Comparison and Contrast

 

You explain the similarities and the differences between two items. Comparison and contrast is very common pattern in most academy feild. It is also a common type of essay test question. You might encounter questions such as ;

Comapare the forms of government of great britian and the united states.

Comapare the characters of unclr melik and his nephew in william saroyan’s short story “ the pornegranate trees.”

Compare and contrast methods for promoting a new business, product, or service.

What are compare & contrast essays?

To compare is to examine how things are similar, while to contrast is to see how they differ. A compare and contrast essay therefore looks at the similarities of two or more objects, and the differences. This essay type is common at university, where lecturers frequently test your understanding by asking you to compare and contrast two theories, two methods, two historical periods, two characters in a novel, etc. Sometimes the whole essay will compare and contrast, though sometimes the comparison or contrast may be only part of the essay. It is also possible, especially for short exam essays, that only the similarities or the differences, not both, will be discussed. See the examples below.

• Compare and contrast Newton's ideas of gravity with those proposed by Einstein ['compare and contrast' essay]
• Examine how the economies of Spain and China are similar ['compare' only essay]
• Explain the differences between Achaemenid Empire and Parthian Empire ['contrast' only essay]

Block organize

Block Introduction Object 1 - Point 1 Object 1 - Point 2 Object 1 - Point 3 Transition sentence/paragraph Object 2 - Point 1 Object 2 - Point 2 Object 2 - Point 3 Conclusion

Point-by-point Introduction Point 1  Object 1 ➤ Object 2 Point 2 Object 1 ➤ Object 2 Point 3 Object 1 ➤ Object 2 Conclusion

The Purpose of Comparison and Contrast in Writing

Comparison in writing discusses elements that are similar, while contrast in writing discusses elements that are different. A compare-and-contrast essay, then, analyzes two subjects by comparing them, contrasting them, or both.

The key to a good compare-and-contrast essay is to choose two or more subjects that connect in a meaningful way. The purpose of conducting the comparison or contrast is not to state the obvious but rather to illuminate subtle differences or unexpected similarities. For example, if you wanted to focus on contrasting two subjects you would not pick apples and oranges; rather, you might choose to compare and contrast two types of oranges or two types of apples to highlight subtle differences. For example, Red Delicious apples are sweet, while Granny Smiths are tart and acidic. Drawing distinctions between elements in a similar category will increase the audience’s understanding of that category, which is the purpose of the compare-and-contrast essay.

Similarly, to focus on comparison, choose two subjects that seem at first to be unrelated. For a comparison essay, you likely would not choose two apples or two oranges because they share so many of the same properties already. Rather, you might try to compare how apples and oranges are quite similar. The more divergent the two subjects initially seem, the more interesting a comparison essay will be.

Writing at Work

Comparing and contrasting is also an evaluative tool. In order to make accurate evaluations about a given topic, you must first know the critical points of similarity and difference. Comparing and contrasting is a primary tool for many workplace assessments. You have likely compared and contrasted yourself to other colleagues. Employee advancements, pay raises, hiring, and firing are typically conducted using comparison and contrast. Comparison and contrast could be used to evaluate companies, departments, or individuals.

Compare and Contrast Structure Words

Compare and contrast structure words are transition signals which show the similarities or differences. Below are some common examples.

Compare

• Similarly
• Likewise
• also
• both... and...
• not only... but also...
• neither... nor...
• just like (+ noun)
• similar to (+ noun)
• to be similar (to)
• to be the same as
• to be alike
• to compare (to/with)

Examples

• Computers can be used to communicate easily, for example via email. Similarly/Likewise, the mobile phone is a convenient tool for communication.
• Both computers and mobile phones can be used to communicate easily with other people.
• Just like the computer, the mobile phone can be used to communicate easily with other people.
• The computer is similar to the mobile phone in the way it can be used for easy communication.

Contrast

• However
• In contrast
• In comparison
• By comparison
• On the other hand
• while
• whereas
• but
• to differ from
• to be different (from)
• to be dissimilar to
• to be unlike

Examples

• Computers, although increasingly small, are not always easy to carry from one place to another. However, the mobile phone can be carried with ease.
• Computers are generally not very portable, whereas the mobile phone is.
• Computers differ from mobile phones in their lack of portability.
• Computers are unlike mobile phones in their lack of portability.

Sources ;

http://www.eapfoundation.com/writing/essays/candc/

http://open.lib.umn.edu/writingforsuccess/chapter/10-7-comparison-and-contrast/

Exercise 1

Bobot soal(50)

Brainstorm an essay that leans toward contrast. Choose one of the following three categories. Pick two examples from each. Then come up with one similarity and three differences between the examples.

1. Internet search engines
2. Cell phones

Exercise 2

Bobot soal(50)

Brainstorm an essay that leans toward comparison. Choose one of the following three items. Then come up with one difference and three similarities.

1. Fast food chains and fine dining restaurants
2. Dogs and cats