1.6: Comparison and Contrast

The Purpose of Comparison and Contrast in Writing

Comparison in writing discusses elements that are similar, while contrast in writing discusses elements that are different. A compare-and-contrast essay, then, analyzes two subjects by examining them closely and comparing them, contrasting them, or both. The underlying theme of the readings for this chapter is the American education system.

The key to a good compare-and-contrast essay is to choose two or more subjects that connect in a meaningful way. The purpose of conducting the comparison or contrast is not to state the obvious but rather to illuminate subtle differences or unexpected similarities. For example, if you wanted to focus on contrasting two subjects you would not pick apples and oranges; rather, you might choose to compare and contrast two types of oranges or two types of apples to highlight subtle differences. For example, Red Delicious apples are sweet, while Granny Smiths are tart and acidic. Drawing distinctions between elements in a similar category will increase the audience’s understanding of that category, which is the purpose of the compare-and-contrast essay.

Similarly, to focus on comparison, choose two subjects that seem at first to be unrelated. For a comparison essay, you likely would not choose two apples or two oranges because they share so many of the same properties already. Rather, you might try to compare how apples and oranges are quite similar. The more divergent the two subjects initially seem, the more interesting a comparison essay will be.

EXERCISE 1

Think-Pair-Share

THINK: Brainstorm an essay that leans toward contrast. Choose one of the following three categories. Pick two examples from each. Then come up with one similarity and three differences between the examples.

• Education systems
• Superheroes
• Cell phones

PAIR: Show a classmate what you wrote. Explain your ideas about the similarity and differences. Add more information based on your conversation.

SHARE: Explain your ideas to the class. Consider the feedback from your classmates. Add more information to your notes based on the group discussion.

Which difference is the MOST interesting/unexpected?

EXERCISE 2

Follow the same steps (Think-Pair-Share) but this time, brainstorm an essay that leans toward comparison. Choose one of the following three items. Then come up with one difference and three similarities.

• Childhood: Today and in the past
• Fast food chains and fine dining restaurants
• Dogs and cats

SHARE: Which similarity is the MOST interesting/unexpected?

The Structure of a Comparison-and-Contrast Essay

The compare-and-contrast essay starts with a thesis that clearly states the two subjects that are to be compared, contrasted, or both, and the reason for doing so. The thesis could lean more toward comparing, contrasting, or both. Remember, the point of comparing and contrasting is to provide useful knowledge to the reader. Take the following thesis as an example that leans more toward contrasting.

Example

Thesis statement: Organic vegetables may cost more than those that are conventionally grown, but when put to the test, they are definitely worth every extra penny.

Here the thesis sets up the two subjects to be compared and contrasted (organic versus conventional vegetables), and it makes a claim about the results that might prove useful to the reader.

You may organize compare-and-contrast essays in one of the following two ways:

1. According to the subjects themselves, discussing one and then the other
2. According to individual points, discussing each subject in relation to each point

See the “Comparison and Contrast Diagram,” below which diagrams ways to organize our organic versus conventional vegetables thesis.

The organizational structure you choose depends on the nature of the topic, your purpose, and your audience.

Given that compare-and-contrast essays analyze the relationship between two subjects, it is helpful to have some phrases on hand that will cue the reader to such analysis. See the table below for examples of common phrases.

Table of Phrases of Comparison and Contrast:

Comparison	Contrast	Practice: Fill in the logical missing word or phrase.
one similarity	one difference	One ________ shared by both political parties is the effective use of social media to spread their message.
both	conversely	The narrator describes her mother’s idyllic childhood, growing up in a wealthy family. _______, her father experienced a traumatic upbringing in Vietnam during the First Indochina War.
like	in contrast	Kamala Harris was the former Attorney General of California before becoming a U.S. senator in 2017; ________, Pete Buttigieg has served as the city mayor of South Bend, Indiana since 2012.
likewise	unlike	The life of a cat is typically centered within the home, ______ that of the family dog, which is often taken for walks outside the house.
similarly	while	A fast food meal is often reheated in a microwave oven prior to being served on a tray, _______ at a fine dining establishment, customers expect and are willing to wait for their meal to be prepared in the kitchen from fresh ingredients.
in a similar fashion	whereas	The Samsung Galaxy S10 offers upgraded features ______ to the iPhone X.

Comparison and Contrast DiagramHome

EXERCISE 3

Using the Comparison and Contrast Diagram as a model, identify the structure of organization in the sample essay, “Childhood: Memories from Deep Inside” in Appendix B.

EXERCISE 4

Create an outline for each of the items you chose in Exercise 1 and Exercise 2.

• Use the point-by-point organizing strategy for one of them
• Use the subject organizing strategy for the other

EXERCISE 5

The sample essay on Childhood in Appendix B has a variety of errors. Which ones can you identify and correct in the sentences below?

• Bo lived in the countryside where left him many unforgettable memories. (Para 1)
• That’s why Bo and me like the water of the countryside. (Para 3)
  
• The countryside life made Bo and my childhood colorful, some of the same habits made our childhood full of happiness. (Para 5)
  
• However, because of the war, Bo’s childhood is turbulence; because of the social and family, my childhood is comfort. (Para 5)

Comma splices are a common punctuation error for ESL students and native speakers of English. Which sentence in the box above contains a comma splice?

What are the possible ways to fix this error?

Find three more comma splices in the sample essay in Appendix B. Practice correcting this error in several ways.

To avoid these punctuation errors in your essays, please review https://www.really-learn-english.com/comma-splices.html

Writing a Comparison-and-Contrast Essay

First choose whether you want to compare seemingly disparate subjects, contrast seemingly similar subjects, or compare and contrast subjects. Once you have decided on a topic, introduce it with an engaging opening paragraph. Your thesis should come at the end of the introduction, and it should establish the subjects you will compare, contrast, or both, as well as state what can be learned from doing so. Be sure to make an argument in your thesis; explain to the reader what’s at stake in analyzing the relationship between your stated subjects.

Think-Pair-Share: Consider high school ESL vs college ESL. What is similar and what is different? Write down a few ideas. Show them to a classmate and share your combined ideas with the class. Would this topic be better suited to a comparison essay or a contrast essay? Give a reason for your answer. Which comparison or contrast is the most thought-provoking point?

The body of the essay can be organized in one of two ways: by subject or by individual points. The organizing strategy that you choose will depend on, as always, your audience and your purpose. You may also consider your particular approach to the subjects as well as the nature of the subjects themselves; some subjects might better lend themselves to one structure or the other. Make sure to use comparison and contrast phrases to cue the reader to the ways in which you are analyzing the relationship between the subjects.

After you finish analyzing the subjects, write a conclusion that summarizes the main points of the essay and reinforces your thesis. See the student outline and essay in Appendix C, “Batman: A Hero for Any Time,” followed by professional essays in the links to read some examples of the compare-and-contrast essay. Notice the length of these essays and consider what information you will need to write a longer essay. Think beyond the 5-paragraph essay!

Reading for Content: Pick one of the Education articles provided in the Canvas module. Annotate the article, make a list of 5 new words, and be prepared to share what you learned from reading. Focus on the main ideas to provide a concise summary for your peers who read another article. Which sentence from the article seems to encapsulate the author’s thesis? Which new words could be used in your own writing?

Identify an essential quote from the article that made you reflect more critically on the author’s ideas. Our class discussion based on the readings, the vocabulary, and the “quotes” are the preparatory steps for your upcoming assignment in Exercise 6.

EXERCISE 6

Based on the topic assigned by your instructor, write a full compare-and-contrast essay. Be sure to include a summary of the source in your introduction, a clear thesis, well-defined and detailed paragraphs including quotes and paraphrases, and a fitting conclusion that ties everything together. Your essay should be 6-7 paragraphs or more.

• develop an outline based on your working thesis. Include new vocabulary in your outline and thesis!
• write a draft of your essay, including 3-5 new words, following your outline and focusing on your thesis
• get feedback from a tutor on content, organization, and vocabulary.
• revise based on the feedback, making substantive rather than superficial changes
• edit your essay based on grammar structure and vocabulary covered in class
• get feedback from a classmate, a tutor, or your professor on persistent errors
• proofread the final draft before uploading it or turning it in to your professor