• We use comparison contrast to explain things not well known by comparing them to things that are well known or to make decisions.

• Comparison is looking at similarities; contrast is looking at differences.

• If you are writing one paragraph, it is better to focus on one or the other: you don’t have enough room to focus on both.

o For short papers, you can do block organization.

o Block organization is the whole argument for side A and then the whole argument for side B.

o This is also called subject-by-subject.

• In longer papers, you can focus on both, but then you want to pay special attention to how you arrange it.

o For longer papers, you use point-by-point organization.

o This is one point for side A and then one point for side B as you progress through your argument.

o Further organize by listing from least important to most or vice versa.

• Whatever form of organization you use, you must remember to have parallel points – you must compare/ contrast like things. (You can’t compare apples and oranges, but you can compare Gala and Granny Smith apples.)

• To brainstorm, make a pro-con list and then identify where both sides have attributes that can be compared or contrasted (are parallel).

• Your thesis statement must have the usual three parts, but also tell what the things that will be compared / contrasted are.

o It must also tell whether you will focus primarily on comparison or contrast

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