COMPARE AND CONTRAST

      

     Comparison and contrast focuses on the similarities and differences between two or more separate things. The purpose for using comparison and contrast in academic

writing is to explain how these similarities and differences reveal something meaningful

that is not apparent when either object stands alone. This writing should: 

  introduce a fresh insight or new way of viewing something

  bring clarity to one subject by comparing it with another

  add commentary to an important concept or issue

          In compare and contrast writing, at least two subjects or objects of interest are studied.

The writer must be able to explain these two subjects separately and make meaningful

connections between them at the same time.  It is also important to include both

similarity and difference in your analysis; the analysis is more useful and complete if

similarity and difference are both discussed so that the significant similarity or significant

difference takes on its full meaning.

Here are some examples of what could be compared:

  two approaches or theories

  two films, novels, poems or other forms of art

  two characters

  two of your own experiences 

             This handout discusses basic formats for comparison and contrast writing. If you are not

sure what format to use, ask your instructor what they expect.  The following pages

describe both how to discover significant points of comparison and how to organize the

writing once you know the points you want to make.  At the end, an example is provided

from an essay by Richard, a Learning Centre tutor.  However, you should note that

Richard’s essay provides only one example of how to apply compare/contrast writing

principles. His entire essay is based on a compare/contrast structure, but it’s also

possible to use comparison and contrast in only one paragraph or as one section of a

larger paper.   

Structuring Compare/Contrast Writing

               There are 2 basic structures for organizing compare and contrast writing:

Subject-by-subject: One subject is fully discussed before the second. When using this

structure, it’s important to remember that comparisons must be made between each

subject. Otherwise, the two paragraphs won’t relate to one another. So, when

discussing the second subject, remember to compare each point to the points of the first

subject.  See the essay near the end of this handout for an example.

             Point-by-point: Both subjects are discussed with each point of comparison. This

structure requires frequent transitions between each subject. Consequently, it’s

important to use clear transitions when writing with this structure. One paragraph could

be used to compare both subjects. However, if there is a large amount of information,

it’s best to dedicate an individual paragraph for each subject’s point.  

EXAMPLE :
DOUBLE BOUBLE MAP

REFERENCE

https://www.douglascollege.ca/~/media/9135CFD219864EEDA45974295379D063.ashx?la=en