What This Handout Is About
This guide is designed to assist you in determining if an assignment requires you to analyze similarities and differences—often referred to as comparing and contrasting. It will guide you through the process of generating lists of similarities and differences, deciding which points are most relevant, and structuring your essay for clarity and impact. Furthermore, we will explore how to develop a thesis that goes beyond simply stating, “Subject A and Subject B have both similarities and differences.” Instead, we aim for insightful analysis that utilizes comparison and contrast—or, to put it another way, juxtaposition and differentiation—to deepen understanding.
Introduction
Throughout your academic journey, you will encounter diverse writing assignments, each with unique demands. A frequent assignment is the comparison and contrast essay, where the focus is on identifying how subjects—typically two—are alike (comparison or finding commonalities) and/or distinct (contrast or highlighting distinctions). Instructors assign these essays to encourage you to forge connections between texts or concepts, engage in critical thinking, and move beyond simple descriptions or summaries to develop insightful analysis. By reflecting on similarities and differences, or parallels and contrasts, you gain a richer understanding of the subjects, their relationship, and their most significant aspects. This process of comparing and contrasting, or analyzing commonalities and distinctions, fosters a deeper analytical engagement with the material.
Recognizing “Compare and Contrast” in Assignments
Some assignments explicitly use terms like “compare,” “contrast,” “similarities,” and “differences,” making it clear that they require comparison and/or contrast. Consider these examples:
- Analyze the similarities and differences between Frye’s and Bartky’s perspectives on oppression.
- Examine the parallels and contrasts between World War I and World War II, focusing on causes, progression, and outcomes.
- Differentiate Wordsworth and Coleridge; what are the key distinctions in their poetic styles?
Notice that some prompts ask solely for comparison (similarities), others solely for contrast (differences), and some for both, encouraging a comprehensive analysis of similarities and differences.
However, identifying a compare and contrast task isn’t always straightforward. In some instances, comparison and contrast is just one component of a larger essay. You might begin by comparing and/or contrasting two or more items and then utilize your findings to construct an argument or evaluation. Examine these examples, noting the phrasing that signals the need for comparison/contrast and whether it’s part of a broader task:
- Select a specific idea or theme, such as romantic love, death, or nature, and analyze how it is treated in two Romantic poems, comparing and contrasting their approaches.
- How do the various authors we’ve studied define and describe oppression differently? Compare and contrast their definitions and descriptions.
- Compare and contrast Frye’s and Bartky’s accounts of oppression. What does each suggest about women’s complicity in their own oppression? Which account is more accurate? Here, you’re asked to not only juxtapose their accounts but also evaluate them.
- In the texts we’ve studied, soldiers from different wars offer varied accounts of their wartime and post-war experiences and emotions. What commonalities exist in these accounts? What factors might explain their differences? This prompt asks you to identify parallels and contrasts and then analyze the reasons behind them.
For more help, you may find our handout on understanding assignments useful.
Utilizing “Compare and Contrast” for Diverse Writing Projects
Even if comparison and contrast, or analyzing similarities and differences, isn’t explicitly required for an assignment, you might find these techniques valuable in your pre-writing process. They can spark ideas that you can later use in an argument. For instance, if you want to argue that Frye’s view of oppression is superior to de Beauvoir’s and Bartky’s, comparing and contrasting the core arguments of these three authors can help you shape your evaluation. Even if the assignment doesn’t directly ask for comparison and contrast, the lists of similarities and differences you generate during this process can inform your analysis, even if they don’t appear directly in your final paper. Thinking about commonalities and distinctions can be a powerful tool for developing your arguments.
Discovering Similarities and Differences
Employing a Venn diagram or a chart can make comparing and contrasting, or identifying parallels and contrasts, more efficient. For a Venn diagram, draw overlapping circles, one for each item you’re considering. In the overlapping area, list shared traits. In the non-overlapping sections, list unique traits. Here’s a simple example using two pizza places:
Venn diagram indicating that both Pepper
Alt text: Venn Diagram illustrating the comparison of Pepper’s Pizza and Amante Pizza. The overlapping section highlights similarities: pizza, cheese, dough, sauce, and toppings. Pepper’s Pizza’s unique attributes are listed on the left: delivery, lively atmosphere, and local. Amante Pizza’s unique attributes are on the right: eat-in, quiet atmosphere, and Italian.
To create a chart, decide on the criteria for comparison. List criteria down the left and items across the top. Fill in each box to survey your findings.
Here’s a chart example with three pizza places:
| Feature | Pepper’s | Amante | Papa John’s |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | |||
| Price | |||
| Delivery | |||
| Ingredients | |||
| Service | |||
| Seating/Eat-in | |||
| Coupons |
As you identify points of comparison, consider the assignment’s purpose, content, and course focus. What is the professor’s learning objective for this comparison and contrast task? How does it relate to course content and other assignments? Are there clues in the assignment about what to emphasize in your analysis of similarities and differences?
Here are general questions for comparing different types of subjects. These are starting points; generate your own questions for specific comparisons. Begin with journalistic questions: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? For objects, consider size, shape, color, sound, weight, taste, texture, smell, quantity, duration, and location.
Two Historical Periods or Events
- When did they occur—dates and duration? What key events or changes happened in each? What makes them significant?
- What were common occupations? What social structures and relationships existed? What were societal values?
- What forms of government existed? Who were key figures?
- What were the causes and consequences of events in each period? Compare and contrast the causal factors and long-term impacts.
Two Ideas or Theories
- What are their core concepts? What are the main tenets of each theory?
- When did they emerge? What is their historical context?
- Who originated or champions them? Who are the key proponents?
- What is the central claim or goal of each? What conclusions do they reach? Analyze the similarities and differences in their conclusions.
- How are they applied in practice? What are their practical implications?
- Which is more convincing and why? What are their relative strengths and weaknesses? What is their scope or applicability?
- What evidence supports each? Compare and contrast the types and strength of evidence.
Two Pieces of Writing or Art
- What are their titles and subjects? What do they depict or describe?
- What is their tone or mood? What is their form or genre?
- Who created them, and when? What is their context of creation? Why were they created in this way? What themes do they explore?
- Which is more effective or impactful and why? Evaluate their relative merits.
- For writing: compare and contrast plot, characterization, setting, theme, tone, and narration style.
Two People
- Where are they from? What is their background? Age, demographics (gender, race, class, etc.)?
- What are they known for? What are their notable achievements? Are they related or connected?
- What are their personality traits? What are their actions and beliefs? Why are they significant or interesting?
- What are their most defining characteristics? Analyze the key similarities and differences in their lives and personalities.
Deciding What to Focus On
You’ve likely generated a substantial list of similarities and differences. Now, select the most interesting, significant, and relevant points for your essay. Ask yourself:
- What is relevant to the assignment’s focus?
- What is relevant to the course themes?
- What is insightful and adds to understanding?
- What supports your intended argument?
- What is fundamental and needs mentioning, even if obvious?
- Overall, are similarities or differences more important for this analysis?
Imagine you’re writing about two novels. For most literature courses, the typeface (like Caslon) is irrelevant. Similarly, illustrations might be less crucial unless your focus is book design. Literature classes usually prioritize character, plot, setting, style, authorial intent, language, and themes. However, for a typography or illustration class, typeface and illustrations could be central. Context dictates relevance when comparing and contrasting.
Sometimes, a point of comparison might be relevant but not particularly insightful. For instance, noting that Wordsworth’s “Tintern Abbey” and Coleridge’s “Frost at Midnight” both feature nature is relevant (theme comparison is common in poetry analysis) but not very revealing, as Romantic poets and nature are often linked. Discussing how nature is depicted differently or which aspects of nature are emphasized would be more engaging and demonstrate deeper understanding. Focus on nuanced distinctions rather than stating the obvious commonalities.
Your Thesis
A strong thesis is crucial for a compare and contrast essay. It provides focus and guides your reader through your analysis. Avoid vague statements like, “This paper will compare two pizza places,” or “They are somewhat similar but also different.” Instead, aim for specificity. For example: “Pepper’s and Amante share price points and ingredient quality, but differ significantly in atmosphere and delivery options.”
However, even this thesis might lack depth. The “so what?” question remains. Why these pizza places? What’s the larger point? Consider the course context to strengthen your argument. Here’s a revised thesis:
“While Pepper’s and Amante both offer superior ingredient variety compared to national chains in Chapel Hill/Carrboro, Pepper’s vibrant, local atmosphere makes it a better choice for showcasing local culture to visitors.”
This thesis is stronger because it not only highlights similarities and differences but also offers an evaluative claim grounded in the context of local culture. It moves beyond simple comparison and contrast to a nuanced judgment.
Refer to our handout on thesis statements for further assistance.
Organizing Your Paper
There are several effective structures for a compare and contrast essay. Two common approaches are:
Subject-by-Subject
Discuss all points for one subject, then all points for the next. For shorter papers, each subject might fit into a single paragraph. Longer papers will likely require multiple paragraphs per subject. Using the pizza example, you might have paragraphs on Pepper’s ingredients, location, and atmosphere, followed by similar paragraphs for Amante, and then a conclusion.
The risk of subject-by-subject organization is creating a list rather than a true comparison. Instructors usually want direct comparison and contrast, not just lists of traits. To avoid this, ensure a strong analytical thesis and at least one paragraph that synthesizes your points, explicitly linking the subjects. Make sure to clearly juxtapose and differentiate the subjects, not just describe them separately.
Subject-by-subject can be useful for “lens” comparisons, where one subject (the “lens”) helps illuminate another. For example, comparing a familiar poem to a new one. Briefly summarize the first poem (the lens), then focus on how the second poem parallels or contrasts with it.
Point-by-Point
Address one point of comparison at a time, discussing both subjects in relation to that point. If you have fewer points, a single paragraph can cover each point for all subjects. For example, one paragraph comparing prices at Pepper’s and Amante, another comparing ingredients, and a third contrasting atmospheres.
With more to say, dedicate a paragraph to each point for each subject. For example, a paragraph on Pepper’s clientele, then one on Amante’s clientele, followed by paragraphs on ingredients at each. This structure facilitates direct juxtaposition and differentiation.
No strict rules dictate compare and contrast essay organization. Clarity is key. Consider point placement. If your essay argues for one subject’s superiority, end with a point favoring that subject. If differences are more important, conclude with differences, and vice versa for similarities. The final point leaves the strongest impression.
Our handout on organization can help with topic sentences, transitions, and overall structure.
Cue Words and Other Tips
Use strong transitions and topic sentences to guide your reader through your comparison and contrast. Your thesis sets the stage, but cue words provide extra signals. Helpful words include:
- Comparison/Similarity: like, similar to, also, similarly, in the same way, likewise, again, compared to, in like manner, parallels, commonalities.
- Contrast/Difference: unlike, in contrast, 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, distinctions, differentiations.
Example topic sentences:
- In contrast to Pepper’s, Amante offers a quieter dining experience.
- Like Amante, Pepper’s includes fresh garlic among its topping choices.
- Despite their different settings—Pepper’s in downtown Chapel Hill and Amante in downtown Carrboro—both are easily accessible.
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
You may reproduce it for non-commercial use with attribution to The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
