Compare and contrast. An important skill within reading is being able to compare
and contrast it helps us to organize information more efficiently. It's also
an important skill in our everyday lives. What does compare and contrast mean?
To compare means to identify similarities between two or more things. To contrast
means to identify differences. As an example, we're going to use a Venn
diagram to compare and contrast lions and zebras. A Venn diagram is a useful
tool to help organise similarities and differences. We might note some
similarities such as both animals have four legs,
they're both found in Africa, and both are mammals. As for differences, zebras
are black and white. Lions are a yellowy gold. Zebras migrate. Lions don't.
Lions eat meat, they're carnivores, while zebras eat plants, they're herbivores.
We can use the term 'comparing' more broadly to refer to finding both similarities and differences.
Authors often compare and contrast ideas and subjects within texts
and it's our job to make sense of the comparisons they've made. Identifying
signal words within texts makes comparing easier. Let's have a look at
some words that authors use to compare and contrast.
These words or phrases are used to compare, in other words, to highlight
similarities: 'also' 'too' 'similar' 'both' 'alike' 'same' 'similarly' 'in the same way'.
For example: 'Lions and zebras are alike in that they are mammals.' These words or
phrases are used to contrast, that is, to highlight differences: 'but' 'different'
'differ' 'in contrast' 'whereas' 'on the other hand' 'however'. For example 'Zebras are
herbivores, whereas lions are carnivores.'
Here is a text comparing two video game systems; the GameStation 4 and the PocketPlay.
Can you see any compare and contrast signal words?
Pause here while you look.
Here's one. The word 'unlike' tells us the author is identifying a difference. Can you see
which difference the author is referring to? It says the PocketPlay is available
in different colors. This means the GameStation 4 is not.
Here's another signal word I found; 'however' This word tells us the author is
identifying another difference. The GameStation 4 has more memory and better
graphics than the PocketPlay.
Here's another signal word; 'both'. It tells us that there is a similarity. Can you
see what it is? They are similar in that they are both powerful. I also found the
word 'similarly'. This word tells us that the
author is highlighting how the two systems are similar. They both have online
play. There are more similarities and differences. Not all of them have
signal words identifying them. Pause here while you look for more.
Here are the similarities and differences I found. Which system do you think you'd prefer?
Why? Justify your answer by comparing the two.
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