Everyone makes comparisons. When we compare, we examine two or more items for likenesses, differences, or both. Comparison often helps us choose between alternative. Comparison also acquaints us with unfamiliar things.
6.1 Selecting items for comparison
Any item you compare must share some common ground. There’s simply no basis for comparison. Any valid comparison, on the other hand, presents many possibilities.
6.2 Developing a comparison
Successful comparisons rest upon ample, well-chosen details that show just how the items under consideration are alike and different. Such support helps the reader grasp your meaning.
6.3 Organizing a comparison
You can use either of two basic patterns to organize a comparison paper: block of alternating. The paper may deal with similarities, differences, or some combination of them.
6.3.1 Block Pattern
The block pattern fist presents all of the points of comparison for one item and then all of the points of comparison for the other.
- Introduction: mentions similarities
- Specific points about A
- Specific points about B
- Conclusion: reasserts that either A or B is better than the other is.
6.3.2 Alternating Pattern
The alternating pattern presents a point about one item, then follows immediately with a corresponding point about the other.
- Introduction: offers similarities bet. A & B suggesting A is better than B
- Comparison of Point X between A & B and states why A is superior
- Comparison of Point Y, Z… following the previous pattern
- Conclusion: reasserts that either A is better than B
For longer papers that include many points of comparison, use the alternating method. Discussing each point in one place highlights similarities and differences; your reader doesn’t have to pause and reread in order to grasp them. The alternating plan also works well for short papers.
Once you select your pattern, arrange your points of comparison in an appropriate order. Take up closely related points one after the other. Often, a good writing strategy is to move from the least significant to the most significant point so that you conclude with punch.
6.4 Using analogy
An analogy, a special type of comparison, calls attention to one or more similarities underlying two kinds of item that seem to have nothing in common. An analogy often explains something unfamiliar by likening it to something familiar. Conversely, an analogy sometimes highlights the unfamiliar in order to help illuminate the familiar.
6.5 Writing a comparison
6.5.1 Planning and Drafting the comparison
Don’t write merely to fulfill an assignment; if you do, your paper will likely ramble aimlessly and fail to deliver a specific message. Instead, build your paper around a clear sense of purpose.
Use the introduction to identify your topic and arouse the reader’s interest. If you intend to establish the superiority of one item over the other, you might call attention to your position.
Organize the body of your paper according to whichever pattern—block or alternating—suits its length and the number of points you’re planning to take up. If you explain something familiar by comparing it with something unfamiliar, start with the familiar item. If you try to show the superiority of one item over another, proceed from the less to the more desirable one.
Conclude by reiterating the reasons why something is better than the other.
