Key Language: Connectors for Comparison and Contrast
Comparison or contrast article is very often organized in logical order. The introduction presents two things that will be compared; the body gives additional information on the subjects and the conclusion restates how these things are similar or different. To show the similarity or difference the writer uses connecting words. Here are some of them:
| Connectors that show comparison | Examples |
| In addition, | These two kinds of roses are known for their bloom, colour and fragrance. In addition, they are easy to grow. |
| Similarly, | The Midnight Dream rose won awards in local contests last year. Similarly, the Red Beauty rose was singled out for its beauty. |
| Likewise, | The blooms of Read Beauty last longer than those of most other roses. Likewise, the blooms of the Midnight Dream are long-lasting. |
| Compared to…, | Compared to many other roses, the blooms of Read Beauty and the Midnight Dream last a long time. |
| Connectors that show contrast | Examples |
| However,/ On the other hand, | However, (On the other hand,) some differences are not so obvious. |
| In contrast, | The Midnight Dream has strong, sweet fragrance. In contrast, the Red Beauty’s fragrance is light and fruity. |
| Although…, | Although they both have red flowers, the blooms of Read Beauty are darker than the blooms of the Midnight Dream roses. |
| Even though…, | Even though they both have long-lasting blooms, the blooms of Read Beauty will stay fresh longer than the Midnight Dream’s blooms. |
CAUSE AND EFFECT
Cause and effect articles are concerned with why things happen (causes) and what happens as a result (effects). Cause and effect is a common method of organizing and discussing ideas. There are two methods of writing cause and effect essays:
Focus-on-Cause method. The writer focuses on the causes of something.
Focus-on-Effect method.The writer focuses on the effect or results of a cause.