Comparison and Contrast: Explaining similarities and differences

What? Definition
 Pointing out similarities is called comparing.
 Pointing out differences is called contrasting.
 When we do both, we are engaged in comparison and contrast.

Why? The Purpose

Comparison is something we do consciously or consciously, all the time. In school or workplaces we use
it to inform or evaluate before making decisions. In writing, we use comparison to answer one of three
questions:
1. What are the main similarities between S1 and S2?
2. What are the main differences between S1 and S2?
3. What are the main similarities and differences between S1 and S2?

Note: the above questions can be used to generate main points for the essay.
For example on the topic: “compare Youssou Ndour and Jaliba Kuyateh,” one can simply ask the
following question:
 What are the similarities between Youssou Ndour and Jaliba Kuyateh?
 The following answers can form part of the main points of the thesis statement.
- Musical production
- Global popularity
- Stage performance

The thesis, therefore, will look like: Youssou Ndour and Jaliba Kuyateh can be compared in terms of
musical production, global popularity and stage performance.

How? The Technique

- Before you organize / write your comparison essay, satisfy these three questions:
a) Are the two items really comparable (How are they alike)?
b) What are the terms of comparison?
c) What is the most appropriate pattern of comparison?

There are 2 main patterns of comparison.

- Chunk pattern
- Slice pattern

The chunk pattern involves separating the two subjects or items and discussing each one separately,
under the categories or main points.
Example:
Paragraph 1: introduction and thesis statement
Paragraph 2: S1 Youssou Ndour
a. Musical production
b. Global popularity
c. Stage performance
Paragraph 3: S2 Jaliba Kuyateh
a. Musical production
b. Global popularity
d. Stage performance

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Paragraph 4: conclusion, summarizing the similarities / differences and possibly stating your preference.

The slice pattern involves setting the terms or categories of comparison, then discussing both subjects /
items under each category heading.

Example:
Paragraph 1: Introduction and thesis statement
Paragraph 2: Musical production
S1 Youssou Ndour
S2 Jaliba Kuyateh
Paragraph 3: Global popularity
S1 Youssou Ndour
S2 Jaliba Kuyateh
Paragraph 4: Stage Dramatization
S1 Youssou Ndour
S2 Jaliba Kuyateh
Paragraph 5: Conclusion, with perhaps a statement of your preference.

Here are three models to choose from in drafting your thesis statement for comparison essays.

Comparison

S1 and S2 can be compared in terms of a, b, and c.

Example: Youssou Ndour and Jaliba Kuyateh can be compared in terms of their musical production,
global popularity and stage performance.
Contrast

S1 and S2 can contrasted in terms of a, b, and c.

Example: Mr. Manneh and Mr. Tigana can be contrasted in terms of qualification, methodology and
attitude.

Comparison / contrast

Although S1 and S2 are different in terms of a, they are alike in terms of b and c.

Example 1: Although Mr. Manneh and Mr. Tigana are different in terms of qualification, they are alike in
methodology and attitude.

Although S1 and S2 are alike in terms of a, they are different in terms of b and c.

Example 2: Although Mr. Manneh and Mr. Tigana are alike in terms of a, they are different in
methodology and attitude.