their differences to highlight their powerful bond as brothers or their similarities to support a generalization about a family strength.
The next selection comes from “The Epidemic of Childhood Obesity: Learn the Facts” on the Let’s Move Web site. To answer “How did we get here?” this passage begins with the alternating pattern, first contrasting lifestyles (in alternating paragraphs) for children three decades ago and children today. Next it shifts to snacks, portion sizes, and total caloric intake, each topic alternating within its own paragraph.
Thirty years ago, most people led lives that kept them at a healthy weight. Kids walked to and from school every day, ran around at recess, participated in gym class, and played for hours after school before dinner. Meals were home-cooked with reasonable portion sizes and there was always a vegetable on the plate. Eating fast food was rare and snacking between meals was an occasional treat.
Today, children experience a very different lifestyle. Walks to and from school have been replaced by car and bus rides. Gym class and after-school sports have been cut; afternoons are now spent with TV, video games, and the Internet. Parents are busier than ever and families eat fewer home-cooked meals. Snacking between meals is now commonplace.
Thirty years ago, kids ate just one snack a day, whereas now they are trending toward three snacks, resulting in an additional 200 calories a day. And one in five school-age children has up to six snacks a day.
Portion sizes have also exploded—they are now two to five times bigger than they were in years past. Beverage portions have grown as well—in the mid-1970s, the average sugar-sweetened beverage was 13.6 ounces compared to today, where kids think nothing of drinking 20 ounces of sugar-sweetened beverages at a time.
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In total, we are now eating 31 percent more calories than we were forty years ago—including 56 percent more fats and oils and 14 percent more sugars and sweeteners. The average American now eats fifteen more pounds of sugar a year than in 1970.
The selection concludes with a final contrast to guide readers to solutions.
Now that’s the bad news. The good news is that by making just a few lifestyle changes, we can help our children lead healthier lives—and we already have the tools we need to do it. We just need the will.
DISCOVERY CHECKLIST
Is your reason for comparing and contrasting unmistakably clear? Does it support or develop your main idea or thesis?
Have you chosen to write about the major similarities and differences?
Have you compared or contrasted like things? Have you discussed the same categories or features for each item?
Have you selected points of comparison and supporting details that will intrigue, enlighten, and persuade your audience?
Have you used the best possible arrangement, given your subject and the point you’re trying to make?
If you are making a judgment, have you treated both subjects fairly?
Have you avoided moving mechanically from “On the one hand” to “On the other hand”?
Learning by Doing Comparing and Contrasting
Learning by Doing
Comparing and Contrasting
Write a paragraph or two in which you compare and contrast the subjects in one of the following pairs. Exchange drafts with classmates for response, using questions from the Discovery Checklist.
cash versus credit
childhood versus adulthood
dogs versus cats (or other pets)
high school versus college
living in an apartment (or dorm) and living in a house
Nintendo Wii versus Playstation
paper versus plastic at the grocery store
Star Wars versus Star Trek
two classes you are taking
two familiar cities, communities, or neighborhoods
two musicians, artists, or performers
watching a movie in a theater versus watching at home