← All Techniques English

Comparison

Identifying and writing about similarities and differences between characters, events, or settings in the text.

1

What is Comparison?

Comparison questions ask you to look at two or more things in the text and write about how they are similar or different. This might be two characters, two settings, two events, or how something changes over the course of the passage.

2

Step-by-Step Method

1

Identify what you are comparing

Read the question carefully to understand what two things you need to compare.

2

Find evidence for both

You must write about BOTH things, not just one. Find quotes or details for each.

3

Use comparative connectives

Words like: similarly, whereas, in contrast, on the other hand, both, unlike, however.

4

Structure your answer clearly

Deal with one point of comparison at a time, discussing both things before moving on.

5

Support every point with evidence

Use quotes from the text for both things you are comparing.

3

Worked Examples

Example 1 – Characters

Compare the two brothers described in the passage. One is “always laughing and joking” while the other “preferred to sit quietly with a book”.

Working

  1. Similarity or difference: they have contrasting personalities.
  2. Use connectives: “whereas” or “in contrast”.
Answer: The two brothers are very different in personality. The older brother is outgoing and sociable, as shown by his constant laughing and joking. In contrast, the younger brother is quiet and introverted, preferring to sit alone with a book.
Example 2 – Settings

Compare the town and the countryside as described in the passage.

Working

  1. Find details about the town: noisy, crowded, grey buildings.
  2. Find details about the countryside: peaceful, open fields, birdsong.
  3. Use “whereas” to connect the comparison.
Answer: The town is described as noisy and crowded with grey buildings, whereas the countryside is peaceful with open fields and birdsong. This contrast highlights how different the two environments are.
Example 3 – Change

How does the character’s mood change from the beginning to the end of the passage?

Working

  1. Beginning: anxious, nervous, uncertain.
  2. End: confident, relieved, happy.
  3. Show the contrast.
Answer: At the beginning, the character is anxious and uncertain, shown by their hesitation and worried thoughts. By the end, however, they are confident and relieved, suggesting they have overcome their fear.
4

Common Mistakes

Common error

Only writing about one thing instead of comparing both.

Correct approach

You must discuss BOTH things in your comparison. A comparison needs two sides.

Common error

Not using comparative connectives.

Correct approach

Use words like whereas, in contrast, similarly, however, on the other hand.

Common error

Making claims without evidence from the text.

Correct approach

Support every point with a quote or specific reference for each thing you are comparing.

5

Top Tips

  • Plan your answer before writing – list 2-3 points of comparison.
  • Key comparison words: similarly, likewise, whereas, in contrast, however, on the other hand, unlike, both.
  • Make sure you give roughly equal attention to both things you are comparing.
  • If comparing how something changes, make the “before” and “after” clear.

Ready to practise?

Put these techniques into action with our free practice papers.

Practise English Questions

Other English Techniques

Inference

Reading between the lines about characters.

Information Retrieval

Finding specific details to compare.

Language Techniques

Comparing writers’ language choices.
Scroll to Top