COMPARISON-CONTRAST

Showing similarities and differences to make a point.

WHAT IS A COMPARISON? A CONTRAST?

• Comparing things mean pointing out their similarities, or what they have in common.• Contrasting things mean

pointing out their differences, or where they diverge from one another.

WHEN TO USE COMPARISON-CONTRAST

Use comparison and contrast to show that: one thing is better/worse than another things that seem alike are actually different. things that seem different are actually alike.

WHAT CAN YOU COMPARE/CONTRAST?

To compare or contrast, you need two subjects that have a BASIS FOR COMPARISON (BFC).

A basis for comparison is an essential, common element that makes it logical to compare the two items.

vs.

THE COMPARISON/CONTRAST THESIS

SUBJECT: The two items you will compare/contrastFOCUS: The reason you are comparing/contrasting them (to rate them, to show similarities, to show differences)

REASONS/PROOFS: The three (or more) major aspects of each subject that

you will explore to prove your focus.

SAMPLE COMPARE-CONTRAST THESIS Although Macs and PCs perform many of the same functions, the Mac is a superior machine because it’s not vulnerable to viruses, is easier to operate, and offers more sophisticated graphics applications.

SUBJECTS: Mac and PCBASIS FOR COMPARISON: both are computersFOCUS: Mac is superiorREASONS: no viruses, ease of use, better graphics

ORGANIZING A COMPARISON-CONTRASTOnce you create your thesis, you will decide how to organize your essay.

SUBJECT BY SUBJECT: Discuss all aspects of the first subject, then discuss all aspects of the second subject. This is used to emphasize overall similarities or differences.

POINT BY POINT: Make one point about the first subject, then make a parallel point about the second subject, and so on. This is used to emphasize individual similarities or differences.

BE CONSISTENT!Because you will be switching between two subjects, you may forget to be consistent in style, tone, and grammar. Remember:

• Use the same verb tense to discuss both subjects• Discuss the same aspects of each subject• Talk about aspects in the same order for each subject• Use transitions to move the reader from one subject to

the next

COMPARISON-CONTRAST: IN SUMMARY

Comparing points out similaritiesContrasting points out differencesSubjects must have a basis for comparison (an essential similarity)Thesis includes subject (two or more items with a basis for comparison), focus (the reason for comparing/contrasting) and reasons (three or more aspects of each item that you will compare-contrast)Remember to stay consistent in style, tone, grammar and order.