The model essay provides another example of development by analysis, that is, by breaking down the subject-matter into separate points and arranging these points in a suitable order.
The structure of the model essay has, however, one peculiarity which we have not discussed so far. The essay consists of two contrasting sections, the first dealing with the advantages of living in the 20th century, the second mainly discussing its disadvantages. This method of organizing the subject-matter is generally known as analytical development by contrast.
The main problem which arises when you organize your pros and cons in separate sections is that in the second part you will have to remind your readers occasionally of the items contained in the first part. There are a number of such references in the model essay: "It is true that today man moves more swiftly through the world"; "Nor does the fact that he is better informed how i can just do my homework ..."; "Although man has been given the gift of leisure and a longer life . . .", etc. If you remove these references, you will see at once why they are necessary: they establish a firm connection between the contents of the two parts of the essay, and, moreover, help the author to put his arguments more forcefully.
Another way of organizing similar material would be by contrasting pairs, instead of sections, throughout the composition. Here, for example, is a short extract from Anthony Trol-lope's essay in which he discusses some differences he has observed between Americans and Englishmen:
"The American, though he dresses like an Englishman, and eats roast beef with a silver fork — or sometimes with a steel knife — as does an Englishman, is not like an Englishman in his mind, in his aspirations, in his tastes, or in his politics. In his mind he is quicker, more universally intelligent, more ambitious of general knowledge, less indulgent of stupidity and ignorance in others, harder, sharper, brighter with the surface brightness of steel, than is an Englishman; but he is more brittle, less enduring, less malleable, and I think less capable of impressions. The mind of the Englishman has more imagination, but that of the American more incision. The American is a great observer, but he observes things material rather than things social or picturesque. He is a constant and ready speculator, but all speculations, even which come of philosophy, are with him more or less material ..."
(The Englishman and the American by Anthony Trollope)
Note that Trollope's opening sentence not only indicates how the work will be organized, but also tells you on what issues the Americans and the English will be contrasted: their minds, their aspirations, their tastes, and their politics.
Both methods of analytical development by contrast may be successfully used in dealing with a wide range of subjects, for example, in characterizing a person, in describing an abstract concept, an unfamiliar object or situation. Of all the means of development, development by contrast is one of the most forceful.