Comparison

Introduction

A. Definition

Comparison is a special technique in writing that takes account of the similarities of two or more things belonging to a certain class.

Contrast is a special technique in writing that takes account of the differences of two or more things belonging to a certain class.

The term comparison is often generally used to refer to both comparing and differentiating.

B. Uses

Comparison is used in making scientific decisions. It is used in the interpretation of data.
It is also used to make unfamiliar things familiar.

Contents

The data in comparison are the similarities and differences of two or more things.

Organization

Although similarities and differences can be organized chronologically, spatially, and chronologically, a special pattern of comparison is also used. There patterns are:
Block pattern
Alternating pattern

Block pattern uses the things compared as main points and the bases of comparison sub-points.

Alternating pattern uses the bases of comparison as main points and the things compared as sub-points.

Alternating pattern is preferred as it makes the comparison direct. Block pattern can, however, be used in one sentence comparison.

Mechanics

Some reminders in comparison:
Use a single set of criteria of comparison.
Compare two or more things belonging to one class. They should be two things alike but different.
Make the treatment of things compared balanced.
Use an appropriate pattern of comparison.
In technical writing, use an appropriate test of significant difference to arrive at scientific decisions.


Reference

Rorabacher, Louise Elizabeth, Georgia Dunbar and Clement Dunbar Assignments in exposition. 12th ed. NY : Addison-Wesley, 1996.