Informational TextUnderstanding Comparison and Contrast

When you compare, you look at two or more things and see how they are the same; when you contrast, you look for differences.

Comparison and Contrast

Look at these two photographs of eggs. First compare the two photographs. Then contrast them.

Using a Venn Diagram

To compare and contrast things, writers use a compare-and-contrast organizational pattern. Writers use one of two methods.

Block method

The writer discusses all the features of subject 1, then all the features of subject 2.

Point-by-point method

The writer chooses a feature and shows how it applies to subject 1, then how it applies to subject 2.

Comparison and Contrast

To use the block method, discuss all the features of subject 1. Then discuss all the features of subject 2.

Topic-eggs

Container-basket

Container–nest

Setting–artificial

Setting-natural

Topic–eggs

Subject 1

Subject 2

Comparison and Contrast

To use the point-by-point method, choose a feature and show how it applies to subject 1. Then show how each feature applies to subject 2.

Subject 1 Subject 2

Feature 1

Feature 2

Feature 3

Container-basket

Setting–artificial

Topic–eggs Topic-eggs

Container–nest

Setting-natural

Comparison and Contrast

Remember, when you compare two or more things, think about how they are the same; when you contrast, you look for differences.

These two dragons are the same in some ways and different in other ways.

Comparison and Contrast

To compare the dragons of Pern in “The Smallest Dragonboy,” you would look for ways in which the dragons are the same.

They all bond with a human for life.

They all help defend the planet from the evil Thread.

Comparison and Contrast

To contrast the dragons of Pern, you would look for ways in which they are different.

Green dragons are small and fast.

Brown dragons are large and strong.

Only the huge bronze dragons can mate with the queen.

Comparison and Contrast

In “Here Be Dragons,” the writer compares and contrasts dragons. Which method does the writer use?

Block MethodPoint-by-Point

MethodSubject 1: Eastern dragonsFeature 1: BehaviorFeature 2: OriginsFeature 3: Appearance

Subject 2: Western dragonsFeature 1: BehaviorFeature 2: OriginsFeature 3: Appearance

Feature 1: BehaviorSubject 1: Eastern dragonsSubject 2: Western dragons

Feature 2: OriginsSubject 1: Eastern dragonsSubject 2: Western dragons

Comparison and Contrast

The End

Comparison and Contrast