Compare and contrast refers to the process of demonstrating the differences between two concepts. It’s an essential higher-order skill required for getting higher grades in your essays!
The compare and contrast method is a way to demonstrate your depth of understanding about two or more topics.
It is considered a type of analysis, which is often a target verb in your assessment outlines. So, if you are told to “analyze” something, comparing and contrasting is a strategy to achieve this!
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How to Compare and Contrast
One simplified way to compare and contrast is to consider ‘compare’ as identifying similarities and ‘contrast’ as identifying differences:
| Compare | Contrast | |
|---|---|---|
| Transition phrases for comparing and contrasting | Similarly, likewise, in a similar fashion, correspondingly, equally, in the same way, along the same lines, mirroring, following the same pattern. | By contrast, however, on the other hand, conversely, whereas, alternatively, divergently, counter to, in a different vein, opposingly. |
| Example | One similarity between apples and oranges is that they are both fruits. Furthermore, they’re both round and nutritious. | A key difference between apples and oranges is their color. Apples are either red or green, while oranges are orange! |
More complex strategies include the Venn Diagram method, criterion analysis, and rank ordering, as displayed below.
See Also: Best Transition Words for Essay Paragraphs
1. Venn Diagram Method
A Venn Diagram is a concept map that asks you to demonstrate similarities and differences between concepts. It involves two overlapping circles. In the overlapping part (red, below), write the similarities. In the side sections, write the unique aspects of each item:
In my seminars, I ask my students to complete Venn Diagrams of the topics they are comparing and contrasting in their essays. This simple procedure helps you to clarify what you want to say is unique about each item, as well as how you want to demonstrate differences between them.
Have a go at creating your own venn diagram for your compare and contrast topic before writing your essay – it will surely help you focus and get the information down on the essay in a clear and ordered way!
2. Criteria Analysis
Criteria analysis involves comparing and contrasting two or more items based upon a pre-determined criteria. For example, if comparing cats and dogs, you criteria might be ‘domestication history’, ‘social structure’, ‘grooming’, ‘training and obedience’, and exercise needs. We can then compare them as below:
| Criteria | Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|---|
| Domestication History | Domesticated from wolves around 20,000-40,000 years ago. | Domesticated from wildcats around 9,000 years ago. |
| Social Structure | Pack animals, tend to be more social and thrive in groups. | More solitary by nature, but can form close bonds with humans and other cats. |
| Grooming | Need regular baths and brushing depending on the breed. | Self-grooming; bathe themselves and require less frequent baths. |
| Training and Obedience | Can be trained to follow commands, tricks, and can be house-trained relatively easily. | Less likely to follow commands, but can be litter-trained and taught some tricks. |
| Exercise Needs | Typically need regular walks and playtime; vary by breed. | Less demanding; play and indoor activities can suffice for many cats. |
I find that criteria analysis can help us to create a well-ordered and more objective structure for your essay.
Once you’ve selected your criteria and created a table like the one above, you can write one paragraph for each criterion, so the above table would be turned into five compare and contrast paragraphs in your essay.
3. Rank Ordering
Rank ordering involves comparing items or ideas by placing them on a scale or hierarchy. This goes a step beyond criteria analysis by comparing and contrasting based upon scales and analyses.
Take, for example, rank ordering London versus New York versus Paris on a range of rankable criteria:
| Criteria | London | New York | Paris |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of Living | 2 – Expensive but can be more affordable than NYC in some areas. | 1 – Often tops lists for high cost of living. | 3 – Can offer better value in certain districts, though still pricey. |
| Public Transportation Quality | 1 – Renowned Underground system, extensive coverage. | 2 – Extensive but can be confusing for newcomers. | 3 – Efficient Metro but doesn’t cover as vast an area as London or NY. |
| Cultural Attractions | 2 – From the British Museum to the West End, plenty to see. | 3 – Broadway and diverse arts, but might lag slightly behind the European giants. | 1 – Iconic world-class museums and landmarks. |
| Food & Cuisine Variety | 2 – Growing food scene, diverse but NY has an edge. | 1 – Melting pot of cuisines, unmatched diversity. | 3 – Gourmet offerings, but less international variety. |
| Job Opportunities in Tech | 2 – Silicon Roundabout is booming but doesn’t match NY’s scale. | 1 – Silicon Alley and numerous startups make it a tech hub. | 3 – Growing but doesn’t rival London or NY in tech opportunities. |
Compare and Contrast Essay Examples
The following are 5-paragraph essay outlines that use my compare and contrast method, which is broken down into the following five paragraphs:
- The definition paragraph (description level)
- The similarities paragraph (analysis level)
- The differences paragraph (analysis level)
- The evaluation paragraph (evaluation level)
- The implications paragraph (evaluation level)
City Living vs. Country Living
- Definitions of Terms: City living refers to residing in an urban area, while country living pertains to life in rural environments.
- Similarity 1: Both city-living and country-living provide opportunities for community engagement.
- Similarity 2: Both environments necessitate some form of transportation for commuting and access to essential services.
- Difference 1: City living often implies faster-paced life with more stressors, whereas country living is typically slower paced and quieter.
- Difference 2: Urban areas offer more amenities such as shopping centers, restaurants, and cultural venues, whereas rural areas have abundant natural spaces.
- Evaluation: Both lifestyles have their advantages and drawbacks, dependent largely upon individual preference.
- Implications: The choice between city and country living can significantly affect one’s quality of life, stress levels, and access to services.
Public Schools vs. Private Schools
- Definitions of Terms: Public schools are government-funded institutions open to all students, while private schools are funded by tuition fees and private donations and may have selective admissions.
- Similarity 1: Both public and private schools are committed to educating students and developing their skills and talents.
- Similarity 2: Both types of schools must adhere to general educational standards and employ qualified teachers.
- Difference 1: Public schools offer a diverse environment due to their open admission, whereas private schools often have a more homogeneous student body.
- Difference 2: Private schools often have more resources and smaller class sizes than public schools.
- Evaluation: Both school types strive to provide high-quality education but may do so via different methods and resources.
- Implications: The choice between public and private schooling can have implications for a student’s educational experience, social diversity exposure, and family finances.
Traditional Books vs. E-books
- Definitions of Terms: Traditional books refer to physical, bound print media, while e-books are electronic versions of printed books read on digital devices.
- Similarity 1: Both traditional books and e-books convey written information or literature to the reader.
- Similarity 2: Both formats allow the reader to enjoy a multitude of genres and titles.
- Difference 1: Traditional books provide a tactile reading experience, whereas e-books are read on a device.
- Difference 2: E-books are more portable and storage-friendly than traditional books.
- Evaluation: Choosing between traditional books and e-books largely falls to personal preference and convenience.
- Implications: The decision may influence the reading experience, accessibility, cost, and even eye health.
Movies vs. Theater Plays
- Definitions of Terms: Movies are recorded visual content typically played in cinemas or on TV, while theater plays are live performances staged in theatres.
- Similarity 1: Both movies and theater plays offer formatted storytelling mediums to entertain audiences.
- Similarity 2: Both mediums provide a broad spectrum of genres, from drama to comedy, romance to action.
- Difference 1: Movies leverage advanced technology to enhance storytelling, whereas theater plays rely more on human performances and minimal props.
- Difference 2: Theater plays introduce the unique element of live performance, while movies provide perfectly timed and edited scenes for a flawless viewing experience.
- Evaluation: Preference between movies and theater plays tends to hinge on one’s taste for technological enhancements or live performances.
- Implications: The choice affects one’s engagement in the storyline and can influence the level of immersion in the presented piece.
Working Part-time vs. Volunteering
- Definitions of Terms: Part-time work refers to paid employment with fewer hours per week compared to full-time jobs, while volunteering involves donating one’s time and skills for altruistic purposes without pay.
- Similarity 1: Both part-time work and volunteering provide opportunities to gain experience and build skills.
- Similarity 2: Both require commitment and dedication.
- Difference 1: Part-time jobs provide income, while volunteering does not.
- Difference 2: Volunteering often offers a wider range of roles, with more flexibility than part-time jobs.
- Evaluation: The preference for part-time work or volunteering is likely to depend on personal needs, priorities, and financial stability.
- Implications: Choosing between the two can shape an individual’s career path, financial situation, and personal growth.
Cats vs. Dogs
- Definitions of Terms: Pet ownership refers to being responsible for an animal’s wellbeing. Cats and dogs are two of the most popular domesticated animals in this context.
- Similarity 1: Both cats and dogs provide companionship for their owners.
- Similarity 2: Caring for either a cat or dog requires a significant time, effort, and financial commitment.
- Difference 1: Dogs typically demand more attention and exercise than cats.
- Difference 2: Cats, being more independent creatures, are often easier to care for in terms of day-to-day demands.
- Evaluation: The decision between a cat or dog depends on one’s lifestyle, commitment level, and personal preference.
- Implications: Adding a pet to your life can bring joy, companionship, and additional responsibilities, affecting an individual’s routine, expenditures, and emotional wellbeing.
Handwriting vs. Typing
- Definitions of Terms: Handwriting refers to writing by hand using instruments like pens or pencils, while typing involves entering text via a keyboard.
- Similarity 1: Both handwriting and typing serve to record information and thoughts.
- Similarity 2: Both methods can be used across a variety of platforms, like notebooks or digital devices.
- Difference 1: Handwriting tends to enhance memory retention more than typing due to its motor movements.
- Difference 2: Typing is often faster and enables easier edits than handwriting.
- Evaluation: The effectiveness of note-taking can depend on the individual preference between handwriting or typing.
- Implications: The preferred note-taking method may have an effect on productivity, learning efficiency, and workflow organization.
Renting Movies vs. Streaming Services
- Definitions of Terms: Renting movies involves obtaining a movie for a temporary period, usually through DVD rental shops, while streaming services provide access to broad libraries of movies via a subscription model.
- Similarity 1: Both renting movies and streaming provide access to a variety of films.
- Similarity 2: Both provide the comfort of watching movies at home.
- Difference 1: Renting movies usually involves a physical exchange, while streaming services utilize internet access.
- Difference 2: Streaming services offer an extensive library for a flat fee; renting movies usually incurs a cost per movie.
- Evaluation: The choice between renting and streaming comes down to factors such as cost, convenience, movie availability, and technological prowess.
- Implications: This choice can impact one’s entertainment experience, movie choices, and related spending.
Early Birds vs. Night Owls
- Definitions of Terms: Early birds are individuals who tend to wake up and function best in the morning, while night owls are people who stay up late and are productive at night.
- Similarity 1: Both early birds and night owls have specific periods of peak productivity.
- Similarity 2: Both can adjust their schedules to maximize productivity during their preferred time frames.
- Difference 1: Early birds may benefit more from the conventional 9-to-5 work or school schedules, while night owls may possibly struggle with early starts.
- Difference 2: Night owls might find peace and silence in the late evening hours for focused work, while early birds would experience similar conditions in the early morning.
- Evaluation: Being an early bird or a night owl generally aligns with an individual’s biological predisposition or lifestyle preferences.
- Implications: One’s designation may influence productivity levels, schedule preferences, and overall health.
Modern Pop Music vs. Classic Rock
- Definitions of Terms: Modern pop music is a genre characterized by its wide appeal and catchy style, often championed by younger demographics, while classic rock represents a genre of music that peaked in popularity in the late 20th century, characterized by strong rhythms and guitar-based sounds.
- Similarity 1: Both modern pop and classic rock aim to entertain, express, and connect with the audience.
- Similarity 2: Both genres have produced renowned artists and timeless music.
- Difference 1: Modern pop often incorporates electronic elements and is more influenced by contemporary trends, while classic rock heavily encompasses natural instrumentation and iconic guitar solos.
- Difference 2: The thematic contents and lyrical construction of the two genres vary significantly, with classic rock often embodying a more rebellious spirit compared to pop music.
- Evaluation: The choice between modern pop and classic rock usually comes down to personal taste, cultural exposure, and age.
- Implications: The music genre preference can reflect an individual’s personality, influence mood, and shape emotional experiences.
Sociology Compare & Contrast Essay Topic Ideas
- Eastern Family Traditions vs. Western Family Traditions
- Capitalism vs. Socialism
- Urban Living vs. Rural Living
- Individualistic Societies vs. Collectivist Societies
- Monogamy vs. Polygamy
- Nuclear Families vs. Extended Families
- Secular Societies vs. Religious Societies
- Traditional Education vs. Homeschooling
- Ageing Populations in Japan vs. Young Populations in Nigeria
- Ethnic Enclaves vs. Assimilated Communities
- Role of Women in Western Societies vs. Middle Eastern Societies
- Developed Countries vs. Developing Countries
- Single-child Policy in China vs. Expansive Families in India
- Arranged Marriages vs. Love Marriages
- Rural Migrations to Cities in Africa vs. Asia
- Gender Roles in Traditional Societies vs. Modern Societies
- Subcultures vs. Countercultures
- Social Impacts of the Internet Age vs. The Industrial Revolution
- Role of Community in Individualistic vs. Collectivist Cultures
- Social Effects of Unemployment in European vs. African Nations
Psychology Compare & Contrast Essay Topic Ideas
- Freudian vs. Jungian Psychoanalysis
- Nature vs. Nurture
- Behaviorism vs. Cognitive Psychology
- IQ Tests vs. EQ Tests
- Child vs. Adult Cognitive Development
- Classical Conditioning vs. Operant Conditioning
- Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs vs. Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory
- Short-term Memory vs. Long-term Memory
- Traditional Therapy vs. Online Therapy
- Anxiety vs. Depression
- Bipolar Disorder vs. Schizophrenia
- Stress in Adolescents vs. Stress in Adults
- Dream Analysis: Freudian vs. Jungian
- Social Psychology vs. Cultural Psychology
- Substance Addiction vs. Behavioral Addiction
- Humanistic Psychology vs. Evolutionary Psychology
- ADHD vs. Autism
- Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation
- Introverted vs. Extroverted Personalities
- Psychoanalytic Therapy vs. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Conclusion
Compare and contrast is all about higher-order thinking. To conduct a compare and contrast, you’re engaging in analysis, which is a step required in order to achieve the next layer of higher-order thinking skills: evaluation. Whether you’re writing a direct compare and contrast essay or simply an argumentative essay, comparing and contrasting your ideas helps you to demonstrate your depth of knowledge to your teacher and build your grades!
Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]