Catalogue of Learning Resources: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp_resources/lr/resource/gradcoll.htm 

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COMPARING & CONTRASTING

1. What two items are being compared and contrasted in this paper?
        (remember that the two items must be logically comparable)
2. Who is the audience for this paper? 
        (general or specialized/specific)
3. List three to five similarities and three to five differences in the two items being compared and contrasted. 
        (it helps to create a "grid" of the bases of comparison/contrast) 
4. Write down the order in which the similarities and differences will be discussed.
5. Which of two outlining patterns for C/C will you be using for this paper? 
         (block format or alternating block)

BLOCK FORMAT
I. Introduction
Introduces to your audience the two subjects being discussed in this piece, giving any necessary definition or description of the items.
Include in your intro the bases of comparison/contrast by which the items will be analyzed.
II. Body 
        Airplanes
             A. Shape and design
             B. Speed
             C. Direction of takeoff and flight
        Helicopters
             A. Shape and design
             B. Speed
             C. Direction of takeoff and flight
III. Conclusion
Usually, when the points are a comparison, the conclusion contrasts the items, or examines the differences between the items. 
If the points contrast, or shows differences in the two items, the conclusion demonstrates those things that are similarities between the two.

ALTERNATING BLOCK
I. Introduction
Introduce to your audience the two subjects being discussed in this piece, giving any necessary definition or description of the items.
Include in your intro the bases of comparison/contrast by which the items will be analyzed. 
II. Body
In alternating block, the bases of comparison or contrast lead. 
Each item is discussed BY their similarities or differences to the bases being analyzed.
Differences between airplanes and helicopters
        A. Shape and design
             1) Airplanes
             2) Helicopters
        B. Speed
             1) Airplanes
             2) Helicopters
        C. Direction of takeoff and flight
             1) Airplanes
             2) Helicopters
III. Conclusion
Again, when the points offer similarities in comparison, the conclusion contrasts the items, or examines the differences between the items. 
If the points contrast, or shows differences in the two items, the conclusion demonstrates those things that are similarities between the two.

WRITING EFFECTIVE COMPARISON/CONTRAST ESSAYS
There are several important points to remember when writing a comparison or contrast essay.

1. Know what organizational style you are using.  Whether you use the block format or point-by-point arrangement, you should be able to identify it.  Being able to identify your organization will not only help you in the organization of your own writing, but it will also help your reader follow what you have to say. 
2.  State your organization.  Remember that the "straight line of development" requires that you "tell your audience what you are going to tell them; then tell them; then tell them what you told them."  An important objective in academic writing is clarity, and stating your organization will contribute significantly toward clarity.
3. Keep your audience in mind. You should always keep your audience in mind.  After you finish writing, read your composition from the perspective of your audience.  How will they respond to your writing?  Will they understand what you have written?  Will they agree with your point?
4. Say what you want to say.  Make your preference clear in your comparison or contrast essay.