Comparison and contrast are two rhetorical strategies that are commonly used to analyze and evaluate the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. These strategies can be used to highlight the unique qualities of each subject, as well as to identify common characteristics that may not be immediately obvious.
One example of a comparison sentence might be: "While both apples and oranges are types of fruit, apples are typically round and red, while oranges are oval and orange." In this sentence, the writer is comparing the physical characteristics of apples and oranges, and pointing out the differences between them.
Another example of a comparison sentence might be: "Although both dogs and cats are popular pets, dogs require more attention and training, while cats are more independent and require less maintenance." In this sentence, the writer is comparing the behavior and care requirements of dogs and cats, and noting the differences between them.
Contrast, on the other hand, focuses on highlighting the differences between two or more subjects. For example, a contrast sentence might be: "While the weather in the desert is hot and dry, the weather in the rainforest is humid and wet." In this sentence, the writer is contrasting the two different types of weather and the environments in which they occur.
Another example of a contrast sentence might be: "While some people prefer the fast pace of city life, others prefer the tranquility and solitude of rural living." In this sentence, the writer is contrasting the two different types of lifestyles and the preferences of the people who live them.
In conclusion, comparison and contrast are effective rhetorical strategies for analyzing and evaluating the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. By using these strategies, writers can better understand and appreciate the unique qualities of each subject, as well as identify common characteristics that may not be immediately obvious.
Comparing and Contrasting in English
Once you have decided on a topic, introduce it with an engaging opening paragraph. For the sake of your readers, it may very well be necessary to return to your thesis statement and restate it, and then provide a quick overview of the reasons from your body paragraphs why you think one thing might be superior to another thing. Going to a movie theater is less private, which means you might be sitting with some loud talkers, but allows you to see new movies on a big screen with a sound system. However, if you contrasted pre-revolutionary France with Han-dynasty China, your reader might wonder why you chose to compare these two societies. The final paragraph would concentrate on the variety of food at each chain, such as specialty cheeses or pre-prepared dinners.
Academic Phrasebank
Thesis The topic could be introduced as food is a necessity to life and continue on to the fact that anyone living in an urban center will use a grocery store. This thesis statement gets into a subjective argument as to whether or not e-books can truly replace printed books in terms of popularity. How do I decide between using a subject-by-subject or point-by-point organization? A In our day-to-day life, we compare things and our needs to come up with a decision. The more divergent the two subjects initially seem, the more interesting a comparison essay will be. 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. During summer, it's often too hot to spend a significant amount of time outside. Because you want your reader to follow your comparison, you might want to minimize or avoid using the first person, so that the two things and the comparison take center stage throughout your paper.
Comparing and Contrasting
For example, consider the costs. For example, by comparing specific aspects of A and B, we can decide which is more useful or valuable. Conclusion In this section, a writer summarizes all the essay's major points. In the central area where they overlap, list the traits the two items have in common. This lesson will provide several examples of thesis statements that might be used to start a compare and contrast essay. Understanding these concepts, depending on your overall subject, should be key in allowing you to craft a compelling thesis statement, which is a statement that clearly states the main idea of your writing and outlines your most salient points.
