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COMPARISON AND CONTRAST ESSAYS

I. Definition
A Comparison or Contrast essay is an essay in which you either compare something or contrast
something.  A comparison essay is an essay in which you emphasize the similarities, and a contrast essay is
an essay in which you emphasize the differences. 

II. Organization
A comparison and contrast essay can be organised in three different ways:
+ By focusing on features of each subject in the corresponding order (block arrangement)
+ By comparing and contrasting a number of issues point by point (point-by-point arrangement)
+ By focusing first on the similarities and then the differences of the two subjects (similarity-
difference arrangement)

Pattern 1: Block Arrangement

Para 1: INTRODUCTION
- Presents the subject that is to be compared or contrasted
- Ends with a thesis statement that focuses the comparison or contrast
Para 2-3. BODY
- There are two paragraphs, each with a clear topic sentence
- One paragraph is devoted to features of subject A and the other body paragraph is devoted to
corresponding features of subject B
Para 4: CONCLUSION
- Summarise the similarities and differences
- State the writer’s feeling or prediction about the topic

Pattern 2: Point-by-point arrangement

Para 1; INTRODUCTION
- Presents the subject that is to be compared or contrasted
- Ends with a thesis statement that focuses the comparison or contrast
Para 2-3 (4). BODY
- There are two or preferably three paragraphs in the body, each with a clear topic sentence
- Each paragraph presents one main point to be compared or contrasted between the two
subjects.
- Within each body paragraph, the topic sentence states the point of comparison or contrast
between the two subjects. The supporting sentences provide explanation or examples.
- It is necessary to use sequence transitions like first, second, furthermore, etc or connectors to
connect the point-by-point analysis within each paragraph and to connect one paragraph to
another.
Para 4(5) CONCLUSION
- Summarise the similarities and differences

- State the writer’s feeling or prediction about the topic.

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Pattern 3: Similarity-Difference Arrangement

Para 1: INTRODUCTION
- Presents the subject that is to be compared or contrasted
- Ends with a thesis statement that focuses the comparison or contrast
Para 2-3. BODY
- There are two paragraphs, each with a clear topic sentence
- One paragraph is devoted to similarities between the two subjects, and one body paragraph is
devoted to differences.
Para 4: CONCLUSION
- Summarise the similarities and differences
- State the writer’s feeling or prediction about the topic

Suppose you are interested in showing the differences between vacationing in the mountains and
vacationing at the beach.  You will then write a contrast composition. One way to arrange your material is to
use the block arrangement which is to write about vacationing in the mountains in one paragraph and
vacationing at the beach in the next.  If you mention a particular point in the mountains paragraph, you must
mention the same point in the beach paragraph, and in the same order.  Study the following outline, which
shows this kind of organization.  The introductory paragraph is followed by the mountains paragraph, the
beach paragraph, then the conclusion; the fully developed essay is just four paragraphs.

Block Arrangement (four paragraphs)

I. Introduction in which you state your purpose which is to discuss the differences between
vacationing in the mountains or at the beach
II. Mountain
A.  Climate
B.  Types of Activities
C.  Location 
III. Beach
A.  Climate
B. Types of Activities
C. Location 
IV. Conclusion
A second way to organize this material is to discuss a particular point about vacationing in the mountains and
then immediately to discuss the same point about vacationing at the beach.  This is called point-by-point or
alternating arrangement.  An outline of this organization follows.

Point-by-Point or Alternating Arrangement (five paragraphs)

I. Introduction in which you state your purpose which is to discuss differences between
vacationing in the mountains or at the beach
II. First difference between mountains and beaches is climate

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A.  Mountains
B.  Beach
III. Second difference between mountains and beaches are types of activities
A.  Mountains
B.  Beach
IV. Third difference between mountains and beaches is the location
A.  Mountains
B.  Beach
V. Conclusion

Suppose that you want to write a compare and contrast essay about the two places, similarity-difference
pattern is highly recommended, though the two previous patterns can still work well. In this type of writing
pattern, you explain the similar points of mountains and beach in one separate paragraph, followed by another
paragraph stating the differences between the two. The organization of such a four-paragraph essay is revealed
through the sketch below.

Similarity-difference Arrangement (four paragraphs)

I. Introduction in which you state your purpose which is to discuss the differences between
vacationing in the mountains or at the beach
II. Similarities
A.  Places for entertainment
B.  Offering various attractive activities
III. Differences
A.  Climate
B. Types of Activities
C. Location 
IV. Conclusion

Examine the comparison or contrast essays that follow, and decide whether the authors used block
arrangement, point-by-point (or alternating) arrangement or similarity-difference arrangement.  Notice how
other authors structure their essays.  Five paragraphs or four?  Noticing these things will help you become a
better, more conscious reader and writer.  

Vacationing at the Beach or in the Mountains

People are always looking forward to their vacation period. There are many options where to choose. I think
that the two most common places people choose for taking a vacation are the beaches and the mountains. Both
places offer a variety of fun activities. The beach offers activities that the mountain cannot offer and vice

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versa. The mountain and the beach are totally different. The purpose of this essay is to contrast the climate,
types of activities and locations of beaches and mountains.
I’m going to discuss mountains first. The three aspects I’m going to discuss are climate, types of activities and
location. Climate is always important in order to enjoy vacations. If a person dislikes cold weather, he or she
might have a hard time in the mountains. The cold climate in the mountains is the first barrier to enjoying
them, but the climate and the temperature of these zones also determine the types of activities they offer.
Snow boarding, mountain climbing, mountain biking, hiking, and skiing are some activities people can enjoy
when going to the mountains. There are many regions that have mountains where people can go and have a
great vacation. Canada is a country located in North America and contains many mountain vacation sites
where people can go and have fun.
I’m going to discuss the beach second. The three aspects I’m going to discuss are climate, types of activities
and location. Warm climate is one of the most important features that the beach has. Sun and fun are two
words that describe the beach. The temperature in those places is always hot. The sea and the warm climate
determine the activities that are available at the beach. People can swim, play volleyball, play soccer, and ride
water bikes. In most coastal sites, there are discos and restaurants where people can dance or party throughout
the night. Mexico offers many amazing coastal sites to visit. Acapulco and Cancun are two of the most
beautiful and famous beaches in the word.
It doesn’t matter what place a person decides to choose. The fun is 100% guaranteed. People often choose one
of these two options to spend their vacations. Depending on what the person likes is what he or she will
choose. I like the beach better than the mountains, but sometimes it is better to take a risk and try a different
place to enjoy.  (399 words)

*** Good Comparison/Contrast:

 Uses subjects that have enough in common to be compared and or contrasted
 Serves a purpose-either to help readers make a decision or understand the subjects being compared
and/or contrasted
 Presents several important, parallel points of comparison/contrast
 Arranges points in a logical organization

III. Useful languages for Comparison and contrast essay

Showing similarity Showing differences/contrast
Similarly, However,
Likewise, In contrast,
...the same... By contrast,
...the same as... ..., but
...also... ..., yet
..., too. On the one hand,……On the other hand,
Both Although + S V
Just as… Even though + S V
Just like… While+ S V
….and…. Whereas + S V

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…….alike unlike X, Y ….
….equal… Nevertheless/ Nonetheless,
…not only….but also... compared to,
In the same way, contrasted with,
X is similar to Y in that (they)... on the contrary,
X and Y are similar in that (they)... still,
Like X, Y [verb]... Conversely,
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)...

***Note: Language for comparison and contrast, comparative and superlative forms of Adj and Adv.

PRACTICE
Task 1: Read the following tasks and answer the questions that follow:
It has been said, "Not everything that is learned is contained in books." 
Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge gained from books. 
In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?
 You should write at least 250 words.
 You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
 You should give reasons for your answer using your own ideas and experience
A. What do you have to compare and contrast in your essay?
B. What is the purpose of comparing and contrasting them?
C. What similarities and differences do you think there are?
D. Which pattern do you think is easier for you to organise your essay?

Task 2: Read the model essay and answer the questions:

"Experience is the best teacher" is an old cliché, but I agree with it. We can learn a lot of important things
from books, but the most important lessons in life come from our own experiences. Throughout the different
stages of life, from primary school to university to adulthood, experience teaches us many skills we need for
life.

As children in primary school, we learn facts and information from books, but that is not all we learn in
school. On the playground we learn how to make friends. In our class work, we learn how it feels to succeed
and what we do when we fail. We start to learn about the things we like to do and the things we don't. We
don't learn these things from books, but from our experiences with our friends and classmates.

In our university classes, we learn a lot of information and skills we will need for our future careers, but we
also learn a lot that is not in our textbooks. In our daily lives both in class and out of class, we learn to make

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decisions for ourselves. We learn to take on responsibilities. We learn to get along with our classmates, our
roommates, and our workmates. Our successes and failures help us develop skills we will need in our adult
lives. They are skills that no book can teach us.

Throughout our adulthood, experience remains a constant teacher. We may continue to read or take classes for
professional development. However, our experiences at work, at home, and with our friends teach us more.
The triumphs and disasters of our lives teach us how to improve our careers and also how to improve our
relationships and how to be the person each one of us wants to be.

Books teach us a lot, but there is a limit to what they teach. They can give us information or show us another
person's experiences. These are valuable things, but the lessons we learn from our own experiences, from
childhood through adulthood, are the most important ones we learn.

A. In which pattern is it organised?

B. How are ideas organised in the body? Does the writer use any connectors to link one paragraph to
another in the body?
C. Draw out the outline of this essay.

Task 3: Rewrite the following sentences to show similarity or contrast.

1. Lemons are yellow. Limes are green. ( unlike/ similarly)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………
2. Rome is a city rich in history. Athens is too. ( like/ in contrast)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………
3. A frog can live in water or on land. A fish cannot. ( like/ unlike)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………
4. A parrot can fly. An ostrich cannot. ( similarly/ in contrast)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………
5. Mozart composed his first opera at the age of 12. Mendelsohn composed his first masterpiece in his
teens. ( in contrast/ similarly)
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………

Task 4: Complete the paragraph with the suitable word/ phrase below:
A. Like similarly on the one hand on the other hand in contrast

The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, and the Statue of Liberty in New York City may seem to be very
different structures. However, they have many similarities. (1)-------------the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of
Liberty was designed by a French architect. (2)----------------, the Statue of Liberty and Eiffel Tower both
represented great advancements in metalwork. The Eiffel Tower, however, is taller than the Statue of

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Liberty. The Eiffel Tower measures 986 feet. (3)----------------, the Statue of Liberty is only 305 feet from
the water to the top of her torch. (4)----------you have the elegant black frame and sharp point of the Eiffel
Tower, and (5)------------you have the long, flowing robes and lifelike torch of the Statue of Liberty. Both
monuments are equally beautiful.

B. however       likewise       another difference       similarly       whereas      
also       while       but         on the other hand
 
Even though Arizona and Rhode Island are both states of the U.S., they are different in many ways. For
example, the physical size of each state is different. Arizona is large, having an area of 114,000 square
miles,(1) __________ Rhode Island is only about a tenth the size, having an area of only 1,214 square
miles. (2)__________   is in the size of the population of each state. Arizona has about four million people
living in it,    (3)___________    Rhode Island has less than one million. The two states also differ in the
kinds of natural environments that each has. For example, Arizona is a very dry state, consisting of large
desert areas that do not receive much rainfall every year.  (4)_________   Rhode Island is located in a
temperate zone and receives an average of 44 inches of rain per year. In addition,  (5)__________  
Arizona is a landlocked state and thus has no seashore, Rhode Island lies on the Atlantic Ocean and does
have a significant coastline.

C. in the same way       likewise      another similarity      similarly      whereas     

too while       both        however 
Even though we come from different cultures, my wife and I are alike in several ways. For one thing, we
are (1) ______________thirty-two years old. In fact, our birthdays are in the same month, hers on July 10
and mine on July 20. (2)________ is that we both grew up in large cities. Helene was born and raised in
Paris and I come from Yokohama. Third, our hobbies are alike (3)________. My wife devotes a lot of her
free time to playing jazz piano. (4)_________, I like to spend time after work strumming my guitar. A
more important similarity concerns our values. For example, Helene has strong opinions about educating
our children and raising them to know right from wrong. I feel (5)________. Our children should receive a
good education and also have strong moral training.
D. Are quite different like yet although both

1. …………..Japanese businesspeople usually have some command of English, it is often tenuous at best,
especially in conversation.
2. ………..Japanese, Americans naturally prefer to do business in their native language.
3. …………..American and Japanese businesspeople tend to have little experience in dealing with people
from other countries.
4. American and Japanese communication patterns………… . The American style is direct, and values
discussion. The Japanese style is more vague and emphasizes on nonverbal cues and subtle nuances
5. Americans consider charisma and motivational ability crucial. ……………Japanese often feel that
American style “strong leadership” is insensitive and dictatorial.

E. Fill in the blank with suitable words/ phrases

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The World Bank and the IMF were (1)…………….. established in 1944 at a conference of world leaders in
Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. The aim of the two "Bretton Woods institutions" as they are sometimes
called, was to place the international economy on a sound footing after World War II. The work of the Bank
and the Fund are complementary (2)…………….. their individual roles are quite (3) …………….. . The
World Bank is a lending institution whose aim is to help integrate countries into the wider world economy and
promote long term economic growth that reduces poverty in developing countries. The IMF acts as a monitor
of the world's currencies by helping to maintain an orderly system of payments between all countries, and
lends money to members who face serious balance of payments deficits. (4)……………… the World Bank
makes loans for both policy reforms and projects, the International Monetary Fund concerns itself with
policies (5) …………….. .It provides loans to member countries that have a short term problem meeting their
foreign payments requirements and seeks to obtain full convertibility among the currencies of its members
under the system of flexible exchange rates in force since 1973.

HOME ASSIGNMENT
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Compare and contrast the type of information presented by Television and Internet.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience.
Write at least 250 words.

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