Compare and Contrast | English Composition 1 (2024)

Learning Objectives

  • Describe techniques for writing comparison essays

Compare & Contrast Essay

Compare and Contrast | English Composition 1 (1)

Figure 1. Comparing and contrasting means looking for similarities and differences between two things, which you can see nicely in a Venn diagram.

Compare and contrast is a rhetorical style that discusses the similarities and differences of two or more things: ideas, concepts, items, places, etc. This rhetorical style is one that you’ll see often as a complete essay, but you may also use it quite a lot within paragraphs of any kind of essay in which you need to make some kind of comparison to help illustrate a point.

A compare and contrast essay does two things: It discusses the similarities and differences of at least two different things. First, you must find a basis of comparison to be sure that the two things have enough in common.

After that, you identify their differences.You may structure the compare and contrast essay using eitherthealternating method(stating one aspect of one thing and immediately discussing the same aspect of the other item and how they are similar or different) or theblock method(discussing all of the aspects of one thing and then discussing all of the aspects of another).

NOTE:When you write a compare and contrast essay, be sure that the two things have enough in common. Even if you have many differences to analyze, if the topics or items you’re comparing don’t have much in common, your audience may wonder why you’re comparing the two things. For example, you would have a difficult time writing an essay comparing and contrasting your favorite television program with a popular vacation spot in your state. It would make a lot more sense to compare two different television shows or two different vacation spots. You also don’t want to bite off more than you can chew. It might be better to compare driving laws in two different states rather than driving laws across the nation.

Techniques

Keep the following in mind when you write a comparison and contrast essay.

Basis of Comparison

In order for your essay to be a success, you need to have a basis of comparison about the things that you’re comparing. Do the things have enough in common for it to make sense to write about them in a compare and contrast essay?For example, it would make sense to compare in-person and online courses because the two have enough in common to justify discussing the similarities and differences of the two types of courses.

Alternating Method

When you use the alternating method, you discuss one aspect of the first item and then immediately discuss the same aspect of the second item.You may discuss the amount of computer time required for an in-person course and an online course.You may state that while you need to work on the computer for both courses, you would need to spend twice as much time on the computer for the online course.

Block Method

When you use the block method, you discuss one subject and then discuss the next subject. Usually, you would write one paragraph discussing all aspects of the first subject and then write a second paragraph discussing all aspects of the second subject and so on.

For example, if you begin with a discussion of the online course, you might discuss the amount of computer time required, the costs, the typical student success rate, and the usual instructional pedagogy. Next, you would turn to your discussion of an in-person course and discuss each of those aspects for the in-person course.

With the block method, you do not go back and forth in your discussion. First, you focus on the first subject (the online course) and then you focus on the second subject (the face-to-face course).

Combination Method

Finally, when you combine the two, you’re writing a compare and contrast essay that follows the combination method.You may spend a couple of body paragraphs using the alternating method and then decide to switch to the block method for a deeper analysis of each of the subjects.

As you can imagine, no one approach always works best, depending on the subjects, which is probably why the combination method evolved. In any case, each of these methods is not meant as a formula; use these approaches to guide you as you master this style of writing.

Example Essay

Click here to see a traditional or typicalsample compare and contrastessay from a beginning writing class. In this assignment, the student was asked to write an essay comparing and contrasting two items or concepts and to follow MLA guidelines in the essay.

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Compare and Contrast | English Composition 1 (2024)

FAQs

Compare and Contrast | English Composition 1? ›

A compare and contrast essay does two things: It discusses the similarities and differences of at least two different things. First, you must find a basis of comparison to be sure that the two things have enough in common. After that, you identify their differences.

What does English Composition 1 consist of? ›

In this course, students learn about critical thinking, analysis, argumentation, reflection, and making sound rhetorical choices to write effective academic essays.

What are 10 examples of compare and contrast words? ›

like, similar to, also, unlike, similarly, in the same way, likewise, again, compared to, in contrast, in like manner, 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.

How to compare and contrast in English? ›

Comparing involves identifying similarities and/or differences (e.g., apples and oranges are both fruit) whereas contrasting involves comparing two or more objects or events in order to show their differences (e.g., an apple has a thin skin that we can eat; an orange has a thick skin that we cannot eat).

What is an example of compare and contrast in an essay? ›

A compare and contrast essay example can be an opinion piece comparing two things and making a conclusion about which is better. For example, “Is Tom Brady really the GOAT?” It can also help consumers decide which product is better suited to them. Should you keep your subscription to Hulu or Netflix?

How to pass English Composition 1? ›

Here are some quick tips to help you pass your college English composition class with ease.
  1. Hone Your Writing Skills. Writing well means writing concisely, clearly, and effectively. ...
  2. Learn Basic Grammar. ...
  3. Know How to Craft a Compelling Essay. ...
  4. Use Sources Thoughtfully. ...
  5. Build Upon Feedback.

What is the difference between English composition 1 and 2? ›

Composition 2 is an expository writing course requiring more advanced writing skills than Composition 1, yet reviewing and incorporating some of the same skills.

What are 5 examples of contrast? ›

contrast
  • Her black dress and the white background contrast sharply.
  • We compared and contrasted the two characters of the story.
  • Their garb contrasts sharply with the plain black-and-white clothes worn by the maid. ...
  • Mossy greens sharply contrast against the warm browns of tree trunks and dirt.

How to start a compare 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.

What are 5 examples of compare sentences? ›

1-My hair is longer than your hair 2-Oxford is more beautiful than Birmingham. 3-I'm taller than you. 4-People are more intelligent than animals. 5-Barcelona is bigger than Santander.

How do you start a compare and contrast sentence example? ›

Use Clear Transitions
  1. Examples of transitions and phrases for comparisons: as well, similar to, consistent with, likewise, too.
  2. Examples of transitions and phrases for contrasts: on the other hand, however, although, differs, conversely, rather than.

What is compare and contrast paragraph in English? ›

A compare and/or contrast paragraph is required if you are asked to examine similarities and/or differences. Compare focuses on similarities. Contrast focuses on differences. Essay questions of this type will involve the use of several compare/contrast paragraphs that will work together as a whole.

What is the best way to compare and contrast? ›

Divide a piece of paper into two sides. One side is for the first subject, the other for the second subject. Then, begin to list the similarities and differences that immediately come to mind. Concentrate on characteristics that either are shared or are opposing between the two subjects.

How to write an introduction paragraph? ›

What to include in an introduction
  1. A hook to capture the reader's attention.
  2. Background for context.
  3. A clearly defined thesis statement or main point of your paper.
Oct 20, 2022

What is an example of a compare contrast essay point by point? ›

An example of a point-by-point comparative essay would be comparing two cars being considered for purchase. The cost of both vehicles would be discussed before then moving on to the performance of each car, and the paper might end with discussing the required maintenance and potential expenses of each car.

What is an example of a comparison? ›

My house is larger than hers. This box is smaller than the one I lost. Your dog runs faster than Jim's dog. The rock flew higher than the roof.

What is composition in English for Class 1? ›

In the literary sense, a composition (from the Latin "to put together") is the way a writer assembles words and sentences to create a coherent and meaningful work.

What does English 1 consist of? ›

English 1 is a transferable, college-level English course. Students develop advanced reading, writing, and critical thinking skills. Expect to spend time in and out of class: Reading and analyzing full-length books.

What to expect in comp 1? ›

You'll write about yourself, learn about and participate in the editing process, you'll write to persuade someone to see your side, you'll compare and contrast competing points of view, and for each, you'll do some research–an essential skill for all college students and professionals.

Is English composition 1 English 101? ›

ENG 101 is based on the premise that critical thinking generates clear writing.

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