Compare and Contrast in a Nutshell
When you decide to compare (similarities) and contrast (differences) two things, you need to be sure that there is a basis of comparison. The two things must have enough in common (basis of comparison) to address them in an essay. If not, you’ll be wasting time trying to convince the reader that the items should be compared. Once you have decided the two things to be discussed, you must decide which method (alternating, block, or combination) would suit your essay.