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].