EAPP Handout #3

COMPARISON AND CONTRAST TEXT STRUCTURE

Comparison
To compare persons, things, places, events, situations, or ideas is to show how they are alike. You need to identify the
points of comparison and make a list of similar characteristics or qualities for each point of comparison.

The following are words that signal similarities:

also
like
both
as... as
similarly Example:
in the same way The old formulation of the drug (MAC) and the new formulation (MAC-II) have similar effects on
the test mice. Within 7 days, both mice lost weight. The mouse treated with MAC, mouse A, lost
equally important 2.2 grams (g), while the mouse given with MAC-II, mouse B, lost 2.4 g. Also, there was no
likewise increase in hair growth on both subjects. Lastly, the mice similarly exhibited low energy levels.
Mouse A started to become lethargic on day 4, while mouse B became lethargic on day 5.

Contrast
To contrast persons, things, places, events, situations, or ideas is to show how they are different. To do so, you need to
make a list of the characteristics or qualities of the subjects and then identify the differences between them.

The following are some words that signal contrast:

but
however
though Example:
on the other hand In the venture capital industry, a start-up company can either be a “unicorn” or a “bust.” Unicorns
in contrast have a valuation of over $1 billion, a high market interest, and a novel product. On the other hand,
busts fail to reach their minimum funding goal, have a low market interest, and have a mediocre
product.
EXAMPLE:

Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo are regarded as two of the greatest artists from the Renaissance. Both were
geniuses; they mastered techniques that made them superior to their contemporaries. Also, they were similarly
interested in anatomy, which helped them produce highly realistic works. However, they each had a distinct style. Da
Vinci developed a style that was feminine and full of light. On the other hand, Michelangelo preferred his works to be
masculine and dark.

Comparison and Contrast

 Comparison and contrast paragraphs are common in writing in many academic disciplines like the humanities,
sciences, and business. Such paragraphs can be found in character analyses; various kinds of essays; political
science, sociology, and historical papers; lab reports; progress reports; book and film reviews; and marketing
campaigns.
 A paragraph developed by comparison and contrast has a unifying idea or purpose. Also, it must be balanced in
such a way that there is an equal amount of information for each subject to avoid bias.

To compare subjects is to show the similarities between them, while to contrast them is to point out their differences.
Comparison and contrast can both be used in the development of a text or paragraph depending on your purpose.

Exercise:
Using Comparison and Contrast Pattern of Development, compare and contrast the two situations: Living in the
province and living in a city. Make a chart for the Points of Comparison as your reference and write a comparison and
contrast paragraph for it.

Living in the city Living in the province/countryside

Environment
Job Opportunities
Level and Type of Noise
Neighborhood