When we compare two things we focus on what they have in common. When we contrast them, we look for ways they are different.

A compare and contrast paragraph (or essay) will begin by introducing the idea that there are commonalities and differences between two or more focuses. It will then proceed to discuss, identify, explain, and/ or give details about the features held in common as well as the features that are different. This discussion can be organized by similar and dissimilar points or by subtopic (including both similarities and differences according to each subtopic).

A compare and contrast paragraph (or essay) is a good place to make powerful use of conjunctions. (Glossary or the lesson below for more help)