6 pt 6 pt 0 Comparison and Contrast Definition Comparison and Contrast Writing a comparison and contrast paper involves comparing and contrasting two subjects. A comparison shows how two things are alike. A contrast shows how two things are different. When you choose a topic, be sure not to choose two totally unrelated subjects. You must start with subjects that have some basic similarities.
Most writers structure their essays one of four ways.
This is probably the most commonly used structure. You would begin by discussing the ways in which two things are similar, then move to a description of the ways in which the two are different. The second structure is first do one idea, then do the other. You write about one idea thoroughly before taking up the second one. The third way is to write only about the comparable and contrastable elements of each idea.