MPU 2201 Online Notes - 2 COMPARE CONTRAST ESSAY

Basic Academic Writing Compare
Contrast
Essay

COMPARISON-CONTRAST ESSAY
In your career as a student, you will encounter many different kinds of writing assignment, each
with its own requirements. One of the most common is the comparison/contrast essay, in which
you focus on the ways in which certain things or ideas—usually two of them—are similar to (this
is the comparison) and/or different from (this is the contrast) one another. By assigning such
essays, your instructors are encouraging you to make connections between texts or ideas, engage
in critical thinking, and go beyond mere description or summary to generate interesting analysis:
when you reflect on similarities and differences, you gain a deeper understanding of the items
you are comparing, their relationship to each other, and what is most important about them.

Characteristics of Comparison-Contrast Essay
Here is some general information about the organization for this type of essay:

1. A comparison essay notes either similarities, or similarities and differences.
2. A contrast essay notes only differences.
3. The comparison or contrast should make a point or serve a purpose. Often such essays do

one of the following:
a. Clarify something unknown or not well understood.
b. Lead to a fresh insight or new way of viewing something.
c. Bring one or both of the subjects into sharper focus.
d. Show one subject is better than the other.

4. The thesis can present the subject and indicate whether they will be compared, contrasted
or both.

5. The same point should be discussed for both subjects; it is not necessary, however to hive
both subject the same degree of development.

6. Used detailed topic sentences and the following connecting words to make relationship
between your subjects clear to your readers.

Connectors That Show Comparison Connectors That Show Contrast (Differences)
(Similarities)

In addition ƒ Correspondingly Compared However ƒ On the contrary On the other hand
to

Even though ƒ In contrast ƒ Although

Similarly ƒ Just as ƒ As well as

Unlike ƒ Conversely ƒ Meanwhile

Likewise ƒ Same as ƒ At the same time

Basic Academic Writing Compare
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COHESIVE DEVICES
Cohesive Devices are used to show logical relationships between various parts of an essay
as well as between sentences and paragraphs.

Coordinating conjunctions connect two independent clauses together. Words like "for," "and,"
"nor," "but," “or,” "yet" and "so" (FANBOYS) are coordinating conjunctions.

Subordinating conjunctions start a dependent clause and require a comma at the end of the
adverbial phrase if it begins a sentence. Words like "although," "until," "after," "because," "rather
than," "before," "while," "which," "that" and "whom" are subordinating conjunctions.

Correlative conjunctions are used in pairs to express equality. For example, "either...or", ”not
only…but also’” are correlative conjunctions.

Transitional phrases such as "however," "yet," "therefore" and "moreover" cue the reader to the
relationships between ideas.

More examples of Cohesive Devices:

Listing Giving examples Generalising
in general
first, second, third for example generally
on the whole
first, furthermore, finally for instance as a rule
for the most part
to begin, to conclude as follows: in most cases
usually
next that is Highlighting
in particular
Reinforcement in this case particularly
especially
also namely mainly
Reformulation
furthermore in other words in other words
rather
moreover Result/consequence

what is more so

in addition therefore

besides as a result/consequence

above all accordingly

as well (as) consequently

in the same way because of this/that

not only ... but also thus

Basic Academic Writing Compare
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Essay

Similarity hence to put it more simply
equally for this/that reason Expressing an alternative
likewise so that alternatively
similarly in that case rather
correspondingly under these circumstances on the other hand
in the same way Deduction the alternative is
Transition to new point then another possibility would be
now, in other words Contrast
as far as x is concerned in that case instead
with regard/reference to otherwise conversely
as for ... this implies that ... on the contrary
it follows that if so/not in contrast
turning to Stating the obvious in comparison
Concession (something
Summary obviously unexpected)
however
in conclusion clearly even though
however much
to conclude naturally nevertheless
still
in brief of course yet

to summarise as can be expected

overall surely

therefore after all

(Ref: http://library.bcu.ac.uk/learner/writingguides/1.33.htm)

Basic Academic Writing Compare
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Essay

Organizational Pattern
The following example contains an element of the author’s opinion, but not all compare/contrast

assignments allow for that. Always check your assignment sheet and ask your instructor for

clarification about including your opinion.

Intro Point-by-Point Method Block Method

1 • Introduction of general topic • Introduction of general topic
Body Paragraph • Specific topic • Specific topic
• Thesis = areas to be covered in this essay: Both • Thesis = areas to be covered in this essay: Both cats and dogs
2
Body Paragraph cats and dogs make excellent pets, but an make excellent pets, but an appropriate choice depends on the
appropriate choice depends on the pet owner’s pet owner’s lifestyle, finances, and household
Body Paragraph 3 lifestyle, finances, and household
accommodations. accommodations.
Topic Sentence - Aspect 1
Cats make less of an impact on an owner’s lifestyle. Topic Sentence – Topic 1
Topic 1 - Aspect 1: Cats Cats are easier and less expensive to care for.
• Detail: Don’t have to be watched during the
Aspect 1: Lifestyle
day • Detail: Don’t have to be watched during the day
• Detail: Easier to get care if owner travels • Detail: Easier to get care if owner travels
Topic 2 - Aspect 1: Dogs
• Detail: Pack animals shouldn’t be left alone Aspect 2: Cost
• Detail: Harder to get care when away • Detail: Food and health care are usually less expensive
• Detail: Less likely to cause property damage
Transition Sentence
Aspect 3: House accommodations
Topic Sentence - Aspect 2 • Detail: Don’t take up much space
Cats are less expensive to own and care for. • Detail: Less intrusive
Topic 1 - Aspect 2: Cats
Transition Sentence
• Detail: Food and health care are usually less Topic Sentence – Topic 2
expensive Dogs are active and loyally engaging pets.
Aspect 1 – Lifestyle
• Detail: Less likely to cause property damage
Topic 2 - Aspect 2: Dogs • Detail: Pack animals shoudn’t be left alone
• Detail: Harder to get care when away Need more living
• Detail: Food is more expensive
• Detail: Over-breeding causes some health space
Aspect 2 – Cost
problems
• Detail: Food is more expensive
Transition Sentence • Detail: Over-breeding causes some health problems
Aspect 3 – House accommodations
Topic Sentence - Aspect 3 • Detail: Often need yard and fence
Cats need few special house accommodation. • Detail: Require more safety and protective measures
Topic 1 - Aspect 3: Cats
Transition Sentence
• Detail: Don’t take up much space
• Detail: Less intrusive Optional: develop a paragraph to evaluate the comparison made
Topic 2 - Aspect 3: Dogs in the essay: Last summer, I was considering adopting a pet, so I
• Detail: Often need yard and fence
• Detail: Require more safety and protective visited the SPCA to gather more information about cats and dogs.

measures I am a full time student and work part time in the evenings, so my
lifestyle and schedule didn’t seem conducive to owning a dog like I
had originally planned. Now that I’ve had my cat Cookie for a few
months, I see that she’s the perfect fit and a great companion for

me.

Basic Academic Writing Compare
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Conclusion Transition Sentence • Summary of main points
• Summary of main points • Evaluation and/or possible future developments
• Evaluation and/or possible future developments • Significance of topic to author: When considering adopting a
• Significance of topic to author: When considering
pet, a prospective owner must consider the lifestyle, finances,
adopting a pet, a prospective owner must consider
and household accommodations that the pet would require.
the lifestyle, finances, and household
Owners who neglect to compare these aspects will often not
accommodations that the pet would require. care for their pet in a safe manner.
Owners who neglect to compare these aspects will

often not care for their pet in a safe manner.

Discovering Similarities and Differences
Making a Venn diagram or a chart can help you quickly and efficiently compare and contrast two
or more things or ideas. To make a Venn diagram, simply draw some overlapping circles, one
circle for each item you’re considering. In the central area where they overlap, list the traits the
two items have in common. Example:

1. Write each topic name above one of the circles. List attributes or qualities of that topic in
the circle, placing any shared qualities in the overlapping section. Be specific and use
details.

2. Review the lists and identify three categories or aspects that describe these details.
3. Then choose one option (point by point or block method) to structure your essay.

Comparison-contrast Thesis
The thesis of your comparison/contrast paper is very important: it can help you create a focused
argument and give your reader a road map so she/he doesn’t get lost in the sea of points you are
about to make. As in any paper, you will want to replace vague reports of your general topic (for

Basic Academic Writing Compare
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Essay

example, “This paper will compare and contrast two pizza places,” or “Pepper’s and Amante are
similar in some ways and different in others,” or “Pepper’s and Amante are similar in many
ways, but they have one major difference”) with something more detailed and specific. For
example, you might say, “Pepper’s and Amante have similar prices and ingredients, but their
atmospheres and willingness to deliver set them apart.”

Be careful, though—although this thesis is fairly specific and does propose a simple
argument (that atmosphere and delivery make the two pizza places different), your instructor will
often be looking for a bit more analysis. In this case, the obvious question is “So what? Why
should anyone care that Pepper’s and Amante are different in this way?” One might also wonder
why the writer chose those two particular pizza places to compare—why not Papa John’s,
Dominos, or Pizza Hut? Again, thinking about the context the class provides may help you
answer such questions and make a stronger argument. Here’s a revision of the thesis mentioned
earlier:

Pepper’s and Amante both offer a greater variety of ingredients than other Chapel
Hill/Carrboro pizza places (and than any of the national chains), but the funky, lively atmosphere
at Pepper’s makes it a better place to give visiting friends and family a taste of local culture.

How do I know if my thesis is strong?
If there’s time, run it by your instructor or make an appointment at the Writing Center to get
some feedback. Even if you do not have time to get advice elsewhere, you can do some thesis
evaluation of your own. When reviewing your first draft and its working thesis, ask yourself the
following:

 Do I answer the question? Re-reading the question prompt after constructing a working
thesis can help you fix an argument that misses the focus of the question.

 Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? If your thesis simply states
facts that no one would, or even could, disagree with, it’s possible that you are simply
providing a summary, rather than making an argument.

 Is my thesis statement specific enough?

Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument. If your thesis contains
words like “good” or “successful,” see if you could be more specific: why is something “good”;
what specifically makes something “successful”?

 Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? If a reader’s first response is, “So what?” then
you need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue.

Basic Academic Writing Compare
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 Does my essay support my thesis specifically and without wandering? If your thesis and
the body of your essay do not seem to go together, one of them has to change. It’s o.k. to
change your working thesis to reflect things you have figured out in the course of writing
your paper. Remember, always reassess and revise your writing as necessary.

 Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? If a reader’s first response is “how?” or
“why?” your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what
you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning.

Example of Comparison-Contrast Essay

The Similarities and Differences between Public and Private Universities

Malaysia has progressed in many areas since its independence. One significant area that all our
past and present leaders have emphasized is education. The drastic growth in the number of
universities over the past 20 years signifies this, together with the increasing demand for post-
secondary education. Therefore, when public universities faced major challenges in operating
within the limitations of the financial aid given by the government, the government not only
encouraged private institutions to play a more active role in the higher education industry,
but also supported these institutions in their efforts to increase their student intake. In 2006, there
were 17 public universities and 21 private universities. Within a year, these numbers ballooned
to 20 and 30 respectively. Today, students who wish to pursue higher education are spoilt for
choices as there are plenty of courses offered in both public and private universities. However,
deciding on which higher education institution to go to, after completing secondary school, is a
crucial undertaking. Students need to compare and contrast the strengths and weaknesses of
both types of institutions based on the courses available, the course fees charged and the
competitiveness of these universities.

Firstly, the types of courses that public and private universities offer vary
significantly. Public institutions offer a whole range of courses that cover various aspects of
science, business, social sciences and humanities in an ala-carte form. For example, the
engineering programmes incorporate all aspects of engineering which include specialised areas
such as marine, gas and aeronautical. Likewise, the business programmes in these institutions
include various degrees in business administration like Islamic banking and insurance. In
contrast, private universities only focus on programmes that have higher market value such as
health sciences, religious studies, history and literature are not offered by these universities. This
is especially so since they are profit-driven institutions. In fact, private institutions only
specialise in certain fields, such as health sciences. University Kuala Lumpur Royal College of
Medicine Perak, for example, specialises in medicine, pharmacy, nursing and radiotherapy, while

Basic Academic Writing Compare
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Masterskill University College specialises in nursing, physiotherapy and environmental health,
among others. With such vast choices available, students should choose which university to go to
and what programme to enrol in wisely.

Another difference between public and private universities lies in the course
fees. Even though the roles and responsibilities of both types of institutions are similar, the way
they are structured is different. Public universities charge rather modest fees as compared to
private universities. The primary reason for this is that public universities are largely funded by
the government, as opposed to private universities that are usually privately funded by
shareholders. For a public university the high cost involved in managing one is borne by the
government. In contrast, private universities manage their institutions through the shareholders’
funds and the revenue they earned. Private universities charge a high fee for their courses as a
means of increasing the revenue. The amount charged is normally very much higher compared to
that charged by public universities, where the course fees are subsidised by the government. For
instance, the fee to study medicine in University Malaya is about RM100 000 whereas in
International Medical University (IMU), the fee is about RM350 000. However, since the
income per capita of Malaysians has increased; many parents can afford to pay such expensive
fees. Moreover, education has become a priority in Malaysia. The government is willing to
support these private institutions by making student loans such as those offered by Perbadanan
Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional (PTPTN) available for students. This helps to lessen not
only parents’ burden, but also the shareholders’.

Despite these differences, public and private universities are similar in being
competitive in nature. They compete to be the best educational institution in their respective
fields of study. Both types of institutions strive to stay abreast to sustain their position in the
education industry. The benchmark has been raised very high so that every university has to be
sensitive to their customers’ needs. Most universities have made wi-fi connections available
around their campus and have upgraded facilities such as computer laboratories, hostels,
cafeterias and transportation. Apart from that, these universities also recruit the best faculty staff
to make the teaching and learning process an exciting journey. In addition, these universities
advertise their annual graduation ceremonies and highlight their top academic achievers to
maintain their name and ranking among the top universities. All these criteria have become the
yardstick for universities to measure their reputation as world-class education institutions.

There is paradigm shift today in the way parents and children regard education.
Parents nowadays are sending their children to higher education institutions so that they could
obtain a minimum university qualification. Students take up university courses not only to obtain
wisdom and knowledge, but also to acquire the expertise and qualifications needed to compete in
today’s knowledge-based economy. Thus, it is up to the students to compare the similarities
and differences between a public university and a private university before deciding which
institution to pursue their tertiary education in.