Open Compare and Contrast

Open Compare and Contrast is a strategy that enables you to visualize the differences and similarities between two topics, subjects, or concepts. It is more detailed than the Venn diagram and allows for a comparison of individual characteristics as well. This strategy allows you to observe patterns of the similarities and differences and to draw conclusions based on the data.

• More structured and more organized.
• Allows for more comparison and contrast with categories.

1. Fill in the two top boxes with the topics you will compare.
2. Fill in the next section with how the topics are alike.
3. Come up with the categories in which the topics differ from one another. Put them in the boxes in the center area under "With regard to."
4. Fill in the information for each item stating how they are different in each category.
5. Make note of the significant patterns of similarities (compare) and differences (contrast) in the appropriate box.
6. Draw a conclusion or interpretation about your data and write this statement in the final box.