An Organizational Approach

Analytical Writing

Compare and ContrastCompare and contrast refers to the

examination of similarities (compare) and differences (contrast). We make comparisons constantly when we decide what type of car to buy, where to have dinner, or what college to attend.

DescriptionDescription creates a mental picture for a

reader. To do this, writers may focus on the five senses—what ideas and things look, sound, feel, smell, and taste like.

Descriptive writing shows instead of tells.

Compare and Contrast Organization Compare and contrast essays can be organized in two

ways: Point by point—Here, the writer would go between two

subjects and compare and contrast them according to key points or characteristics. If you compare and contrast displaced homelessness versus chronic homelessness, you might focus on their definitions, reasons, and solutions.

Subject by subject—Here, the writer focuses on the key points and characteristics of a single subject. For instance, if you compare and contrast private versus socialized medicine, you’ll have to choose which ways they are alike or differ. You might choose to write about the similarities in coverage, and the contrasts in cost.

Make Effective ChoicesWhatever strategy you choose, you must

have a basis of comparison. Ideas and things that have nothing in common aren’t a good choice. While there are differences between a Remember, you don’t want to make a list of similarities and differences. You want to have a point for the comparison.

Compare and Contrast in a Thesis StatementPoor examples of compare and contrast thesis

statement: Indonesia and the United States have vastly

different legal systems. This example is too general. While the U.S. legal system is built around the

idea of presumed innocence, the Indonesian system assumes the accused is guilty.

This example gives specific criteria which allows the reader to know what key points will be compared and contrasted.

DefinitionDefinition is explaining exactly what an

idea or concept means. Definition provides a structure for making ideas, people, or things more understandable.

Definition in a Thesis StatementFor example, if you were writing a paper

about world religions, you might choose to write about different sects of Judaism like the orthodox, reform, and conservative movements within that religion.

Example: Judaism has diverse interpretations, most notably the divisions of orthodox, reform, and conservative practices.

Cause and Effect Cause and effect examines the

relationships between what happens (the effect) and why it happens (the cause).

Cause and Effect One cause may have several effects. For

instance, if you decide to move into the country from the city, you may have the benefit of cleaner air, safer neighborhoods, and cheaper prices.

Or, several causes can contribute to a single effect. For example, we make choices based on several criteria: The captain of the Titanic ignored fog warnings, iceberg warnings, and even the announcement that the ship was going to sink because he bought into the idea that the ship was unsinkable.

Cause and Effect in a Thesis StatementTo incorporate this into a thesis

statement, identify the topic, make an assertion about the topic, and decide if you want to focus on causes, effects, or both.

Example: Because of their mainly vegetarian diet, Malaysia has healthier adults, less childhood obesity, and a booming farm economy.

Problem Solution Problem solution writing begins by

identifying and examining a problem. After analyzing the problem, you then discuss possible solutions and their viability. For instance, if you wanted to focus on the problem of teenage pregnancy, you would look at how others have tried to solve this problem. The availability of contraception, mandatory sex education courses, and the inclusion of abstinence as a form of birth control would be possible solutions.

Problem SolutionFor an essay, you could choose to examine: a single solution and discuss how it works

and why it works, or detail three proposed solutions and discuss

and analyze their viability.

Problem Solution in a Thesis StatementExample 1: Solving teenage pregnancy

by teaching abstinence has failed because it is not practical for most children. Teens without strong role models, those with low self-esteem and those who do not participate in after school activities are getting pregnant in record numbers.

Example 2: Teenage pregnancy is a complicated problem that can be helped through increased availability of contraception like condoms, oral birth control, and IUDs.