1- Be sure your subjects are at least somewhat alike. They should share some obvious characteristics or qualities or belong to the same general group.
2- Stay focused on your purpose (to inform, to persuade, to clear up misconceptions, etc.)
3- Formulate a strong thesis:
Name the subjects being compared and contrasted.
Indicate whether the essay focuses on the subjects' similarities, differences or both.
State the essay's main point of comparison or contrast.
4- Select the points to be discussed.
5- Organize the points to be discussed.
a. One-side-at-a-time-method:
Everything about A:
Herald's news coverage
~International
~National
~Local
Everything about B:
Beacon's news coverage
~International
~National
~Local
b. Point-by-point method:
First aspect of A and B
Beacon: International Coverage
Herald: International Coverage
Second aspect of A and B
Beacon: National Coverage
Herald: International Coverage
Third aspect of A and B
Beacon: Local Coverage
Herald: Local Coverage
(Tip: One-side-at-a-time is best for uncomplicated subjects and brief essays; point-by-point is best for complex subjects and longer essays.)
6- Supply the reader with clear transitions.
Signal similarities:
The Beacon also...,In the same way...,Likewise..., Similarly...
Signal differences:
by way of contrast, the Herald's...,On the other hand, The Beacon, however,does not...,But the Herald's...
