Your goal is to write an essay showing how two subjects are either similar or different (not both). When comparing subjects, show how they are similar. When contrasting them, show how they are different. In a comparison/contrast paper, be sure to develop a thesis that includes words that signal comparisons, such as “although,” “even though,” “in spite of,” “except for,” “not withstanding,” or “but.” Also, use appropriate transitions to signal comparisons and link paragraphs within the body of your paper, such as “on the other hand,” “in contrast,” “similarly,” “also,” “both,” “even though,” and “in the same way.” In order for two things to be worth comparing, the two things should initially appear to be different. In order for two things to be worth contrasting, the two things should initially appear to be similar.

Comparing and contrasting are ways of exploring the similarities and differences between two things. 'Compare and contrast' is often used as a development strategy for essay assignments but it's a helpful strategy for any important decisions you have to make. Generally speaking, comparing is showing the similarities, and contrasting is showing differences between two things that are related in some way. For example, you wouldn't compare/contrast reading a book to driving a car, but you would compare reading a book to reading with an e-reader.

COMPARING com·pare (kəm-pâr′)
v. com·pared, com·par·ing, com·pares
v.tr.
1. To consider or describe as similar, equal, or analogous; liken: Is it right to compare the human brain to a computer?
2. To examine in order to note the similarities or differences of: We compared the two products for quality and cost. The article compares the recent recession with the one in the early 1990s.
3. Grammar To form the positive, comparative, or superlative degree of (an adjective or adverb).
v.intr.
1. To be worthy of comparison; bear comparison: two concert halls that just do not compare.
2. To draw comparisons.
Examples of Comparing:
Positive: Ana got a high score in the English quiz.
Comparative: Carl got a higher score than Ana in the English quiz.
Superlative: Of all the students in the who took the English quiz Rey got the highest score. CONTRASTING contrast [v. kuh n-trast, kon-trast; n. kon-trast]
Spell Syllables
Synonyms Examples Word Origin verb (used with object)
1.
to compare in order to show unlikeness or differences; note the opposite natures, purposes, etc., of:
Contrast the political rights of Romans and Greeks. verb (used without object)
2.
to exhibit unlikeness on comparison with something else; form a contrast.
3.
Linguistics. to differ in a way that can serve to distinguish meanings: The sounds(p) and(b) contrast in the words “pin” and “bin.”. noun 4. the act of contrasting; the state of being contrasted.
5.
a striking exhibition of unlikeness.
6.
a person or thing that is strikingly unlike in comparison:
The weather down here is a welcome contrast to what we're having back home.
7.
opposition or juxtaposition of different forms, lines, or colors in a work of art to intensify each element's properties and produce a more dynamic expressiveness.
8.
Photography. the relative difference between light and dark areas of a print or negative.
9.
Television. the brightness ratio of the lightest to the darkest part of the television screen image.
10.
Linguistics. a difference between linguistic elements, especially sounds, that can serve to distinguish meanings.

Examples of contrasting:
An example is: The summer season is sunny and hot, but the winter season is snowy and warm.
Another example is: Some dogs are well-behaved and friendly, but others drag their owners down the block, yapping all the way.