Learning Objectives
- Determine the purpose and structure of comparison and contrast in writing.
- Explain organizational methods used when comparing and contrasting.
- Understand how to write a compare-and-contrast essay.
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.
Exercise 1
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.
- Romantic comedies
- Internet search engines
- Cell phones
Exercise 2
Brainstorm an
essay that leans toward comparison. Choose one of the following three
items. Then come up with one difference and three similarities.
- Department stores and discount retail stores
- Fast food chains and fine dining restaurants
- Dogs and cats
The Structure of a Comparison and Contrast Essay
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. The thesis could lean more toward comparing, contrasting,
or both. Remember, the point of comparing and contrasting is to provide
useful knowledge to the reader. Take the following thesis as an example
that leans more toward contrasting.
Thesis statement:
Organic vegetables may cost more than those that are conventionally
grown, but when put to the test, they are definitely worth every extra
penny.
Here
the thesis sets up the two subjects to be compared and contrasted
(organic versus conventional vegetables), and it makes a claim about the
results that might prove useful to the reader.
You may organize compare-and-contrast essays in one of the following two ways:
- According to the subjects themselves, discussing one then the other
- According to individual points, discussing each subject in relation to each point
See Figure 10.1 "Comparison and Contrast Diagram", which diagrams the ways to organize our organic versus conventional vegetables thesis.
Figure 10.1 Comparison and Contrast Diagram
The organizational structure you choose depends on the nature of the topic, your purpose, and your audience.
Given
that compare-and-contrast essays analyze the relationship between two
subjects, it is helpful to have some phrases on hand that will cue the
reader to such analysis. See Table 10.3 "Phrases of Comparison and Contrast" for examples.
Table 10.3 Phrases of Comparison and Contrast
Comparison | Contrast |
---|---|
one similarity | one difference |
another similarity | another difference |
both | conversely |
like | in contrast |
likewise | unlike |
similarly | while |
in a similar fashion | whereas |
Exercise 3
Create an outline for each of the items you chose in Note 10.72 "Exercise 1" and Note 10.73 "Exercise 2". Use the point-by-point organizing strategy for one of them, and use the subject organizing strategy for the other.
Writing a Comparison and Contrast Essay
First
choose whether you want to compare seemingly disparate subjects,
contrast seemingly similar subjects, or compare and contrast subjects.
Once you have decided on a topic, introduce it with an engaging opening
paragraph. Your thesis should come at the end of the introduction, and
it should establish the subjects you will compare, contrast, or both as
well as state what can be learned from doing so.
The
body of the essay can be organized in one of two ways: by subject or by
individual points. The organizing strategy that you choose will depend
on, as always, your audience and your purpose. You may also consider
your particular approach to the subjects as well as the nature of the
subjects themselves; some subjects might better lend themselves to one
structure or the other. Make sure to use comparison and contrast phrases
to cue the reader to the ways in which you are analyzing the
relationship between the subjects.
After
you finish analyzing the subjects, write a conclusion that summarizes
the main points of the essay and reinforces your thesis. See Chapter 15 "Readings: Examples of Essays" to read a sample compare-and-contrast essay.
Writing at Work
Many business
presentations are conducted using comparison and contrast. The
organizing strategies—by subject or individual points—could also be used
for organizing a presentation. Keep this in mind as a way of organizing
your content the next time you or a colleague have to present something
at work.
Exercise 4
Choose one of the outlines you created in Note 10.75 "Exercise 3",
and write a full compare-and-contrast essay. Be sure to include an
engaging introduction, a clear thesis, well-defined and detailed
paragraphs, and a fitting conclusion that ties everything together.
Key Takeaways
- A compare-and-contrast essay analyzes two subjects by either comparing them, contrasting them, or both.
- The purpose of writing a comparison or contrast essay is not to state the obvious but rather to illuminate subtle differences or unexpected similarities between two subjects.
- The thesis should clearly state the subjects that are to be compared, contrasted, or both, and it should state what is to be learned from doing so.
-
There are two main organizing strategies for compare-and-contrast essays.
- Organize by the subjects themselves, one then the other.
- Organize by individual points, in which you discuss each subject in relation to each point.
- Use phrases of comparison or phrases of contrast to signal to readers how exactly the two subjects are being analyzed.
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