Comparison and Contrast Writing

What is the purpose of a compare/contrast essay?

• talk about the similarities and differences of two subjects
• inform or explain a subject to the reader
• tell a story
• use the five senses to paint a picture for the reader, incorporating imagery and specific details

In a compare/contrast essay which is more interesting?

• to focus on the similarities
• to focus on the differences

Although, but, differ, even though, however, in contrast, instead, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, unless, unlike, while, yet

• Listed above are transition words for comparing two things
• Listed above are transition words for contrasting two things

Which does not show contrast?

• Nevertheless, __.

• Even so, __.

• Similarly,

• On the other hand, __.

When you write a comparison, you need to focus on....

• the similarities

• the differences

That man has much money. __________, he isn’t happy at all

• however

• despite that

• in the same way

• otherwise

• while

I like playing football. ________________, my brother likes playing basketball.

• otherwise

• and yet

• similarly

• on the other hand

This is so people can watch TV and play playstation games ____________

• likewise

• also

• at the same time

• nevertheless

What type of writing is the compare contrast essay?

• academic = informal
• academic = formal

Why do you need to use transition words/phrases within a body paragraph?

• makes your writing more interesting for the reader
• makes your writing easier to follow for the reader
• makes your writing longer for the reader