What does it mean to compare? To compare means to examine things for similarities and differences. You may be asked to compare your two studied novels or your studied novel with a studied film.
What if you were to compare Batman and Superman? l You might say that Batman is moody and has a dark personality, unlike the bright and friendly Superman.
l You might also say that both characters have come from troubled backgrounds where their parents were not around. Batman’s parents were killed, while Superman’s parents managed to get him to safety before their planet exploded.
l You might say that both characters have the power to fight evil but they possess different types of power. Batman relies on skills and technology whereas Superman’s powers are natural – they come from within him.
Here are some useful words and phrases that will help you to compare.
Similarities l Both
l Just as l Likewise l In the same way
l The scene mirrors/ reminds us of/is reminiscent of
l Similarly
l As we see in the other text
l This is exactly like l In comparison with l It is identical to
D
Contrasts l By ways of contrast
l In contrast l While l Although l However l Unlike
