Background on Comparison / Contrast
When you want to understand two or more things, it's helpful to look closely at them and use the comparison / contrast strategy. Sometimes we see interesting similarities or differences that we wouldn't have noticed without comparing the things side-by-side.
Getting to Work: Mostly Similar or Different?
- The first step is to list or cluster all the viewpoints, opinions, perspectives, etc. on the given topic (like opinions about desegregating public schools). Take about ten minutes to brainstorm as many ideas and issues as you can recall from your research.
- Now group or "chunk" out what you've listed or clustered
into two main viewpoints. THere may be more than two main / popular viewpoints, but we'll ask you to focus down to two. These might be fairly similar or very different, either is fine.
Use the graphics below to help you decide whether your two viewpoints are more similar or different.- Decide whether the viewpoints are mostly similar or different
. For example, people in favor of magnet and charter schools probably have a lot in common (if you don't know what magnet and charter schools are ask a social scientist studying integration strategies). Whereas people in favor of vouchers and busing would tend to be more different.
- Don't Argue the Obvious
. This is "The First Law of Comparison / Contrast" and it means that if what you're comparing is clearly different, no one's going to be interested in you telling them what they already know (that these viewpoints are different). The challenge is to discover what people wouldn't expect to see.
- Label the perspectives or viewpoints
in a short, descriptive phrase (like "parental choice, vouchers, busing, magnet schools, etc.).- Review your first cluster or list
, and sort the beliefs, values, opinions, facts, etc. by the two main viewpoints you've selected. not all the things you listed will fit under these two viewpoints,so don't force it.- Put your ideas to work
. When you can find 2 - 3 interesting ways the viewpoints you're comparing are similar or different (remember you're arguing the opposite), then return to the Scaffolding page for Comparison / Contrast and fill in the form. Notice that this is not an easy process and you will probably feel confused at times. This is a natural part of thinking new thoughts. Feel free to ask your teacher or peers for feedback on your ideas.
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Created January, 1999
By Tom March,
tom at ozline dot comApplications Design Team/Wired Learning