Comparison and Contrast
1. A comparison explains how things are similar, and a contrast, how they are different.
Principles of selection and development in writing a comparison and contrast paper:
1) Only items (usually two) of the same general class can be compared/ contrasted.
2) A comparison and contrast essay usually follows one of these two patterns, the
subject-by-subject pattern or the point-by-point pattern.
In the former pattern, the writer discusses the various aspects of one item before going on the
other; while in the latter case, the writer discusses both items under each of the various
aspects compared/ contrasted.
2. Mode 1: (better in short essays, where few aspects are considered, or where the writer’s
interest is on the whole.)
I Topic Sentence
II Subject 1
A characteristic 1
B characteristic 2
C characteristic 3,4,5…
III Subject 2
A characteristic 1
B characteristic 2
C characteristic 3,4,5…
IV Concluding Sentences
Mode 2: (preferable in long essays where many aspects are mentioned)
I Topic Sentence
II Characteristic 1
A Subject 1
B Subject 2 (in comparison/ contrast to A Subject 1)
III Characteristic 2
A Subject 1
B Subject 2
IV Characteristic 3
A Subject 1
B Subject 2
V Concluding Sentence
3. Example 1:
I Introduction
II Discussing Object A------Beijing Jeep
A Point 1------Price
B Point 2------Options Available
C Point 3------Gas Mileage
D Point 4------Frequency of Repair
III Discussing Object B------ Shanghai Suntana
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A Point 1------Price
B Point 2------Options Available
C Point 3------Gas Mileage
D Point 4------Frequency of Repair
IV Conclusion
Example 2:
I Introduction
II Point 1-------Price
A Discussing Object A------Beijing Jeep
B Discussing Object B------Shanghai Suntana
III Point 2------Options Available
A Discussing Object A------Beijing Jeep
B Discussing Object B------Shanghai Suntana
IV Point 3------Gas Mileage
A Discussing Object A------Beijing Jeep
B Discussing Object B------Shanghai Suntana
V Point 4------Frequency of Repair
A Discussing Object A------Beijing Jeep
B Discussing Object B------Shanghai Suntana
VI Conclusion
4. Useful Expressions in Comparison Essay:
1) Both X and Y are _________.
2) X and Y have/ seem to have/ seemed to have/ happen to have sth in common/ much in
common/ some features in common/ many features in common/ some common features.
3) X and Y are/ seem to be/ happen to be basically/ essentially/ to certain extent the same.
4) In the same way X ________, Y __________.
5) X corresponds to ___________.
6) A comparison between X and Y demonstrates/ results in/ reveals/ suggests/ shows/ seems
interesting.
7) X is like Y in ____________.
Useful Expressions in Contrastive Essay:
1) X is different from Y.
2) X differs from Y.
3) X and Y differ/ seem to differ as far as the main postulates are concerned.
4) There are some/ a great difference between X and Y.
5) In contrast to X, Y __________.
6) Unlike X, Y __________.
7) Whereas/ While/ Whilst X ___________, Y ____________.
8) X ___________ in contrast, Y __________.
9) Y __________, while/ whereas/ whilst on the other hand, X ___________.
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5. Some transitions used in comparison:
both, each, at the same time, similarly, like, likewise, as, too, also, compared with, etc.
Some transitions used in Contrast:
on the other hand, on the contrary, in contrast (with/ to), instead (of), the opposite (of), unlike,
although, while, whereas, but, however, yet, nevertheless, etc.
6. Example: Traditional Family and Modern Family
I Similarities (general idea)
A Nuclear Family
B The Role of Father
C The Role of Mother
II Differences
A The Man Role
1. Traditional Family: Head of the household (work outside)
Modern Family: Both work
2. Traditional Family: Man makes big decision
Modern family: Shared by couples
3. Traditional Family: Man not help with housework
Modern Family: Shared by couples
B The Women’s Role
1. Traditional Family: Quit for birth
Modern Family: Work after birth
2. Traditional Family: Live on man’s income
Modern Family: Live on her own income
C The Role of Children
1. Traditional Family: Taken care by mother
Modern Family: Child-care centre
2. Traditional Family: School-age children dependent
Modern Family: School-age children independent
6. Exercises
1) Travelling by Train and by Plane
2) Chinese and Western Medicine or Food
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