Comparison and contrast essays
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WEEK 5,6,7 – WRITING 4 - LE PHUONG THAO
THE COMPARISON AND CONTRAST ESSAY
Introduction
Comparison and contrast essays indicate the similarities and contrasts between two things. The
purposes are to determine the superiority of one thing over another, to persuade, to explain or to
inform.Therefore, think of comparison and contrast as a method of development – not as a purpose for
writing.
Notice: When you compare two places, situations, things or persons, there must be a basis of
comparison. It means they must have something basic in common. We can not compare the river Nile and
New York city.
How to write
1. Thesis statement:
In your thesis statement you should make it clear to the readers whether the
essay is indicating the similarities or differences.
2. Organization
A- Point by point: This kind of pattern is used for organizing the complex topics because the comparison
or contrast is made clear throughout the essay.
PATTERN : Go on vacation : on a beach or in a city
Thesis statement: The purpose of this essay is to contrast the differences between vacation at a beach or
in a city.
a. Differences about the kind of activities you are able to do:
* At a beach: - Sailing, - Fishing, - Surfing
* In a city: - Visiting museums, theaters, downtown, etc.
b. Differences about the clothing and equipment you need to take with you:
* Beach: - Bathing suit- Short- Short-sleeve shirts- Sunglasses, etc.
*City: - Jeans- Tennis shoes-Fancy clothes, etc.
(From the presentation of Group 4,7)
B- All of one / All of the Other: This kind of pattern is used for organizing the simple topics because it is
sometimes difficult to remind the readers in the second section of how the points compare/contrast with
the points mentions in the first section.
PATTERN :
Thesis statement: A Honda is abetter car than a Toyota
1. A Honda
a. Cost of maintenance
b. Performance
c. Comfort
2. A Toyota
3. Cost of maintenance
4. Performance
5. Comfort
Short Conjunctions
Longer Expressions
Similarly,
Likewise,
...the same...
...the same as...
...also...
..., too.
both
In the same way,
X is similar to Y in that (they)...
X and Y are similar in that (they)...
Like X, Y [verb]...
In like manner,
One way in which X is similar to Y is (that)...
Another way in which X is similar to Y is
(that)...
Short Conjunctions
Subordinating Conjunctions
However,
In contrast,
By contrast,
..., but
..., yet
On the other hand,
even though + [sentence]
although + [sentence]
whereas + [sentence]
unlike + [sentence]
while + [sentence]
nevertheless,
Similarities
is similar to
Example: Spring weather in
Vancouver is similar to spring
weather in Halifax.
both
Example: Both Vancouver and
Halifax have rain in the spring.
also
Example: Halifax also has a rainy
spring season
too
Example: Halifax too has a rainy
spring season
as well
Example: As well, Halifax has rainy
spring season.
Differences
On the other hand
Example: On the other hand, winter is much colder in
Halifax.
however
Example: However, winter is much colder in Halifax
but
Example: Vancouver has a mild winter, but Halifax has a cold
one.
in contrast
Example: In contrast to Vancouver, Halifax has a cold winter.
differs from
Example: Halifax differs from Vancouver by having a cold
winter.
while
Example: While Vancouver has a mild winter, Halifax has a
cold winter.
unlike
Example: Unlike Vancouver , Halifax has a cold winter.
