Quick Answer
'Compare' means identify similarities. 'Contrast' means identify differences. 'Compare and contrast' requires both. The key to scoring well is going beyond lists to explain the significance of the similarities and differences you identify.
What You'll Learn
- Compare = similarities; Contrast = differences
- Organise by theme, not by item
- Explain significance, not just list
- Use linking language to show relationships
Moving Beyond Lists
Many students approach compare/contrast questions by writing about item A, then item B. This is descriptive, not comparative. Strong answers integrate comparison throughout, using each point to show how the items relate.
Watch Out
Avoid the 'A then B' trap. Instead of separate paragraphs for each item, organise by theme and compare within each paragraph.
Effective Structure
Organise your response by themes or criteria, comparing both items within each section:
- 1Identify 3-4 key themes or criteria for comparison
- 2For each theme, discuss how both items relate
- 3Use explicit comparison language ('similarly', 'in contrast', 'while X...Y')
- 4Explain why the similarity or difference matters
Comparison Language
Use explicit language to make your comparison clear:
- Similarity: 'similarly', 'likewise', 'both', 'in the same way', 'equally'
- Difference: 'in contrast', 'however', 'whereas', 'while', 'on the other hand'
- Degree: 'more significantly', 'to a greater extent', 'less prominently'