What is Compare/Contrast?

• A. A style for writing in italics.
• B. An organizational pattern that shows similarities and differences between two things.
• C. A method to calculate averages.
• D. A type of map.

Answer: (B)

Compare/contrast is an organizational pattern used to examine two things by highlighting their similarities and differences. When you compare, you note what the subjects share, and when you contrast, you point out how they differ. This approach helps you understand how two subjects relate, why one might be chosen over the other, or how they function in similar ways but in different contexts. In practice, you might structure a piece by first discussing similarities, then differences, or alternate points to show both sides. A helpful visual is a Venn diagram, with shared traits in the middle and unique traits in the outer parts. This pattern is specifically about showing how two things are alike and how they are not, which is what the question is asking.