Comparison and Contrast is defined as…

 Approaches to viewing items and analyzing their similarities and differences. Comparing and contrasting is also
an evaluative tool.

Compare - to show the similarities between at least two things.

Contrast - to show the difference between two things.

The Purpose of Comparison and Contrast 

 The key to a good compare-and-contrast essay is to choose two or more subjects that connect in a meaningful
way. 
 When studying a particular subject, students are often asked to write essays that compare and contrast various
aspects of that area of study. It is common to be assigned to write essays in all areas of study, not just when
taking a composition course.

What is a Venn Diagram?

 Venn diagram is an illustration that uses circles to show

the relationships among things or finite groups of things.

What is the purpose of the Venn Diagram?

 Venn diagrams help to visually represent the similarities and differences between two concepts

How to use a Venn Diagram in Comparison and Contrast?

 Making a Venn diagram can help you compare and contrast two or more ideas or subjects quickly and efficiently.
 Simply draw two overlapping circles, one for each subject you are comparing, to create a Venn diagram. List the
characteristics that the two items share in the central area where they overlap.

ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE

 The compare-and-contrast essay starts with a thesis that clearly states the two subjects that are to be
compared, contrasted, or both and the reason for doing so.

TWO WAYS TO ORGANIZE A COMPARISON AND CONTRAST ESSAY

1. The Point-by-Point Comparison is the first (and often clearest) method.

2. Subject-by-Subject Comparison (Block Method).

Point-by-point comparison

 The topic sentence focuses on the point being used as the basis of comparison rather than the item.
 Examines one aspect of comparison in each paragraph and usually alternates back and forth between the two
objects, texts, or ideas being compared.

Subject-by-subject comparison (Block method)

 A block method or a subject by subject comparison focuses on organizing the main points of your essay to easily
understand it.
 Explains about three aspects of one topic in a paragraph, then compares or contrasts the same three aspects
about another item in the next paragraph.
TRANSITION WORDS 
COMPARE CONTRAST
also although
ask but
but even though
in the same way however
like on the other hand
likewise otherwise
similarly as opposed to
yet different from
comparable yet
equally still
in addition conversely
whereas

CONSTRUCTING A COMPARISON AND CONTRAST ESSAY

 In order to write a successful compare and contrast essay, there are certain steps that you should follow. 
 These will ensure that your essay conveys the points you want to make clearly and concisely. 

1. CHOOSE A SUBJECT - when choosing your subject, you should select something which you either know a lot
about or are easily able to research.
2. BRAINSTORMING - you should be coming up with some similarities and differences between the two subjects
that you have chosen.
3. WHAT IS YOUR MAIN ARGUMENT? - the main point isn’t to simply compare the two things but to paint a larger
picture.
4. ORGANIZE YOUR ESSAY - you could structure your compare and contrast essay in a variety of ways.
5. OUTLINE YOUR COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY – as with any essay, it is important to take your time and
ensure that you have included all the points in your essay outline.

FURTHER TIPS FOR WRITING A COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY

 Be sure to write in clear and concise language that the reader will easily understand. No matter what the topic,
you should assume that it is completely new to the reader and so your information should be able to be
understood by anyone who reads it.

 When stating facts or statistics, it is vital that you have evidence to back these up. If you have researched data
from a specific source, this should be cited. It is always crucial that you use reliable sources for any facts you
include in your work.