Lecture Notes: Comparing & Contrasting

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How To Compare & Contrast

Comparing and contrasting is a critical analytical skill that allows you to identify similarities and differences between two or more subjects.

This technique is often used to write essays or papers that examine the relationship between subjects to highlight an understanding of both their common traits and discrepancies.

When we say comparing and contrasting, it’s important to define exactly what we mean by these terms. Comparing is where we are discussing subjects based on their similarities. Contrasting is where we are discussing subjects based on their differences. Most of the time, when examining two subjects together, it’s important to include ideas based on both similarities and differences.

When writing a compare and contrast paper or essay, there are two main organizational methods you can choose from: the block method and the point-by-point method.

The Block Method

The block method, also known as the subject-by-subject method, discusses all the aspects of one subject before moving on to the next.

Of the two methods we’re looking at here, the block method is the simplest, and the one students most often fall into, without additional guidance and instruction. The block method involves comparing two subjects with each other directly, to ascertain similarities and differences.

For example, let’s say we are comparing and contrasting Ford Mustangs with Chevy Corvettes. There are several different ways we might see the block method used in the wild.

Example A. In example A, we might organize the material about Mustangs and Corvettes based on subject. In such a structure, we’d see:

    • Paragraph 1: Everything the writer thinks is important about Mustangs.
    • Paragraph 2: Everything the writer thinks is important about Corvettes.

In this structure, the comparison and contrast comes from the reader seeing the various facts next to each other.

Example B. In example B, we might organize the material about Mustangs and Corvettes based on similarities and differences. In such a structure, we’d see:

    • Paragraph 1: All the similarities between Mustangs and Corvettes.
    • Paragraph 2: All the differences between Mustangs and Corvettes.

In this structure, the comparison and contrast derives chiefly from the reader seeing how the author groups the similarities and differences for Mustangs and Corvettes.

Limitations. While the block method is a valid approach, and will be used in some specific circumstances, there are a few limitations to consider:

    • Simple Structure. This structure is relatively simple, so it’s hard to have an in-depth discussion about the topic.
    • Length. A related limitation is that by grouping the material this way, it can be harder to write at length about a set of topics, particularly if the author is trying to meet a certain word count.
    • Reader Does The Work. Because the author is essentially presenting two buckets of material to the reader for consideration, the reader must do the work to understand the specific ins and outs of the comparison and contrast between the two paragraphs.
    • Repetitive. The block method can also be repetitive. For instance, for example A, maybe the first paragraph talks about the 0-60 time for Mustangs, horsepower, top speed, etc. It’s easy to imagine the Corvette paragraph using exactly the same language, making it read in a repetitive and perhaps robotic way.

The Point-by-Point Method

In contrast, the point-by-point method, also known as the alternating method, discusses one aspect of both subjects before moving on to another aspect.

The point-by-point method relies on an organizing element called a criterion. A criterion is defined as a point of comparison (and contrast). The term criterion is used if you have a single point; the term criteria is used if you have multiple points.

In order to establish the flow and structure of our comparison and contrast, we first determine a set of criteria through which to example our subjects. Think of these criteria as lenses through which we can more closely examine the ideas you’re comparing and contrasting.

Example

So, using the Mustang / Corvette example above, let’s imagine we establish three criteria through which to compare and contrast these vehicles: performance, styling, and features. Then we dedicate a paragraph to each criterion, with a clear topic sentence.

    • Paragraph 1 (performance): This paragraph would compare and contrast Mustangs and Corvettes through the lens of performance.
      • Example topic sentence: One way to compare and contrast Mustangs to Corvettes is by considering performance.
    • Paragraph 2 (styling): This paragraph would compare and contrast Mustangs and Corvettes through the lens of styling.
      • Example topic sentence: Mustangs and Corvettes have contrasting styling, which we should also consider.
    • Paragraph 3 (features): This paragraph would compare and contrast Mustangs and Corvettes by examining various features.
      • Example topic sentence: A third way to evaluate these vehicles is by considering their features.

In this structure, the comparison and contrast derives chiefly from the author choosing criteria which helps readers understand the similarities and differences between Mustangs and Corvettes.

Point-by-Point Secret Sauce

You may wonder how the point-by-point method fits with material we covered earlier in the course about argumentative, background, and example paragraphs.

The trick is realizing that each criterion you establish using the point-by-point method corresponds to a main point for an argumentative paragraph. When you choose your criteria, you are setting up the main points in your argument. The point-by-point method essentially gives you more colors to paint with when it comes to your argumentative paragraphs.

As a result, background and example paragraphs will operate in the same way. For the Mustang / Corvette example above, one can imagine a paper on that subject having two background paragraphs at the beginning of the paper, one on the history of Mustangs and a second on the history of Corvettes. One could also imagine an example paragraph where both cars are taken to the track and tested together (a concrete scenario) as support for the performance criterion above.

Benefits. The point-by-point method has a number of benefits over the block method:

    • In-Depth Structure. The point-by-point method allows for a more in-depth discussion, since specific points of comparison and contrast are established.
    • Length. It’s very hard to “fatten up” preexisting paragraphs to meet word count, and much easier, if you realize your paper is too short, to add additional criteria to make your paper longer. Plus, providing more criteria will typically make for a more persuasive argument.
    • Autho Does The Work. Because the author is choosing specific criteria for the reader to consider, they are leading and controlling the flow of ideas and discussion in a way that isn’t possible with the block method.
    • Repetitive.  The point-by-point method allows for a more varied and detailed discussion, making your prose less repetitive.

Conclusion

While the choice between block and point-by-point will largely be dictated by the nature of the subjects being compared and the preferences of the writer, the point-by-point method will often be the optimal choice for a detailed discussion. By establishing clear criteria, you can highlight and emphasize the ways that two subjects compare and contrast with each other, to lead readers through the flow of your ideas, and to more persuasively support your claim.