-^ unity within individual paragraphs and, in the case of a theme, within the
entire paper [see unity in the Glossary],
-^ a conclusion that reiterates the purpose of the paper, to show comparisons or
to show contrasts, or, in rare occasions, to show both [see conclusion in the
Glossary].
PROCESS
The following steps can help you plan, organize, develop, revise, and proofread any
writing developed by comparison and contrast.
STEP 1: Prewriting—Selecting Suitable Subjects
Subjects suitable for comparison-and-contrast development must meet two of these
three qualifications:
-^ The two subjects to be compared must be generally different so that the writer
can establish similarities:
Potatoes and onions, while obviously different, show similarities as root
crops: planting procedure, harvesting, storing.
-^ The two subjects to be contrasted must be generally similar so that the writer
can establish their differences:
Catalpa and white-pine lumber, both soft woods, differ in weathering qual-
ities, rot resistance, and usefulness indoors and out.
-^ The comparison or contrast must be of significance to the reader. For example,
the differences between dogs and cats as pets are so obvious that readers will
not waste time reading about them.
In many cases, the subject will be assigned, such as in an essay test. In other cases,
you may have to select the subject yourself. In order to select a suitable comparison-
and-contrast subject, think of content-related topics you have recently studied:
two economic theories
two contemporary poets
two mathematics principles
two similar chemical compounds
two Impressionist artists
two political figures in the same office
two political figures running for the same office76 / Methods of Development