Rank ordering involves comparing items or ideas by placing them on a scale or hierarchy.

Once you’ve selected your criteria and created a table like the one above, you can write one paragraph for each criterion, so the above table would be turned into five compare and contrast paragraphs in your essay. I find that criteria analysis can help us to create a well-ordered and more objective structure for your essay. Less demanding play and indoor activities can suffice for many cats. Typically need regular walks and playtime vary by breed. Less likely to follow commands, but can be litter-trained and taught some tricks. Self-grooming bathe themselves and require less frequent baths.Ĭan be trained to follow commands, tricks, and can be house-trained relatively easily. Need regular baths and brushing depending on the breed. More solitary by nature, but can form close bonds with humans and other cats. Pack animals, tend to be more social and thrive in groups. We can then compare them as below: Criteriaĭomesticated from wolves around 20,000-40,000 years ago.ĭomesticated from wildcats around 9,000 years ago.

For example, if comparing cats and dogs, you criteria might be ‘domestication history’, ‘social structure’, ‘grooming’, ‘training and obedience’, and exercise needs. Criteria AnalysisĬriteria analysis involves comparing and contrasting two or more items based upon a pre-determined criteria. Have a go at creating your own venn diagram for your compare and contrast topic before writing your essay – it will surely help you focus and get the information down on the essay in a clear and ordered way! 2. This simple procedure helps you to clarify what you want to say is unique about each item, as well as how you want to demonstrate differences between them. In my seminars, I ask my students to complete Venn Diagrams of the topics they are comparing and contrasting in their essays. In the side sections, write the unique aspects of each item: In the overlapping part (red, below), write the similarities. Venn Diagram MethodĪ Venn Diagram is a concept map that asks you to demonstrate similarities and differences between concepts.

See Also: Best Transition Words for Essay Paragraphs 1. More complex strategies include the Venn Diagram method, criterion analysis, and rank ordering, as displayed below. Apples are either red or green, while oranges are orange! Furthermore, they’re both round and nutritious.Ī key difference between apples and oranges is their color. One similarity between apples and oranges is that they are both fruits. Similarly, likewise, in a similar fashion, correspondingly, equally, in the same way, along the same lines, mirroring, following the same pattern.īy contrast, however, on the other hand, conversely, whereas, alternatively, divergently, counter to, in a different vein, opposingly. Transition phrases for comparing and contrasting One simplified way to compare and contrast is to consider ‘compare’ as identifying similarities and ‘contrast’ as identifying differences:

Topics for comparative essay