Subject-by-Subject Organization: Comparing and Contrasting
Subject-by-subject organization is a method of writing that focuses on presenting information about one subject at a time before moving on to the next. This approach is particularly useful when comparing and contrasting two or more subjects.
Here's how it works:
1. Introduce the topic: Start by briefly introducing the overall topic you're comparing and contrasting.
2. Discuss subject one: Focus entirely on the first subject, exploring its key features, characteristics, and arguments.
3. Discuss subject two: Move on to the second subject and discuss its features, characteristics, and arguments.
4. Discuss subject three (and so on): Continue this pattern for each additional subject.
5. Connect the subjects: In the conclusion, briefly summarize the main points of comparison and contrast. This helps tie everything together and leave a lasting impression on the reader.
Example:
Let's say you're comparing and contrasting two different types of cars: a sedan and an SUV. Using subject-by-subject organization, you might write:
Introduction: Start with a general statement about the popularity of both sedans and SUVs.
Section 1 (Sedan): Discuss the features, advantages, and disadvantages of sedans. This might include fuel efficiency, affordability, and handling.
Section 2 (SUV): Now shift your focus to SUVs, outlining their features, advantages, and disadvantages. You could talk about space, towing capacity, and off-road capability.
Conclusion: Summarize the key points of comparison, highlighting similarities and differences between sedans and SUVs. You might also offer your personal opinion on which type of car is better suited for different needs.
Benefits of Subject-by-Subject Organization:
* Clear and organized: This method makes it easy for readers to follow your train of thought and understand each subject individually.
* Efficient: It can be more efficient than a point-by-point approach, especially when dealing with multiple subjects.
* Good for complex comparisons: It works well when you have a lot of information to cover and need to avoid confusion.
Points to Consider:
* Potential for redundancy: You may need to repeat some information to ensure clarity, especially when discussing similar aspects of different subjects.
* Less emphasis on connections: This method can sometimes make it harder to clearly highlight the direct relationship between the subjects.
Overall, subject-by-subject organization is a valuable tool for clearly presenting information and making strong comparisons. It's a great choice when you want to provide a comprehensive overview of multiple subjects.