Comparison & Contrast

 Comparison or contrast paragraphs are used to

show similarities or differences between two
things.
 A comparison paragraph focuses on similarities,
while a contrast paragraph on differences.
 Comparison and contrast are frequently combined
to give a full treatment of a topic. However, A
paragraph usually concentrates only on
similarities or differences, not both at the same
time.
The signal words of comparison
 The words that indicate similarity in meaning,
such as “like”, “alike”, “similar to” and so on.

 The words that express parallel in structure, such

as “either…or…”, “not only…but also…”, “both…
and…” and so on.
Some sample expressions:
 There are several similarities between A and B.
 A and B have the same view of the world.
 A and B have a lot in common.
 In common with A, B prefers meat to fish.
 A resembles B in that A is also interested in collecting stamps.
 Just as A likes to be quiet, B likes to stay alone.
 Like A, B likes outdoor sports.
 A likes swimming. The same with A, B also likes swimming.
 A and B are the same in that they both like swimming in the
sea.
 A and B have the same interests.
 A likes swimming in a pond; similarly, B likes swimming in the
sea.
 Both A and B have long hair.
 A likes fishing. B likes fishing, too.
 A likes swimming, so does B.
The signal words of contrast
 The words that express “difference” in meaning,
such as “be different from”, “differ from” and so
on.

 The words that present comparative degree, such

as “faster…than”, “taller…than” and so on.

 The words that indicate a turning or concession,

such as “though”, “but” and so on.
Some sample expressions:
 Unlike A, B likes outdoor sports.
 In contrast to A, B likes outdoor sports.
 Different from A, B likes outdoor sports.
 Contrary to A, B likes outdoor sports.
 As opposed to A, B likes outdoor sports.
 A is different from B in that B likes outdoor sports.
 A differs from B in that B likes outdoor sports.
 A contrasts with B in that B likes outdoor sports.
 A likes indoor activities; however/ in contrast/ by contrast/ on
the other hand, B likes outdoor sports.
 A likes indoor activities; B, however, likes outdoor sports.
 A likes indoor activities, but B likes outdoor sports.
 A likes indoor activities, whereas / while B likes outdoor sports.
 A is not as active as B.
 A is more /less active than B.
How to write a paragraph by comparison and
contrast
The topic sentence
 In a comparison or contrast paragraph, usually,
the topic sentence introduces the two things
to be compared or contrasted and the
controlling idea---points of comparison or
contrast.
 The topic sentence should also indicate the
emphasis of the paragraph, either similarities or
differences.
Compare the following two topic sentences and see which
one is better.
1) Although both our pet cats look lovely, their differences in
temperament is constant source of amusement.
2) Our two pet cats are quite different.
Topic sentence 2 is too general to be developed in one paragraph. it does
not restrict the controlling ideas as to what points of the two cats to
contrast.

Topic sentence 1 not only indicates the point to be contrasted but

also reveals that the purpose of the writer is not just to show the
difference but to reveal a source of amusement.

Topic sentence 1 acknowledges the obvious similarity of the two pet

cats, and then indicates the differences as the focus of the paragraph.
The supporting sentences
There are two basic patterns for the structure
of the supporting sentences in a comparison
and contrast paragraph.

The alternating pattern The block pattern

(point-to-point) (side-to-side)

examining two things at the examining one thing

same time, discussing them thoroughly and then start the
point by point other
Suppose we are to compare two cars:
car X and car Y.
The points to be compared might be:
1) the cost of maintenance
2) performance
3) comfort
The alternating pattern
Topic sentence: X is a better car than Y in terms
of the cost of maintenance, performance and
comfort.
Supporting sentences: Car X
point 1: Cost of maintenance
Car Y
Car X
point 2: Performance
Car Y
Car X
point 3: Comfort
Car Y
 Life in the city is quite different from life in the
suburbs. People living in the city are constantly
exposed to the hustle and bustle of urban life. But
life in the suburbs is generally quiet and casual and
generally more low-key than that in the city. If city
dwellers want to see trees and grass, they must go
to one of the public parks. One the other hand, the
streets of many suburban communities are lined
with trees and each house has its own grassy yard.
A person living in the city is close to many sources
of entertainment, but people living in suburban
areas must go into the city for entertainment.
The block pattern
Topic sentence: X is a better car than Y in terms of the
cost of maintenance, performance and comfort.
Supporting sentences:
Side A: Car X
1. Cost of Maintenance
2. Performance The points of
comparison or
3. Comfort
contrast are the same
Side B: Car Y and that they are
1. Cost of maintenance discussed in the same
2. Performance order under each side.
3. Comfort
 Although Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee were fierce
adversaries during the Civil War, their lives, both military and
nonmilitary, had a great deal in common. Grant descended from a
family whose members participated in the American Revolution.
He received his commission of second lieutenant from West Point
and served in the Spanish-American War. He was later
summoned by President Lincoln to assume command of the Union
Forces during the Civil War. After the Civil War, Grant suffered
financial problems and was forced to declare bankruptcy. Lee
also descended from a family which engaged in the American
Revolution. He, too, received his commission from West Point
and later fought in Mexico during the Spanish-American War. His
fame as a military strategist during the Civil War, when he was the
commander of the Confederate armies, is well known. Although it
is not always pointed out by historians, he, like Grant, hand
financial difficulties after the Civil War and was compelled to
declare bankruptcy. By securing a post as president of
Washington College, he was able to avoid additional poverty.
The use of the two patterns
 The block pattern is useful in short writing
where only a few points to be discussed.
 The alternating pattern is preferable in long
writing in which there are numerous points
under discussion.
 Generally speaking, the block pattern is
used less often than the alternating pattern.
The concluding sentence

No matter whether it is a comparison or

contrast paragraph, the concluding
sentence is usually a restatement of the
topic sentence or a summary of the points
compared or contrasted in the development
of the paragraph.
 My hometown is quite different from what it used
to be. Just a little more than ten years ago my
hometown was a small quiet place. The houses
were small and mean. The streets were for the
most part narrow and winding. There were few
people in theThestreets and
concluding shops
sentence . Now, everything
restates
has changed.theLooking in everyin direction
main idea “different” the topic from the
center of thesentence.
town, one sees a long succession of
giant, imposing buildings. The streets, whether
long or short, are straight, spacious, and well-
shaded. Crowds of people can be found here and
there, hurrying, noisy, and well-dressed. From a
dull little village with clusters of shabby houses in
the past, my hometown has now transformed into
a big city, cheerful, colorful, and prosperous.
 Which sentence is the topic sentence?
(1) Though
Andthe governments
what of idea?
is the controlling Great Britain and the United
States are quite different,the they
formshare basic similarities in
of the government
some aspects. (2) First, the British Parliament is made up
of two separate houses --- the British House of Commons,
and theWhat are the
British main ideas
House of the compared
of Lords. (3) Likewise, the U. S.
points?
Congress has two divisions --- the House of
Representatives and the Senate. (4) Next, the essential
function
the of function
law making the British Parliament is to make laws; a bill
has to be presented to boththe houses for debate
appointment to get
of the cabinet
point-to-point
passed before it can become a law. (5) In the United States,
the House of Representatives and the Senate play similar
functions. (6) Third, the Prime Minister in Great Britain
What pattern does this paragraph
appoints the members of the cabinet, who serve as
employ?
advisors and make thegovernment
veto right policies. (7) In the same
manner, the U. S. President appoints his cabinet, which is
composed of heads of the governmental departments. (8)
Finally, the British
Please monarch
underline (queen
the signal words orfor
king) has the right to
veto any comparison
law. (9) The U. S. President can also refuse to sign
any bill passed by the Congress.
 Which sentence is the topic sentence?
(1)FewAnd
can deny
what is thethe strange
controlling coincidences
idea? in the
lives and deaths of John F. Kennedy and Abraham
Lincoln. (2) For example, Kennedy was elected in
1960 while Lincoln assumed the Presidency in
1860. (3) Both men were assassinated from
behind, on a Friday, and in the presence of their
wives. (4) Both assassins, John Wilkes Booth and
Lee Harvey Oswild, have fifteen letters in their
point-to-point
names, and both were murdered before they could
be brought to trial. (5)Perhaps the strangest
What pattern
coincidence is thatdoes this paragraph
Kennedy's secretary, whose
employ?
name was Lincoln, advised him not to go to Dallas
where he was shot. (6) Lincoln’s secretary, whose
name was Kennedy, advised him not to go to the
Ford Theater where he met his death.
  Block or vertical comparison and contrast
 Both Professor Simmons and Professor Wu are my favorite
teachers, yet they teach with very different styles. Professor
Simmons, a 30-year-old female, likes to get her students
involved in class discussion. Thus, her class is usually
lively and stimulating. She also likes to use TV,CD, and
other modern technology to assist classroom instruction.
Since she doesn’t give any homework, your grade in her
class depends mainly on two or three big exams. And make
no mistake about it, she is a tough grader!
 Professor Wu, on the other hand, is almost the opposite of
Professor Simmons. A 50-year-old male, Professor Wu tends to
lecture all the way through a class, but his solid knowledge,
clear organization, and occasional humor keep you from dozing
off. He also likes to write the key points of his lecture on the
board to facilitate students’ note taking. While he gives lots of
homework and administers frequent small exams, he can be
really generous in grading. The two professors have one thing
in common, though: they both are excellent teachers. That’s
perhaps why despite the differences in their teaching style, I
enjoy their classes very much and never get bored.
  Itemised or horizontal comparison and contrast
 Professor Simmons and Professor Wu, two of my favorite teachers, are
very different in how they run their classes, how much homework they
assign to students, and how they grade students. Professor Simmons, a
30-year-old female, likes to get her students involved in class discussion.
Thus her class is usually lively and stimulating. Professor Wu, on the
other hand, is almost the opposite of Professor Simmons. A 50-year-old
male, Professor Wu tends to lecture all the way through a class, but his
solid knowledge, clear organization, and occasional humor keep you
from dozing off. While Professor Simmons likes to use TV, CD, and
other modern technology to assist classroom instruction, Professor Wu is
content with writing the key points of his lecture on the board, which
makes it much easier for students to take notes.
 The two professors are different with regard to homework, too. For
whatever reasons, Professor Simmons never gives any homework at
all, which makes me wonder sometimes whether this is a rebellion to
her own homework-dominated student days. Professor Wu, however,
seems never tired to give homework assignment. There is something
due almost every time you walk into his classroom! Finally, your
grade in Professor Simmons’s class depends mainly on two or three
big exams, and make no mistake about it: she is a tough grader!
Professor Wu, in contrast, administers frequent small exams and if
you take all these exams and do all the homework satisfactorily, you
shouldn’t be worried about passing his class. Although the two
professors teach differently, I enjoy both very much because they
both are excellent teachers.