Life is full of decisions, making choices
is never easy and it can definitely help if
information is gathered about the options that you have, and presented in a
way that clarifies the important features
for consideration. One way of presenting the information that you have gathered
is to compare and contrast the options. While this could be done
orally through a presentation, it can also be done through writing
in what is known as a comparison and contrast essay.
Let's take a look at the complete process
of writing the comparison and contrast essay, from the very conception of the topic
consideration of the audience, research and organisation
to the final submission.
... apple, banana ... Here's my assignment Mr Bramley.
Why are you looking so stressed?
Well my wife's parents are coming to Hong Kong and I don't know where to take them
Well there are lots of places you could go to.
What about Ocean Park or Disneyland? That's a good idea but I'd
rather not go to both.
Which do you think is best? Well, you would have to consider a lot of things
They're both theme parks and have similar attractions
but they are quite different in many ways. I see
Well I tell you what, why don't you write a paper on it
and put down those ideas, and then I can check your writing for you
give you some feedback ... The first thing to do
is to brainstorm the following. What features do they have in common?
Their similarities. What makes each place distinctive?
Their differences.
So, Peggy does some research on the two theme parks
It's important to do research, things change
and you must have latest, accurate, and verifiable information.
It's essential also to consider your audience;
don't state obvious things. Both places are theme parks,
but your audience are intelligent people, they know this information.
Don't include details
that might not be so important; for example
the year the parks opened might be historically relevant,
but not important for this audience. Also
wedding bookings, corporate events and season tickets
would not be relevant to guests visiting on a one-off trip
Peggy first looks
at the websites and starts to jot down some ideas.
Here are some of the things she notices:
rides and attractions
food and dining, unique aspects.
Using these three points,
Peggy then looks for good examples from each of the theme parks
to highlight the similarities and differences between them.
She creates a table and starts to add in
good examples from each park to illustrate the points.
She also makes a note of how the theme parks differ.
Having done some initial research,
she now needs to think about how to organise this piece of writing.
With the comparison and contrast text, you need to pay careful attention
to how you organise the body section. There are two
distinct ways of doing this. Peggy is not sure about this
so she pays a visit to Mr Bramley.
Sir, I've done some research and taken notes of what I consider to be the most
important points
of consideration for your inlaws. Could you give me some advice
on how to structure the body of this text?
Here is a visual representation
of what Mr Bramley goes on to explain. The first method of organising
the body
is by using the point by point method.
Here each of the three points that Peggy has decided to write about
has its own paragraph, and both Ocean Park and
Disneyland are discussed within each paragraph. As well as giving examples
of similar features you may want to highlight any significant differences.
The second method of organising the body
is called the block method.
Here, there are only two body paragraphs
each dealing with one topic; within each paragraph
more information about the three areas, rides and attractions,
food and dining, and unique aspects, is explored.
Does that make sense? Yes, and how do I know which method to choose?
Well as always you have to consider the nature of the writing
the audience, and the message you want to convey
Mr Bramley goes on to explain the merits of each type
The advantages of the point by point method are:
it allows for a greater focus on the points for consideration;
it does not require the reader to remember as much information;
it avoids requiring a lengthy summary in the conclusion.
The advantages of the block method are: it gives a richer picture;
of the two topics being discussed; it can make the writing feel less mechanical;
and it is more suitable for shorter essays.
Come in! Here you are sir, all done!
I hope you enjoy reading it and that
it will be useful for you and your inlaws
This is good. This is very good.
Thank you Peggy. This is exactly what I need.
So there you are. By following these simple steps, you can plan your writing
in such a way that the reader can clearly see the important areas of similarity
and difference between the two things you're describing.
In this way, you show that you have really thought about your options
which can help make decisions easier.
If you want to see Peggy's finished essay, click on the link at the end of this
video
You will also find links to explanations and exercises
that will help you with the language needed for comparison and contrast.