What writing technique would best illustrate similarities and differences?

The technique that best illustrates similarities and differences is compare and contrast. This method specifically focuses on examining two or more subjects to identify their similarities and differences in various aspects. By using comparison, a writer can effectively highlight the characteristics that are alike as well as those that distinguish the subjects from one another. This approach is particularly useful in analytical writing, where the intent is to provide a deeper understanding of the subjects involved.

In contrast, cause and effect primarily explores the relationships between events or actions, looking at why something happened and what the consequences are, rather than the nuances of similarities and differences between subjects. Descriptive writing focuses on detailing features and characteristics of a subject but does not inherently aim to draw comparisons or contrasts. Chronological sequencing organizes events in the order they occur, which does not address similarities and differences directly. Each of these approaches serves different purposes, but when the objective is to highlight similarities and differences, compare and contrast is the most effective choice.