Comparison and Contrast

Hi Dr Rivera and my classmates! I hope everyone had a great weekend! This is my second blog for this week. Last Thursday we met at the moodle room and discussed about what comparison and contrast is and provide examples of this method of writing.

Defining Comparison and Contrast

Comparison and contrast is a method of showing similarities and differences between subjects. Comparison is concerned with organizing and developing points of similarity; contrast seves the same function for differences.

Working with the 4 Ps

Regardless of the nature of your topic for writing, you will develop your ideas by using a procedure called the 4 Ps: purpose, points, patterns, and presentation.

• Purpose - In most of your writing, the main purpose will be either to inform or to persuade.
  

1. Informative Writing - If you want to explain something about a topic by showing each subject in relationship with other, then your purpose is informative.
   



2. Persuasive Writing - If you want to show that one actor, one movie, one writer, one president, one product, or one idea is better than another, your purpose is persuasive.
   

• Points - The points are the ideas that will be applied somewhat equally to both sides of your conpariaon and contrast.
  



• Patterns - You will choose between two basic patterns of organization: 1, subject by subject (opposing) or 2, point by point (alternating).
  



• Presentation - The two patterns of patterns of organization--subject by subject and point by point--are equally valid, and each has its strengths for presentation of ideas.
  

I hope everyone has a great weekend and see you all next week.

Best regards,

Hai, Zhan(Odin)

source:http://ea-brc.netfirms.com/tutors/colour/bin/m3x_contrast.jpg