Writing a Compare/Contrast Essay

The compare-and-contrast essay starts with a key statement or ‘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:

1. According to the subjects themselves, discussing one then the other

The organizational structure you choose depends on the topic's nature, purpose, and 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.

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

Writing an Compare/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.

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 Contrast
• Similarly • However
• Likewise • In contrast
• also • In comparison
• both... and... • By comparison
• not only... but also... • On the other hand
• neither... nor... • while
• just like (+ noun) • whereas
• similar to (+ noun) • but
• to be similar (to) • to differ from
• to be the same as • to be different (from)
• to be alike • to be dissimilar to
• to compare (to/with) • to be unlike

Examples Examples
• Computers can be used to communicate easily, for • Computers, although increasingly small, are not
example via email. Similarly/Likewise, the mobile always easy to carry from one place to
phone is a convenient tool for communication. another. However, the mobile phone can be
• Both computers and mobile phones can be used carried with ease.
to communicate easily with other people. • Computers are generally not very
• Just like the computer, the mobile phone can be portable, whereas the mobile phone is.
used to communicate easily with other people. • Computers differ from mobile phones in their lack
• The computer is similar to the mobile phone in of portability.
the way it can be used for easy communication. • Computers are unlike mobile phones in their lack
of portability.

COMPARE/CONTRAST ESSAY EXAMPLE

Title: There have been many advances in technology over the past fifty years. These have revolutionised the
way we communicate with people who are far away. Compare and contrast methods of communication
used today with those which were used in the past. Comparing and Contrasting London and Washington, DC

Before the advent of computers and modern technology, people communicating over long distances used
traditional means such as letters and the telephone. Nowadays we have a vast array of communication tools
which can complete this task, ranging from email to instant messaging and video calls. While the present and
previous means of communication are similar in their general form, they differ in regard to their speed and the
range of tools available.
One similarity between current and previous methods of communication relates to the form of
communication. In the past, both written forms such as letters were frequently used, in addition to oral forms
such as telephone calls. Similarly, people nowadays use both of these forms. Just as in the past, written forms
of communication are prevalent, for example via email and text messaging. In addition, oral forms are still
used, including the telephone, mobile phone, and voice messages via instant messaging services.

However, there are clearly many differences in the way we communicate over long distances, the most
notable of which is speed. This is most evident in relation to written forms of communication. In the past,
letters would take days to arrive at their destination. In contrast, an email arrives almost instantaneously and
can be read seconds after it was sent. In the past, if it was necessary to send a short message, for example at
work, a memo could be passed around the office, which would take some time to circulate. This is different
from the current situation, in which a text message can be sent immediately.

Another significant difference is the range of communication methods. Fifty years ago, the tools available for
communicating over long distances were primarily the telephone and the letter. By comparison, there are a
vast array of communication methods available today. These include not only the telephone, letter, email and
text messages already mentioned, but also video conferences via software such as Skype or mobile phone
apps such as WeChat, and social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

In conclusion, methods of communication have greatly advanced over the past fifty years. While there are
some similarities, such as the forms of communication, there are significant differences, chiefly in relation to
the speed of communication and the range of communication tools available. There is no doubt that
technology will continue to progress in future, and the advanced tools which we use today may one day also
become outdated.

• 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 to be compared, contrasted, or both, and what is to be
learned from doing so.
• There are two main organizing strategies for compare-and-contrast essays.
1. Organize by the subjects themselves, one then the other.
2. 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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