A compare and contrast essay examines two or more topics (objects, people, or ideas, for example)
, comparing their similarities and contrasting their differences
. You may choose to focus exclusively on comparing, exclusively on contrasting, or on both-or your instructor may direct you to do one or both.
What is comparison and contrast in writing techniques?
Comparison and Contrast writing is used
to show a reader the similarities and/or differences between two subjects
. Comparison writing focuses on similarities (ways things are alike), while contrast writing focuses on differences or ways they are not alike.
What is an example of compare and contrast?
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.
How do you start a compare and contrast essay?
- Introduce your subjects. Don’t plunge into contrasting topics from the very first lines. …
- Explain what the key point is. Use an introduction to inform your reader about the central question of your essay. …
- Write a powerful thesis.
What are some compare and contrast words?
like,
similar to
, also, unlike, similarly, in the same way, likewise, again, compared to, in contrast, in like manner, contrasted with, on the contrary, however, although, yet, even though, still, but, nevertheless, conversely, at the same time, regardless, despite, while, on the one hand … on the other hand.
How do you use compare and contrast in a sentence?
: to note what is similar and different about (two or more things) For our assignment we must compare and contrast the
two
poets.
What is contrast examples?
Contrast often means
“opposite”
: for example, black is the opposite of white, and so there’s a contrast between black ink and white paper. But contrast can also happen when the two things are just very different. For example, cats and dogs are definitely a contrast, but they’re not opposites.
What are the steps in writing a comparison and contrast paragraph?
- Begin by Brainstorming With a Venn Diagram. …
- Develop a Thesis Statement. …
- Create an Outline. …
- Write the Introduction. …
- Write the First Body Paragraph. …
- Repeat the Process for the Next Paragraphs. …
- Write the Conclusion. …
- Proofread.
How do you organize a comparison and contrast paragraph?
There are two ways to organize a comparison and contrast essay. The first (and often the clearest) method is the Point-by-Point method. The
second method is called the Block method
. Both methods are described on this handout.
What are the transition words for compare and contrast?
- In the same way.
- In like manner.
- Likewise.
- Similarly.
- By the same token.
Which best describes the claim of a compare and contrast paragraph?
The option that best describes the claim of a compare-and-contrast paragraph is
the first one
. An umbrella statement that establishes the parts of the argument. A compare and/or contrast paragraph is required in an attempt to examine similarities and/or differences.
How many paragraphs are in a compare and contrast essay?
It is a
five-paragraph
essay, so you will need three separate and substantial points of contrast.
How do you compare two essays?
- Read the topic carefully. Make sure that you understand exactly what the topic is asking you to do. …
- Give roughly equal weight to each text. …
- Choose your preferred structure. …
- Focus on differences as well as similarities. …
- Use linking words and phrases. …
- Explore a range of elements.
What are contrasting words?
Words related to contrast
comparison
, diversity, disagreement, divergence, variation, disparity, contradiction, opposition, distinction, contradict, vary, diverge, unlikeness, inverse, reverse, contradistinction, antithesis, converse, incompatibility, foil.
What linking words can be used to show contrast?
- Although. We can use ‘although’ at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. …
- Despite / in spite of. We use ‘despite’ or ‘in spite of’ before a noun or a gerund. …
- However. We use ‘although’ and ‘despite / in spite of’ to connect two clauses in the same sentence.
What do contrasting words signal?
Contrast words signal
a change in the direction of the writer’s thought
. They tell you that the author is pointing out a difference between two subjects or statements. Look over the following contrast words. Read the selections that follow and circle the comparison or contrast words.
