COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY
Comparing and contrasting is a process we all do every day. We compare and contrast to determine the superiority of one thing over another. When we buy a car, for instance, we usually shop around and compare deals. We explain something that is unknown by comparing it to something that is known. We might explain what a barometer is by saying it looks like a thermometer but measure atmospheric pressure instead of temperature. We also compare and contrast when we want to show that two apparently similar things are in fact quite different in important ways, or to show that two apparently dissimilar things are really quite similar in significant ways. For instance, it might be quite enlightening to discover that two very different cultures have some important things in common. We also compare and contrast to show how something or someone has changed, such as California before and after the earthquake in 1994.
We have many reasons for comparing and contrasting, and since the process of comparison and contrast is such a common method of thinking and of developing topics, it is important to write well-organized comparison and contrast papers. There is one thing to keep in mind, however. With comparison and contrast, the purpose is not just o pint out similarities and differences or advantages and disadvantages; the purpose is to persuade, explain, or inform. Think of comparison and contrast as a method of development - not as a purpose for writing. When you are planning a comparison and contrast essay, there are several points to consider.
Points of comparison
Support that you are asked to compare and contrast two people - perhaps two generals, two politicians, or two religious leaders. What would you compare an contrast about them? You could compare their looks, backgrounds, philosophies, the way they treat people, their attitudes toward life, their intelligence, their lifestyles, and so on. The list could continue, but this is the problem: You would have just a list. When comparing and contrasting two things, people, countries, and so forth, especially for a standard 300- to 500-word essay, it is best to restrict the pint of comparison to two to four. Therefore, be selective and choose the most significant points for comparison that will support the central idea in your essay. For instance, if you wanted to compare two politicians in order to show that one is a better public servant, you would not bother comparing and contrasting their tastes in food because this point would be irrelevant.
Emphasis on Comparison or Contrast
In a comparison and contrast essay, the emphasis is usually on one or the other; that is, you spend more either comparing or contrasting, depending on your purpose. If you are comparing two rather similar things, you should acknowledge the obvious similarities but focus on the differences. If you are comparing two obvious dissimilar things, you should acknowledge the obvious contrasts but emphasize the similarities.
Transitions for Comparison and Contrast
Transitional expressions give writing coherence; that is, they help you to move smoothly from one idea to the next. In addition, a variety of transitions adds interest to an essay. In this lesson you will practice using transitions that will give a comparison-contrast essay both coherence and interest.
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