Compare and Contrast

General Tips

• skimming through one source will give you context on the other
• DIFFERENCES CAN STEM FROM SIMILARITIES
  • time-saving technique to use in exams
  • e.g:
    • A and B both like a K-pop group.
    • A likes the group because the members are good-looking. They don’t care about the music.
    • B likes the group because their music is good. They don’t even know how the members look like
    • compare: both like a k-pop group
    • contrast: reasons for liking the k-pop group

Compare

• ==THE SIMILARITY IS ALWAYS MORE SPECIFIC THAN THE DIFFERENCE==
  • zoom in on one aspect
• what’s the similarity?
• what’s the differences within the similarity?
• e.g. in 2.03 Digestive System Overview
  • COMPARING emulsification and chewing in the mouth → both are mechanical digestion.

Comparing both sources, Sources X and Y are similar in showing [similarity]. In Source X, “[quote]”. This shows that [analysis] Similarly, Source Y states “[quote]”. This also shows that [analysis]. Hence, both sources are similar in [similarity].

Contrast

• a common BASIS OF COMPARISON is needed
• what are the differences in the common basis of comparison?

Contrasting both sources, Sources X and Y are different in showing [difference]. In Source X, “[quote]”. This shows that [analysis] On the other hand, Source Y states “[quote]”. This shows that [analysis]. Hence, both sources are different in [difference].