IV.

Comparison and Contrast Essay

Technically speaking, when you compare you are looking for similarities; when you
contrast you are looking for differences. However, in practice, the operations are part of the
same process. When you look for what is similar, you will also notice what is different. To
write a comparison or contrast essay that is easy to follow, first decide what the similarities or
differences are by writing lists on scrap paper (eg: this is blue; that’s red. This is round; that
is square.

Read the following introduction then answer the following questions

Paragraphs and Essays

College students in the United States often become confused with academic-
composition terminology. They hear teachers talking about topic sentences that are too
general or thesis statements that are too broad. They are asked to compose paragraphs and
expand them into more comprehensive essays about the topic. How can students better
understand the structures of these two writing structures in the English? Perhaps discussing
similarities and differences between the two would help.

Questions:

1- Is this essay a narrative, a descriptive, or an example essay?

2- What is this type of development?
3- Is there a thesis statement? If yes underline it.
4- How many paragraphs the writer is going to discuss in the body of his essay? Explain

Read the rest of the essay, and then check your answers

The structure of an essay is like the structure of a paragraph. Just as the controlling idea
of a paragraph is expressed in the topic sentence, the controlling idea of an essay is expressed
in the thesis statement. The topic sentence of a paragraph is generally placed at the beginning
of the paragraph, and the thesis statement of an essay is placed in the introductory paragraph.
In both paragraphs and essays, specific support in the form of facts, details, and examples is
needed to validate the opinion expressed in the controlling idea. Finally, both paragraphs and
essays tend to restate the controlling idea at the end of the discussion rather than simply
coming to an abrupt stop.

The difference between a paragraph and essay is primarily one of development.

Whereas a paragraph usually deals with only one dimension of a topic, an essay can turn a
thought through several dimensions. Once a writer starts to make notes on a subject, he may
discover that the complexity of the subject demands more than a one-paragraph treatment.
The paragraphs of an essay treat a sequence of key points; each of the paragraphs in turn
focuses on the one key point the writer assigns it. Thus, the writer turns the thought just to
a certain point in each of the body paragraphs. When the essay is successful, the totality of
the turns unlocks a complex sequence of thoughts which the writer can share with the reader.
Perhaps an analogy would help. A person spending weekends or only a few days in
the mountains would require very little space: room for a bed, limited cooking supplies, a
restroom or outhouse, and perhaps a chair or two. On the other hand, someone who lives in
the mountains all of time would require much more space and materials for survival. In the
same way, a person writing only briefly about a topic might skim major aspects of that topic
in an essay whereas someone wishing to elaborate more on a broader topic might choose to
develop ideas through an essay.
T. Johnston and J.Gonzales ‘The Writers Advice Book’p. 130

Questions:

1. How many paragraphs are there in the body of the essay?

2. Do the paragraphs start with topic sentences? If yes double underline them.
3. Does the concluding paragraph seem logical?
4. Why did the writer compare living for few days in mountains, and living all the time
in mountains?
5. What was his point by making a such comparison?

Comments on the essay:

If we want to compare something, we have to look for what is similar and of course for
what is different. Comparing a paragraph with the essay requires from us to look for the
similarities and the differences between them.

In the previous essay ‘ Paragraphs and Essays’, the writer has divided the body of the
essay in two paragraphs. The first paragraph lists the common aspects that are shared
between the paragraph and the essay: the structure and the form. In the second paragraph,
however, he lists the main differences between them where he focuses on how a topic is
developed in a paragraph and how it is developed in an essay.

1- Points of comparison

You are asked to compare and contrast two people, two religious leaders. What would
you compare and contrast about them? You could compare their looks, their backgrounds,
their philosophies, their attitudes towards life… it is better to restrict the points of comparison
and contrast by focussing on the main ones that support the thesis statement. Do not begin
writing until you have a point that the similarities or differences you want to use help to
prove. Your point should help shape the rest of what you say; for example, if you see that one
of your similarities or differences is unrelated to the point, throw it out and think of one that
is related. In other words, revise your point. Be sure this main point is clearly and
prominently expressed somewhere in the essay.

 For example if you want to compare two politicians to show that one is better as a
public servant, the points of comparison would be the following: their social
background, educational background… but not to compare their taste in food this
point would be irrelevant.

2- Emphasis on Comparison or Contrast

Which are more significant, the similarities or the differences?

In a comparison and contrast essay, the emphasis is usually on one or the other. Plan to
discuss the less significant first, followed by the more significant.

 For example if you are comparing two obvious similar things, you should
acknowledge the obvious similarities but focus on the differences. Such comparing
two cars, here you should talk about the obvious similarities between the two cars; but
the focus should be on what makes these cars different from each other.
 Whereas if you are comparing two obvious dissimilar things, you should acknowledge
the obvious contrast but emphasize the less obvious similarities. Such as comparing a
reading books with making a web searching; in this essay you should mention briefly
the differences between the two means of transportation; but the focus should be on
the less obvious similarities such as:

3- Patterns of Organization

For organizing a comparison or a contrast essay, you can choose one of the plans
described below whichever best fits your list.

Plan a (subject-by-subject pattern): by choosing this pattern, you have to present all
the information on topic one before introducing information on topic two. This type of
organization is used, if you have many small similarities and/or differences. After your
introduction, say everything you want to say about the first work or character, and then go on
in the second half of the essay to say everything about the second work or character,
comparing or contrasting each item in the second with the same item in the first. In this
format, all the comparing or contrasting which you may want to put in the beginning goes on
in the SECOND HALF of the piece.

Plan B (point-by-point pattern): Use Plan B if you have only a few, larger
similarities or differences. After your introduction, in the next paragraph discuss one
similarity or difference in BOTH works or characters, and then move on in the next
paragraph to the second similarity or difference in both, then the third, and so forth, until
you're done. If you are doing both similarities and differences, juggle them on scrap paper so
that in each part you put the less important first ("X and Y are both alike in their social
positions . . ."), followed by the more important ("but X is much more aware of the dangers
of his position than is Y"). In this format, the comparing or contrasting goes on in EACH of
the middle parts.
4.Modal essay: Comparison and Contrast essay
 Passing of Time

I have always been a sports car lover, but when my family increased in
size to the point that finding a sports car that would meet my needs would be
almost impossible, I decided to consider a minivan. While a sports car was an
unrealistic possibility, giving it up would not be easy. The sports car and the
minivan would both fulfil the basic requirement of reliable transportation, but I
had to consider the differences among size, manoeuvrability and affordability.

Stepping into a minivan for the first time was like looking over the edge
of the Grand Canyon. Unlike sports cars that sit only inches off the ground, here
I was sitting so high I felt as if I would get a bloody nose. Since I had brought
the baby with me on this excursion, I had to move the car seat to the van. I was
amazed with the easy access to the back seats made possible by the rear sliding
doors. It was a sharp contrast to the bending, stooping and twisting it took to get
the baby, and the car seat, into and out of the back seat of my sports car. Score
one for the minivan. However, when the baby lost his bottle and I reflexively
reached back to fumble around the floorboard in search of it I realized I could
barely touch the back seat floorboard, let alone retrieve the bottle.

The test drive further emphasized the differences of the van. Trying to
pull out of the parking lot, I felt like there was a bulls eye painted on the side.
The sports car was very responsive, one quick stomp on the gas and I would
have been out in front of the traffic that had just begun to proceed through the
intersection; not so in the van. Sitting on top of the world with what felt like a
tractor-trailer following behind me, I was not going to be able to make any such
moves. A slow, more dignified manoeuvre would be required. After all, I was
driving a "mom-mobile." Sitting on top of the world had its advantages. The
visibility was great. I could not only see the back of the vehicle in front of me,
the only view afforded a sports car driver, I could see through its windshield to
the traffic in front of it. I would not have to rely on the judgement of the person
in front of me to determine how quickly the traffic was slowing; I could see it
myself.

Then there were the cost issues to consider. Although the van costs about
the same as a sports car, the insurance costs were less. I am guessing the
insurance underwriters think that if you were carrying your children with you,
you would be less likely to "stomp" on the gas to beat the traffic. Repairs and
maintenance were also equal, but gas mileage was not as good in the van.

The real struggle with giving up my sports car was an emotional one. It
took me a long time to deal with the reality that moving into a minivan was another
"rite of passage." I was moving into a new phase of my life. I was leaving the
"yuppie" lifestyle behind and embracing the "responsible parent" stage of life.
While I was thrilled to be a parent, the image it conjured up was not how I
envisioned myself. When had I changed?
.Exercise1: answer the following questions about the previous essay
1. What is the thesis statement? What are its main points of comparison?
 2. Does the essay focus more on comparison or on contrast?
3. Which pattern of organization does the writer follow? And why was this pattern
selected?
4. Does the essay have topic sentence that state the controlling idea for each point of
comparison? If so what are they?
5. Is the essay unified? Coherent?
6. Is the conclusion logical?
7. Make a detailed outline of the essay.

Exercise: consider the following patterns of organizations. First identify the pattern used in
each outline. Then write a short essay where you follow one of the bellow outlines.

Thesis statement: the Peugeot 307 is a better car than Peugeot 206.

Plan 1:

I. Intro. with thesis

II. The body

1. Cost of maintenance

Peugeot 307

Peugeot 206

2. Performance

Peugeot 307

Peugeot 206

3. Comfort

Peugeot 307

Peugeot 206

I. Conclusion
 Compare & contrast essays
How things are similar or different
Compare and contrast is a common form of academic writing, either as an essay type on its
own, or as part of a larger essay which includes one or more paragraphs which compare or
contrast. This page gives information on what a compare and contrast essay is, how to
structure this type of essay, how to use compare and contrast structure words, and how to
make sure you use appropriate criteria for comparison/contrast. There is also an example
compare and contrast essay on the topic of communication technology, as well as some
exercises to help you practice this area.

What are compare & contrast essays?

To compare is to examine how things are similar, while to contrast is to see how they differ.
A compare and contrast essay therefore looks at the similarities of two or more objects, and
the differences. This essay type is common at university, where lecturers frequently test your
understanding by asking you to compare and contrast two theories, two methods, two
historical periods, two characters in a novel, etc. Sometimes the whole essay will compare
and contrast, though sometimes the comparison or contrast may be only part of the essay. It is
also possible, especially for short exam essays, that only the similarities or the differences,
not both, will be discussed. See the examples below.

 Compare and contrast Newton's ideas of gravity with those proposed by Einstein
['compare and contrast' essay]
 Examine how the economies of Spain and China are similar ['compare' only essay]
 Explain the differences between Achaemenid Empire and Parthian Empire ['contrast'
only essay]

Structure

There are two main ways to structure a compare and contrast essay, namely using a block or a
point-by-point structure. For the block structure, all of the information about one of the
objects being compared/contrasted is given first, and all of the information about the other
object is listed afterwards. This type of structure is similar to the block structure used for
cause and effect and problem-solution essays. For the point-by-point structure, each similarity
(or difference) for one object is followed immediately by the similarity (or difference) for the
other. Both types of structure have their merits. The former is easier to write, while the latter
is generally clearer as it ensures that the similarities/differences are more explicit.
The two types of structure, block and point-by-point, are shown in the diagram below.

Block

Introduction
Object 1 - Point 1
Object 1 - Point 2
Object 1 - Point 3
Transition sentence/paragraph
Object 2 - Point 1
Object 2 - Point 2
Object 2 - Point 3
Conclusion

Point-by-point

Introduction
Point 1

Object 1 ➤ Object 2

Point 2

Object 1 ➤ Object 2

Point 3

Object 1 ➤ Object 2

Conclusion

Compare and Contrast Structure Words

Compare and contrast structure words are transition signals which show the similarities or
differences. Below are some common examples.

Compare

 Similarly
 Likewise
 also
 both... and...
 not only... but also...
 neither... nor...
 just like (+ noun)
 similar to (+ noun)
 to be similar (to)
 to be the same as
 to be alike
 to compare (to/with)

Examples

 Computers can be used to communicate easily, for example via email.

Similarly/Likewise, the mobile phone is a convenient tool for communication.
 Both computers and mobile phones can be used to communicate easily with other
people.
 Just like the computer, the mobile phone can be used to communicate easily with
other people.
  The computer is similar to the mobile phone in the way it can be used for easy
communication.

Contrast

 However
 In contrast
 In comparison
 By comparison
 On the other hand
 while
 whereas
 but
 to differ from
 to be different (from)
 to be dissimilar to
 to be unlike

Examples

 Computers, although increasingly small, are not always easy to carry from one place
to another. However, the mobile phone can be carried with ease.
 Computers are generally not very portable, whereas the mobile phone is.
 Computers differ from mobile phones in their lack of portability.
 Computers are unlike mobile phones in their lack of portability.

Criteria for comparison/contrast

When making comparisons or contrasts, it is important to be clear what criteria you are
using. Study the following example, which contrasts two people. Here the criteria are unclear.

 Aaron is tall and strong. In contrast, Bruce is handsome and very intelligent.

Although this sentence has a contrast transition, the criteria for contrasting are not the same.
The criteria used for Aaron are height (tall) and strength (strong). We would expect similar
criteria to be used for Bruce (maybe he is short and weak), but instead we have new criteria,
namely appearance (handsome) and intelligence (intelligent). This is a common mistake for
students when writing this type of paragraph or essay. Compare the following, which has
much clearer criteria (contrast structure words shown in bold).

 Aaron and Bruce differ in four ways. The first difference is height. Aaron is tall,
while Bruce is short. A second difference is strength. Aaron is strong. In contrast,
Bruce is weak. A third difference is appearance. Aaron, who is average looking,
differs from Bruce, who is handsome. The final difference is intelligence. Aaron is of
average intelligence. Bruce, on the other hand, is very intelligent.
Example essay

Below is a compare and contrast essay. This essay uses the point-by-point structure. Click on
the different areas (in the shaded boxes to the right) to highlight the different structural
aspects in this essay, i.e. similarities, differences, and structure words. This will highlight not
simply the paragraphs, but also the thesis statement and summary, as these repeat the
comparisons and contrasts contained in the main body.

Title: There have been many advances in technology over the past fifty years. These have
revolutionised the way we communicate with people who are far away. Compare and contrast
methods of communication used today with those which were used in the past.

Before the advent of computers and modern technology, people communicating over long
distances used traditional means such as letters and the telephone. Nowadays we have a vast
array of communication tools which can complete this task, ranging from email to instant
messaging and video calls. While the present and previous means of communication are
similar in their general form, they differ in regard to their speed and the range of tools
available.

One similarity between current and previous methods of communication relates to the form of
communication. In the past, both written forms such as letters were frequently used, in
addition to oral forms such as telephone calls. Similarly, people nowadays use both of these
forms. Just as in the past, written forms of communication are prevalent, for example via
email and text messaging. In addition, oral forms are still used, including the telephone,
mobile phone, and voice messages via instant messaging services.

However, there are clearly many differences in the way we communicate over long distances,
the most notable of which is speed. This is most evident in relation to written forms of
communication. In the past, letters would take days to arrive at their destination. In contrast,
an email arrives almost instantaneously and can be read seconds after it was sent. In the
past, if it was necessary to send a short message, for example at work, a memo could be
passed around the office, which would take some time to circulate. This is different from the
current situation, in which a text message can be sent immediately.

Another significant difference is the range of communication methods. Fifty years ago, the
tools available for communicating over long distances were primarily the telephone and the
letter. By comparison, there are a vast array of communication methods available today.
These include not only the telephone, letter, email and text messages already mentioned, but
also video conferences via software such as Skype or mobile phone apps such as Wechat, and
social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

In conclusion, methods of communication have greatly advanced over the past fifty years.
While there are some similarities, such as the forms of communication, there are significant
differences, chiefly in relation to the speed of communication and the range of
communication tools available. There is no doubt that technology will continue to progress in
future, and the advanced tools which we use today may one day also become outdated.