Comparison
and
Contrast
Comparison and contrast are
ways of looking at objects and thinking about how they
are alike and different.
For instance, all of these items are alike because they are
KINDS OF FOODS but there are many ways that they
are DIFFERENT
For instance, they belong to
different
FOOD GROUPS
Some must be cooked
before eating, and some can be eaten raw.
When you write comparison and contrast, you will pay
attention to these kinds of details.
What is the Purpose?

Compare


To show the similarities
between at least two
things

To inform

To explain

To analyze

To evaluate
Contrast

To show the difference
between two things
When you compare items, you look for their similarities-The things that make them the same.
For example:
Apples and oranges are both fruit.
Both grow on trees.
They're both foods.
Both are
made into
juice.
When you contrast items, you look for their differences-The things that make them the different.
For example:
They are grown in
different climates and
areas.
They are different
colors.
An apple has smooth skin,
an orange does not.
The taste and texture are
quite different.
There are three main things to pay attention
to as you write a comparison and contrast
paper:
Purpose & Supporting Details
Organization & Structure
Transitions & Coherence
In addition, be sure to pay attention to the usual
requirements for writing, such as
spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
Establishing a basis for comparison


The two things to be compared must have enough in common to justify the
comparison.
In making comparisons, you should move beyond the obvious.


(i.e., people and bees)
When two things are very similar, it is the contrasts that may be worth writing
about.
Searching points for discussion



Determine your emphasis on similarities,
differences, or both.
Determine the major focus of your
paper.
Make sure you treat the same or similar
elements for each subject you will
discuss:
Novel A
Novel B
Major
characters
Major
characters
Minor
characters
Minor
characters
themes
themes

Do not discuss entirely
different elements for
each subject.
Novel A
Novel B
Major
Plot
Characters
Minor
Author’s
Characters Life
Themes
symbolism
are useful tools for gathering details about the
Graphic organizers
items that you are comparing and contrasting.
Venn Diagrams help you think
about where the various
characteristics of the items being
compared and contrasted fit.
The
Compare
and Contrast
Chart
is more like a
listing tool,
where you
can
brainstorm a
list of ways
that the items
are alike and
different.
Pre-writing
Chart
Price
BMW
Honda
Civic
Mileage
Insurance
Venn Diagram
Alike
Formulating a Thesis
Statement

Identify:



The subjects to be compared and contrasted in your
essay.
The point you will make about them.
Also indicate whether you will focus on
similarities or differences, or balance the two.
Weak Thesis Statements



They are both somewhat alike and somewhat
different.
I can see some similarities and some
differences too.
Both of them involve (only a single similarity,
no differences).
Better Thesis Pattern
Ralph and Jack have very different
leadership styles and motivations which
leads to the eventual chaos and anarchy
on the island.
Sample Thesis Statement for
Honda/BMW
Comparison/Contrast
In order to make a decision between the
Honda Civic and the BMW, I used the
following criteria: price of the vehicle,
average mileage, and price of insurance.
Paragraph Organization--Block
Price
2nd
Paragraph
3rd
Paragraph
BMW
→→→
Honda
Civic
→→→
Mileage
Insurance
Paragraph Organization--BLOCK
Price
Mileage
Insurance
BMW
Honda
Civic
2nd
3rd
Paragraph Paragraph
4th
Paragraph
5th
6th
Paragraph Paragraph
7th
Paragraph
Paragraph Organization--Point by Point
2nd
Paragraph
Price
3rd
Paragraph
Mileage
4th
Paragraph
Insurance
BMW
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
Honda
Civic
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
↓
Paragraph Organization—Point by Point
Price↓
Mileage
Insurance
BMW
2nd
4th
Paragraph Paragraph
6th
Paragraph
Honda
Civic
3rd
5th
Paragraph Paragraph
7th
Paragraph
Outline - Block Method
I. Introduction
a) Attention Getter or
Hook
b) Background
Information
c) Thesis
II. BMW
a) Price
b) Mileage
c) Insurance
III. Honda Civic
a) Price
b) Mileage
c) Insurance
IV. Conclusion
a) Emphasize Major Ties
b) So What?
c) Evaluation
Outline - Point by Point
I. Introduction
a) Attention Getter or
Hook
b) Background
Information
c) Thesis
II. Price
a) BMW
b) Honda
III. Mileage
a) BMW
b) Honda
IV. Insurance
a) BMW
b) Honda
IV. Conclusion
a) Emphasize Major Ties
b) So What?
c) Evaluation
Whereas
In contrast
Although
In comparison and contrast, transition words tell a reader
that the writer is changing from talking about one item to
the other.
Nevertheless
Yet
Likewise
Transitional words and phrases
help make a paper smoother and more coherent
by
showing the reader the connections between the ideas
that are being presented.
On the other hand
Similarly
In comparison
However
Transitions
To Compare
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
also
as
in the same way
like
likewise
similarly
comparable
equally
in addition
To Contrast
-although
-but
-even though
-however
-on the other hand
-otherwise
-yet
-still
-conversely
-as opposed to
-different from
-whereas
Review
 Make sure you understand the purpose of the
assignment
 Gather evidence
 Create a thesis statement
 Choose an organizational pattern
 Write an outline
 Write a working draft
 Revise as needed
Student Example: Comparison and Contrast Essay
WRITING EXERCISE: LOVE!
(Sculpture)
Robert Indiana, LOVE (Sculpture)
What significant characteristics do these two
sculptures share? Do they share enough
characteristics to establish a basis for comparison?
Explain.
(Sculpture)
Robert Indiana, LOVE (Sculpture)
In your journal, create a venn diagram to list
the similarities and differences of these two
works of art.
(Sculpture)
Robert Indiana, LOVE (Sculpture)
What general statement could you make about these two
sculptures? Do the points you listed on your venn diagram
provide enough support for this general statement?
(Sculpture)
Robert Indiana, LOVE (Sculpture)
Write a short comparison-contrast essay in your journal on
the following:
How does each sculpture convey the idea of love? Which
one do you believe conveys this idea more effectively?
Why?
Additional Resources
See East versus West for a sample essay
and teacher comments.
http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/k/x/kxk3
0/des-student/defess.htm