Compare and Contrast Writing

Understanding Compare-And-Contrast Essays

• Compare-and-contrast essays analyze two subjects by highlighting their similarities and differences.
• The key to a good compare-and-contrast essay is to choose two or more subjects that connect in a meaningful way.

Effective Comparison and Contrast

• Focus on contrasting two subjects by highlighting subtle differences, rather than stating the obvious.
• To contrast, choose two subjects that are similar but have subtle differences (e.g., two types of oranges).
• To compare, choose two subjects that seem unrelated at first, highlighting unexpected similarities (e.g., apples and oranges).

Structure of a Compare-And-Contrast Essay

• A compare-and-contrast essay starts with a thesis that clearly states the two subjects and the reason for comparison or contrast.
• The thesis can lean towards comparing, contrasting, or both.
• The purpose of comparing and contrasting is to provide useful knowledge to the reader.

Organizing a Compare-And-Contrast Essay

• Organization can be based on either:
  • The subjects themselves (discussing one then the other)
  • Individual points (discussing each subject in relation to each point)
• The organizational structure depends on the topic, purpose, and audience.

Useful Phrases for Compare-And-Contrast Essays

• Phrases that cue the reader to analysis include:
  • Comparison: similarly, like, both, alike
  • Contrast: conversely, in contrast, unlike, whereas