is never easy and it can definitely help if

information is gathered about the options that you have, and presented in a

way that clarifies the important features

for consideration. One way of presenting the information that you have gathered

is to compare and contrast the options. While this could be done

orally through a presentation, it can also be done through writing

in what is known as a comparison and contrast essay.

Let's take a look at the complete process

of writing the comparison and contrast essay, from the very conception of the topic

consideration of the audience, research and organisation

to the final submission.

... apple, banana ... Here's my assignment Mr Bramley.

Why are you looking so stressed?

Well my wife's parents are coming to Hong Kong and I don't know where to take them

Well there are lots of places you could go to.

What about Ocean Park or Disneyland? That's a good idea but I'd

rather not go to both.

Which do you think is best? Well, you would have to consider a lot of things

They're both theme parks and have similar attractions

but they are quite different in many ways. I see

Well I tell you what, why don't you write a paper on it

and put down those ideas, and then I can check your writing for you

give you some feedback ... The first thing to do

is to brainstorm the following. What features do they have in common?

Their similarities. What makes each place distinctive?

Their differences.

So, Peggy does some research on the two theme parks

It's important to do research, things change

and you must have latest, accurate, and verifiable information.

It's essential also to consider your audience;

don't state obvious things. Both places are theme parks,

but your audience are intelligent people, they know this information.

Don't include details

that might not be so important; for example

the year the parks opened might be historically relevant,

but not important for this audience. Also

wedding bookings, corporate events and season tickets

would not be relevant to guests visiting on a one-off trip

Peggy first looks

at the websites and starts to jot down some ideas.

Here are some of the things she notices:

rides and attractions

food and dining, unique aspects.

Using these three points,

Peggy then looks for good examples from each of the theme parks

to highlight the similarities and differences between them.

She creates a table and starts to add in

good examples from each park to illustrate the points.

She also makes a note of how the theme parks differ.

Having done some initial research,

she now needs to think about how to organise this piece of writing.

With the comparison and contrast text, you need to pay careful attention

to how you organise the body section. There are two

distinct ways of doing this. Peggy is not sure about this

so she pays a visit to Mr Bramley.

Sir, I've done some research and taken notes of what I consider to be the most

important points

of consideration for your inlaws. Could you give me some advice

on how to structure the body of this text?

Here is a visual representation

of what Mr Bramley goes on to explain. The first method of organising

the body

is by using the point by point method.

Here each of the three points that Peggy has decided to write about

has its own paragraph, and both Ocean Park and

Disneyland are discussed within each paragraph. As well as giving examples

of similar features you may want to highlight any significant differences.

The second method of organising the body

is called the block method.

Here, there are only two body paragraphs

each dealing with one topic; within each paragraph

more information about the three areas, rides and attractions,

food and dining, and unique aspects, is explored.

Does that make sense? Yes, and how do I know which method to choose?

Well as always you have to consider the nature of the writing

the audience, and the message you want to convey

Mr Bramley goes on to explain the merits of each type

The advantages of the point by point method are:

it allows for a greater focus on the points for consideration;

it does not require the reader to remember as much information;

it avoids requiring a lengthy summary in the conclusion.

The advantages of the block method are: it gives a richer picture;

of the two topics being discussed; it can make the writing feel less mechanical;

and it is more suitable for shorter essays.

Come in! Here you are sir, all done!

I hope you enjoy reading it and that

it will be useful for you and your inlaws

This is good. This is very good.

Thank you Peggy. This is exactly what I need.

So there you are. By following these simple steps, you can plan your writing

in such a way that the reader can clearly see the important areas of similarity

and difference between the two things you're describing.

In this way, you show that you have really thought about your options

which can help make decisions easier.

If you want to see Peggy's finished essay, click on the link at the end of this

video

You will also find links to explanations and exercises

that will help you with the language needed for comparison and contrast.