Home Guides Understanding Your Purpose Comparison and Contrast

Introduction

A Definition of Purpose

Types of Purpose

Purposes and Strategies

Definition

Illustration and Example

Classification

Comparison and Contrast

Analysis

Description

Process Analysis

Narration

Cause/Effect Analysis

How Audience Affects Purpose

Purpose and Writing Assignments

Purpose and Thesis

Additional Resources

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Authors & Contributors

Comparison and Contrast

Comparison and contrast can be used to organize an essay. Consider whether either of the following two outlines would help you organize your comparison essay.

• Intro and Thesis
• Description of A
• Description of B (and how B is similar to/different from A)
• Conclusion

• Intro and Thesis
• Aspect One: Comparison/contrast of A and B
• Aspect Two: Comparison/contrast of A and B
• Aspect Three: Comparison/contrast of A and B

Look at your own topic. Would comparison/contrast help you organize and explain your subject?