Compare and contrast in informational texts
Key notes:
Authors often use a compare-contrast text structure to discuss ideas, events, people or things.
When authors compare, they often use signal words such as in the same way, both and similarly. These signal words help to show how two subjects or topics are similar.
When authors contrast, they often use signal words such as unlike, on the other hand or however. These signal words help to show how two subjects or topics are different.
Learn with an example
🔥Use the text to compare and contrast Nicolaus Copernicus and Galileo Galilei.
For centuries, most people believed that the sun orbited Earth. Astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus disagreed. Copernicus believed that all planets, including Earth, orbited the sun. He used maths to support his theory. Like Copernicus before him, Galileo Galilei also used maths to support the idea that all the planets orbited the sun. But Galileo went a step further and came up with new ways to prove this theory. While most religious leaders allowed Copernicus to continue his work even when they opposed his beliefs, religious leaders of Galileo’s time were not so tolerant. They put Galileo under house arrest for his work. Today, it’s accepted knowledge that the planets orbit the sun, not Earth.
Nicolaus Copernicus | Galileo Galilei | |
believed that all planets orbit the sun | ||
Used maths to prove his theory | ||
Arrested for his work |
Look at the signal words and the surrounding details in the text.
For centuries, most people believed that the sun orbited Earth. Astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus disagreed. Copernicus believed that all planets, including Earth, orbited the sun. He used maths to support his theory. Like Copernicus before him, Galileo Galilei also used maths to support the idea that all the planets orbited the sun. But Galileo went a step further and came up with new ways to prove this theory. While most religious leaders allowed Copernicus to continue his work even when they opposed his beliefs, religious leaders of Galileo’s time were not so tolerant. They put Galileo under house arrest for his work. Today, it’s accepted knowledge that the planets orbit the sun, not Earth.
These signal words help show the differences and similarities between Nicolaus Copernicus and Galileo Galilei:
Nicolaus Copernicus | Galileo Galilei | |
believed that all planets orbit the sun | ✔ | ✔ |
Used maths to prove his theory | ✔ | ✔ |
Arrested for his work | ✔ |
🔥Use the text to compare and contrast poisonous creatures and venomous creatures.
Although poisonous and venomous creatures both produce toxic chemicals that can be deadly, their reasons and methods for delivering these toxins are not the same. Venomous creatures tend to bite, stab or sting to inject their toxins. Poisonous creatures are more passive. Instead of injecting their toxins, poisonous creatures often line their skin with toxic chemicals. Another creature must touch or eat the poisonous creature to feel the effects. Poisonous creatures primarily use their poisons to defend themselves against predators. Venomous creatures, however, use their venom for attack as well as defence, and they sometimes even use it for mating. The venomous male platypus, for example, paralyses rival males by shooting a toxin out of barbs on his feet.
poisonous creatures | Venomous creatures | |
Can be deadly | ||
Bite , stab or sting | ||
May use their toxic chemicals in mating |
Look at the signal words and the surrounding details in the text.
Although poisonous and venomous creatures both produce toxic chemicals that can be deadly, their reasons and methods for delivering these toxins are not the same. Venomous creatures tend to bite, stab or sting to inject their toxins. Poisonous creatures are more passive. Instead of injecting their toxins, poisonous creatures often line their skin with toxic chemicals. Another creature must touch or eat the poisonous creature to feel the effects. Poisonous creatures primarily use their poisons to defend themselves against predators. Venomous creatures, however, use their venom for attack as well as defence, and they sometimes even use it for mating. The venomous male platypus, for example, paralyses rival males by shooting a toxin out of barbs on his feet.
These signal words help show the differences and similarities between poisonous creatures and venomous creatures:
poisonous creatures | Venomous creatures | |
Can be deadly | ✔ | ✔ |
Bite , stab or sting | ✔ | |
May use their toxic chemicals in mating | ✔ |
🔥Use the text to compare and contrast the American Revolution and the French Revolution.
The American and French Revolutions were separated by time period and location, yet they shared common themes. Like the American Revolution, the French Revolution was a revolt against an oppressive monarchy, which is a form of government in which one person rules, usually a king or queen. In America, the colonists wanted independence from British rule; the French, meanwhile, wanted independence from elite aristocrats in their own country. The two revolutions also shared an emphasis on Enlightenment ideals, which focused on the natural rights of all citizens. That said, the American Revolution sought only to make a change in government. The French Revolution, however, aimed to change far more about society: social structure, economy and religion.
the American Revolution | The French Revolution, | |
Was caused by a desire to be free from a monarchy | ||
Was affected by enlightenment thought | ||
Sought to change the country’s social structure |
Look at the signal words and the surrounding details in the text.
The American and French Revolutions were separated by time period and location, yet they shared common themes. Like the American Revolution, the French Revolution was a revolt against an oppressive monarchy, which is a form of government in which one person rules, usually a king or queen. In America, the colonists wanted independence from British rule; the French, meanwhile, wanted independence from elite aristocrats in their own country. The two revolutions also shared an emphasis on Enlightenment ideals, which focused on the natural rights of all citizens. That said, the American Revolution sought only to make a change in government. The French Revolution, however, aimed to change far more about society: social structure, economy and religion.
These signal words help show the differences and similarities between the American Revolution and the French Revolution:
the American Revolution | The French Revolution, | |
Was caused by a desire to be free from a monarchy | ✔ | ✔ |
Was affected by enlightenment thought | ✔ | ✔ |
Sought to change the country’s social structure | ✔ |
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