Comparison / Contrast Writing

Writing that compares and contrasts To compare means to consider similarities – to discuss how two people, places or things are alike. To contrast means to consider differences – to discuss how two people, places or things are different.

Example of Comparison Both teachers and students need to spend a lot of time preparing for class.

Example of Contrast A car creates air pollution, while a bicycle does not pollute the air.

Comparative Structures and Jerry and Mary are tall. both Both of the doors are squeaky. both … and Both my brother and I are married. also Balls are round. Globes are also round. too Danny is ill, and I am, too. neither … nor Neither Kate nor Kenneth go to my school.

similar to His new car is similar to my car. the same as Is the book on your desk the same as the one I read last week? (just) as + adj. + as This lunch is just as bad as breakfast was. likewise Green curry is spicy. Likewise, red curry is also spicy. similarly There is a famous aquarium in that city. Similarly, there is a famous aquarium in my hometown, too.

Contrastive Structures more / less + adj. / adv. + than Novels are generally more interesting than textbooks. adj.+er + than My dog is bigger than my neighbor’s dog. but / while / though My friend enjoys reading in the library, while I enjoy reading in the park. not the same as This tea is not the same as the tea I had yesterday.

not as adj. / adv. as This game is not as fun as Word Up. different from That hairstyle is different from the hairstyles most people wear. in contrast The air in Chiang Rai is clean and clear. In contrast, the air in Bangkok is quite polluted. however This restaurant serves good coffee. However, the restaurant next door has horrid coffee. on the other hand My daughter likes to watch TV. On the other hand, I prefer to play music.