Introduction to Writing a Comparison and Contrast Essay
What is Comparison?
Comparison points out how two things or more things are the same or similar. Some
expressions for showing sameness are:

as...as

the same...as

as many...as (for countable nouns)

as much...as (for uncountable nouns)

as much as
For example: A Ford costs $20,000. A Toyota costs $20,000. The Ford has four
doors. The Toyota has four doors.
1. The Ford is as expensive as the Toyota.
2. The Ford is the same price as the Toyota.
3. The Ford has as many doors as the Toyota.
4. The Ford costs as much (money) as the Toyota.
It is also possible to use BOTH, EACH or NEITHER or NEITHER NOR to show
sameness. The Ford and the Toyota are both $20,000.
1. Both the Ford and the Toyota are $20,000.
2. Each is the same price.
3. Neither the Ford nor the Toyota is as expensive as a Porsche.
4. Neither is expensive.
To show that two things are almost the same you can use:

similar

similar to

(BE) alike

(BE) like

about/almost/nearly/more or less the same
For example: The Ford has four doors, power steering, and a top speed of 160 mph.
The Toyota has four doors, power steering and a top speed of 150 mph.
1.
2.
3.
4.
The
The
The
The
Ford
Ford
Ford
Ford
and the Toyota are similar cars. 5. The Ford and Toyota are about
is similar to the Toyota.
the same.
and the Toyota are almost the same.
is like the Toyota.
What is Contrast?
Contrast is when you show how two or more things are different. Some expressions
for showing difference between two things are:

not as ....as

fewer...than (countable nouns) or less than (uncountable nouns)

not as many...as

not as much...as
For example: The Toshiba computer costs $3,500. The IBM computer costs $4,000.
The Toshiba comes with 4 programs. The IBM comes with 6 programs.
The Toshiba has 80 GB of memory. The IBM has 100 GB of memory.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The
The
The
The
The
Toshiba
Toshiba
Toshiba
Toshiba
Toshiba
is not as expensive as the IBM .
has fewer programs (than the IBM).
has less memory (than the IBM).
does not have as many programs as the IBM.
does not cost as much (money) as the IBM.
Comparatives
1. The Toshiba is cheaper than the IBM.
2. The NEC is more expensive than the Toshiba.
3. The Toshiba is less expensive than the IBM.
Superlatives
To show relationships between more than two things use superlatives - usually
adjectives with -est added.

the most

the least
For example: The Nike shoes cost $120 The Reeboks cost $150 The Dunlops cost
$50.
1. The Reeboks are the most expensive shoes.
2. The Dunlops are the least expensive shoes.
3. The Dunlops are the cheapest shoes.
COMPARISON and CONTRAST: STRUCTURE AND VOCABULARY
Subject +
is
Subject +
is
Subject +
is not
Subject +
is
exactly
precisely
just
-------------virtually
practically
more or less
almost
the same as
…
considerably
a great deal
much
(quite) a lot
-------------rather
somewhat
a little
(comparative)
exactly
the same as
…
different from
…
as
…
entirely
totally
smaller
than…
bigger
cheaper
completely
Subject is
not
quite as
entirely
big
expensive
FAST FOOD OR HOME COOKED?
McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King! Fast food outlets provide a great option for
active families. However, many of us prefer home-cooked meals. While the food is
similar in many ways, there are some important differences between fast food and home
cooked food.
Fast food outlets and home cooked meals share some similarities. The first
similarity is that they both provide a variety of choices. There are many selections
available in fast food outlets: soups, salads, hamburgers, chicken, tacos, and more. Of
course if the ingredients are available, anything can be cooked in your own kitchen.
Each can be relatively inexpensive. Fast food can be very cheap since many meals can
be under $3.00. Home cooked meals can also be reasonable especially if ingredients
are carefully considered for the cost. Both fast food and home cooked meals can be
delicious. We know that many people enjoy the taste of fast food because it is popular
around the world. Home cooked meals can certainly be very tasty too if they are
prepared just as you like them.
Although there are a number of similarities there are several differences between
fast and home cooked meals. The first difference is that fast food can be considerably
more fattening since oil is frequently used in the cooking process. In contrast, the fat
content can be controlled in home cooking. Another important difference is the amount
of time that each takes. Fast food is obviously quicker because menus are limited and a
number of staff are involved in the preparation and cooking process. Home cooked
meals, however, take longer to complete since one person is usually responsible for the
entire meal. Yet another difference is
convenience. Fast food is ready made and always available whereas home
cooked meals are.
We can see that fast and home cooked meals are similar in many ways but very
different in others. I prefer home cooked meals since I like preparing my own food and
can be sure of the ingredients. Enjoying a meal at home with my family is a great end to
my busy day!
Do the following.
1. Find and underline comparatives and other words used from the handouts
"Introduction to Writing…" and "Comparison and Contrast…"
2. Find and circle the topics discussed with regard to the similarities and
differences.
3. Can you find other words like 'but' that are used when talking about differences?
COMPARISON AND CONTRAST DIAGRAM
Subject 1: Fast Food
Subject 2: Home-Cooked Food
HOW ARE THEY ALIKE?
variety of choices
HOW ARE THEY DIFFERENT?
Fast Food
more fattening
with regard to?
health
Home-Cooked Food
less fattening