Comparison and
Contrast
Freshman English
A technique for exposition,
for explaining
A type of analysis
Parts of two or more subjects are
studied,
Then discussed in terms of one
another.
Comparison

To compare is to discuss
similarities and differences
between.
 people
 places
 objects
 events
 ideas
Contrast

To contrast is to show or discuss
differences.
Uses

Good for a broad range of
explanatory situations to clarify
and/or explain:
 character
 design
 elements
 the
nature of something
Useful also to:


Show superiority.
Show inferiority.
What’s wrong with this graphic?
Requirements

Relationship between the two
items must be
 logical
 self-evident
 balanced
 sustained.
Bases for Comparison




What elements of the two items
are comparable?
Have you clearly stated them in the
introduction?
Are they in the order in which they
will be discussed?
Have you defined necessary
terms?
Organization


Subject to subject (item to item)
Point to point (element to element)
Draw a Chart
Rock
Concert
Instruments
Venue
Audience
Music
Classical
Concert
Organization
Particular points provide the means
by which to observe similarities and
differences between subjects.
Two patterns for arrangement or
organization.
1. By Subjects
I.
II.
III.
IV.
Introduction
Subject A
A.
First point
B.
Second point
C.
And so on …
Subject B
A.
First point
B.
Second point
C.
And so on …
Conclusion
By Points
I.
II.
Introduction
First point
A.
Subject A
B.
Subject B
III.
Second point
A.
Subject A
B.
Subject B
IV.
Conclusion
(You will likely have more than 2 points!!)
Rules to Help
Rule #1
Keep elements of the comparison logically
related.
Elements must be comparable of the same logical class.
Example
e.g. Modern atomic theory provides for fewer
types of atoms than Democritus, the ancient
Greek philosopher who conceived the idea of
atoms.
Modern atomic theory provides for fewer types
of atoms than that of Democritus, the ancient
Greek philosopher who conceived the idea of
atoms.
Rule #2


Complete all elements of the
comparison.
The reader must know which
elements in a sentence are being
compared.
Examples


Democritus believed that there existed an
infinite variety of atoms, each of which
possessed unique characteristics, for instance
that atoms of water were smoother. , than ….
The ideas of Democritus were based more on
speculation. ,while ….
Rule #3


Make comparisons clear and unambiguous.
Revise comparisons that invite alternate
interpretations.
Example

1.
1.
Scientists today express more respect for
Democritus than his contemporaries
Scientists today express more respect for
Democritus than for his contemporaries.
Scientists today express more respect for
Democritus than his contemporaries did.
Revise the following sentences.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Since ancient times, fire has been
regarded more as a transforming element
than sheer destructive power.
Medieval scientists believed in fire resided
magical properties.
In legend, Prometheus’s gift of fire made
humans better, and for this Prometheus
was punished.
Humankind has used fire for about
400,000 years, although it is not clear that
all people have known how to make it.
Ethical Considerations



Have I avoided skewing one or both of my
items in order to ensure a particular outcome?
Are the items I am comparing properly
matched? Professional essay vs. student
essay.
If I am using an analogy, is it appropriate and
fair? e.g. Immigration officials compared to Nazi
storm troopers trivialized Halocaust victims and
taints officials unfairly.(Strategies …, 5th ed., pp 223-224)
What’s next?
Go to:
http://eduventure.ca/Comparison.htm
Assignment
Write a properly focussed comparison essay on one of the topics below,
or on a topic of your choice.
Determine the points that you will discuss and how you will develop and
arrange them.
Emphasize similarities, differences, or both.
Suggested topics
Resource Material
Chapter 11, 5th ed. Strategies for Successful Writing, pp. 218-236.
Organizing an essay of Comparison and/or Contrast
Revising the Comparison
Paragraph Hook Words, Transitional Phrases, Link Words and Phrases
Writing Effective Comparison or Contrast Essays
