Comparison & Contrast ESL 11B Writing

Use certain words and expressions to show similarities and differences Comparison & Contrast Use certain words and expressions to show similarities and differences

Similarities BE similar to Likewise In a similar way

Differences While Conversely On the other hand

BE similar to (similarity) Behaves like an adjective and describes nouns Modify “be” for the subject Primates are similar to humans. My cat is similar to my dog.

Likewise (similarity) Use at the beginning of a sentence A comma follows after Elephants have a matriarchal society. Likewise, Gelada females have the real power in family groups.

In a similar way (similarity) Begins a sentence Use a comma after Young people bow when addressing those with higher status. In a similar way, chimpanzees reduce their body size when they approach a senior member.

While (contrast) If used at the beginning, put a comma in the middle If used in the middle, no comma While aggression is part of normal primate behavior, it plays a limited role in the wild. Aggression plays a limited role in the wild while it is part of normal primate behavior.

On the other hand (contrast) Put a comma after it if at the beginning of the sentence Also can be used after the subject—use 2 commas Elephants are matriarchal. On the other hand, males traditionally have the power in many human cultures. Elephants are matriarchal. Males, on the other and, traditionally have the power in many human cultures.

Conversely (contrast) At the beginning of the sentence with a comma after it My female cat is white. Conversely, my male cat is black. I am very good at English. Conversely, I am horrible at math.