Comparing and Contrasting Examines two or more ideas, objects, or events detailing the ways in which they are both similar to and different from one another. For each item the writer has a list of specific points of comparison that are covered in order for each item. This format allows the reader to keep track of the individual points of comparison easily and tends to emphasize the points of comparison over the items being compared. For each item the writer uses the same points of comparison and covers them in the same order. It may be more difficult for the reader to recall how one item's comparison of a specific point compared to another's.
Definition Shows the meaning of a concept.
Definition is similar to description, which focuses on objects, and to narration, which focuses on time. A good extended definition will explain how the concept applies to a number of important contexts or situations. It will contain examples of the concept as it is applied in real situations. It will explain how the concept relates to but is different from other concepts. As with narration and description, it is important to use analogies to explain unfamiliar concepts in terms of other familiar concepts.