The Difference between Comparing and Contrasting
Compare and contrast
- Comparing involves examining two or more ideas, concepts, or objects to determine how they are alike.
- Contrasting involves examining two or more ideas, concepts, or objects to determine how they are different.
Comparison and contrast are commonly used in readings to highlight similarities and differences between concepts, events, or ideas, and to provide readers with a better understanding of the information presented. Here are some steps you can follow to improve this skill:
- Pay attention to instances where the author uses comparison to focus on similarities and contract to highlight differences.
- Look for words such as “similarly,” “on the other hand,” “unlike,” “like,” “in contrast,” and “however” often indicate that the author is making a comparison or contrast between two or more ideas.
- Think about the purpose of comparing and contrasting. Ask yourself, “What point is the author trying to make through the use of comparison or contrast?”
Developing this skill will help you analyze the ideas in your readings.