Comparison-contrast is a common method of development that involves focusing on similarities and differences-or more likely on one or the other-in order to make a point.When a writer is comparing, he is pointing out the similarities that exist between subjects or items (such as persons, things, or ideas). When a writer is contrasting, he is pointing out the differences between subjects or items.Note: the word“comparison”, in a broader sense, covers the meaning of both comparison and contrast.Now read the two model essays below, and identify which is a comparison essay and which is a contrast essay.
Model Essay One
Who Is Happier: the Rich or the Poor?
A famous statement in The Declaration of Independencereads, “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.”Indeed, all people are born equal；however, as they grow, they separate into categories based on their wealth.Consequently, the lifestyles between the rich and the poor differ tremendously from each other in the way they spend their time, in the way they dream, and in the way they develop relationships.
To begin with, both a poor person and a rich person may have a lot of spare time, but they spend it differently.A very poor person is usually unemployed, so he either sits around the house doing nothing, or ends up walking on the street without a purpose because a purpose, more often than not, means spending money.A very rich person, on the other hand, may not work either, but he or she has a lot of money.So the world holds out its hands to the rich；money buys trips to the Bahamas, some expensive houses in California, and invitations to other rich people's places.
While money affects the way people spend their time, money also affects people's thoughts.Poor people are great dreamers.The combination of the abundance of free time and no means to satisfy even very modest needs stimulates daydreaming.Poor people dream of becoming rich or at least being well off.They dream about all those exotic places that the rich visit and all the gorgeous clothes that the rich buy.However, rich people do not dream as much.Their thoughts do not wander around the impossibility of achieving goals because there are almost no impossible goals for them.Instead, their thoughts focus on getting what they want and getting it fast.
Finally, a poor person has better social skills than a rich person does.A poor person is not able to buy all the services that a rich person can buy.Instead, a poor person will offer his time and services to other poor people in exchange for their time and services.For example, in poor neighborhoods, people exchange babysitting services.They help one another repair plumbing (管道) or paint the walls.They depend on one another on a daily basis and thus develop close personal relationships.On the contrary, a rich person pays for all the services.He does not know who delivers the groceries, who repairs the roof of his mansion, or even who babysits his children.Not surprisingly, rich people tend to have superficial relationships with other people-relationships based on the exchange of goods and services for money.
In summary, while the rich feel happy in one way, the poor may also feel happy in another.Certainly, the rich live comfortable and colorful lives.But this does not mean that they are happier because the essence of happiness lies mainly in meaningful personal relationships rather than in impressive bank accounts.The poor live unglamorous and miserable lives.This, however, does not deprive them of developing deep and meaningful relationships.Also, a shortage of money stimulates imagination.In dreams, everything is beautiful and life is perfect.
Model Essay Two
The American Experience
To an international student, the United States often seems to be a collection of“countries”that have little in common.There is a rural, mid-western“country”with huge, flat prairies (北美大草原) and a few small towns here and there, a big city“country”of New York City, Los Angeles, or Houston, a suburban“country”with its subdivisions that spread out forever, and so on.Visitors often wonder if anything at all unites the American people, who are from numerous and diverse backgrounds.The answer is yes, because the people in the U.S.do have something in common.The shared experiences that have shaped them and make them all one people are a standard high school education, common TV shows, and the importance of cars.
The primary shared experience is high school.While 12% of students from 14 to 18 attend private schools for part of their school years, the majority goes to free public schools.In general, the grade level requirements are similar all over America.This means that a tenth grade student in Topeka, Kansas will, by the end of the year, have learned basically the same as his fellow student in Yakima, Washington.In addition to the regular classroom work, the high school experience includes extracurricular activities which are considered equally important in all corners of this country.Language clubs, debating clubs, and participation in sports are all considered almost as valuable as the textbooks in making children civilized members of society.School sports are particularly important.Being on a team or supporting it from the stands develops“school spirit”and creates an identification with the school for the students.Anyone who has gone through American high school has been“Americanized”in this way.
The second unifying factor is television.Americans are a television-watching and television-influenced people.With a number of major networks, an extensive public TV system, and a growing number of cable channels, there is always something on for someone.Different age and social groups watch similar programs, and these form another shared experience.No matter where you live or how much money you have, Brian Williams, NBC Nightly News anchorman, will appear on your TV set every evening.The same can be said for the situation comedies and the soap operas.TV is great at promoting shared experiences.
Finally, consider the importance of the automobile on American life.Americans like to travel, mostly by car.Countless songs have been written about the romance of“movin'on”, going somewhere else, being“on the road”.The car makes Americans a mobile people both in terms of traveling and in changing residences.The average American family moves every five years.Such constant movement means that more people in this country are able to meet new people and develop friendships than in any other country.The need to change the“background scenery”becomes a basic ingredient in the American soul.
In brief, although the“melting pot”view of the United States does not seem to be accurate, Americans do indeed have a lot in common.As a result, if you cannot think of anything to say to a person you meet in this country, try asking him about his high school, his opinion of a current TV show, or his preference in cars.You're sure to start a lively discussion!
Now, let's read a contrast essay written by a Chinese student.
English Study in Two Different Places
China-Canada Language Center (CCLC) is a language training center which offers courses to Chinese professionals who will work and/or study in Canada.The trainees usually study at the center for four months before they are qualified to go.Comparing with our previous English learning experience, we can find that our English study here and elsewhere are somewhat different in terms of training objectives, training courses, and training methods.
First, the training objectives at CCLC and those in other places vary.At CCLC, we have the same ultimate goal-to prepare for and eventually pass the examination before getting a passport to Canada.But students in other places study English for a variety of purposes.For example, some study English as a compulsory course, others study English due to job requirements, and still others study English for promotion or for a career change.
Different training objectives lead in various courses offered.Since all of us at CCLC will work/study with Canadians, we have to improve all the four skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing.Meanwhile, we also get adequate exposure to Canadian culture, politics, economy, customs, etc..That is, we are encouraged to know everything about one particular country.In contrast, students who receive language training elsewhere may not take all the four courses at the same time, and they are supposed to know something of everything about all English-speaking countries or even about the whole world.
The primary difference between CCLC and other English training schools is the teaching methods.At CCLC, the class is typically student-centered, and English is the only language spoken in the classroom.Teachers like to create an environment in which we can get fully involved in various types of classroom activities.Thus, we can learn by doing.On the contrary, the teachers in other schools usually teach their students the skills about how to pass different kinds of examinations.While the teachers keep talking, the students are busy taking notes.Since those students are exam-oriented, they have no passion for class discussions at all.
In conclusion, China-Canada Language Center is undoubtedly an ideal place for us to get language training before we are bound for Canada.After our four-month intensified courses here, we can say with confidence that we will have less difficulty communicating face-to-face with native speakers of English while working/studying in Canada.
* * * * * *
To write a well-organized comparison and/or contrast essay, you should follow the guidelines below.
1.In writing a comparison and/or contrast essay, you can discuss similarities only, or discuss differences only, or discuss both similarities and differences.But when you write about the two comparable subjects, be sure to choose points from the same class.For instance, if you compare two engineering firms, your comparison should be organized to assess both firms in their identical points.That is, after you discuss management structure and computer systems in firm X, you must also discuss these two points in firm Y.
2.Since a contrast essay involves considering two different subjects in terms of several points, you should name both subjects in your thesis statement and topic sentences.Here is an example from the essay entitled College or University?
The thesis statement:
The college experience and the university experience in Canada can be contrasted in terms of tuition costs, teaching methods, and training purposes.
Topic sentence 1: A college education is less costly than a university education, partly because it takes less time to complete.
Topic sentence 2: The methods of instruction are also quite different at universities and colleges.
Topic sentence 3: The above example points to the third and most important difference between universities and colleges: their orientation toward career learning.
When both subjects-college and university-are mentioned in the thesis statement and in the topic sentences, you will find it helpful to construct what you want to say, and your reader will find it easy to follow what you have said.
3.In describing each of the two subjects, you should use as many clear examples and details as possible.But meanwhile, you must avoid the tendency to over-elaborate (过度描述) on one subject and then grossly skimp (轻描淡写) on the other.By giving both subjects a balanced discussion in each body paragraph, you will do a better job of convincing your reader that you are familiar with both sides and have made a valid judgment.
4.There are many methods to organize a comparison and/or contrast essay.However, one of the most frequently used patterns is called point-by-point organization.This method calls for body paragraphs that compare or contrast the two subjects first on point one, then on point two, then on point three, and so on.If you were comparing two companies, for example, you might make an outline like the following.
The thesis statement:
Company X and Company Y are quite different in the areas of salary, working environment, and opportunity for promotion.
Body paragraph 1: salary
A.salary in Company X
B.salary in Company Y
Body paragraph 2: working environment
A.working environment in Company X
B.working environment in Company Y
Body paragraph 3: opportunity for promotion
A.opportunity for promotion in Company X
B.opportunity for promotion in Company Y
This method is ideally suited to long essays: putting related material of two subjects in the same body paragraph helps the reader grasp comparisons or contrasts without the strain of recalling every detail from previous body paragraph (s).
5.When point-by-point organization is used to compare or contrast two subjects in an approximately 300-word essay, it is better to restrict the points to three to five.So, be selective and choose the most significant points for comparison or contrast that will develop the central idea in your essay.
6.If you use point-by-point organization, you need to make a smooth transition in the middle of each body paragraph as you move from subject X to subject Y.The transition signal can be a single word, or a phrase, or a sentence.The following is an example.Note: the underlined phrase is the transition signal between the two subjects.
The twins are as different as two people can be.Jane, who is always hoping someone will have a party, has black hair, brown eyes, and an outgoing personality.She wants to be an actress or a popular singer.In contrast, Cindy, more serious and studious, has blonde hair, blue eyes, and a somewhat shy manner.Since she has done well in all her classes in graphic arts (视觉艺术) and math, she plans to become an architect or an engineer.
Can you find some other transition signals to ensure a smooth flow from one subject to another? Do not use the same transition signal all the time；instead, give your writing variety.
Practice 5-4-1
Write sentences showing either similarities or differences between two subjects or items (such as persons, things, or ideas). Use the information given in parentheses.Read sample sentences before writing your own.Answers will vary.
1.In the past, many parents would wish for their sons to become lawyers or their daughters to marry lawyers.Nowadays, of course, parents want their daughters to become lawyers too.
(nowadays)
2.Experts remain split on how much vitamin D people should take./Fashion designers seem to be split when it comes to tie widths.
(remain split on/be split when it comes to)
3.Lincoln chose to lead the country into civil war rather than to allow the south to secede./ For a professional woman, anger expression may lead to a decrease rather than an increase in her status./ Studies show that in dreams things are seen and heard rather than thought./ The color seems green rather than blue./ I prefer making Christmas presents rather than buying them at a store.
(rather than)
4.Being a soldier is synonymous with being a brave man./ Lack of education is not synonymous with lack of intelligence./ China's roadways, once synonymous with throngs of bicycles, are experiencing an explosion of cars.
(be synonymous with)
5.The winning boxer had an advantage over his opponent because he was three pounds heavier./ The great advantage we have over them is that they're weak and sentimental./ Studying for an exam with classmates has advantages over studying alone.
(have an advantage over/have the advantage over)
6.The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination.
(the difference between…and…lies in…)
7.A healthy weight may not equate to slimness./ Nowadays, many people equate passing examinations with being educated./ Feeling relatively well off is equated with being happy.
(equate to…/equate…with…)
8.Of professor Baker's latest book I can say only that his and my views remain worlds apart.
(remain worlds apart)
9.The weather varies from hour to hour in some mountain areas./ The customs of how people should treat friends and strangers vary from country to country and culture to culture.
(vary from…to…)
10.On one hand, our material world is getting more prosperous；on the other hand, our moral world is collapsing./ On the one hand, I want to become a very good pianist；but on the other hand, I'm afraid of all the hard work that will be necessary.
(on one hand, …；on the other hand, …/on the one hand, …；but on the other hand, …)
Practice 5-4-2
The following essay entitled Urban Life vs.Suburban Lifehas neither the introductory paragraph nor the concluding paragraph.Read the three body paragraphs carefully, and then complete the tasks below.
Step 1.Underline the two different subjects in each topic sentence.
Step 2.Underline the transition signals between the two subjects in each body paragraph.
Step 3.Write an appropriate introductory paragraph and a concluding par-agraph for this essay.
Listed below are some useful expressions to help write your thesis statement:
1) _________is different from (better than, similar to) _________in three (two, four, several, many) ways: _________.
2) There are three (two, four, several) differences (similarities) between_________and_________.
3) _________and_________can be contrasted in terms of_________.
4) _________and_________have three (two, four, several, many) things in common.
Answers are provided only as suggestions.
Urban Life vs.Suburban Life
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
To begin with, residents of Jefferson City enjoy an excellent bus service that people in the suburbs miss.In the city, they can go just about anywhere if they are willing to change buses once or twice.Since buses stop at almost every second street corner and come at intervals of every five to ten minutes, city dwellers can depend on the transit system as their chief means of transportation.Unfortunately, bus service in the suburbs does not compare to the city transit system in the city.Suburban bus routes are very few and a wait at a bus stop can be as long as thirty minutes.
In addition, Jefferson City is full of charm and beauty, which are both lacking in the suburbs.Huge oak trees line the avenues and boulevards of the city, and the public grounds are decorated with blooming oleanders and azaleas.The city's two giant parks are a great asset to Jefferson.People can spend their weekends feeding the ducks that swim lazily on the ponds in the parks.The suburbs, however, have no real parks.Small playgrounds are the most that they can offer to children.These playgrounds are almost naked compared to the city's parks with their huge moss-covered trees.
Another difference between Jefferson City and its suburbs lies in their daily life.City dwellers can walk to a neighborhood grocery store in many parts of the city.Children usually grow up together, and go to the same neighborhood school.Life in the suburbs is not as tightly knit as it is in the city.Supermarkets are few and far away from each other, so people there cannot go shopping without a car.Children from different families have limited contact with each other.They are bused from many places to different schools in the morning and seldom have fun together after school.
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
Practice 5-4-3
Read the following three topic sentences from the essay topic A Top Student vs.an Academically Poor Student.Develop each topic sentence with examples.Be sure to give both subjects a balanced discussion in each paragraph.Answers will vary.
A Top Student vs.an Academically Poor Student
To begin with, a top student and an academically poor student differ in their class attendance.A top student is consistent in class attendance.________________________________________However, an academically poor student often skips class.________________________________________
Furthermore, in-class participation varies from student to student.A top student is actively involved in class.________________________________________In contrast, an academically poor student contributes nothing to class discussion.________________________________________
The third way to distinguish a top student from an academically poor student is by his level of motivation.A top student will always direct all his energies towards study.________________________________________An academically poor student, on the other hand, will always procrastinate (习惯性懒散). ________________________________________
Practice 5-4-4
Study the following essay topic carefully, and complete the tasks below.
Step 1.Brainstorm to gather as many ideas as you can about this essay topic.
Step 2.Divide all your ideas into three general groups (cross out the ideas that do not fit any of the groups) , and then write a good thesis statement.
Step 3.Write the introductory paragraph, the three topic sentences of the body paragraphs, and the concluding paragraph.
Essay topic: As a consumer, how do you distinguish a successful advertise-ment from an unsuccessful one?
Answers are provided only as suggestions.
Variation one
Another way to organize a comparison and/or contrast essay is called block organization.This method involves separating the two subjects and discussing each one separately.That is, after your introductory paragraph, write the first body paragraph in which you discuss subject X on points one, two, three, etc., and then write the second body paragraph in which you discuss subject Y on the same points.For example, if you were comparing two companies, you might make an outline like the following.
The thesis statement:
Company X and Company Y are quite different in the areas of salary, working environment, and opportunity for promotion.
Body paragraph 1: Company X
A.salary
B.working environment
C.opportunity for promotion
Body paragraph 2: Company Y
A.salary
B.working environment
C.opportunity for promotion
This method is natural in a very short essay because your reader remembers everything from the first body paragraph while reading the second body paragraph.Note: if too many points are discussed in the essay, you can write an implied thesis statement.Here is a typical example of a block organization essay.
Two Medical Jobs
People may change jobs once, twice, or even several times for various reasons, and I am no exception.I worked first as an assistant in a private physician's office, and then as an X-ray technician in a hospital.However, only after I started to work in the hospital did I realize that working here is more fulfilling than working in the private physician's office.
In the hospital, where I work now, there is never a dull moment.I work with many patients and doctors.Since the hospital is a nonprofit organization, no one rushes me, and I am able to take my time with each patient.I talk with the patients and learn their medical history.I do not feel as though I am the only person doing the work because the staff is large enough to do all the work required.Also the doctors are nice and compliment us on a job well done.Lunchtime is no problem, for the cafeteria is convenient and the prices are reasonable.Parking costs employees only ten dollars a day.As long as I continue to work full time, my hospitalization insurance is fully paid.The best thing about the job is that I am not given a lot of extra work.All I am required to do is to X-ray the patients and show a lot of interest in each one of them.
The private physician's office where I used to work was entirely different.Many times the doctor was not in the office and everything was delayed.Because the office was run to make a profit, the work was rushed, and I was not able to take my time with each patient.It was like an assembly line.“Get 'em in, and get 'em out”, I was told.Lunchtime was a problem.If I did not bring my lunch, I had to go to a fast-food restaurant that was expensive and tasteless.There was no parking for the employees and no insurance plan.The worst thing was that I had to do not only X-ray work but also everything else that came along, including bringing the doctor coffee.
I am glad to have had the opportunity to work in and experience both places.Consequently I am able to recognize that what the hospital can provide exceeds that of the private physician's office.Thanks to the excellent working environment in the hospital, I can work to my full capacity.If I find my present job the most suitable one for me in the long run, I will probably stick to it for the rest of my life.
Practice 5-4-5
In a block organization essay, the writer should first discuss all of the points of subject X in the first body paragraph, and then discuss all of the points of subject Y in the same order in the second body paragraph as they were discussed in the first body paragraph.Read the essay Two Medical Jobsagain, and complete the following tasks.
Step 1.Identify and underline at least 6 points that are contrasted between the hospital and the physician's office.
Step 2.Find the differences of each point between the hospital and the physician's office, and then fill in the blanks below.The first one has been done for you.
Answers are provided only as suggestions.
the number of points
the hospital
the physician's office
1.people to work with
many ______
only one or nobody else
2._________________________
_____________________
_________
3._________________________
______________________
_______
4._________________________
______________________
______
5._________________________
______________________
_____
6._________________________
______________________
____
Practice 5-4-6
Study the following essay topic carefully, and complete the tasks below.
Step 1.Brainstorm to gather as many ideas as you can about this essay topic.
Step 2.Write an implied thesis statement；that is, you do not need to list the specific main points to be discussed.
Step 3.Write the introductory paragraph, the two topic sentences of the body paragraphs, and the concluding paragraph.
Essay topic: A contrast between a satisfying job and an unpleasant job.
Answers are provided only as suggestions.
Variation two
In block organization, you can also discuss all the similar points of subject X and subject Y together in one body paragraph, and discuss all the different points of subject X and subject Y together in another body paragraph.Note: after you have completed your discussion of all the similar points of subject X and subject Y in the first body paragraph, use a transition signal to refer to that paragraph and to introduce the different points of subject X and subject Y in the topic sentence of the second body paragraph.For example, if you were comparing two companies, for example, you might make an outline like the following.
The thesis statement:
The similarities and differences between Company X and Company Y are widely visible.
Body paragraph 1: Company X and Company Y are similar in several aspects.
A.the first similarity
B.the second similarity
C.the third similarity
Etc.
Body paragraph 2: Although Company X and Company Y have a lot in common, there are also many distinct differences between them.
A.the first difference
B.the second difference
C.the third difference
Etc.
You can, of course, discuss the differences first and then the similarities.The following essay is an example.
Community Colleges and Universities
After a student finishes high school, he has many choices to make.For instance, the student can try to find a job, start vocational training, or go to a community college or a university for further study.If a student has decided to receive higher education but has no idea about which is the right school to attend, he had better evaluate the differences and similarities between a community college and a university before making his final decision.
A number of differences exist between community colleges and universities.The first difference is the length of study in the two schools.A community college usually offers only two years of instruction, while a university has both four-year undergraduate programs and graduate studies.Unlike universities, community colleges have special two-year programs leading to a certificate or a diploma.A student can, for example, study nursing, airplane mechanics, fashion design, or carpentry in such a program.In addition, the classes are usually smaller at a community college than at a university, and the atmosphere is less competitive.Community colleges are also different from universities in the amount of counseling they give new students.
However, while community colleges and universities have some differences, the two types of schools share many similarities.First of all, they both offer two years of undergraduate, general education courses.In fact, with the help of a counselor, a student can take almost exactly the same classes at a community college as at a university.With a certificate or a diploma from a good community college, a student should be able to transfer with most of his credits to a four-year university where he can complete his Bachelor's degree in two additional years.Furthermore, like most universities, many community colleges also have a campus-like setting.Students at community college are as serious as students anywhere else, and they will find the library as equally crowded there as they will at a major university.In addition, the quality of the instructional staff is high at both types of schools.With the current intense competition for teaching jobs, community colleges can attract just as well qualified teachers as universities can.Finally, teaching methods are fairly much the same at both schools: lectures, seminars, and laboratory work.
To sum up, both community colleges and universities are ideal places for students to satisfy their different needs.Which school is right for a student? The answer depends on his plans for the future.If he is convinced that a professional school (law, medicine, etc.) is the only place for him, then he should probably pick the most famous university he can get into.On the other hand, if he has not completely planned out his life and needs more time to think before he makes a decision, he will find that a community college is a better choice.
Practice 5-4-7
There are two basic methods of writing a comparison and/or contrast essay；that is, point-by-point organization and block organization.The method you choose in actual writing depends on how you can best make your comparison and/or contrast clear to the reader.Besides, you can also mix the two methods for variety just as many professional writers do.Choose one of the following essay topics, and then write a comparison and/or contrast essay with the appropriate number of body paragraphs.After you finish your essay, check it against the Comparison and/or Contrast Essay Checklist at the end of this practice.
1.A contrast between an idealist and a realist.
2.A contrast between two courses, (friends, teachers, roommates, class-mates, colleagues, relatives, theories, views, games, leisure activities, stores, celebrities, etc.).
3.A contrast between developed countries and developing countries.
4.A contrast between a good teacher and an irresponsible teacher.
5.Compare and/or contrast teaching methods in a school and in a university.
6.Compare and/or contrast living in a dormitory and living at home.
7.Compare and/or contrast eating at home and eating out.
8.A contrast between a good tourist and a bad tourist.
9.The differences between shopping with money vs.“shopping”without money.
10.Write an essay in which you contrast different attitudes you have had at different times in your life toward a person, an activity, or a place. (Specify)
11.An expectation vs.its reality. (Specify)
12.A contrast between two jobs or two employers you have had in the past and present.
13.A contrast between yourself when you are happy or joyful and yourself when you are angry or sad.
14.A contrast between two places you have lived and/or visited.
15.Contrast your present career goals with those you dreamed of having as a child.
16.Compare and/or contrast traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine.
17.Compare and contrast your parents' attitude towards something with your attitude towards it. (Specify)
18.Write an essay in which you contrast the way society trains girls to be women with the way society trains boys to be men.
19.Write an essay in which you show that two apparently similar subjects are in fact quite different in important ways, or that two apparently different subjects are really quite similar. (Specify)
20.Write an essay in which you explain the differences between any two abstract qualities, such as optimism and pessimism, bravery and cowardice, honesty and dishonesty, generosity and selfishness, conservatism and liberalism, professionalism and amateurism, freedom and responsibility, or innocence and guilt.
Comparison and/or Contrast Essay Checklist
1.Does the essay focus on differences only or similarities only or both?
2.Are the points that are compared and/or contrasted between two subjects from the same general class?
3.Which basic method of organization is used: point-by-point organization or block organization?
4.If the essay is developed by the point-by-point organization, are both subjects mentioned in the thesis statement and in all the topic sentences of the body paragraphs?
5.If the essay is developed by the point-by-point organization, are there enough transition signals used to ensure a smooth flow from subject X to subject Y in the same body paragraph?
6.If the essay is developed by the block organization, are there enough transition signals and/or references connecting subject X and subject Y in different body paragraphs to avoid the split-essay problem?
7.Are both subjects given a reasonably balanced treatment?
Practice 5-4-8
1.Find an essay topic with which you are quite familiar, and write a comparison and/or contrast essay.
2.Find an essay topic related to your study, your job, or your field of research, and write a comparison and/or contrast essay.