Compare-Contrast Patterns
A compare and contrast pattern arranges information according to how two or more things are similar to or different from one another (or both). This is an effective pattern to use when the reader can better understand one subject when it is described in relation to another. If the reader is familiar with one topic, the writer can compare or contrast it with another topic to shed insight on it.
For example, suppose a writer's stated purpose is to help the reader make an informed decision about whether to attend a two-year college or a four-year university. One way to arrange the information is to compare and contrast the two educational options along several important dimensions, such as cost, quality of education, and variety of educational programs. In this case, the number of main sections in the outline would depend on how many dimensions or factors were considered (three in the case below). Another way to arrange the information would be to create two main sections, one that describes similarities and one that describes differences (as shown in example # 2). Notice that either format could be equally effective.
Compare and Contrast Pattern Example One
I. Cost of Tuition
Two-year
Four-year
II. Quality of Education
Two-year
Four-year
III. Educational Programs
Two-year
Four-year
Compare and Contrast Pattern Example Two
I. Points of Comparison
Educational Programs
Cost of Tuition
II. Points of Contrast
Quality of Education
Type of Degree