A compare-contrast assignment or essay shows the similarities and differences between two topics or ideas.

  • Comparing: Shows the similarities between two topics or ideas.
  • Contrasting: Shows the differences between two topics or ideas.

Transitional Words

Use transitional words when writing a compare-contrast assignment to show the relationship between your ideas and to connect your main points.

Transitional Words showing Comparison:

  • in comparison
  • in the same way
  • comparably
  • equally
  • equivalently
  • in a similar manner
  • likewise
  • similarly
  • moreover

Transitional Words showing Contrast:

  • but
  • conversely
  • however
  • in contrast
  • on the contrary
  • on the other hand
  • otherwise
  • rather
  • though
  • whereas
  • yet

Organizing a Compare-Contrast Paragraph

There are two main ways that you can organize your compare-contrast paragraph:

When using the block method, begin by discussing all the main points about the first topic you are discussing, then move on and make all the points you want to make about the second topic (and then the third topic, etc., if you are comparing and contrasting more than two things).

For example, if you were comparing academic writing standards to professional writing standards, you would talk about academic writing in the first part and then move on to talk about professional writing in the second part.

If you are using the block method, organize your paragraph in the following way:

  1. Start with a Topic Sentence: Your first sentence should introduce both topics to your reader and state the main point of the paragraph.
  2. Compare/Contrast by Topic: Your paragraph will discuss all the points for one topic first, then do the same for the other topic. For example:Topic A: Academic Writing. Point 1: Paragraph Structure. Point 2: Point of View. Point 3: Tone. Topic B: Professional Writing. Point 1: Paragraph Structure. Point 2: Point of View. Point 3: Tone.
  3. End with a Concluding Sentence: Conclude your paragraph by stating your decision as to which topic you prefer and why, or by explaining the purpose of the comparison. You can be persuasive in this final sentence or two, leaving your reader with the impression of your opinion.

Sample Block-Method Paragraph:

There are key differences between academic and professional writing. For example, academic writing is generally structured differently than professional writing. Academic papers usually include traditional, well-developed paragraphs. Additionally, academic writing uses the more objective third-person point-of-view, such as the use of “he, she, or it.” Lastly, academic writing uses a formal tone. On the other hand, professional writing often contains short direct paragraphs with bullet points to highlight key ideas. Another key difference between the two styles is that professional writing uses the first-person point-of-view, or use of “I,” so that the communication comes directly from the author. Similar to academic writing, professional writing requires a serious tone in order to gain the respect of the reader. No matter which type of writing you are creating, it is most important to tailor your writing to fit the expectations of the genre so that your message will be well received.

 

When using point-by-point method, arrange your paragraph according to the main points, rather than by topic. The paragraph will discuss each of your main points, but include discussions of both topics as they relate to each of your points.

For example, if you were using a point-by-point method to compare and contrast academic writing and professional writing, you might talk about similarities and differences regarding their paragraph structure, point of view, and tone.

If you are using the point-by-point method, organize your paragraph in the following way:

  1. Start with a Topic Sentence: Your first sentence should introduce both topics to your reader and state the main point of the paragraph.
  2. Compare/Contrast by Point: Your paragraph will discuss each of the main points of both topics. For example:Point 1: Paragraph Structure. Discuss Academic Writing. Discuss Professional Writing. Point 2: Point of View. Discuss Academic Writing. Discuss Professional Writing. Point 2: Tone. Discuss Academic Writing. Discuss Professional Writing.
  3. End with a Concluding Sentence:  Conclude your paragraph by stating your decision as to which topic you prefer and why, or by explaining the purpose of the comparison. You can be persuasive in this final sentence or two, leaving your reader with the impression of your opinion.

Sample Point-By-Point Paragraph:

There are key differences between academic and professional writing. For example, academic writing is generally structured differently than professional writing. Academic papers usually include traditional, well-developed paragraphs, whereas professional documents often contain short direct paragraphs with bullet points to highlight key ideas. Additionally, academic writing uses the more objective third-person point-of-view, such as the use of “he, she, or it,” while professional writing uses the first-person point-of-view, or use of “I,” so that the communication comes directly from the author. Both styles of writing, however, require a formal tone. Similarly, academic and professional writing both employ a serious tone required in formal writing to gain the respect of the reader. No matter which type of writing you are creating, it is most important to tailor your writing to fit the expectations of the genre so that your message will be well received.

 

Organizing a Compare-Contrast Essay

If you are asked to write a compare-contrast essay, use the following structure:

Introduction: Your first paragraph should introduce both topics to your reader, briefly summarizing each, and lead to your thesis statement. Your thesis will often state which topic you prefer and why.

Body Paragraphs: Arrange your paragraphs using either the block method or the point-by-point method:

  • Block Method Organization: Each paragraph discusses all the points for one topic first, then does the same for the other topic.
    • Introduction with Thesis
    • Body Paragraph 1 (or more): Topic A
      • Point 1
      • Point 2
      • Point 3
    • Body Paragraph 2 (or more): Topic B
      • Point 1
      • Point 2
      • Point 3
    • Conclusion
Note: If you have more topics to discuss, simply add more body paragraphs.
  • Point-by-Point Organization: Each paragraph coves one main point, but includes discussions of both topics as these relate to that point.
    • Introduction with Thesis
    • Body Paragraph 1: Point 1
      • Topic A
      • Topic B
    • Body Paragraph 2: Point 2
      • Topic A
      • Topic B
    • Body Paragraph 3: Point 3
      • Topic A
      • Topic B
    • Conclusion
Note: If you have more points to make, simply add more body paragraphs.
 

Conclusion:  Conclude your essay with a paragraph stating your decision as to which topic you prefer and why, or by explaining the purpose of the comparison. You can be persuasive in this final paragraph, leaving your reader with the impression of your opinion.

When should you use Block vs. Point-by-Point Method?


As a general rule, use block method for paragraphs, such as a discussion board post. Since paragraphs are shorter, the reader won’t lose track of each point as it is discussed in relation to each topic.

Use point-by-point method for longer essays to more closely compare and contrast the two topics. A reader won’t be as likely lose track of the main ideas if they are arranged point-by-point in an essay.