good transition words for compare and contrast essays

Compare and contrast transition words for essays, discussions and more

When you are trying to compare and contrast different things, it helps to have the right words and phrases to explain your ideas clearly. This is where compare and contrast transition words come in handy.

A transition word or phrase guides the listener or reader through what the speaker or writer is saying. We use transition words, also known as ‘ discourse markers ‘, or ‘signal words’, to help us structure what we say and make our meaning clearer.

So, let’s take a look at some common transition words for comparing and contrasting – as well as some which you may not be familiar with. We have included plenty of example sentences so you can understand how to use them correctly.

Compare and contrast transition words

Comparing and contrasting involves explaining how one thing is the same as  or  different to  something else, and examining alternatives. You may get a compare and contrast essay assignment, for example, or you might need to write a business plan exploring different possible outcomes.

Whatever the situation, these transition words for comparing and contrasting will help you transition from one point to the next in a clear and logical way.

Transition words for comparing similarities

When you want to highlight the similarities between two things, or talk about how they are the same, these are the comparison transition words you should use.

The following signal words can be used to compare two things in the same sentence:

“Cats are  as  friendly  as  dogs.” “That cloud looks  like  a face.” “I look  similar  to my mother.”

The next group of comparing words are used after one point has been stated or mentioned, and they begin the following sentence that contains the second point:

• in the same way

“The sales team need to work hard to meet their targets this month.  Similarly , all warehouse staff must make an effort to despatch all orders on time.”

Find more examples of alternative words for ‘similarly’ here.

Transition words for contrast emphasis

When presenting something that contrasts with what was previously written or said, or what would be expected as a result of a previous point, we can use these contradictory transition words.

In a simple sentence when presenting the two pieces of information together, we can use:

“I’m really good at playing the guitar  but  I can’t play the flute.” “Alan is a great singer  whereas  Anna is an excellent painter.” “Spain is good for beach holidays,  unlike  Austria, which is good for skiing.”

To add information that contradicts or contrasts with what has previously been said in a separate sentence, we can use one of the following:

• in contrast
• on the contrary
• On the one hand… On the other hand

Here are some sentences with discourse markers to express contrast:

“Our children’s products have performed very well this year.  Conversely , sales of menswear have fallen slightly.” “It’s been sunny today;  however , I think it’s going to rain tomorrow.” “I’m not sure if we should continue working with this supplier.  On the one hand , they have the best pricing in the market and a good reputation.  On the other hand , we have had many problems with their service recently.”

Find some more emphasis transition words here.

Transition words to signal contrast in an outcome

When talking about one thing happening in spite of another thing (in contrast to the expected outcome), we can use transition words and phrases such as:

• all the same
• in spite of this
• nevertheless
• nonetheless

“The away team fought really hard to secure a victory.  Still , the home team eventually won 2:1.” “I will try to pick up some groceries on the way home.  All the same , it would be nice if you had time to do the shopping this afternoon.” “It has been a very tough year for the hospitality sector. In spite of this , our restaurant has managed to turn a good profit.”

In the same situation as above, but with the two points joined in the same sentence, you can use these signal words:

• in spite of
• even though

“ Even though  the kids hadn’t met before, they got on really well at the party.” “We managed to afford a holiday  despite  our financial problems.” “We had a great time at the beach, in spite of the clouds.”

Find some more transition words for ending and concluding here.

Transition words for contrasting solutions and suggestions

And finally, these signal words can be used when you’re making a suggestion or offering a solution that contrasts with another suggestion or solution:

• alternatively
• another option is to

“ Instead of  cooking dinner tonight, why don’t we get a takeaway?” “We could hire a new staff member for this project.  Alternatively  we could just use a consultant on a temporary basis.”

And that concludes this list of compare and contrast transition words. If you have any other examples or are unsure how to use these compare and contrast words in a sentence, please leave a comment below.

If you found this article useful, take a look at these others which cover different categories of transition word:

Transition words for addition Transition words for cause and effect Transition words for giving examples Transition words for time order and sequence

Finally, if you have a compare and contrast essay assignment, this resource might help you structure it well and cover the topic in full.

11 Comments

Is the word “while” one of the compare and contrast signal/transition words?

Yes, that’s another good one. ‘While’ is used in the same way as ‘whereas’ in the context of comparing and contrasting.

What about “other than”? Can it be considered a contrast and comparison word?

Good question! In some cases, yes, ‘other than’ could be used to contrast positive and negative points. For example: “Other than the broken taillight and faulty speedometer, this car is in perfect condition.”

Hi Amanda. Please help me with this.

He changed his mind about coming over even though we have prepared the meal and everything else for him.

I have a feeling the marker even though doesn’t quite work there. I’d like to emphasize the host great disappointment about the guest’s change of plan. Do you have another suggestion?

The sentence you proposed works well with ‘even though’. The only change you should make is to the tense, either:

“He changed his mind about coming over even though we had prepared the meal and everything else for him.” (reporting a past event)

“He has changed his mind about coming over even though we have prepared the meal and everything else for him.” (speaking about it as it happens).

An alternative would be to replace ‘even though’ with ‘despite the fact that’; that might hint at even stronger disappointment with the decision.

Hi Amanda, i want to ask you why ‘than’ is not part of signal words for comparison and contrast?

You’re right, this is an important word for comparing when paired with a comparative adjective.

Thank you Amanda, but i want to make sure gain that “than” is not a part of signal words in comparison and contrast, except “more than” or “less than”. Is that right?

You can use ‘than’ with any comparative adjective. For example, “Your dessert looks tastier than mine.” “This car is slower than when I bought it.” “Joshua is more intelligent than James.” I hope this helps!

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Transition words for contrast and compare with examples

Transition words for contrast and compare.

In the world of writing, creating connections between ideas is key. But sometimes, the most impactful connections are those that highlight differences and similarities. This is where transition words for contrast and comparison come in! These handy phrases act like bridges, guiding your reader through the relationship between your ideas.

List of Transition words for Contrast

• On the other hand
• In contrast
• Nevertheless
• Nonetheless
• In spite of
• On the contrary
• In opposition to
• Alternatively
• In contrast to
• Even though

Use these transition words to showcase how your ideas differ:

• Example: “Dogs are known for their loyalty,  however,  cats can be just as affectionate in their own way.”
• Example: “Horror movies thrive on making us jump,  on the other hand,  comedies aim to make us laugh.”
• Example: “City life offers a fast-paced environment,  in contrast  to the tranquility of a rural setting.”
• Example: “Some people prefer the structure of a routine,  conversely  others thrive on spontaneity.”

List of Transition words for Comparison:

• In the same way
• Correspondingly
• In comparison
• Comparatively
• In like manner
• By the same token
• On the one hand… on the other hand
• Not only… but also
• In addition
• Furthermore
• Additionally

Use these transition words to connect ideas that share similarities:

• Example: “Both yoga and meditation promote relaxation,  similarly  they can also improve focus.”
• Example:  In the same way  that exercise strengthens the body, mental exercises can strengthen the mind.
• Example: “Traveling broadens your perspective,  likewise  learning a new language can open doors to new cultures.”
• Example:  Just as  a car needs fuel to run, the human body needs food for energy.

Transition words for contrast with examples

Here are examples of sentences using each of the transition words for contrast:

• However : “The weather forecast predicted rain; however, it turned out to be a sunny day.”
• On the other hand : “Some people prefer coffee in the morning; on the other hand, others opt for tea.”
• Conversely : “Some students find math challenging; conversely, others excel in it effortlessly.”
• In contrast : “The old house had a rustic charm; in contrast, the new building had a modern design.”
• Nevertheless : “The project faced many setbacks; nevertheless, it was completed on time.”
• Nonetheless : “The experiment didn’t yield the expected results; nonetheless, valuable data was collected.”
• Whereas : “Some people enjoy solitude; whereas, others thrive in social settings.”
• While : “Some prefer cats as pets, while others prefer dogs.”
• But : “The movie received rave reviews, but some viewers found it disappointing.”
• Although : “Although it was raining, they decided to go for a hike.”
• Despite : “Despite the traffic, we arrived at our destination on time.”
• In spite of : “In spite of the obstacles, she remained determined to achieve her goals.”
• Conversely : “Some people enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life; conversely, others prefer the tranquility of rural areas.”
• On the contrary : “Many believed the project would fail; on the contrary, it exceeded expectations.”
• In opposition to : “In opposition to popular belief, not all teenagers are tech-savvy.”
• Instead : “She didn’t buy a new car; instead, she decided to invest in public transportation.”
• Conversely : “Some prefer reading fiction; conversely, others prefer non-fiction.”
• Alternatively : “If you don’t enjoy outdoor activities, there are plenty of alternatives, such as indoor sports or creative hobbies.”
• In contrast to : “In contrast to his loud demeanor, he was surprisingly introverted.”
• Nonetheless : “The restaurant was fully booked; nonetheless, they managed to find us a table.”
• Even though : “Even though it was late, they continued working on the project.”
• Still : “The economy has improved, but there are still challenges ahead.”
• Yet : “He had studied hard, yet he failed the exam.”

Transition words for compare with examples

Here are examples of sentences using each of the transition words for comparison:

• Similarly : “Just as the sun rises in the east, similarly, the moon sets in the west.”
• Likewise : “He enjoys hiking; likewise, his brother shares the same passion for outdoor activities.”
• In the same way : “In the same way that exercise strengthens the body, reading exercises the mind.”
• Just as : “Just as a painter uses brushes to create art, a writer uses words to craft stories.”
• Also : “She enjoys swimming; also, she is fond of cycling.”
• Likewise : “He prefers tea over coffee; likewise, his sister has the same preference.”
• Correspondingly : “A healthy diet leads to a healthy body; correspondingly, regular exercise leads to physical fitness.”
• Equally : “Both siblings are equally talented in music.”
• Similarly : “Similarly to her sister, she excels in academics.”
• In comparison : “In comparison to the old model, the new phone offers better features.”
• Comparatively : “The new laptop is comparatively faster than the old one.”
• In like manner : “In like manner to the previous example, this theory also relies on empirical evidence.”
• By the same token : “By the same token, success requires dedication and hard work.”
• On the one hand… on the other hand : “On the one hand, technology has made communication easier; on the other hand, it has led to increased screen time.”
• As well as : “He enjoys playing the piano, as well as the guitar.”
• Both… and : “Both the mother and the daughter share a passion for gardening.”
• Not only… but also : “Not only does she excel in academics, but she also participates actively in extracurricular activities.”
• In addition : “In addition to his academic achievements, he is also a talented musician.”
• Moreover : “Moreover, the study found a correlation between exercise and mental well-being.”
• Furthermore : “Furthermore, the report highlights the importance of environmental conservation.”
• Additionally : “Additionally, the new software update includes security enhancements.”
• Besides : “Besides studying for exams, she spends her free time volunteering at the local shelter.”
• Plus : “The new smartphone comes with an improved camera, plus enhanced battery life.”

So, the next time you write, remember the power of transition words for contrast and comparison! They’ll help you create clear, engaging connections between your ideas, leaving your reader with a well-rounded understanding of your points.

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Transition Words For A Compare And Contrast Essay

Table of contents

• 1 What Are Comparison Transition Words?
• 2.1 Comparison Words
• 2.2 Contrast Words
• 2.3 Universal Transition words for compare and contrast essays
• 3.1 Comparison
• 3.2 Contrast

Many students today have to deal with writing complex and time-consuming essays. These include topics where two different viewpoints have to be introduced and debated. For more professional essay help like this and plenty of other writing resources related to using transition words for compare and contrast essays.

So what do we mean by compare and contrast transition words? Before we delve into these two terms, let’s look at what a ‘transition word’ is. Simply put, transition words describe the relationship between two ideas; they are words for similarities and differences. If we were to dissect their purposes to a more nuanced degree, they can:

Show vague or strong similarities between one concept and another

Show a correlation between one concept and another

Show a causal relationship between one concept and the other

Show the opposing natures of one concept and another

What Are Comparison Transition Words?

As the name clearly implies, they are transition words that establish a comparison or a contrast between one thing and another. These are very useful and quite widely used in any form of writing. The overall effect of comparing and contrasting expressions is that they make your essays flow much better. Using them ensures that every point you introduce in the piece has a context for each other. It may seem confusing to some, so if you don’t want to go into detail, you can buy essays online and not worry about your grades.

Compare And Contrast Transition Words: Defined And Explained

Comparison words.

What are some ‘similarity transition words or transition words’ for explaining what two things have in common? Here are a few comparison transition words examples :

• In the same way
• In like manner
• By the same token

Hence, for example, if you were describing the likeness between the speeds of two different subspecies of lions, you could word it like so: ‘subspecies A can reach speeds up to 40 mph. Similarly, subspecies B can achieve a maximum of 35 mph.

Could “in addition” transitions also fit into the domain of comparative phrases?

The answer is “yes.” It is possible to link multiple traits or features to one entity. For instance, if you want to discuss the multiple benefits of exercise but don’t want your sentences to be too lengthy. You could use compare transition words like ‘in addition’ and “furthermore” to list more benefits in a new sentence. Here are a few examples of these comparison transition signals in use:

• “Keeping your tires properly inflated can help prevent random blowouts on the road. In addition, it will also mean that you don’t have to spend money as often to replace them.”
• “A morning cup of coffee will give you the energy you need to start the day. Furthermore, it will make sure that you don’t get grumpy as the day progresses.”
• “Learning to play instruments as a family will help you become much closer with each other. On top of that, you’ll have a really great time.”

Contrast Words

What is a comparison transition signal, and what would we do without transitions signifying contrast? There would be no way for us to articulate our polar, different, and conflicting ideas, so debates could not exist. Therefore, contrast words are very important to any essay.

Let’s take a look at some different “categories” of these contrasting words:

What are some “opposite” transition words or phrases?

• In contrast
• At the other end of the spectrum

What are some “difference” transition words or phrases?

• Dissimilarly
• A clear difference

What are some ‘conflict’ transition words or phrases?

• Nevertheless
• On the one hand
• On the other hand

Transition words for compare and contrast essays are important for academic essay writers to include in their writing. They help connect ideas and points in a compare-and-contrast essay and make the argument or point more easily understood. Transition words for compare and contrast essays can help make an essay more effective and structured. They can link ideas and facts, create emphasis, and help to organize information.

Universal Transition words for compare and contrast essays

Not everything is black and white in terms of which words fit into which category of transition words. There are, in fact, grey areas where words can be used to both compare and contrast depending on the context. Let’s take a look at these grey areas.

Signal words for compare and contrast – what are they?

These are general words that fall under both contrast and comparative phrases. For example:

• At the same time
• On the same token

What are summary transition words and phrases?

These are words that can be both contrast and comparative terms, which can help tie many points together during a wrap-up. These include:

• All things considered
• To summarize
• Free unlimited checks
• All common file formats
• Accurate results
• Intuitive interface

Comparison And Contrast Example Sentences

One of the best ways to learn about something is to see how it is applied. Hence, we’ve compiled a large list of comparison and contrast phrases in action.

Here’s how these transition phrases are applied:

• Regular cardio exercise does wonders for your overall heart health. Likewise, it contributes to the betterment of your mental health.
• Listening to your spouse and adjusting your behavior to address their concerns can do wonders for your marriage. In the same way, arranging spontaneous fun dates can certainly throw more excitement into things.
• Leonardo Da Vinci and Francisco Goya were renowned painters in their respective eras. Similarly, Hieronymus Bosch was an accomplished painter whose works are still revered today.
• Followers of Islam believe that there is only one God in existence. In like manner, Christianity is also a monotheistic religion.
• Be careful not to harm yourself while roofing your own house. Moreover, take measures to keep tools from falling down and accidentally injuring passersby.
• The average life expectancy is greater than it was ten years ago. Furthermore, studies have shown that people are also happier now.
• I don’t think I’ll ever quit eating ice cream. Besides, I exercise daily and take great care of my teeth.
• Make sure you make a habit of keeping an eye on the fluid levels of your car. That, coupled with regular inspection of your tires, should ensure that your vehicle remains healthy for a long while.
• The number of college-educated people is on the rise as well as the number of women in the STEM fields.

Let’s take a look at a few examples of how contrast transition words are used in essays:

• People who play basketball are generally quite tall. In contrast, gymnasts and jockeys are typically short.
• India is an undeniably beautiful country with a rich heritage and vibrant culture. Nevertheless, the country’s reputation has been tarnished over the years due to its rampant corruption problems.
• On the one hand, a career in the military earns a lot of respect from everyone. On the other hand, soldiers tend to experience severe depression fairly commonly.
• People of the Christian faith strongly believe in the afterlife, while Hindus and Buddhists preach the concept of reincarnation and nirvana.
• Both vegans and vegetarians avoid the consumption of meat. However, the former also avoids all animal products in all instances.
• Bohemian Rhapsody received largely negative reviews from critics when it was released. At the same time, it helped propel them into stardom.
• Everyone expects life to go smoothly all the time. In truth, it is filled with constant ups and downs.
• Feminism is on the rise now, but so is resistance to it.

Using transition words in your paper can elevate your writing to a whole new level since these words make your writing more professional and strengthen the connections between the ideas and concepts you describe. Using transitions wisely is where the difference between a good and a great writer is, so let’s find out more about those.

As you can see from the name, these words indicate either similarity or contradiction between different concepts or ideas you describe. You can click here  to find out more about those and the proper ways to use them or use some help with essay writing. You can choose any of those as long as they fit the context.

Those are fairly simple, and you can put them between ideas that either entail one another or do not contradict directly. These are:

• Consequently
• In the same manner

You can use those whenever a continuation of your ideas is in order.

• Contrasting

In contrast to the comparison transitions, these serve to draw the line between the ideas you describe and show your reader that right now, you are about to talk about something entirely different in nature:

• Nonetheless

These and other similar words make it easier to define the difference between the ideas you describe.

Using transition words requires some finesse because you should never stuff your essays too much with those. Use them wisely and only where necessary, and your writing will reach a new level.

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Compare/Contrast Papers

• Getting started
• Primary & secondary sources
• Scholarly, trade, & popular publications
• Scholarly & peer-reviewed journals
• Grey literature
• Brainstorming
• Exploring the internet
• Exploring background information
• Narrowing/broadening your topic
• Block organization
• Point-by-point
• Compare then contrast
• Introduction
• Thesis statement
• Supporting paragraphs
• Transitions
• Citing your sources

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What are transitions.

Transitional words and expressions  are devices that allow you to move from one idea to the next without abrupt changes.

A good essay, research paper, or report uses transitions to help the reader follow the line of thought from sentence to sentence or paragraph to paragraph. Transitional expressions make your writing more readable and structurally coherent. Use them for clarity and smooth flow of thought.

Transitional words and phrases

• Compare/Agreement
• Contrast/Opposition
• Cause/Condition
• Examples/Support
• Effect/Consequence
• Summarize/Conclusion
• Time/Sequence
• Space/Location

Qualification

Compare or Agreement

Contrast or Opposition

Cause or Condition

Examples and Support

Effect or Consequence

Time or Sequence

Space or Location

To signal an addition

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• Last Updated: May 21, 2024 4:50 PM
• URL: https://tstc.libguides.com/writing-compare

Comparing and Contrasting

What this handout is about.

This handout will help you first to determine whether a particular assignment is asking for comparison/contrast and then to generate a list of similarities and differences, decide which similarities and differences to focus on, and organize your paper so that it will be clear and effective. It will also explain how you can (and why you should) develop a thesis that goes beyond “Thing A and Thing B are similar in many ways but different in others.”

Introduction

In your career as a student, you’ll encounter many different kinds of writing assignments, each with its own requirements. One of the most common is the comparison/contrast essay, in which you focus on the ways in which certain things or ideas—usually two of them—are similar to (this is the comparison) and/or different from (this is the contrast) one another. By assigning such essays, your instructors are encouraging you to make connections between texts or ideas, engage in critical thinking, and go beyond mere description or summary to generate interesting analysis: when you reflect on similarities and differences, you gain a deeper understanding of the items you are comparing, their relationship to each other, and what is most important about them.

Recognizing comparison/contrast in assignments

Some assignments use words—like compare, contrast, similarities, and differences—that make it easy for you to see that they are asking you to compare and/or contrast. Here are a few hypothetical examples:

• Compare and contrast Frye’s and Bartky’s accounts of oppression.
• Compare WWI to WWII, identifying similarities in the causes, development, and outcomes of the wars.
• Contrast Wordsworth and Coleridge; what are the major differences in their poetry?

Notice that some topics ask only for comparison, others only for contrast, and others for both.

But it’s not always so easy to tell whether an assignment is asking you to include comparison/contrast. And in some cases, comparison/contrast is only part of the essay—you begin by comparing and/or contrasting two or more things and then use what you’ve learned to construct an argument or evaluation. Consider these examples, noticing the language that is used to ask for the comparison/contrast and whether the comparison/contrast is only one part of a larger assignment:

• Choose a particular idea or theme, such as romantic love, death, or nature, and consider how it is treated in two Romantic poems.
• How do the different authors we have studied so far define and describe oppression?
• Compare Frye’s and Bartky’s accounts of oppression. What does each imply about women’s collusion in their own oppression? Which is more accurate?
• In the texts we’ve studied, soldiers who served in different wars offer differing accounts of their experiences and feelings both during and after the fighting. What commonalities are there in these accounts? What factors do you think are responsible for their differences?

You may want to check out our handout on understanding assignments for additional tips.

Using comparison/contrast for all kinds of writing projects

Sometimes you may want to use comparison/contrast techniques in your own pre-writing work to get ideas that you can later use for an argument, even if comparison/contrast isn’t an official requirement for the paper you’re writing. For example, if you wanted to argue that Frye’s account of oppression is better than both de Beauvoir’s and Bartky’s, comparing and contrasting the main arguments of those three authors might help you construct your evaluation—even though the topic may not have asked for comparison/contrast and the lists of similarities and differences you generate may not appear anywhere in the final draft of your paper.

Discovering similarities and differences

Making a Venn diagram or a chart can help you quickly and efficiently compare and contrast two or more things or ideas. To make a Venn diagram, simply draw some overlapping circles, one circle for each item you’re considering. In the central area where they overlap, list the traits the two items have in common. Assign each one of the areas that doesn’t overlap; in those areas, you can list the traits that make the things different. Here’s a very simple example, using two pizza places:

To make a chart, figure out what criteria you want to focus on in comparing the items. Along the left side of the page, list each of the criteria. Across the top, list the names of the items. You should then have a box per item for each criterion; you can fill the boxes in and then survey what you’ve discovered.

Here’s an example, this time using three pizza places:

As you generate points of comparison, consider the purpose and content of the assignment and the focus of the class. What do you think the professor wants you to learn by doing this comparison/contrast? How does it fit with what you have been studying so far and with the other assignments in the course? Are there any clues about what to focus on in the assignment itself?

Here are some general questions about different types of things you might have to compare. These are by no means complete or definitive lists; they’re just here to give you some ideas—you can generate your own questions for these and other types of comparison. You may want to begin by using the questions reporters traditionally ask: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? If you’re talking about objects, you might also consider general properties like size, shape, color, sound, weight, taste, texture, smell, number, duration, and location.

Two historical periods or events

• When did they occur—do you know the date(s) and duration? What happened or changed during each? Why are they significant?
• What kinds of work did people do? What kinds of relationships did they have? What did they value?
• What kinds of governments were there? Who were important people involved?
• What caused events in these periods, and what consequences did they have later on?

Two ideas or theories

• What are they about?
• Did they originate at some particular time?
• Who created them? Who uses or defends them?
• What is the central focus, claim, or goal of each? What conclusions do they offer?
• How are they applied to situations/people/things/etc.?
• Which seems more plausible to you, and why? How broad is their scope?
• What kind of evidence is usually offered for them?

Two pieces of writing or art

• What are their titles? What do they describe or depict?
• What is their tone or mood? What is their form?
• Who created them? When were they created? Why do you think they were created as they were? What themes do they address?
• Do you think one is of higher quality or greater merit than the other(s)—and if so, why?
• For writing: what plot, characterization, setting, theme, tone, and type of narration are used?
• Where are they from? How old are they? What is the gender, race, class, etc. of each?
• What, if anything, are they known for? Do they have any relationship to each other?
• What are they like? What did/do they do? What do they believe? Why are they interesting?
• What stands out most about each of them?

Deciding what to focus on

By now you have probably generated a huge list of similarities and differences—congratulations! Next you must decide which of them are interesting, important, and relevant enough to be included in your paper. Ask yourself these questions:

• What’s relevant to the assignment?
• What’s relevant to the course?
• What’s interesting and informative?
• What matters to the argument you are going to make?
• What’s basic or central (and needs to be mentioned even if obvious)?
• Overall, what’s more important—the similarities or the differences?

Suppose that you are writing a paper comparing two novels. For most literature classes, the fact that they both use Caslon type (a kind of typeface, like the fonts you may use in your writing) is not going to be relevant, nor is the fact that one of them has a few illustrations and the other has none; literature classes are more likely to focus on subjects like characterization, plot, setting, the writer’s style and intentions, language, central themes, and so forth. However, if you were writing a paper for a class on typesetting or on how illustrations are used to enhance novels, the typeface and presence or absence of illustrations might be absolutely critical to include in your final paper.

Sometimes a particular point of comparison or contrast might be relevant but not terribly revealing or interesting. For example, if you are writing a paper about Wordsworth’s “Tintern Abbey” and Coleridge’s “Frost at Midnight,” pointing out that they both have nature as a central theme is relevant (comparisons of poetry often talk about themes) but not terribly interesting; your class has probably already had many discussions about the Romantic poets’ fondness for nature. Talking about the different ways nature is depicted or the different aspects of nature that are emphasized might be more interesting and show a more sophisticated understanding of the poems.

Your thesis

The thesis of your comparison/contrast paper is very important: it can help you create a focused argument and give your reader a road map so they don’t get lost in the sea of points you are about to make. As in any paper, you will want to replace vague reports of your general topic (for example, “This paper will compare and contrast two pizza places,” or “Pepper’s and Amante are similar in some ways and different in others,” or “Pepper’s and Amante are similar in many ways, but they have one major difference”) with something more detailed and specific. For example, you might say, “Pepper’s and Amante have similar prices and ingredients, but their atmospheres and willingness to deliver set them apart.”

Be careful, though—although this thesis is fairly specific and does propose a simple argument (that atmosphere and delivery make the two pizza places different), your instructor will often be looking for a bit more analysis. In this case, the obvious question is “So what? Why should anyone care that Pepper’s and Amante are different in this way?” One might also wonder why the writer chose those two particular pizza places to compare—why not Papa John’s, Dominos, or Pizza Hut? Again, thinking about the context the class provides may help you answer such questions and make a stronger argument. Here’s a revision of the thesis mentioned earlier:

Pepper’s and Amante both offer a greater variety of ingredients than other Chapel Hill/Carrboro pizza places (and than any of the national chains), but the funky, lively atmosphere at Pepper’s makes it a better place to give visiting friends and family a taste of local culture.

You may find our handout on constructing thesis statements useful at this stage.

Organizing your paper

There are many different ways to organize a comparison/contrast essay. Here are two:

Subject-by-subject

Begin by saying everything you have to say about the first subject you are discussing, then move on and make all the points you want to make about the second subject (and after that, the third, and so on, if you’re comparing/contrasting more than two things). If the paper is short, you might be able to fit all of your points about each item into a single paragraph, but it’s more likely that you’d have several paragraphs per item. Using our pizza place comparison/contrast as an example, after the introduction, you might have a paragraph about the ingredients available at Pepper’s, a paragraph about its location, and a paragraph about its ambience. Then you’d have three similar paragraphs about Amante, followed by your conclusion.

The danger of this subject-by-subject organization is that your paper will simply be a list of points: a certain number of points (in my example, three) about one subject, then a certain number of points about another. This is usually not what college instructors are looking for in a paper—generally they want you to compare or contrast two or more things very directly, rather than just listing the traits the things have and leaving it up to the reader to reflect on how those traits are similar or different and why those similarities or differences matter. Thus, if you use the subject-by-subject form, you will probably want to have a very strong, analytical thesis and at least one body paragraph that ties all of your different points together.

A subject-by-subject structure can be a logical choice if you are writing what is sometimes called a “lens” comparison, in which you use one subject or item (which isn’t really your main topic) to better understand another item (which is). For example, you might be asked to compare a poem you’ve already covered thoroughly in class with one you are reading on your own. It might make sense to give a brief summary of your main ideas about the first poem (this would be your first subject, the “lens”), and then spend most of your paper discussing how those points are similar to or different from your ideas about the second.

Point-by-point

Rather than addressing things one subject at a time, you may wish to talk about one point of comparison at a time. There are two main ways this might play out, depending on how much you have to say about each of the things you are comparing. If you have just a little, you might, in a single paragraph, discuss how a certain point of comparison/contrast relates to all the items you are discussing. For example, I might describe, in one paragraph, what the prices are like at both Pepper’s and Amante; in the next paragraph, I might compare the ingredients available; in a third, I might contrast the atmospheres of the two restaurants.

If I had a bit more to say about the items I was comparing/contrasting, I might devote a whole paragraph to how each point relates to each item. For example, I might have a whole paragraph about the clientele at Pepper’s, followed by a whole paragraph about the clientele at Amante; then I would move on and do two more paragraphs discussing my next point of comparison/contrast—like the ingredients available at each restaurant.

There are no hard and fast rules about organizing a comparison/contrast paper, of course. Just be sure that your reader can easily tell what’s going on! Be aware, too, of the placement of your different points. If you are writing a comparison/contrast in service of an argument, keep in mind that the last point you make is the one you are leaving your reader with. For example, if I am trying to argue that Amante is better than Pepper’s, I should end with a contrast that leaves Amante sounding good, rather than with a point of comparison that I have to admit makes Pepper’s look better. If you’ve decided that the differences between the items you’re comparing/contrasting are most important, you’ll want to end with the differences—and vice versa, if the similarities seem most important to you.

Our handout on organization can help you write good topic sentences and transitions and make sure that you have a good overall structure in place for your paper.

Cue words and other tips

To help your reader keep track of where you are in the comparison/contrast, you’ll want to be sure that your transitions and topic sentences are especially strong. Your thesis should already have given the reader an idea of the points you’ll be making and the organization you’ll be using, but you can help them out with some extra cues. The following words may be helpful to you in signaling your intentions:

• like, similar to, also, unlike, similarly, in the same way, likewise, again, compared to, in contrast, in like manner, contrasted with, on the contrary, however, although, yet, even though, still, but, nevertheless, conversely, at the same time, regardless, despite, while, on the one hand … on the other hand.

For example, you might have a topic sentence like one of these:

• Compared to Pepper’s, Amante is quiet.
• Like Amante, Pepper’s offers fresh garlic as a topping.
• Despite their different locations (downtown Chapel Hill and downtown Carrboro), Pepper’s and Amante are both fairly easy to get to.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Transitional Words and Phrases

One of your primary goals as a writer is to present ideas in a clear and understandable way. To help readers move through your complex ideas, you want to be intentional about how you structure your paper as a whole as well as how you form the individual paragraphs that comprise it. In order to think through the challenges of presenting your ideas articulately, logically, and in ways that seem natural to your readers, check out some of these resources: Developing a Thesis Statement , Paragraphing , and Developing Strategic Transitions: Writing that Establishes Relationships and Connections Between Ideas.

While clear writing is mostly achieved through the deliberate sequencing of your ideas across your entire paper, you can guide readers through the connections you’re making by using transitional words in individual sentences. Transitional words and phrases can create powerful links between your ideas and can help your reader understand your paper’s logic.

In what follows, we’ve included a list of frequently used transitional words and phrases that can help you establish how your various ideas relate to each other. We’ve divided these words and phrases into categories based on the common kinds of relationships writers establish between ideas.

Two recommendations: Use these transitions strategically by making sure that the word or phrase you’re choosing matches the logic of the relationship you’re emphasizing or the connection you’re making. All of these words and phrases have different meanings, nuances, and connotations, so before using a particular transitional word in your paper, be sure you understand its meaning and usage completely, and be sure that it’s the right match for your paper’s logic. Use these transitional words and phrases sparingly because if you use too many of them, your readers might feel like you are overexplaining connections that are already clear.

Categories of Transition Words and Phrases

Causation Chronology Combinations Contrast Example

Importance Location Similarity Clarification Concession

Conclusion Intensification Purpose Summary

Transitions to help establish some of the most common kinds of relationships

Causation– Connecting instigator(s) to consequence(s).

accordingly as a result and so because

consequently for that reason hence on account of

since therefore thus

Chronology– Connecting what issues in regard to when they occur.

after afterwards always at length during earlier following immediately in the meantime

later never next now once simultaneously so far sometimes

soon subsequently then this time until now when whenever while

Combinations Lists– Connecting numerous events. Part/Whole– Connecting numerous elements that make up something bigger.

additionally again also and, or, not as a result besides even more

finally first, firstly further furthermore in addition in the first place in the second place

last, lastly moreover next second, secondly, etc. too

Contrast– Connecting two things by focusing on their differences.

after all although and yet at the same time but

despite however in contrast nevertheless nonetheless notwithstanding

on the contrary on the other hand otherwise though yet

Example– Connecting a general idea to a particular instance of this idea.

as an illustration e.g., (from a Latin abbreviation for “for example”)

for example for instance specifically that is

to demonstrate to illustrate

Importance– Connecting what is critical to what is more inconsequential.

chiefly critically

foundationally most importantly

of less importance primarily

Location– Connecting elements according to where they are placed in relationship to each other.

above adjacent to below beyond

centrally here nearby neighboring on

opposite to peripherally there wherever

Similarity– Connecting to things by suggesting that they are in some way alike.

by the same token in like manner

in similar fashion here in the same way

likewise wherever

Other kinds of transitional words and phrases Clarification

i.e., (from a Latin abbreviation for “that is”) in other words

that is that is to say to clarify to explain

to put it another way to rephrase it

granted it is true

naturally of course

finally lastly

in conclusion in the end

to conclude

Intensification

in fact indeed no

of course surely to repeat

undoubtedly without doubt yes

for this purpose in order that

so that to that end

to this end

in brief in sum

in summary in short

to sum up to summarize

Improving Your Writing Style

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Clear, Concise Sentences

Use the active voice

Put the action in the verb

Tidy up wordy phrases

Reduce wordy verbs

Reduce prepositional phrases

Reduce expletive constructions

Avoid using vague nouns

Avoid unneccessarily inflated words

Avoid noun strings

Connecting Ideas Through Transitions

Using Transitional Words and Phrases

Writing Studio

Common transition words and phrases.

In an effort to make our handouts more accessible, we have begun converting our PDF handouts to web pages. Download this page as a PDF: Transitions Return to Writing Studio Handouts

Transitions clarify the logic of your argument by orienting your reader as you develop ideas between sentences and paragraphs. These tools should alert readers to shifts in your argument while and also maintain the smoothness and clarity of your prose. Below, you’ll find some of the most commonly used transition categories and examples of each. Depending on the example, these suggestions may be within sentences or at the beginning of sentences.

Transitions by Category

1. addition.

Use when presenting multiple ideas that flow in the same direction, under the same heading/ idea also, another, finally, first, first of all, for one thing, furthermore, in addition, last of all, likewise, moreover, next, and, second, the third reason

2. Sequence/ Order

Use to suggest a temporal relationship between ideas; places evidence in sequence first, second (etc.), next, last, finally, first of all, concurrently, immediately, prior to, then, at that time, at this point, previously, subsequently, and then, at this time, thereafter, previously, soon, before, after, followed by, after that, next, before, after, meanwhile, formerly, finally, during

3. Contrast

Use to demonstrate differences between ideas or change in argument direction but, however, in contrast, on the other hand, on the contrary, yet, differ, difference, balanced against, differing from, variation, still, on the contrary, unlike, conversely, otherwise, on the other hand, however

4. Exception

Use to introduce an opposing idea however, whereas, on the other hand, while, instead, in spite of, yet, despite, still, nevertheless, even though, in contrast, but, but one could also say…

5. Comparison

Use to demonstrate similarities between ideas that may not be under the same subject heading or within the same paragraph like, likewise, just, in a different way / sense, whereas, like, equally, in like manner, by comparison, similar to, in the same way, alike, similarity, similarly, just as, as in a similar fashion, conversely

6. Illustration

Use to develop or clarify an idea, to introduce examples, or to show that the second idea is subordinate to the first for example, to illustrate, on this occasion, this can be seen, in this case, specifically, once, to illustrate, when/where, for instance, such as, to demonstrate, take the case of, in this case

7. Location

Use to show spatial relations next to, above, below, beneath, left, right, behind, in front, on top, within

8. Cause and Effect

Use to show that one idea causes, or results from, the idea that follows or precedes it because, therefore, so that, cause, reason, effect, thus, consequently, since, as a result, if…then, result in

9. Emphasis

Use to suggest that an idea is particularly important to your argument important to note, most of all, a significant factor, a primary concern, a key feature, remember that, pay particular attention to, a central issue, the most substantial issue, the main value, a major event, the chief factor, a distinctive quality, especially valuable, the chief outcome, a vital force, especially relevant, most noteworthy, the principal item, above all, should be noted

10. Summary or Conclusion

Use to signal that what follows is summarizing or concluding the previous ideas; in humanities papers, use these phrases sparingly. to summarize, in short, in brief, in sum, in summary, to sum up, in conclusion, to conclude, finally

Some material adapted from Cal Poly Pomona College Reading Skills Program and “ Power Tools for Technical Communication .” 

Writing Effective Sentence Transitions (Advanced)

Transitions are the rhetorical tools that clarify the logic of your argument by orienting your reader as you develop ideas between sentences and paragraphs. The ability to integrate sentence transitions into your prose, rather than simply throwing in overt transition signals like “in addition,” indicates your mastery of the material. (Note: The visibility of transitions may vary by discipline; consult with your professor to get a better sense of discipline or assignment specific expectations.)

Transition Signals

Transition signals are words or phrases that indicate the logic connecting sets of information or ideas. Signals like therefore, on the other hand, for example, because, then, and afterwards can be good transition tools at the sentence and paragraph level. When using these signals, be conscious of the real meaning of these terms; they should reflect the actual relationship between ideas.

Review Words

Review words are transition tools that link groups of sentences or whole paragraphs. They condense preceding discussion into a brief word or phrase. For example: You’ve just completed a detailed discussion about the greenhouse effect. To transition to the next topic, you could use review words like “this heat-trapping process” to refer back to the green house effect discussion. The relative ability to determine a cogent set of review words might signal your own understanding of your work; think of review words as super-short summaries of key ideas.

Preview words

Preview words condense an upcoming discussion into a brief word or phrase. For example: You’ve just explained how heat is trapped in the earth’s atmosphere. Transitioning to the theory that humans are adding to that effect, you could use preview words like “sources of additional CO2 in the atmosphere include” to point forward to that discussion.

Transition Sentences

The strongest and most sophisticated tools, transition sentences indicate the connection between the preceding and upcoming pieces of your argument. They often contain one or more of the above transition tools. For example: You’ve just discussed how much CO2 humans have added to the atmosphere. You need to transition to a discussion of the effects. A strong set of transition sentences between the two sections might sound like this:

“These large amounts of CO2 added to the atmosphere may lead to a number of disastrous consequences for residents of planet earth. The rise in global temperature that accompanies the extra CO2 can yield effects as varied as glacial melting and species extinction.”

In the first sentence, the review words are “These large amounts of CO2 added to the atmosphere”; the preview words are “number of disastrous consequences”; the transition signals are “may lead to.” The topic sentence of the next paragraph indicates the specific “disastrous consequences” you will discuss.

If you don’t see a way to write a logical, effective transition between sentences, ideas or paragraphs, this might indicate organizational problems in your essay; you might consider revising your work.

Some material adapted from Cal Poly Pomona College Reading Skills Program  and “ Power Tools for Technical Communication .”

Last revised: 07/2008 | Adapted for web delivery: 05/2021

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, good transition words for essays.

Hey! I'm working on an essay right now, and I'm having trouble coming up with some good transition words to use. Could you guys give me some suggestions? I'd like to improve the overall flow of my writing. Thanks!

Hey! A smooth flow in your essay can make a significant difference, and using appropriate transition words is essential. Here's a list of some common transition words and phrases you can use, categorized by their purpose:

1. To Add Information:

- In addition

- Furthermore

- Alongside this

- Not only...but also

2. To Contrast or Show Difference:

- On the other hand

- In contrast

- Nonetheless

- Conversely

3. To Show Similarity or Comparison:

- Similarly

- In the same way

- By the same token

4. To Provide Examples:

- For example

- For instance

- To illustrate

- As an illustration

5. To Show Consequence or Result:

- As a result

- Consequently

- Therefore

- Accordingly

6. To Emphasize a Point:

- Obviously

- Particularly

- Most importantly

7. To Summarize or Conclude:

- In conclusion

- To sum up

- In summary

Remember to use these transition words naturally, and don't overuse them. Also, try combining some of them or using synonyms for variety. Good luck with your essay!

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List of 30+ Useful Contrast Transition Words for Writing Essay

Posted on Last updated: July 17, 2019

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Contrast Transition Words! In this lesson, you will learn a list of useful contrast transition words in English. They have been chosen especially for ESL Learners.

Table of Contents

Contrast Transition Words

List of contrast words in English

• On the contrary
• On the one hand
• In comparison
• On the other hand
• At the same time
• Nevertheless
• By contrast
• In contrast
• Notwithstanding
• In spite of
• Alternatively
• Despite this
• In contrast to
• Even though

Contrast Transition Words with Examples

It wasn’t a good thing;  on the contrary  it was a huge mistake.

The tongue is not steel,  yet   it cuts.

It’s easy to fall into a trap,  but   hard to get out again.

On the one hand , a message of change was needed in order to win new voters.

Although I poured it carefully, I  still  managed to spill some.

In comparison, the female is stronger and more energetic than the male.

Success has many fathers,  while   failure is an orphan.

I want to go to the party, but  on the other hand  I ought to be studying.

Fairness,  rather   than efficiency, is the guiding principle.

Conversely , you might say that it is ridiculous.

I had mixed feelings about leaving home. I was excited but  at the same time , I knew I would miss my family.

This is a cheap and simple process.  However   there are dangers.

He was very tired;  nevertheless   he went on walking.

Despite   the bad weather, we enjoyed ourselves.

Wisdom is a good purchase  though   we pay dear for it.

Shut the window,  otherwise   it’ll get too cold in here.

By contrast , he was much cleverer.

He is too busy, let me go  instead .

Some people like fat meat,  whereas   others hate it.

She was a small, dainty child,  unlike   her sister who was large and had big feet.

Although   the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.

In contrast , the lives of girls in well-to-do families were often very sheltered .

He still went home,  notwithstanding   the midnight

In spite of   their quarrel, they remain the best of friends.

Alternatively , manufacturers have recently produced a colour changer.

Because of  the fire, hundreds of houses went up in smoke.

In contrast to  her sister, she is very tall.

There are a lot of spelling mistakes;  even so , it’s quite a good essay.

She hasn’t phoned,  even though  she said she would.

Contrast Words | Infographic

Wednesday 11th of May 2022

I like your site

Sunday 20th of February 2022

both topics....

Monday 2nd of November 2020

In general, I think it is all right, and quite usuful.

Wednesday 7th of October 2020

Hi I understand more about this

Tuesday 7th of July 2020

Compare and Contrast Essay: Full Writing Guide and 150+ Topics

Compare and contrast essays are academic papers in which a student analyses two or more subjects with each other. To compare means to explore similarities between subjects, while to contrast means to look at their differences. Both subjects of the comparison are usually in the same category, although they have their differences. For example, it can be two movies, two universities, two cars etc.

Good compare and contrast papers from college essay writer focus on a central point, explaining the importance and implications of this analysis. A compare and contrast essay thesis must make a meaningful comparison. Find the central theme of your essay and do some brainstorming for your thesis.

This type of essay is very common among college and university students. Professors challenge their students to use their analytical and comparative skills and pay close attention to the subjects of their comparisons. This type of essay exercises observance and analysis, helps to establish a frame of reference, and makes meaningful arguments about a subject. Let's get deeper on how to write a compare and contrast essay with our research writing services .

How to Start a Compare and Contrast Essay: Brainstorm Similarities and Differences

Now that you know what is compare and contrast essay and are set with your topic, the first thing you should do is grab a piece of paper and make a list with two columns: similarities and differences. Jot down key things first, the most striking ones. Then try to look at the subjects from a different angle, incorporating your imagination.

If you are more of a visual learner, creating a Venn diagram might be a good idea. In order to create it, draw two circles that overlap. In the section where it overlaps, note similarities. Differences should be written in the part of the circle that does not overlap.

Let’s look at a simple example of compare and contrast essay. Let one of the subjects be oranges, and the other one be apples. Oranges have thick peel, originally from India, and are tropical fruit. These characteristics pertain only to oranges and should be in the part of the circle that does not overlap. For the same section on apples, we put thin peel, originated in Turkey or Kazakhstan, and moderate to subtropical. In the section that overlaps, let’s say that they are both fruit, can be juiced, and grow on trees. This simple, yet good example illustrates how the same concept can be applied to many other complicated topics with additional points of comparison and contrast.

This format of visual aid helps to organize similarities and differences and make them easier to perceive. Your diagram will give you a clear idea of the things you can write about.

Another good idea for brainstorming in preparation for your comparison contrast essay is to create a list with 2 columns, one for each subject, and compare the same characteristics for each of them simultaneously. This compare and contrast format will make writing your comparison contrast paper argument a breeze, as you will have your ideas ready and organized.

One mistake you should avoid is simply listing all of the differences or similarities for each subject. Sometimes students get too caught up in looking for similarities and differences that their compare and contrast essays end up sounding like grocery lists. Your essay should be based on analyzing the similarities and differences, analyzing your conclusions about the two subjects, and finding connections between them—while following a specific format.

Compare and Contrast Essay Structure and Outline

So, how do you structure this compare and contrast paper? Well, since compare and contrast essay examples rely heavily on factual analysis, there are two outline methods that can help you organize your facts. You can use the block method, or point-by-point method, to write a compare and contrast essay outline.

While using the block structure of a compare and contrast essay, all the information is presented for the first subject, and its characteristics and specific details are explained. This concludes one block. The second block takes the same approach as the first for the second subject.

The point-by-point structure lists each similarity and difference simultaneously—making notes of both subjects. For example, you can list a characteristic specific to one subject, followed by its similarity or difference to the other subject.

Both formats have their pros and cons. The block method is clearly easier for a compare and contrast essay writer, as you simply point out all of the information about the two subjects, and basically leave it to the reader to do the comparison. The point-by-point format requires you to analyze the points yourself while making similarities and differences more explicit to the reader for them to be easier to understand. Here is a detailed structure of each type presented below.

Point-by-Point Method

• Introduce the topic;
• Specify your theme;
• Present your thesis - cover all areas of the essay in one sentence.

Example thesis: Cars and motorcycles make for excellent means of transportation, but a good choice depends on the person’s lifestyle, finances, and the city they live in.

Body Paragraph 1 - LIFESTYLE

• Topic Sentence: Motorcycles impact the owner’s lifestyle less than cars.
• Topic 1 - Motorcycles
• ~ Argument: Motorcycles are smaller and more comfortable to store.
• ~ Argument: Motorcycles are easy to learn and use.
• Topic 2 - Cars
• ~ Argument: Cars are a big deal - they are like a second home.
• ~ Argument: It takes time to learn to become a good driver.

Body Paragraph 2 - FINANCES

• Topic sentence: Cars are much more expensive than motorcycles
• ~ Argument: You can buy a good motorcycle for under 300$.
• ~ Argument: Fewer parts that are more accessible to fix.
• ~ Argument: Parts and service are expensive if something breaks.
• ~ Argument: Cars need more gas than motorcycles.

Body Paragraph 3 - CITY

• Topic sentence: Cars are a better option for bigger cities with wider roads.
• ~ Argument: Riding motorcycles in a big city is more dangerous than with cars.
• ~ Argument: Motorcycles work great in a city like Rome, where all the streets are narrow.
• ~ Argument: Big cities are easier and more comfortable to navigate by car.
• ~ Argument: With a car, traveling outside of the city is much easier.
• Sum up all you wrote in the article.

Block Method

• Thesis — cover all areas of the essay in one sentence

Body Paragraph 1

• Topic Sentence: Motorcycles are cheaper and easier to take care of than cars.
• Aspect 1 - Lifestyle
• Aspect 2 - Finances
• ~ Argument: Fewer parts, easier to fix.
• Aspect 3 - City
• ~ Argument: Riding motorcycles in a big city is more dangerous than cars.

Body Paragraph 2

• Topic sentence: Cars are more expensive but more comfortable for a big city and for travelling.
• ~ Argument: Cars are a big deal—like a second home.
• ~ Argument: With a car, traveling outside the city is much more comfortable.

Body Paragraph 3 ‍

Use the last paragraph to evaluate the comparisons and explain why they’re essential. Giving a lot of facts can be intense. To water it down, try to give the reader any real-life applications of these facts.

Depending on the structure selected, you can begin to create an outline for your essay. The typical comparison essay follows the format of having an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion — though, if you need to focus on each subject in more detailed ways, feel free to include an extra paragraph to cover all of the most important points.

To make your compare and contrast essay flow better, we recommend using special transition words and phrases. They will add variety and improve your paper overall.

For the section where you compare two subjects, you can include any of the following words: similarly, likewise, also, both, just like, similar to, the same as, alike, or to compare to. When contrasting two subjects, use: in contrast, in comparison, by comparison, on the other hand, while, whereas, but, to differ from, dissimilar to, or unlike.

Show Your Evidence

Arguments for any essay, including compare and contrast essays, need to be supported by sufficient evidence. Make good use of your personal experiences, books, scholarly articles, magazine and newspaper articles, movies, or anything that will make your argument sound credible. For example, in your essay, if you were to compare attending college on campus vs. distance-based learning, you could include your personal experiences of being a student, and how often students show up to class on a daily basis. You could also talk about your experience taking online classes, which makes your argument about online classes credible as well.

Helpful Final Tips

The biggest tip dissertation writing services can give you is to have the right attitude when writing a compare contrast essay, and actively engage the reader in the discussion. If you find it interesting, so will your reader! Here are some more compare and contrast essay tips that will help you to polish yours up:

• Compare and contrast essays need powerful transitions. Try learning more about writing transition sentences using the words we provided for you in the 'Compare and Contrast Structure and Outline' section.
• Always clarify the concepts you introduce in your essay. Always explain lesser known information—don’t assume the reader must already know it.
• Do not forget to proofread. Small mistakes, but in high quantities, can result in a low grade. Pay attention to your grammar and punctuation.
• Have a friend or family member take a look at your essay; they may notice things you have missed.

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Now that you know everything there is to know about compare and contrast essays, let’s take a look at some compare and contrast examples to get you started on your paper or get a hand from our essay helper .

Different countries across the world have diverse cultural practices, and this has an effect on work relationships and development. Geert Hofstede came up with a structured way of comparing cultural dimensions of different countries. The theory explains the impacts of a community’s culture on the values of the community members, and the way these values relate to their behaviors. He gives scores as a way to help distinguish people from different nations using the following dimensions: long-term orientation, individualism, power distance, indulgence, necessity avoidance, and masculinity. Let us examine comparisons between two countries: the United Kingdom and China — based on Hofstede’s Six Dimensions of Culture.

Over the last two decades, the demand from consumers for organic foods has increased tremendously. In fact, the popularity of organic foods has exploded significantly with consumers, spending a considerably higher amount of money on them as compared to the amount spent on inorganic foods. The US market noted an increase in sales of more than 10% between 2014 and 2015 (Brown, n.p). The increase is in line with the views of many consumers that organic foods are safer, tastier, and healthier compared to the inorganic foods. Furthermore, considering the environmental effects of foods, organic foods present less risk of environmental pollution — compared to inorganic foods. By definition, organic foods are those that are grown without any artificial chemical treatment, or treatment by use of other substances that have been modified genetically, such as hormones and/or antibiotics (Brown, n.p).

Still feeling confused about the complexities of the compare and contrast essay? Feel free to contact our paper writing service to get a professional writing help.

Finding the Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics For You

When choosing a topic for your comparison essay, remember that subjects cannot be drastically different, because there would be little to no points of comparison (similarities). The same goes for too many similarities, which will result in poor contrasts. For example, it is better to write about two composers, rather than a composer and a singer.

It is extremely important to choose a topic you are passionate about. You never want to come across something that seems dull and uninspiring for you. Here are some excellent ways to brainstorm for a topic from essay writer :

• Find categories: Choose a type (like animals, films or economics), and compare subjects within that category – wild animals to farm animals, Star Wars to Star Trek, private companies to public companies, etc.
• Random Surprising Fact: Dig for fun facts which could make great topics. Did you know that chickens can be traced back to dinosaurs?
• Movie vs. Book: Most of the time, the book is better than the movie — unless it’s Blade Runner or Lord of the Rings. If you’re a pop culture lover, compare movies vs. books, video games, comics, etc.

Use our rewrite essay service when you need help from professionals.

How to Choose a Great Compare and Contrast Topic

College students should consider providing themselves with a chance to use all topic examples. With enough revision, an advantage is gained. As it will be possible to compare arguments and contrast their aspects. Also, discuss numerous situations to get closer to the conclusion.

For example:

• Choose a topic from the field of your interests. Otherwise you risk failing your paper.
• It is a good idea to choose a topic based upon the class subject or specialist subject. (Unless the requirements say otherwise.)
• Analyze each argument carefully. Include every detail for each opposing idea. Without doing so, you can definitely lower grades.
• Write a conclusion that summarizes both arguments. It should allow readers to find the answer they’re looking for.
• It is up to you to determine which arguments are right and wrong in the final conclusion.
• Before approaching the final conclusion, it’s important to discuss each argument equally. It is a bad idea to be biased, as it can also lower grades.

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150 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics to Consider

Choosing a topic can be a challenging task, but there are plenty of options to consider. In the following sections, we have compiled a list of 150 compare and contrast essay topics to help you get started. These topics cover a wide range of subjects, from education and technology to history and politics. Whether you are a high school student or a college student, you are sure to find a topic that interests you. So, read on to discover some great compare and contrast essay ideas.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics For College Students

When attending a college, at any time your professor can assign you the task of writing this form of an essay. Consider these topics for college students from our team to get the grades you deserve.

• Attending a College Course Vs. Distance-Based Learning.
• Writing a Research Paper Vs. Writing a Creative Writing Paper. What are the differences and similarities?
• The differences between a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree.
• The key aspects of the differences between the US and the UK education systems.
• Completing assignments at a library compared with doing so at home. Which is the most efficient?
• The similarities and differences in the behavior among married and unmarried couples.
• The similarities and differences between the EU (European Union) and ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations)?
• The similarities and significant differences between American and Canadian English.
• Writing an Internship Report Vs. Writing a Research Paper
• The differences between US colleges and colleges in the EU?

Interesting Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Some topics for the compare and contrast essay format can be boring. To keep up motivation, doing a research , have a look at these topics. Maybe they can serve you as research paper help .

• Public Transport Vs. Driving A Car. Which is more efficient?
• Mandarin Vs. Cantonese: What are the differences between these Chinese languages?
• Sports Cars Vs. Luxurious Family Cars
• Wireless Technology Vs. Wired Devices
• Thai Food Vs. Filipino Cuisine
• What is the difference and similarities between a register office marriage and a traditional marriage?
• The 2000s Vs. The 2010s. What are the differences and what makes them similar?
• Abu Dhabi Vs. Dubai. What are the main factors involved in the differences?
• What are the differences between American and British culture?
• What does the New York Metro do differently to the London Underground?

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students

When writing essays for high school, it is good to keep them informative. Have a look at these compare and contrast sample topics.

• Highschool Life Vs. College Life
• Paying College Fees Vs. Being Awarded a Scholarship
• All Night Study Sessions Vs. Late Night Parties
• Teenager Vs. Young Adult Relationships
• Being in a Relationship Vs. Being Single
• Male Vs. Female Behavior
• The similarities and differences between a high school diploma and a college degree
• The similarities and differences between Economics and Business Studies
• The benefits of having a part-time job, instead of a freelance job, in college
• High School Extra Curricular Activities Vs. Voluntarily Community Services

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Science

At some point, every science student will be assigned this type of essay. To keep things at flow, have a look at best compare and contrast essay example topics on science:

• Undiscovered Species on Earth Vs. Potential Life on Mars: What will we discover in the future?
• The benefits of Gasoline Powered Cars Vs. Electric Powered Cars
• The differences of the Milky Way Vs. Centaurus (Galaxies).
• Earthquakes Vs. Hurricanes: What should be prepared for the most?
• The differences between our moon and Mars’ moons.
• SpaceX Vs. NASA. What is done differently within these organizations?
• The differences and similarities between Stephen Hawking and Brian Cox’s theories on the cosmos. Do they agree or correspond with each other?
• Pregnancy Vs. Motherhood
• Jupiter Vs. Saturn
• Greenhouse Farming Vs. Polytunnel Farming

Sports & Leisure Topics

Studying Physical Education? Or a gym fanatic? Have a look at our compare and contrast essay topics for sports and leisure.

• The English Premier League Compared With The Bundesliga
• Real Madrid Vs. Barcelona
• Football Vs. Basketball
• Walking Vs. Eating Outside with Your Partner
• Jamaica Team Vs. United States Team: Main Factors and Differences
• Formula One Vs. Off-Road Racing
• Germany Team Vs. Brazil Team
• Morning Exercise Vs. Evening Exercise.
• Manning Team Vs. Brazil Team
• Swimming Vs. Cycling

Topics About Culture

Culture can have several meanings. If you’re a Religious Studies or Culture student, take a look at these good compare and contrast essay topics about culture.

• The fundamental similarities and differences between Pope Francis and Tawadros II of Alexandria
• Canadian Vs. Australian Religion
• The differences between Islamic and Christian Holidays
• The cultural similarities and differences between the Native Aboriginals and Caucasian Australians
• Native American Culture Vs. New England Culture
• The cultural differences and similarities between Italians and Sicilians
• In-depth: The origins of Buddhism and Hinduism
• In-depth: The origins of Christianity and Islam
• Greek Gods Vs. Hindu Gods
• The Bible: Old Testament Vs. New Testament

Unique Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

What about writing an essay which is out of the ordinary? Consider following these topics to write a compare and contrast essay on, that are unique.

• The reasons why some wealthy people pay extortionate amounts of money for gold-plated cell phones, rather than buying the normal phone.
• The differences between Lipton Tea and Ahmad Tea
• American Football Vs. British Football: What are their differences?
• The differences and similarities between France and Britain
• Fanta Vs. 7Up
• Traditional Helicopters Vs. Lifesize Drones
• The differences and similarities between Boston Dynamics and the fictional equivalent Skynet (From Terminator Movies).
• Socialism Vs. Capitalism: Which is better?
• Curved Screen TVs’ Vs. Regular Flat Screen TVs’: Are they really worth big bucks?
• Is it better to wear black or white at funerals?

Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Sometimes, it may be a requirement to take it back a notch. Especially if you’re new to these style of writing. Consider having a look at these good compare and contrast essay topics that are pretty easy to start off.

• Is it a good idea to work on weekdays or weekends?
• Black of White Coffee
• Becoming a teacher or a doctor? Which career choice has more of an impact on society?
• Air Travel Vs. Sea Travel: Which is better?
• Rail Travel Vs. Road Travel: Which is more convenient?
• What makes Europe far greater than Africa? In terms of financial growth, regulations, public funds, policies etc…
• Eating fruit for breakfast Vs. cereals
• Staying Home to Read Vs. Traveling the World During Holidays. Which is more beneficial for personal growth?
• Japanese Vs. Brazilian Cuisine
• What makes ASEAN Nations more efficient than African Nations?

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics About TV Shows, Music and Movies

We all enjoy at least one of these things. If not, all of them. Why not have a go at writing a compare and contrast essay about what you have been recently watching or listening to?

• Breaking Bad Vs. Better Call Saul: Which is more commonly binge watched?
• The differences between Dance Music and Heavy Metal
• James Bond Vs. Johnny English
• Iron Man Vs. The Incredible Hulk: Who would win?
• What is done differently in modern movies, compared to old black and white movies?
• Dumber and Dumber 2 Vs. Ted: Which movie is funnier?
• Are Horror movies or Action Movies best suited to you?
• The differences and similarities between Mozart and Beethoven compositions.
• Hip Hop Vs. Traditional Music
• Classical Music Vs. Pop Music. Which genre helps people concentrate?

Topics About Art

Sometimes, art students are required to write this style of essay. Have a look at these compare and contrast essay topics about the arts of the centuries.

• The fundamental differences and similarities between paintings and sculptures
• The different styles of Vincent Van Gogh and Leonardo Da Vinci.
• Viewing Original Art Compared With Digital Copies. How are these experiences different?
• 18th Century Paintings Vs. 21st Century Digitally Illustrated Images
• German Art Vs. American Art
• Modern Painting Vs. Modern Photography
• How can we compare modern graphic designers to 18th-century painters?
• Ancient Greek Art Vs. Ancient Egyptian Art
• Ancient Japanese Art Vs. Ancient Persian Art
• What 16th Century Painting Materials were used compared with the modern day?

Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Almost every student at any stage of academics is assigned this style of writing. If you’re lacking inspiration, consider looking at some of the best compare and contrast essay topics to get you on track with your writing.

• The United States and North Korea Governmental Conflict: What is the reason behind this phenomenon?
• In the Early Hours, Drinking Water is far healthier than consuming soda.
• The United States Vs. The People’s Republic of China: Which economy is the most efficient?
• Studying in Foreign Countries Vs. Studying In Your Hometown: Which is more of an advantage?
• Toast Vs. Cereal: Which is the most consumed in the morning?
• Sleeping Vs. Daydreaming: Which is the most commonly prefered? And amongst who?
• Learning French Vs. Chinese: Which is the most straightforward?
• Android Phones Vs. iPhones
• The Liberation of Slaves Vs. The Liberation of Women: Which is more remembered?
• The differences between the US Dollar and British Pound. What are their advantages? And How do they correspond with each other?

Easy Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

In all types of academics, these essays occur. If you’re new to this style of writing, check our easy compare and contrast essay topics.

• The Third Reich Vs. North Korea
• Tea Vs. Coffee
• iPhone Vs. Samsung
• KFC Vs. Wendy’s
• Laurel or Yanny?
• Healthy Lifestyle Vs. Obese Lifestyle
• Forkes Vs. Sporks
• Rice Vs. Porridge
• Roast Dinner Vs. Chicken & Mushroom Pie
• What’s the difference between apples and oranges?

Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Deciding upon good compare and contrast essay topics for psychology assignments can be difficult. Consider referring to our list of 10 psychology compare and contrast essay topics to help get the deserved grades.

• What is a more severe eating order? Bulimia or Anorexia
• Modern Medicine Vs. Traditional Medicine for Treating Depression?
• Soft Drugs Vs. Hard Drugs. Which is more dangerous for people’s psychological well-being?
• How do the differences between Lust and Love have an effect on people’s mindsets?
• Ego Vs. Superego
• Parents Advice Vs. Peers Advice amongst children and teens.
• Strict Parenting Vs. Relaxed Parenting
• Mental Institutions Vs. Stress Clinics
• Bipolar Disorder Vs. Epilepsy
• How does child abuse affect victims in later life?

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Sixth Graders

From time to time, your teacher will assign the task of writing a compare and contrast essay. It can be hard to choose a topic, especially for beginners. Check out our easy compare and contrast essay topics for sixth graders.

• Exam Preparation Vs. Homework Assignments
• Homeschooling Vs. Public Education
• High School Vs. Elementary School
• 5th Grade Vs. 6th Grade: What makes them different or the same?
• Are Moms’ or Dads’ more strict among children?
• Is it better to have strict parents or more open parents?
• Sandy Beaches Vs. Pebble Beaches: Which beaches are more popular?
• Is it a good idea to learn guitar or piano?
• Is it better to eat vegetable salads or pieces of fruit for lunch?
• 1st Grade Vs. 6th Grade

Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Sometimes, it is good to have a laugh. As they always say : 'laughter is the best medicine'. Check out these funny compare and contrast essay topics for a little giggle when writing.

• What is the best way to waste your time? Watching Funny Animal Videos or Mr. Bean Clips?
• Are Pug Dogs or Maltese Dogs crazier?
• Pot Noodles Vs. McDonalds Meals.
• What is the difference between Peter Griffin and Homer Simpson?
• Mrs. Doubtfire Vs. Mrs. Brown. How are they similar?
• Which game is more addictive? Flappy Bird or Angry Birds?
• Big Shaq Vs. PSY
• Stewie Griffin Vs. Maggie Simpson
• Quarter Pounders Vs. Big Macs
• Mr. Bean Vs. Alan Harper

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Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Related Articles

As a student, you would be writing multiple essays, research papers, thesis, statements of purpose, speeches, etc. as a part of your coursework. A lot of time and effort goes into understanding the assignments and researching the material. After this comes the hard part. This requires putting the gathered information into words and forming a piece that is informative and conveys the intended message to the readers. Making use of transition words for compare and contrast essay will make your essay meaningful. 

When you write a compare and contrast essay, you are looking at the similarities and differences of two or more items, ideas, methods, theories, characters, etc. This means that when writing a compare and contrast essay, you are examining the subjects from multiple viewpoints. This kind of essay requires you to think critically. Transition words in essays help you to improve GPA in college , communicating the similarities and highlighting the differences.

What are transition words for compare and contrast essays?

You might have a lot to write in your essay but the sentences might seem unfinished. If you submit your essay like this, it will give your professors the impression that you have not worked hard. To fix this, you should use transition words for compare and contrast essays. This is one trick that essay writing services use properly.

You can think of transition words for essay writing as bridges between paragraphs for a smooth transition. Using the correct transition words in your essay will make it look like it is written by an expert.

Need for using transition words for compare and contrast essays

Using transition words for essays makes your writing smooth and easy to follow. Mastering the art of using transitional words in your writings will make them more impressive. Your ideas and thoughts could be related to the essay topic but still, be unclear to the reader. For the purpose of clarity, the various sentences and paragraphs should have a logical relationship between them. 

You do not need to add transition words in every sentence. However, you should use them to illustrate relationships between words and phrases. Transition words form a critical part of the sentence. Sometimes a single transition word is not enough to make your sentences look smooth. Here you can use transition phrases to forge connections and show comparisons.

Different uses of transition words for compare and contrast essays

Transition words for essays can be categorized into different categories depending upon their usage.

Transition words can be used for:

• Introducing a new idea in a paragraph
• Demonstrating the cause and effect relationship i.e. how once action or circumstance can lead to a specific outcome
• Concluding the paragraph or summarizing the main points of the essay

You can also use transition words, including those generated by an essay generator to describe the time or location of a specific event. Transition words can be used for opposing ideas and arguments as well. 

Examples of transition words for compare and contrast essays

There are a large number of words that are used as transition words for compare and contrast essays. Some of the top examples based on different contexts include:

Add or introduce a new point to the existing topic

Use words such as further, furthermore, moreover, in addition to, likewise, etc.

Oppose an idea or thought

Words such as unlike, conversely, on the contrary, despite, notwithstanding, as much as, but, above all can be used when you want to. 

Demonstrate the cause and effect

Use transition words such as then, as a result, hence, because, henceforth, consequently, therefore, in effect.

Summary or conclusion

Use words like overall, in conclusion, in essence, to summarize, to sum up, to conclude.

Describe time

Use words including presently, occasionally, in the meantime, after, at the moment, all of a sudden, once. 

Location and spatial relationship

Focus on words like beside, over, where, under, behind, next to, below, above, beyond, opposite, in front of.

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Are you still struggling to use the correct transition words for compare and contrast essays? Leave your worries behind and sign up with TutorBin. TutorBin has numerous global experts with vast experience writing compare and contrast essays. These experts can churn out perfect compare and contrast essays with the correct usage of transition words.

By using the transitional words for compare and contrast essays, the ideas remain connected together and help you score a better grade. Apart from getting top-quality essays, TutorBin ensures that the essays are plagiarism-free, factually correct, and delivered to you within the deadline.

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33 Transition Words and Phrases

Transitional terms give writers the opportunity to prepare readers for a new idea, connecting the previous sentence to the next one.

Many transitional words are nearly synonymous: words that broadly indicate that “this follows logically from the preceding” include accordingly, therefore, and consequently . Words that mean “in addition to” include moreover, besides, and further . Words that mean “contrary to what was just stated” include however, nevertheless , and nonetheless .

as a result : THEREFORE : CONSEQUENTLY

The executive’s flight was delayed and they accordingly arrived late.

in or by way of addition : FURTHERMORE

The mountain has many marked hiking trails; additionally, there are several unmarked trails that lead to the summit.

at a later or succeeding time : SUBSEQUENTLY, THEREAFTER

Afterward, she got a promotion.

even though : ALTHOUGH

She appeared as a guest star on the show, albeit briefly.

in spite of the fact that : even though —used when making a statement that differs from or contrasts with a statement you have just made

They are good friends, although they don't see each other very often.

in addition to what has been said : MOREOVER, FURTHERMORE

I can't go, and besides, I wouldn't go if I could.

as a result : in view of the foregoing : ACCORDINGLY

The words are often confused and are consequently misused.

in a contrasting or opposite way —used to introduce a statement that contrasts with a previous statement or presents a differing interpretation or possibility

Large objects appear to be closer. Conversely, small objects seem farther away.

used to introduce a statement that is somehow different from what has just been said

These problems are not as bad as they were. Even so, there is much more work to be done.

used as a stronger way to say "though" or "although"

I'm planning to go even though it may rain.

in addition : MOREOVER

I had some money to invest, and, further, I realized that the risk was small.

in addition to what precedes : BESIDES —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement

These findings seem plausible. Furthermore, several studies have confirmed them.

because of a preceding fact or premise : for this reason : THEREFORE

He was a newcomer and hence had no close friends here.

from this point on : starting now

She announced that henceforth she would be running the company.

in spite of that : on the other hand —used when you are saying something that is different from or contrasts with a previous statement

I'd like to go; however, I'd better not.

as something more : BESIDES —used for adding information to a statement

The city has the largest population in the country and in addition is a major shipping port.

all things considered : as a matter of fact —used when making a statement that adds to or strengthens a previous statement

He likes to have things his own way; indeed, he can be very stubborn.

for fear that —often used after an expression denoting fear or apprehension

He was concerned lest anyone think that he was guilty.

in addition : ALSO —often used to introduce a statement that adds to and is related to a previous statement

She is an acclaimed painter who is likewise a sculptor.

at or during the same time : in the meantime

You can set the table. Meanwhile, I'll start making dinner.

BESIDES, FURTHER : in addition to what has been said —used to introduce a statement that supports or adds to a previous statement

It probably wouldn't work. Moreover, it would be very expensive to try it.

in spite of that : HOWEVER

It was a predictable, but nevertheless funny, story.

in spite of what has just been said : NEVERTHELESS

The hike was difficult, but fun nonetheless.

without being prevented by (something) : despite—used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true

Notwithstanding their youth and inexperience, the team won the championship.

if not : or else

Finish your dinner. Otherwise, you won't get any dessert.

more correctly speaking —used to introduce a statement that corrects what you have just said

We can take the car, or rather, the van.

in spite of that —used to say that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it from happening or being true

I tried again and still I failed.

by that : by that means

He signed the contract, thereby forfeiting his right to the property.

for that reason : because of that

This tablet is thin and light and therefore very convenient to carry around.

immediately after that

The committee reviewed the documents and thereupon decided to accept the proposal.

because of this or that : HENCE, CONSEQUENTLY

This detergent is highly concentrated and thus you will need to dilute it.

while on the contrary —used to make a statement that describes how two people, groups, etc., are different

Some of these species have flourished, whereas others have struggled.

NEVERTHELESS, HOWEVER —used to introduce a statement that adds something to a previous statement and usually contrasts with it in some way

It was pouring rain out, yet his clothes didn’t seem very wet.

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Transition Words for Essays

What are Transition Words and how Do I use Transition Words for Essays? Transition words and phrases help make your essay flow smoothly from paragraph to paragraph. You can use them at the ends and beginnings of paragraphs, as well as in your introduction and conclusion. Transition words and phrases can be used in every type of essay, but they are most appropriate in expository or argumentative essays in which it’s important to present your ideas in a clear, logical flow. Read on for more insight into transition words for essays, including lists, examples and descriptions of how to use them in your writing.

Transition Words for Essays that Compare and Contrast

Comparison and contrast transition words are obviously helpful when writing a compare/contrast essay, but you can also use them to compare two different pieces of information in an expository or argumentative essay. You may also use comparison and contrast transition words to contrast two different experiences in a narrative essay or to compare two different people, places or objects in a descriptive essay.

Here are some of the most common comparison transition words for essays, followed by examples:

• in the same way

Comparison Transition Words for Essays, sentence examples:

• In the same way , Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech inspired a generation.
• Similarly , my vacation to the beach was also peaceful and fun, just like my week at summer camp.

Here are some of the most common contrast transition words for essays, followed by examples:

• in spite of
• on the one hand/on the other hand
• in contrast
• on the contrary

Contrast Transition Words for Essays, sentence examples:

• However , this delicious breakfast was not as memorable as the dinner my family shared that evening.
• In contrast , my grandmother is always cracking jokes while my grandfather stays serious.

Sequence/Order Transition Words for Essays

Sequence words are especially important in narrative essays, where you must guide your reader through the events of your story. Sequence words can be used at the start of each paragraph to clearly mark out what happened first, next and so on. In addition, you can also use sequence transition words for essays that are informational and communicate historical events. It is also helpful to use sequence transition words for essays where you are writing about a book or movie and need to briefly summarize the plot. Here are some sequence/ordering words, followed by examples:

• First , my mom dropped me off at school that fateful morning.
• Then , I saw an unbelievable sight!
• Finally , the zookeepers showed up and led the baby elephant into the back of a hay-filled truck.

Transition Word for Essays Examples

Example transition words can help you provide evidence in argumentative essays and add interesting detail in descriptive and narrative essays. There are many different kinds of example words and phrases you can use to keep your writing interesting and avoid repetition in a longer essay. Here are some of the most common example transition words for essays:

• for example
• for instance
• specifically
• to illustrate

Here are some additional example transition words for essays you may use in your writing, followed by examples:

• additionally
• equally important
• furthermore
• in addition
• For example , one study explained that students who participate in extracurricular activities have a higher overall homework completion rate.
• Furthermore , engagement in nonacademic activities has been shown to increase confidence in children between the ages of 11 and 14.

Conclusion Transition Words for Essays

Conclusion words help signal to the reader that you are coming to the end of your essay. A strong conclusion paragraph will begin with a clear conclusion word or phrase that will help to sum up your overall points. Here are some of the most common conclusion words and phrases, followed by examples:

• in conclusion
• on the whole
• to conclude
• to summarize
• In conclusion , school uniforms can help improve students’ focus in the middle school classroom.
• In sum , voting is an important part of our democracy and something we shouldn’t take for granted.

Learn more about Transition Words

Writing Academic Essays: Tips and Support: Compare and Contrast Essay

• Informative Process Analysis
• Cause and Effect Essay
• Compare and Contrast Essay
• Argumentative Essay
• Newspapers, Databases & Articles
• MLA Help, Grammar and Writing

Compare/Contrast Essay

• Writing a Compare & Contrast Essay (video)

Compare and Contrast

Compare and Contrast two things

Identify the argument

• What makes this paper argumentative?
• "Better" may be defined in different ways, depending on your argument.
• It should be clear to your readers that you have chosen one subject over the other and why you have done so.

Point-by-Point:

Introduction of two subjects for comparison (Paragraph 1). The Introductory paragraph explains to your readers why they will want to compare the two subjects, and reviews for them the points of comparison.

• Paragraph two introduces and explains point 1 for comparison and discusses how it applies to both subjects; i.e. apples and oranges.
• Paragraph three introduces and explains point 2 for comparison and discusses how it applies to both subjects.
• Paragraph  four introduces and explains point 3 for comparison and discusses how it applies to both subjects.

Conclusion of essay, highlighting the similarities and differences of the two subjects and giving overall recommendations as to which one is superior (better) for the audience.

Choose a topic you know a great deal about and can discuss at length. Think of your skills, hobbies, and interests.

• Could you compare two cell phones to propose to the audience which one you think is a better buy/faster for sending videos and pics/easier to use?
• How about two novels by the same or different authors? Which one is clearly better, and WHY?
• What types of exercises to target abdominal muscles?
• Which residence hall is better to live in - closer to the gym, closer to the lake, closer to San Antonio?
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How to Use Transition Words Effectively In Your Speech

• The Speaker Lab
• May 24, 2024

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Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or new to the speaking world, transition words are one tool you’ll want in your speaking toolbox. Although small and seemingly inconsequential, these transition words go a long way when included in your speech. Not only do they tie your concepts together, but they also ensure that your audience hangs on every word from beginning to end.

Of course, using transition words effectively is an art, but a teachable one. In this post, we’ll dive into the world of transition words for speeches and explore how you can use them to create a smooth speaking flow. Get ready to engage, inspire, and captivate your audience like never before!

What Are Transition Words and Why Are They Important in Speeches?

If you’ve ever listened to a speech that felt disjointed or hard to follow, chances are the speaker wasn’t using effective transition words. Transition words are like the glue that holds a speech together, allowing the speaker to move seamlessly from one point to the next.

If you want to keep your audience engaged during your speech, then transition words are an essential tool. Not only do they help your audience track where you are in your argument, but they also provide clarity to your speech.

Definition of Transition Words

So, what exactly are transition words? In a nutshell, they’re words or phrases that show the relationship between ideas. They act as bridges, linking one thought to another and helping the audience see how everything fits together.

Some common examples include “in addition,” “furthermore,” “on the other hand,” and “as a result.” These words signal to the audience that you’re about to expand on a point, offer a contrasting view, or draw a conclusion.

Role of Transition Words in Speeches

Transition words play a vital role in speeches by guiding the audience through your argument. They help highlight the key takeaways and main points, making it easier for listeners to grasp your message.

Think of them as signposts along the way, pointing the audience in the right direction and keeping them engaged. Without these signposts, the audience can quickly become lost or tune out altogether.

Types of Transition Words

There are several types of transition words , each serving a specific purpose. Some are used to show similarity or add information, such as “similarly,” “additionally,” or “in fact.” Others are used to contrast ideas, like “however,” “conversely,” or “on the contrary.”

You can also use transition words to show cause and effect (“consequently,” “as a result”), to provide examples (“for instance,” “specifically”), or to summarize points (“in conclusion,” “to sum up”). The key is to choose the right transition for the job, one that accurately reflects the relationship between your ideas.

Examples of Transition Words

To give you a better sense of how transition words work in practice, let’s look at a few examples:

• “ In addition to saving money, recycling also helps reduce pollution.” (adding information)
• “ While social media has many benefits, it can also be a major distraction.” (contrasting ideas)
• “ Due to the lack of funding, the project had to be put on hold.” (cause and effect)
• “There are several reasons why exercise is important. First , it helps control weight. Second , it reduces the risk of heart disease.” (listing points)

As you can see, each transition word serves a specific function, helping to clarify the relationship between ideas and keep the speech flowing smoothly.\

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How to Use Transition Words Effectively in Your Speech

Understanding transition words is just the beginning. To truly captivate your listeners, you’ll need to strategically sprinkle them throughout your speech.

Plan Your Transitions in Advance

While you can try using transition words on the fly, it’s much better to plan them out in advance, thinking carefully about how you’ll move from one point to the next. As you’re outlining your speech , jot down some potential transition words or phrases for each main point. This will help you stay on track and avoid those awkward pauses or “um’s” that can derail your momentum.

Use Transitions to Signal Key Points

Transitions are a great way to signal to your audience that you’re about to make an important point. By using phrases like “most importantly” or “the key takeaway is,” you’re priming your listeners to pay extra attention.

Transitions aren’t just fluff—they’re your secret weapon for driving home your main points. When you’re sharing a ton of info, strategic transitions keep your key messages front and center, so your audience never loses the thread.

Vary Your Transition Words

While transition words are essential, you don’t want to overdo it. Using the same transition over and over can start to feel repetitive and monotonous, causing your audience to tune out.

Elevate your speech by incorporating a diverse array of transitions. Venture beyond the comfort of “however” and “furthermore” and embrace the opportunity to innovate with original phrases. Rest assured, your audience will recognize and value the effort you’ve made to keep them engaged and attentive.

Practice Delivering Transitions Naturally

Of course, it’s not enough to simply sprinkle transition words throughout your speech. You also need to deliver them naturally, in a way that feels authentic and conversational.

As you’re practicing your speech, pay close attention to your transitions. Are they flowing smoothly, or do they feel forced and clunky? Keep tweaking and refining until they feel like a natural part of your speech.

Remember, the goal is to make your transitions invisible to the audience. They should seamlessly guide listeners from one point to the next, without drawing attention to themselves.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Transition Words in Speeches

Even the most seasoned speakers can fall into common traps when it comes to using transition words. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for.

Overusing Transition Words

As mentioned earlier, you don’t want to go overboard with your transitions. Peppering every sentence with “for example” or “in addition” can quickly become grating and distracting.

Use transitions judiciously, only when they genuinely help clarify the relationship between ideas. If you find yourself relying on them too heavily, it may be a sign that your speech needs more structure or clarity.

Using Inappropriate Transition Words

Not all transition words are created equal. Using the wrong transition can confuse your audience or undermine your point.

For example, if you’re trying to build on an idea, using a contrasting transition like “however” will send mixed signals. Similarly, if you’re summarizing your main points, starting with “in addition” will feel out of place.

Always make sure your transitions accurately reflect the relationship between your ideas. When in doubt, err on the side of clarity and simplicity.

Failing to Use Transition Words

On the flip side, neglecting to use transition words altogether can be just as problematic. Without these verbal cues, your speech may feel disjointed or hard to follow.

Even if your ideas are brilliant, failing to connect them effectively can leave your audience struggling to keep up. So don’t shy away from using transitions—just use them wisely and strategically.

Mastering Different Types of Transitions in Your Speech

Once you’ve got a good grasp on using transition words, it’s time to get creative. Mix things up by trying out different types of transition words—your audience will love the added variety and depth it brings to your speeches.

Bridging Transitions

Bridging transitions are your secret weapon for a smooth, engaging speech. They help you glide from one main point to the next, keeping your audience hooked without any awkward silences or sudden topic changes.

Some examples of bridging transitions include:

• “ Now that we’ve explored the benefits of exercise, let’s look at some practical ways to incorporate it into your daily routine.”
• “ With that background in mind, let’s dive into the specifics of our new marketing strategy.”

Summarizing Transitions

Summarizing transitions are used to recap key points and reinforce your main message. They’re especially useful in longer speeches, where you want to make sure your audience doesn’t lose sight of the big picture.

Some examples of summarizing transitions include:

• “ To sum up , the three main benefits of meditation are reduced stress, improved focus, and increased self-awareness.”
• “ In short , our new product line has the potential to revolutionize the industry and drive significant growth for our company.”

Signposting Transitions

Signposting transitions act as a guide, giving your audience a sneak peek of what’s to come in your speech. They help keep your listeners engaged and make it easier for them to follow along, like a trusty map leading them through your main points. Signposting transitions include phrases such as “meanwhile,” “subsequently,” and “as a result.” Here are some other examples:

• “ In the next section , we’ll explore the three key factors that contribute to employee satisfaction.”
• “ Moving on to my second point , let’s consider the environmental impact of our current practices.”

Time Transitions

Time transitions are used to indicate a shift in time or sequence, such as moving from the past to the present or from step one to step two. They help create a logical flow and structure for your speech.

Some examples of time transitions include:

• “ Fast forward to today , and our company has grown from a small startup to a global enterprise.”
• “ In the following phase of the project , we’ll be focusing on user testing and feedback.”

Concluding Transitions

Concluding transitions are used to signal the end of your speech and leave a lasting impression on your audience. They help tie everything together and drive home your key takeaways. As you approach the final thoughts in your essay or article, try incorporating a concluding transition to guide your reader to the end.

• “ In conclusion , the path to success is never easy, but with hard work and determination, anything is possible.”
• “ Ultimately , the choice is yours. Will you settle for the status quo, or will you dare to dream big and make a difference?”

By mastering these different types of transitions, you can take your speeches to the next level and keep your audience engaged from start to finish.

Tips for Including Transition Words in Your Speech

Imagine your speech as a journey, and your transitions as the signposts guiding your audience along the way. They help your listeners understand how each idea relates to the next, preventing them from getting lost or disoriented. Crafting effective transitions is an art, but with a few simple techniques, you can keep your audience engaged and eager to explore the path you’ve laid out for them.

Use Transitions to Link Ideas

One of the most important roles of transitions is to link related ideas and show their relationship. By using the right transition phrases, you can help your audience see how your points build upon or contrast with each other. Some great go-to phrases for this are “similarly,” “in addition,” “however,” and “on the other hand.” These create those vital coherent relationships between concepts.

For example, let’s say you’re giving a speech on the benefits of exercise. You might transition between points by saying, “ In addition to improving cardiovascular health, regular exercise has been shown to boost mood and reduce stress.” That simple phrase “in addition” links the ideas and carries your audience to the next point smoothly.

Emphasize Key Points with Transitions

Transitions are also a powerful tool for emphasizing your most important information. By strategically placing transition phrases before key points, you can signal to your audience that they need to pay extra attention. Phrases like “most importantly” or “above all” cue the audience in that the next point is crucial.

For example, you’ve probably heard a speaker command an audience attention by saying, “If you take away one thing from my talk today, let it be this.” Transitions like this cue the audience so that they know the speaker is about to boil down the main message of a presentation.

Use Transitions to Manage Time

Transitions help you stay on track and manage your allotted speaking time . By using signposting transitions like “first,” “next,” and “finally,” you guide your audience through your speech structure. These act as verbal cues for how far along you are.

The next time you write a speech, take a moment to examine your transitions. Are they serving your audience well and allowing your message to flow smoothly? If not, don’t be afraid to mix them up or add more. Your audience will thank you.

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Practicing and Refining Your Use of Transition Words in Speeches

Now that we’ve explored the importance of transitions as well as different types, let’s talk about how you can put these principles into practice. Mastering speech transitions takes time and effort, but the payoff is well worth it. Here are some tips for sharpening your transition skills.

Incorporate Transitions in Speech Writing

The first step to delivering great speech transitions is to weave them into your speech outline. As you outline your main points, consider how you will move between them. What relationships do you want to highlight? What tone do you want to set? Choose transition phrases that match your intent.

To track your transitions, try highlighting them with a different color or font. That way, they stand out visually and remind you to pay extra attention to them when you’re practicing your delivery. It’s a simple trick, but it can keep transitions front and center in your mind.

Practice Delivering Transitions

Of course, writing good transitions is only half the battle. The real magic happens in the delivery. As you rehearse your speech, focus on nailing your transitions. Practice them out loud, paying attention to your pacing, intonation, and body language.

Remember, transitions are an opportunity to re-engage your audience and keep them on track. Experiment with pausing before or after a transition phrase for emphasis. Try changing your tone or volume to signal a shift. The more you practice, the more natural your transitions will become.

Seek Feedback and Critique

Transitions are a vital part of any speech, but it’s not always easy to tell if they’re working. This is where a second opinion comes in handy. Practice your presentation in front of a friend, coworker, or mentor you respect. Get their specific feedback on your transitions—did they make sense and flow naturally? Did they strengthen or weaken your overall point?

You can also record yourself delivering your speech and watch the video back with a critical eye. Take notes on which transitions worked well and which ones fell flat. Then, adjust accordingly. The more feedback you get, the better you’ll become at crafting seamless transitions.

Analyze Effective Transitions in Other Speeches

Finally, pay attention to the transitions in speeches by skilled orators. Analyze how they use transitions to link ideas, change tone, or emphasize key points. Take note of particularly effective transition phrases and consider how you might adapt them to your own speaking style.

Conquering speech transitions takes practice, dedication, and a willingness to learn. Sure, it might feel tough at first, but don’t let that hold you back. The more you dive in, write, and study successful speakers, the more natural it will become. Before you know it, you’ll be weaving transitions that keep your audience hanging on every word.

FAQs on Using Transition Words in Speeches

What are the best transition words for a speech.

To connect ideas smoothly, use “firstly,” “additionally,” “however,” and “therefore.” They guide your audience through your points clearly.

How do you transition between speeches?

Start by summarizing what was said. Then, introduce the next speaker or topic with phrases like “Let’s move on to” or “Next up.” This keeps things flowing.

What are 10 common transition words?

“Moreover,” “consequently,” “nevertheless,” “thus,” “meanwhile,” “furthermore,” “for example,” “on the other hand,” ”in contrast,” and “similarly” are all great transitions words to use in speeches.

What are speech transitions?

Speech transitions are phrases that link different sections together. They help maintain flow and ensure your audience can follow along easily. Think of them as bridges connecting your ideas.

In this article, we’ve covered a lot of ground when it comes to transition words for speeches. From understanding why they matter to mastering different types and crafting smooth transitions, we’ve explored it all. The best part is you’re now equipped with the tools you need to take your speaking game to new heights!

Remember, transition words as the glue that holds your writing together. They help you effortlessly move from one thought to the next, emphasize crucial points, and ensure your audience stays captivated until the very end. With transition words in hand, your speeches are sure to shine!

• Last Updated: May 24, 2024

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