COMPARISON-CONTRAST ESSAY
WHAT IS A COMPARISON-CONTRAST ESSAY?
Suppose you want to buy a cell phone but can’t decide between two models. In order to
make a decision you compare and contrast the characteristics of the two models.
A comparison contrast essay also compares (similarities) or contrasts (differences)
between two objects, subjects or concepts. It is another type of expository essay that
elaborates on an idea through the process of comparison and contrast. It is important
that the objects you compare and contrast belong to the same category. Otherwise, it
will defeat your objective. For instance, there is little sense in comparing a car with a
computer because they are unrelated. Whereas it is logical to compare a TV with a
computer because even though they are different, they still share certain features.
A COMPARISON-CONTRAST ESSAY WILL DO 1 OF 3 THINGS:
 Compare: Identify the similarities between two similar things.
 Contrast: Identify the differences between two similar things.
 Compare and Contrast two similar things at the same time.
Let’s use the example from above: Suppose you want to buy a cell phone but can’t decide
between two models.
COMPARING & CONTRASTING 2 CELL PHONE PLANS
PLAN A
No voicemail
No data plan
Call display
Pay long distance
charges
PLAN B
Cheap
No contract
Good
reception
More minutes
Good data plan
Voice mail
No long distance
charges
The darker area in the middle indicates similar characteristics shared by both plans:
CHEAP, NO CONTRACT, GOOD RECEPTION. Features that appear in the individual
circles are unique to those individual plans.
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Compare & Contrast Essay /2
THESIS STATEMENT FOR A COMPARE-CONTRAST ESSAY
Your thesis statement lets your readers know exactly what you are writing about in your essay.
For a comparison-contrast essay, it will:
 Clearly state what you will compare or contrast.
 Explain very briefly how two things are similar or different
 Details will be developed in the body of the essay
 Indicate preference of writer for one object over another or
 Indicate why these similarities and differences are important
Examples of Compare & Contrast Thesis Statements:
Although both cell phone plans offer inexpensive good reception with no binding contracts, Plan
B offers better value for the money for people who do not also have a land line.
In deciding between cell phone plans A and B, both plans offer inexpensive good reception with
no binding contracts, but which plan is best really depends on how you use your cell phone.
While both cell phone plans provide inexpensive good reception with no binding contracts, Plan
A is definitely the better value for people who want a no-frills plan that is primarily used for local
calls.
PATTERNS FOR WRITING A COMPARE-CONTRAST ESSAY
1. Block Style: In each paragraph, highlight all the distinguishing features of Object A and in
the next paragraph, highlight all features of object B.
INTRODUCTION
Paragraph 1
BODY*
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 4
CONCLUSION
Paragraph 5
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Use a hook to engage your readers
Introduce your topic
State your thesis
DISCUSS OBJECT A: e.g. iPad
Point 1. Ease of use
Point 2. Price
Point 3. Memory
DISCUSS OBJECT B: e.g. Notebook
Point 1. Ease of use
Point 2. Price
Point 3. Memory
Compare and contrast both objects
side by side
Restate thesis
Make or give your opinion
Point to why topic is important
May end with a short anecdote or question
– something for the reader to think about
Compare & Contrast Essay /3
2. Point by Point Organisation (Alternating Style): Each paragraph focuses on one
point of comparison. First, discuss one feature of Object A and then one feature of Object B.
Discussion alternates between object A & B.
INTRODUCTION
Paragraph 1
BODY*
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 4
CONCLUSION
Paragraph 5
Use a hook to engage your readers
Introduce your topic
State your thesis
Point1: Ease of use
Object A: iPad
Object B: Notebook
Point 2: Price
Object A: iPad
Object B: Notebook
Point 3: Memory
Object A: iPad
Object B: Notebook
Restate thesis
Make or give your opinion
Point to why topic is important
May end with a short anecdote or question –
something for the reader to think about
* Longer essays will require more than 5 paragraphs. When you are writing an extended essay,
the body will have three or more sections, each one containing at least two paragraphs.
TRANSITION AND CONNECTOR WORDS FOR COMPARING
(the) same as
Also
As well (as)
Both
Compared to
Have in common
In the same
manner..
In the same way
Likewise
Similar to
Similarly
Too
TRANSITION AND CONNECTOR WORDS FOR CONTRASTING
(the) reverse
(X) differs (from
Y)
Although
But
Contrary to
Contrasted with
Even though
However
In contrast (to)
Instead
On the contrary
on the other hand
the) opposite
Though
EXAMPLES OF PHRASES:
Both the Okanagan and Ontario produce nice ice wines.
Like Vancouver, San Francisco, offers a great number of tourist attractions.
Likewise, cats make great companions.
Contrary to popular belief, killer whales rarely kill humans.
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Unless
Unlike
Whereas
While
yet
Compare & Contrast Essay /4
Here are some additional resources that may be helpful to you. These Academic Writing
Tools are available at the Writing & Learning Centres:
To outline your essay see our Outline: Short Essay (fewer than 5 pages) or Extended
Essay (more than 5 pages).
If your instructor has requested an annotated bibliography, see our Writing Guide:
Annotated Bibliography.
For help with writing a thesis statement, see our Writing Guide: Thesis Statement.
For information about citing your sources see the Citation Style Guides links on the
library web page under Research Tools.
For additional help, please make an appointment with a Writing & Learning Centre
writing instructor at: https://alexander.mywconline.com/
This handout was put together with help from:
Folse, S. K., and Pugh, T. Greater Essay Writing 5 (2nd Ed.). Boston: Collins, 2010. Print.
Juzwiak, C. Touchstones: A Guided Approach to Writing Paragraphs and Essays.
Boston: Bedford-St. Martins, 2013. Print.
Alexander College Writing & Learning Centres