Essay Writing: Compare/Contrast

 

Essay Writing: Compare/Contrast

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This section will help you determine the purpose and structure of comparison/contrast in writing.

 

Definition of Contrast

Contrast is a rhetorical device through which writers identify differences between two subjects, places, persons, things, or ideas. Simply, it is a type of opposition between two objects, highlighted to emphasize their differences.

Contrast comes from the Latin word, contra stare, meaning to stand against. Usually, though not always, writers use phrases and words to indicate a contrast such as but, yet, however, instead, in contrast, nevertheless, on the contrary, and unlike. 

Types of Contrast

Point-by-point Contrast – In this type of contrast, writers deal with a series of features of two subjects, and then present their contrast, discussing all points successively.

Subject-by-subject Contrast – In this type of contrast, a writer first discusses one subject thoroughly, and then moves on to another.

 

  Comparison and Contrast

Learning Objectives

·         Determine the purpose and structure of comparison and contrast in writing

·         Explain organizational methods used when comparing and contrasting

·         Understand how to write a compare and contrast essay

 

 

 

 

 

The Purpose of Comparison and Contrast in Writing

Comparison in writing discusses elements that are similar, while contrast in writing discusses elements that are different. A compare and contrast essay, then, analyzes two subjects by comparing them, contrasting them, or doing both.

The key to a good compare and contrast essay is to choose two or more subjects that connect in a meaningful way. The purpose of conducting the comparison or contrast is not to state the obvious but rather to illuminate subtle differences or unexpected similarities. For example, if you wanted to focus on contrasting two subjects you would not pick apples and oranges; rather, you might choose to contrast two types of oranges or two types of apples to highlight subtle differences: Red Delicious apples are sweet, while Green apples are tart and acidic.

Similarly, to focus on comparison, choose two subjects that seem at first to be unrelated. For a comparison essay, you likely would not choose two different types of apples as in the example above because they share so many of the same properties already. Rather, you might try to compare apples and oranges. The more divergent the two subjects initially seem, the more interesting a comparison essay will be.

Writing at Work

Comparing and contrasting is also an evaluative tool. In order to make accurate evaluations about a given topic, you must first know the critical points of similarity and difference. Comparing and contrasting is a primary tool for many workplace assessments. You have likely compared and contrasted yourself to other colleagues. Employee advancements, pay raises, hiring, and firing are typically conducted using comparison and contrast. Comparison and contrast could be used to evaluate companies, departments, or individuals.

Use Clear Transitions

Transitions are key in compare and contrast essays, where you will be moving frequently between different topics or perspectives.

Examples of transitions and phrases for comparisons: as well, similar to, consistent with, likewise, too

Examples of transitions and phrases for contrasts: on the other hand, however, although, differs, conversely, rather than.

Self-practice Exercise

Brainstorm an essay that leans toward contrast. Choose one of the following three categories. Pick two examples from each. Then come up with one similarity and three differences between the examples.
 1. Naya Pakistan
2.  Internet search engines
3.  Cell phones
Brainstorm an essay that leans toward comparison. Choose one of the following three items. Then come up with one difference and three similarities.
1. Village and City Life
2. Fast-food chains and fine-dining restaurants
3. Dogs and cats

Create an outline for each of the items you chose. Use the point–by–point organizing strategy for one of them, and use the subject organizing strategy for the other. 

The Structure of a Comparison and Contrast Essay

The compare and contrast essay start with a thesis that clearly states the two subjects being compared, contrasted, or both, and the reason for doing so. The thesis could lean more toward either comparing or contrasting, or balance both. Remember, the point of comparing and contrasting is to provide useful knowledge to the reader. Take the following thesis as an example that leans more toward contrasting.

Planning a Comparison and Contrast Essay

The organizational structure you choose depends on the nature of the topic, your purpose, and your audience. Given that compare and contrast essays analyse the relationship between two subjects, it is helpful to have some phrases on hand that will cue the reader to such analysis. See Table : Phrases of Comparison and Contrast for examples.

Table : Phrases of Comparison and Contrast

Comparison	Contrast
one similarity	one difference
another similarity	another difference
Both	Conversely
Like	in contrast
Likewise	Unlike
similarly	While
in a similar fashion	Whereas

Writing a Comparison and Contrast Essay

First choose whether you want to compare seemingly disparate subjects, contrast seemingly similar subjects, or compare and contrast subjects. Once you have decided on a topic, introduce it with an engaging opening paragraph. Your thesis should come at the end of the introduction, and it should establish the subjects you will compare, contrast, or both, as well as state what can be learned from doing so.

The body of the essay can be organized in one of two ways: by subject or by individual points. The organizing strategy that you choose will depend on, as always, your audience and your purpose. After you finish analyzing the subjects, write a conclusion that summarizes the main points of the essay and reinforces your thesis. See Appendix: Readings: Examples of Essays to read a sample compare and contrast essay.

Q.  Why we use Compare and contrast methods in Academic Writing?

A compare and contrast essay analyzes two subjects by either comparing them, contrasting them, or both. The purpose of writing a comparison or contrast essay is not to state the obvious but rather to illuminate subtle differences or unexpected similarities between two subjects.

The thesis should clearly state the subjects that are to be compared, contrasted, or both, and it should state what is to be learned from doing so. There are two main organizing strategies for compare and contrast essays.

·         Organize by the subjects themselves, one then the other.

·         Organize by individual points, in which you discuss each subject in relation to each point.

Use phrases of comparison or phrases of contrast to signal to readers how exactly the two subjects are being analyzed.

v Cause and Effect Writing

Learning Objectives

·         Determine the purpose and structure of cause and effect in writing

·         Understand how to write a cause and effect essay

 

The Purpose of Cause and Effect in Writing

It is often considered human nature to ask “why?” and “how?” We may want to know how our child got sick so we can better prevent it from happening in the future, or why our colleague received a pay raise because we want one as well. We want to know how much money we will save over the long term if we buy a hybrid car. These examples identify only a few of the relationships we think about in our lives, but each shows the importance of understanding cause and effect.

A cause is something that produces an event or condition; an effect is what results from an event or condition. The purpose of the cause and effect essay is to determine how various phenomena relate in terms of origins and results. Sometimes the connection between cause and effect is clear, but often determining the exact relationship between the two is very difficult. For example, the following effects of a cold may be easily identifiable: a sore throat, runny nose, and a cough. But determining the cause of the sickness can be far more difficult. A number of causes are possible, and to complicate matters, these possible causes could have combined to cause the sickness. That is, more than one cause may be responsible for any given effect. Therefore, cause and effect discussions are often complicated and frequently lead to debates and arguments.

The Structure of a Cause and Effect Essay

The cause and effect essay open with a general introduction to the topic, which then leads to a thesis that states the main cause, main effect, or various causes and effects of a condition or event.

The cause and effect essay can be organized in one of the following two primary ways:

·         Start with the cause and then talk about the effects.

·         Start with the effect and then talk about the causes.

For example, if your essay is on childhood obesity, you could start by talking about the effect of childhood obesity and then discuss the cause, or you could start the same essay by talking about the cause of childhood obesity and then move to the effect. Regardless of which structure you choose, be sure to explain each element of the essay completely. Explaining complex relationships requires the full use of evidence, such as scientific studies, expert testimony, statistics, and anecdotes.

Because cause and effect essays determine how phenomena are linked, they make frequent use of words and phrases that denote such linkage.

Table: Phrases of Causation

as a result

because

consequently

due to

hence

since

therefore

thus

The conclusion should wrap up the discussion and reinforce the thesis, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of the relationship that was analysed.

Q. What are cause & effect essays?

A cause and effect essay looks at the reasons (or causes) for something, then discusses the results (or effects). For this reason, cause and effect essays are sometimes referred to as reason and result essays. They are one of the most common forms of organisation in academic writing. Sometimes the whole essay will be cause and effect, though sometimes this may be only part of the whole essay. It is also possible, especially for short exam essays, that only the causes or the effects, not both, are discussed. See the examples below.

·         Discuss the causes and effects of global warming ['cause and effect' essay]

·         Explain the high death rate in World War 2.  ['causes' only essay]

·         Discuss the WTO and its effects on the Chinese economy ['effects' only essay]

Structure

There are two main ways to structure a cause and effect essay. These are similar to the ways to structure problem-solution essays, namely using a block or a chain structure. For the block structure, all of the causes are listed first, and all of the effects are listed afterwards. For the chain structure, each cause is followed immediately by the effect. Usually that effect will then be the cause of the next effect, which is why this structure is called 'chain'. Both types of structure have their merits. The former is generally clearer, especially for shorter essays, while the latter ensures that any effects you present relate directly to the causes you have given.

The two types of structure, block and chain, are shown in the diagram below.

v  Block Diagram Introduction v  Cause 1 v  Cause 2 v  Cause 3 ...Transition sentence/paragraph v  Effect 1 v  Effect 2 v  Effect 3 Conclusion

 

v  Chain Diagram 1.       Introduction v  Cause 1 & Effect of Cause 1 v  Cause 2 & Effect of Cause 2 v  Cause 3 & Effect of Cause 3 2.       Conclusion

 

Cause and Effect Structure Words

Cause and effect structure words are transition signals which show the cause and effect relationships. It is important to be clear which is the cause (or reason) and which is the effect (or result), and to use the correct transition word or phrase. Remember that a cause happens first, and the effect happens later.

Below are some common cause and effect structure words. X is used to indicate a cause, while Y is used to indicate the effect.

Cause

·         The first cause of (Y) is (X)

·         The next reason is (X)

·         Because of (X), (Y)

·         As a result of (X), (Y)

·         As a consequence of (X), (Y)

·         because/since/as (X)

·         to result from (X)

·         (X) results in (Y)

·         to be the result of (X)

·         (Y) is due to (X)

·         Owing to (X), (Y)

·         (Y) is because of (X)

·         (Y) is the effect of (X)

·         (Y) is the consequence of (X)

 

Examples

·         Worsening pollution levels in cities are due to the increased use of cars.

·         Because of the increased use of cars, pollution levels in cities are worsening.

·         As a result of the increased use of cars, pollution levels in cities are worsening.

·         The effect of the increased use of cars is a worsening of pollution levels in cities.

Linking words for Effect

·         The first effect of (X) is (Y)

·         Another result of (X) is (Y)

·         As a result, (Y)

·         As a consequence, (Y)

·         Consequently (Y)

·         Therefore, (Y)

·         Thus (Y)

·         Hence (Y)

·         (X) results in (Y)

·         (X) causes (Y)

·         (X) has an effect on (Y)

·         (X) affects (Y)

·         (X) is one of the causes of (Y)

·         (X) is the reason for (Y)

Examples

·         Cars are used increasingly for urban transport. As a consequence, pollution levels in cities are worsening.

·         Increased use of cars for urban transport adversely affects pollution levels in cities.

·         Increased use of cars for urban transport is one of the causes of worsening pollution levels in cities.

 

Self-practice: Exercise

Free write for five minutes on one of the following broad topics below. Focus on a narrower issue about that topic and its effects.

·         High blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack.

·         The media create unrealistic beauty standards that cause eating disorders in adolescents.

·         Obesity can lead to joint problems.

·         Using a smartphone before bed worsens sleep quality.

·         Eating junk food makes children unhealthy.

·         Not cleaning your room makes it less cozy and comfortable.

·         Doing homework helps children get better grades.

 

Writing a Cause and Effect Essay

Choose an event or condition that you think has an interesting cause and effect relationship. Introduce your topic in an engaging way. End your introduction with a thesis that states the main cause, the main effect, or both.

Organize your essay by starting with either the cause then effect structure, or the effect then cause structure. Within each section, you should clearly explain and support the causes and effects using a full range of evidence. If you are writing about multiple causes or multiple effects, you may choose to sequence either in order of importance. In other words, order the causes from least to most important (or vice versa), or order the effects from least important to most important (or vice versa).

Use the phrases of causation when trying to forge connections between various events or conditions. This will help organize your ideas and orient the reader. End your essay with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and reinforces your thesis. See Appendix: Readings: Examples of Essays to read a sample cause and effect essay.

Q. Why we use Cause and Effect methods in Academic Writing?

The purpose of the cause and effect essay is to determine how various phenomena are related. The thesis states what the writer sees as the main cause, main effect, or various causes and effects of a condition or event. The cause and effect essay can be organized in one of these two primary ways:

Start with the cause and then talk about the effect.

Start with the effect and then talk about the cause.

Strong evidence is particularly important in the cause and effect essay due to the complexity of determining connections between phenomena. Phrases of causation are helpful to signal links between various elements in the essay.

 

Extra Links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm3O-XY3Rsc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_fnuitiLwU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiBO7-8ilEE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z8lFy6fwJk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyS3bTjiqDc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcalZ9KVjiQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySMPp_onUGs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5weAzmTQmdE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvMSeg1s7uc