What This Handout is About
This guide is designed to assist you in determining if your assignment requires comparison/contrast writing. We will explore how to generate lists of similarities and differences, select the most relevant points, and structure your essay for clarity and impact. Furthermore, we will demonstrate how to develop a thesis statement that goes beyond simple observations of similarities and differences, focusing on the effective use of Transition Words That Compare to enhance your writing.
Introduction to Comparison and Contrast
Throughout your academic journey, you will encounter diverse writing assignments, each demanding specific skills. One of the most frequent is the comparison/contrast essay. This type of essay focuses on analyzing how two or more subjects are alike (comparison) and/or unlike (contrast). Instructors assign these essays to encourage you to connect ideas, engage in critical analysis, and move beyond basic description. By exploring similarities and differences, you gain a deeper understanding of the subjects, their relationship, and their key characteristics. Using transition words that compare effectively is crucial for making these relationships clear to your reader.
Identifying Comparison/Contrast Assignments
Some assignments explicitly use terms like “compare,” “contrast,” “similarities,” and “differences,” clearly indicating the need for comparison and/or contrast. Here are some examples:
- Compare and contrast the theories of classical and operant conditioning.
- Analyze the similarities and differences between the causes of the American and French Revolutions.
- Contrast the leadership styles of two contemporary CEOs.
These examples directly ask for comparison, contrast, or both.
However, assignments may not always be this straightforward. Comparison/contrast might be implied or be a component of a larger task, especially when analyzing and synthesizing information. Consider these examples where comparison/contrast is embedded:
- Discuss how the theme of alienation is portrayed in two novels from different centuries. (Implies comparing portrayals of alienation)
- Analyze the different approaches to environmental conservation taken by two countries. (Requires contrasting approaches)
- Compare the economic policies of two administrations. Evaluate which policies were more effective in addressing economic inequality. (Comparison is used to support an evaluation)
To ensure you fully understand your assignments, refer to resources on assignment comprehension for further guidance. Recognizing the need for comparison and contrast, even when not explicitly stated, is the first step to effective essay writing.
Leveraging Comparison/Contrast in Writing Projects
Even when not explicitly required, comparison/contrast can be a valuable pre-writing technique to generate ideas and strengthen your arguments. For instance, if you aim to argue that one economic model is superior to another, comparing and contrasting their core principles and outcomes can solidify your evaluation. While the initial brainstorming of similarities and differences might not directly appear in your final paper, it significantly contributes to the depth and persuasiveness of your analysis. Thinking comparatively helps refine your perspective and identify key points to emphasize in your argument.
Uncovering Similarities and Differences
Visual aids like Venn diagrams and comparison charts are excellent tools for efficiently identifying similarities and differences between subjects.
Venn Diagram: Create overlapping circles, one for each item you are comparing. The overlapping section is for common traits, while the non-overlapping sections are for unique traits of each item.
Comparison Chart: List criteria for comparison down the left side and the subjects across the top. Fill in each cell to compare subjects based on each criterion.
Here’s an example comparing online streaming services using a chart:
| Feature | Netflix | Hulu | Disney+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Content Library | Extensive | Wide variety | Family-focused |
| Original Content | Award-winning | Critically acclaimed | Expanding |
| Price | Higher | Mid-range | Lower |
| Live TV | No | Yes | No |
| Ad-supported Plan | No | Yes | No (currently) |
When identifying comparison points, always consider the assignment’s purpose, the course context, and your instructor’s expectations. What key learnings should this comparison reveal? How does it relate to course themes and previous assignments? The assignment itself often offers clues about the focus areas.
Consider these general questions for comparing different types of subjects. These are starting points; tailor your questions to your specific topics:
Comparing Two Historical Periods or Events
- Timeline: When did they occur? Duration? Key events and changes within each period? Historical significance?
- Society: Types of work? Social relationships? Values and beliefs?
- Governance: Forms of government? Key figures and leaders?
- Causation & Consequence: Causes of events? Short-term and long-term consequences?
Comparing Two Ideas or Theories
- Core Concepts: What are the central tenets of each idea/theory?
- Origins & Proponents: When did they emerge? Who developed or champions them?
- Focus & Claims: Central focus, arguments, or goals? Key conclusions?
- Application: How are they applied to real-world situations?
- Plausibility & Scope: Which is more convincing? Why? Breadth of application?
- Evidence: What types of evidence support each idea/theory?
Comparing Two Literary or Artistic Works
- Basic Information: Titles? Subject matter or depictions?
- Style & Tone: Tone or mood? Artistic form or genre?
- Creators & Context: Creators? Creation dates? Intended purpose or message? Themes explored?
- Evaluation: Relative quality or merit? Justifications for your assessment?
- Literary Elements (for writing): Plot, character development, setting, themes, tone, narration style?
Comparing Two Individuals
- Background: Origins? Age? Demographics (gender, race, class, etc.)?
- Significance: Notable achievements or recognition? Relationship to each other?
- Personal Traits & Actions: Personalities? Actions and behaviors? Beliefs and values?
- Key Distinctions: Most striking characteristics of each individual?
Selecting Your Focus
By this stage, you likely have a substantial list of similarities and differences. Now, you need to select the most compelling, relevant, and insightful points for your essay. Consider these questions to guide your selection:
- Assignment Relevance: Which points directly address the assignment prompt?
- Course Context: Which points align with course themes and learning objectives?
- Interest & Insight: Which points are genuinely interesting and informative to explore?
- Argumentative Value: Which points contribute to your overall argument or thesis?
- Fundamental Aspects: Which points are essential to mention, even if seemingly obvious?
- Primary Focus: Are similarities or differences more crucial to emphasize based on your analysis and the assignment?
For example, in a literary analysis comparing two novels, focusing on printing typefaces would be irrelevant in most literature courses. Instead, concentrate on elements like character development, plot structure, thematic concerns, authorial style, and literary devices. However, for a course on book design or publishing history, typeface and illustrations could become central points of comparison.
Sometimes, a comparison point might be relevant but lack depth or originality. For instance, noting that two Romantic poems both feature nature themes is pertinent but not particularly insightful, given the Romantics’ general focus on nature. Deeper analysis would explore how nature is depicted differently, or which aspects of nature are emphasized, revealing a more nuanced understanding.
Crafting Your Thesis Statement with Transition Words
Your thesis statement is the backbone of your comparison/contrast essay. It provides a focused argument and guides your reader through your analysis. Avoid vague thesis statements like “This essay compares two artists” or “Artist A and Artist B are similar and different.” Instead, aim for specificity and analytical depth. For instance: “While both Picasso and Matisse revolutionized art, Picasso’s focus on cubism’s fragmented perspectives contrasts sharply with Matisse’s vibrant explorations of color and form, highlighting divergent paths within modernism.”
This thesis is specific, proposes an argument (divergent paths in modernism), and sets up the points of contrast (cubism vs. color/form). To strengthen your thesis, consider the “So what?” question. Why does this comparison matter? What larger point are you making? Thinking about the broader context of your course can help you develop a more compelling and analytical thesis.
Transition words play a vital role in connecting your thesis to your analysis. Using transition words that compare in your thesis itself can immediately signal your essay’s focus. For example: “Both novels explore themes of isolation; however, they diverge significantly in their portrayal of societal causes versus individual psychology.”
Structuring Your Essay: Integrating Transition Words for Clarity
There are two primary organizational methods for comparison/contrast essays: subject-by-subject and point-by-point. Transition words that compare are essential in both structures to ensure smooth transitions and clear relationships between your points.
Subject-by-Subject Structure
In this structure, you discuss all aspects of your first subject, then move to the second subject, covering the same aspects. For shorter papers, each subject might be a paragraph. For longer essays, each subject could span several paragraphs.
Example Outline (Subject-by-Subject):
I. Introduction (Thesis statement using transition words that compare)
II. Subject A (e.g., Novel 1)
a. Point 1 (e.g., Character Development)
b. Point 2 (e.g., Setting)
c. Point 3 (e.g., Theme)
III. Subject B (e.g., Novel 2)
a. Point 1 (e.g., Character Development) (Transition word comparing to Subject A’s character development)
b. Point 2 (e.g., Setting) (Transition word comparing to Subject A’s setting)
c. Point 3 (e.g., Theme) (Transition word comparing to Subject A’s theme)
IV. Conclusion (Summarizing similarities and differences, restating thesis with emphasis on comparison/contrast)
Using Transition Words in Subject-by-Subject Structure:
When moving from Subject A to Subject B, use transition words that compare to signal the shift while maintaining the comparative focus. For instance: “Having explored the character development in Novel 1, similarly, Novel 2 presents…” or “In contrast to the rural setting of Novel 1, Novel 2, however, unfolds in…”
The subject-by-subject approach can sometimes lead to a list-like essay if not handled carefully. To avoid this, ensure a strong analytical thesis and use transition words that compare within and between paragraphs to directly link your points and emphasize the comparison/contrast.
This structure is effective for “lens” comparisons, where one subject (the “lens”) helps illuminate another. You might briefly analyze the “lens” subject first, then use it as a framework to examine the second subject in detail, highlighting similarities and differences.
Point-by-Point Structure
This method discusses one point of comparison/contrast at a time, addressing both subjects within each point. For shorter essays, each point could be a paragraph. For more in-depth analysis, each point might require multiple paragraphs – one for each subject’s perspective on that point.
Example Outline (Point-by-Point):
I. Introduction (Thesis statement using transition words that compare)
II. Point 1 (e.g., Character Development)
a. Subject A’s Character Development
b. Subject B’s Character Development (Transition word comparing/contrasting Subject B to Subject A on character development)
III. Point 2 (e.g., Setting)
a. Subject A’s Setting
b. Subject B’s Setting (Transition word comparing/contrasting Subject B to Subject A on setting)
IV. Point 3 (e.g., Theme)
a. Subject A’s Theme
b. Subject B’s Theme (Transition word comparing/contrasting Subject B to Subject A on theme)
V. Conclusion (Summarizing similarities and differences, restating thesis with emphasis on comparison/contrast)
Using Transition Words in Point-by-Point Structure:
Within each point paragraph, use transition words that compare to directly link Subject A and Subject B. For example, within the “Character Development” paragraph: “Novel 1 develops characters through internal monologue; similarly, Novel 2 utilizes extensive dialogue to reveal character.” or “While Novel 1 relies on a limited number of central characters, conversely, Novel 2 presents a wide array of secondary characters…”
The point-by-point method facilitates direct comparison and contrast, preventing a list-like feel. It requires strong transition words that compare at the beginning of each point paragraph and within each point to clearly connect the subjects and maintain the comparative focus.
Choosing between subject-by-subject and point-by-point depends on essay length, complexity, and your analytical goals. Regardless of structure, clear organization and effective use of transition words that compare are crucial for reader comprehension. Consider the placement of your points. In argumentative comparison/contrast essays, the final points carry the most weight. Conclude with points that strongly support your thesis. If differences are more significant to your argument, end with contrasting points; if similarities are key, conclude by highlighting common ground.
For further guidance on essay structure, explore resources on essay organization and paragraphing.
Transition Words and Helpful Phrases for Comparison
To guide your reader through your comparison/contrast, strong transitions and topic sentences are vital. Your thesis provides an initial roadmap, and strategic use of transition words that compare acts as further signposts.
Key Transition Words and Phrases for Comparison:
- Similarity: like, similar to, also, similarly, in the same way, likewise, again, compared to, in like manner, both, each, as well as, too.
- Contrast: unlike, in contrast, contrasted with, on the contrary, however, although, yet, even though, still, but, nevertheless, conversely, at the same time, regardless, despite, while, whereas, on the one hand … on the other hand, different from, in opposition to.
Examples of Topic Sentences using Transition Words that Compare:
- Similar to the economic policies of the previous administration, the current policies prioritize deregulation.
- Like classical music, jazz emphasizes instrumental virtuosity.
- Conversely, while one study focused on urban populations, the other examined rural communities.
- In contrast to the subjective narrative of the first novel, the second novel employs an objective, third-person perspective.
- Despite their different cultural backgrounds, both authors explore universal themes of love and loss.
- Whereas the first painting utilizes muted tones, the second explodes with vibrant colors.
- Both poems utilize nature imagery to explore themes of personal reflection.
- Each essay effectively argues its point using empirical evidence.
By strategically incorporating transition words that compare throughout your essay – in your thesis, topic sentences, and within paragraphs – you will create a clear, cohesive, and analytically robust comparison/contrast essay.
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
