Student Writing Handbook Fifth+Edition

Formation of Stalactites Formation of Icicles

from ceiling of cave from eaves of house

residue freezing

cause of “freezing” cause of freezing

speed of drip speed of drip

STEP 3: Prewriting—Choosing Vocabulary

Look for words that describe both items. Using a parallel vocabulary effectively and
subtly extends the comparison, creating a more imaginative and interesting analogy.

For example, in the comparison in Step 2, some words common to both topics come
to mind:

freezing dripping ceiling

droplets icicles formations

water running grow

growth form trickle

We can use any of these words to talk about the growth of stalactites or icicles. A
parallel vocabulary enhances the analogy.

STEP 4: Prewriting—Organizing and Considering the

Possible Plans

Arrange the comparisons in logical order. Probably you will choose one of the following:

-^ If you are explaining how something works, organize the analogy in
chronological order. Let the readers follow the process from beginning to end.
[See chronological order in the Glossary.]
-^ On the other hand, if you are trying to explain an idea or define an abstract
term, organize the analogy in order of importance, from most to least
important. [See order of importance in the Glossary.]

Arrange your points of comparison in the most suitable order for your subject and
your purpose.

STEP 5: Prewriting—Organizing and Planning the Whole

Whether you organize chronologically or by order of importance, the analogy must
take on either a part-by-part or whole-by-whole organization. The usual pattern is to

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