Introduction to Compare and Contrast
For this type of essay, you write 200+ words in 45 minutes. You should write an
introduction, compare/contrast two things in 1 or preferably 2 paragraphs in the body,
and can state your preference in the conclusion.
What is Comparison?
Comparison points out how two things are the same or very similar.
Some expressions for showing equivalence are:
1.
as + adjective as
2.
the same (+ noun) as
3.
as many + countable noun as
4.
as much (+ non-count noun) as
5.
as much as
For example: A Ford costs $20,000. A Toyota costs $20,000.
1.
The Ford is as expensive/attractive as the Toyota.
2.
The Ford is the same (price) as the Toyota.
3.
The Ford costs as many dirhams/dollars as the Toyota.
4.
The Ford costs as much (money) as the Toyota.
5.
The Ford costs as much as the Toyota.
Now write your own sentences comparing any two things. Use the 5 model
sentences/expressions given above.
1.
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2.
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3.
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4.
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5.
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It is also possible to use both or neither … nor to show equivalence. For example:
1.
The Ford and the Toyota are both $20,000.
2.
Both the Ford and the Toyota are $20,000.
3.
Neither the Ford nor the Toyota is very expensive.
1
Now write your own sentences comparing any two things. Use the 3 model
sentences/expressions given above.
1.
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2.
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3.
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To show that two things are almost the same, but not totally, you can use
1.
alike/similar
2.
similar (+ noun)
3.
similar to
4.
like
5.
almost/nearly the same
For example: The Ford has four doors, power steering, and a top speed of 140 kph.
The Toyota has four doors, power steering and a top speed of 135 kph.
1.
The Ford and the Toyota are alike/similar.
2.
The Ford and the Toyota are similar (cars).
3.
The Ford is similar to the Toyota.
4.
The Ford is like the Toyota.
5.
The Ford and the Toyota are almost/nearly the same.
Now write your own sentences comparing the features of any two things. Use the 5
model sentences/expressions given above.
1.
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2.
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3.
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4.
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5.
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2
What is Contrast?
Contrast is when you show how two, or more, things are different.
The main expressions for showing difference between two things are:
1. comparative adjective (_____er) + than
2. not as/so + adjective + as
3. more than
4. more + adjective than
5. less than
6. less + adjective than
7. not as many + count noun + as
8. 8. not as much (+ non-count noun) + as
For example: The Toshiba computer costs $3,500. The NEC computer costs $4,000.
1.
The Toshiba is cheaper than the NEC.
2.
The Toshiba is not as expensive as the NEC.
3.
The NEC costs more than the Toshiba.
4.
The NEC is more expensive than the Toshiba.
5.
The Toshiba costs less than the NEC.
6.
The Toshiba is less expensive than the NEC.
7.
The Toshiba does not cost as many dollars as the NEC.
8.
The Toshiba does not cost as much (money) as the NEC.
Now write your own sentences comparing any two things. Use the 8 model
sentences/expressions given above.
1.
_________________________________________________________________
2.
_________________________________________________________________
3.
_________________________________________________________________
4.
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5.
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6.
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7.
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8.
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3
Superlatives
Superlatives can be useful in any part of your essay but especially in the introduction
and conclusion.
To show relationships among more than two things, use superlatives - usually adjectives
with -est are added.

the most + multisyllable adjective (base form)

the least + multisyllable adjective (base form)
For example: The Nike shoes cost $120. The Reeboks cost $150. The Adidas cost $50.
1.
Reeboks are the most expensive shoes.
2.
The Reeboks are the dearest shoes.
3.
The Adidas are the least expensive shoes.
4.
The Adidas are the cheapest shoes.
Now
write
your
own
sentences
comparing
3+
things.
Use
the
4
model
sentences/expressions given above (you can also write in the singular – e.g. "The
Toyota is the most expensive car.")
1.
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2.
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3.
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4.
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4