compare and contrast essay about siblings

Siblings Compare and Contrast Essay Example

At first glance, is it easy to see the relationship between two siblings? Do they all look or act the same? The similarity rules do not always apply with my brother,  A., and I. While some siblings are alike, my brother and I are not. In order to answer these questions,  A. and I need to compare multiple topics. Our interests, personalities, and appearance are different, but are they similar enough to fit the mold? Appearance is relatively similar, but we are not completely the same. Our interests are both wide apart, but is there common ground? Personalities are very different A. and I are considered similar to each other, but there are large differences to be discussed.

Genetics play a role in how everybody looks, but do siblings all look the same? Some will have more similarities while others will have more differences, but do my older brother,  A., and I fit the mold? Standing at 5’8” and weighing 132 pounds,  A. is considered small and thin for his age. On the other hand, I weigh 180 pounds and stand at 5’6”. I am considered the bigger of the two and usually my brother’s height is a running joke in my family. Builds are another noticeable difference in our appearances. While both of us have rectangle shaped bodies,  A. is much thinner and has broad shoulders while I am more muscular.  A.’s muscles are most noticeable in his legs due to many years of daily running. However, though I also run, I lift weights and play different sports. 

The similarity we obviously share is our faces. Most can tell at a glance that we are siblings because we have the same head shape, nose, eye shape, and mouths. However,  A. does have facial hair which can affect people’s views. While we have the same eye shape, my eyes have more skin underneath and I typically look like I have not slept in days unlike  A.’s full-of-life expression. Hair is another difference present with our appearances. My hair, much to my dismay, is lighter and straighter than my brothers. His brown hair can sometimes be confused with black and has natural waves. Strangely, his facial hair has red in the mix while no hair of mine has any red. His hair is also much shorter than mine which reaches down to my lower back.  A. can be recognized a mile away with his outfits. He wears shorts, sweatpants, and sweatshirts exclusively and usually has the same sweatshirts each week. As much as I also love to wear similar outfits to his, although not the same ones each day, my mother has me wear shirts and jeans to school and gets upset when I “dress like a slob.”

Interests are another point to draw a line at. While my brother and I share some interests, there are plenty which we do not. Although we both love to play video games, I cannot hold a candle to the time he spends playing. His time is full of games while I have more to do before I can play. He also has a larger variety of games compared to me. Another interest we share is our love for running. He has been running daily since he first joined cross country in seventh grade and it has continued even through adulthood. I have tried to run consistently since I joined track in seventh grade, but his skills vastly overpower mine. We love to talk to each other about courses and possible street races which has brought us closer together. As much as I love running, it is not the only athletic activity I enjoy. I have played softball since I was in Kindergarten while  A. quit his baseball career during fifth grade. When he did play, he was third base and shortstop while I have always played outfield, mainly center field. Another sport difference is our basketball experience. He never played basketball because my parents wanted him to focus on school so they never pushed him to join. I started playing basketball during fourth grade and I continued playing until recently which I am not happy about. The only basketball experience my brother has is through Physical Education and assisting me when our father forced him to. Sadly, while helping me, he realized that he wishes that our parents pushed him to do these sports like me. I am glad that they at least encouraged him to join cross country and track. As far as other physical activities go, the only other difference is weightlifting.  A. has never lifted outside of his weights class in senior year. On the other hand, I have lifted consistently throughout high school. This has caused some physical differences between us with my arms and legs having thicker muscles. As much as I love how much I can lift, I do wish I was thinner like  A. and wish I had less fat on my body.

Our different interests are not completely in the athletic category, but they also include different arts. Although we both produce art, we specialize in different areas. My brother enjoys drawing pieces and comics while I do more general art. I do not excel in anything, but I like to draw, paint, and sculpt. He also prefers more monotone color patterns while I love vibrant colors. Another art form we vary in is music. Whether it is listening, playing, or singing, we are different in this regard.  A.’s taste in music usually stems from video games he plays. On the other hand, my taste is typically varied in genre. I also enjoy singing more than my brother so my music is less in the instrumental range compared to his. Also, he stopped playing his instrument while I still play mine. He played alto saxophone until his sophomore year of high school and I am currently playing the flute. 

The main difference in our art activities is our involvement in extracurriculars.  A. prefers working alone and prefers less socializing. However, I hate being alone and have thrown myself into art club and band. Sadly, this has not always been fun and games.  A. and I are expected to get certain grades, do certain activities, and act a certain way. My father has always preferred focusing on  A.’s athletic abilities while pressuring me in education. My mother pushes both of us in grades, but she and my father hold me to a different standard. In this way, I feel that  A. is better than me because “he can reach his goal,” “he is not the failure,” and “he is not the depressed one” while  A. feels that I have in advantage in my “good grades,” “ability to be social,” and “strength.” 

Personality is a quality that most people know each other through.  A. is generally the calmer, slower person of the two of us. On the other hand, I am quite the opposite. With anger problems and a quick fuse, most arguments of mine get out of hand rather quickly. However, argument preferences are not the only difference in our personalities. Although I have social anxiety, I despise being alone and can be talkative around those I know.  A., however, is very antisocial. He will refuse to go out anywhere and his friendships are mostly through online games. Even though he is antisocial, he is easier to be around to most because he is not a loud pessimist. I hate silence as it has sent me into the hospital many times, but I am not the best at talking. What is the solution that I came up with? I need to talk even if it is repeating the same thing or negative things about myself. I need to talk.  A. has social skills that I can only dream of, but he does not go out much. I try to go out, but most avoid depressed pessimists for obvious reasons.  A. is calmer when he needs to be, but energetic in his interests. While I feel like I am alive for once, I still act like I have not slept in days. We can both be unapproachable at times, but I think I take the cake in everything but school.  A. has a more mild and manageable personality, but I have a more emotional personality. While neither is right or wrong, I prefer my brother’s to my own.

After comparing the two siblings, we can now come to a conclusion. I believe that, even though we have many similarities, we are very different. Our appearances are a key factor in how people can tell us apart, but we are not completely alike. Although our interests have some common ground, we have different interests overall. Personality differences are also a nail in the coffin about our differences. Some siblings are copies of each other and others are exact opposites. My brother and I follow a middle line like we follow the line at a cross country meet.

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• Comparing and contrasting in an essay | Tips & examples

Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay | Tips & Examples

Published on August 6, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

Comparing and contrasting is an important skill in academic writing . It involves taking two or more subjects and analyzing the differences and similarities between them.

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Table of contents

When should i compare and contrast, making effective comparisons, comparing and contrasting as a brainstorming tool, structuring your comparisons, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about comparing and contrasting.

Many assignments will invite you to make comparisons quite explicitly, as in these prompts.

• Compare the treatment of the theme of beauty in the poetry of William Wordsworth and John Keats.
• Compare and contrast in-class and distance learning. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each approach?

Some other prompts may not directly ask you to compare and contrast, but present you with a topic where comparing and contrasting could be a good approach.

One way to approach this essay might be to contrast the situation before the Great Depression with the situation during it, to highlight how large a difference it made.

Comparing and contrasting is also used in all kinds of academic contexts where it’s not explicitly prompted. For example, a literature review involves comparing and contrasting different studies on your topic, and an argumentative essay may involve weighing up the pros and cons of different arguments.

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As the name suggests, comparing and contrasting is about identifying both similarities and differences. You might focus on contrasting quite different subjects or comparing subjects with a lot in common—but there must be some grounds for comparison in the first place.

For example, you might contrast French society before and after the French Revolution; you’d likely find many differences, but there would be a valid basis for comparison. However, if you contrasted pre-revolutionary France with Han-dynasty China, your reader might wonder why you chose to compare these two societies.

This is why it’s important to clarify the point of your comparisons by writing a focused thesis statement . Every element of an essay should serve your central argument in some way. Consider what you’re trying to accomplish with any comparisons you make, and be sure to make this clear to the reader.

Comparing and contrasting can be a useful tool to help organize your thoughts before you begin writing any type of academic text. You might use it to compare different theories and approaches you’ve encountered in your preliminary research, for example.

Let’s say your research involves the competing psychological approaches of behaviorism and cognitive psychology. You might make a table to summarize the key differences between them.

Or say you’re writing about the major global conflicts of the twentieth century. You might visualize the key similarities and differences in a Venn diagram.

These visualizations wouldn’t make it into your actual writing, so they don’t have to be very formal in terms of phrasing or presentation. The point of comparing and contrasting at this stage is to help you organize and shape your ideas to aid you in structuring your arguments.

When comparing and contrasting in an essay, there are two main ways to structure your comparisons: the alternating method and the block method.

The alternating method

In the alternating method, you structure your text according to what aspect you’re comparing. You cover both your subjects side by side in terms of a specific point of comparison. Your text is structured like this:

Mouse over the example paragraph below to see how this approach works.

One challenge teachers face is identifying and assisting students who are struggling without disrupting the rest of the class. In a traditional classroom environment, the teacher can easily identify when a student is struggling based on their demeanor in class or simply by regularly checking on students during exercises. They can then offer assistance quietly during the exercise or discuss it further after class. Meanwhile, in a Zoom-based class, the lack of physical presence makes it more difficult to pay attention to individual students’ responses and notice frustrations, and there is less flexibility to speak with students privately to offer assistance. In this case, therefore, the traditional classroom environment holds the advantage, although it appears likely that aiding students in a virtual classroom environment will become easier as the technology, and teachers’ familiarity with it, improves.

The block method

In the block method, you cover each of the overall subjects you’re comparing in a block. You say everything you have to say about your first subject, then discuss your second subject, making comparisons and contrasts back to the things you’ve already said about the first. Your text is structured like this:

• Point of comparison A
• Point of comparison B

The most commonly cited advantage of distance learning is the flexibility and accessibility it offers. Rather than being required to travel to a specific location every week (and to live near enough to feasibly do so), students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows not only for a wider geographical spread of students but for the possibility of studying while travelling. However, distance learning presents its own accessibility challenges; not all students have a stable internet connection and a computer or other device with which to participate in online classes, and less technologically literate students and teachers may struggle with the technical aspects of class participation. Furthermore, discomfort and distractions can hinder an individual student’s ability to engage with the class from home, creating divergent learning experiences for different students. Distance learning, then, seems to improve accessibility in some ways while representing a step backwards in others.

Note that these two methods can be combined; these two example paragraphs could both be part of the same essay, but it’s wise to use an essay outline to plan out which approach you’re taking in each paragraph.

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Some essay prompts include the keywords “compare” and/or “contrast.” In these cases, an essay structured around comparing and contrasting is the appropriate response.

Comparing and contrasting is also a useful approach in all kinds of academic writing : You might compare different studies in a literature review , weigh up different arguments in an argumentative essay , or consider different theoretical approaches in a theoretical framework .

Your subjects might be very different or quite similar, but it’s important that there be meaningful grounds for comparison . You can probably describe many differences between a cat and a bicycle, but there isn’t really any connection between them to justify the comparison.

You’ll have to write a thesis statement explaining the central point you want to make in your essay , so be sure to know in advance what connects your subjects and makes them worth comparing.

Comparisons in essays are generally structured in one of two ways:

• The alternating method, where you compare your subjects side by side according to one specific aspect at a time.
• The block method, where you cover each subject separately in its entirety.

It’s also possible to combine both methods, for example by writing a full paragraph on each of your topics and then a final paragraph contrasting the two according to a specific metric.

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How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay

Last Updated: May 12, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Megan Morgan, PhD . Megan Morgan is a Graduate Program Academic Advisor in the School of Public & International Affairs at the University of Georgia. She earned her PhD in English from the University of Georgia in 2015. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 29 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 3,100,842 times.

The purpose of a compare and contrast essay is to analyze the differences and/or the similarities of two distinct subjects. A good compare/contrast essay doesn’t only point out how the subjects are similar or different (or even both!). It uses those points to make a meaningful argument about the subjects. While it can be a little intimidating to approach this type of essay at first, with a little work and practice, you can write a great compare-and-contrast essay!

Formulating Your Argument

• You could pick two subjects that are in the same “category” but have differences that are significant in some way. For example, you could choose “homemade pizza vs. frozen grocery store pizza.”
• You could pick two subjects that don’t appear to have anything in common but that have a surprising similarity. For example, you could choose to compare bats and whales. (One is tiny and flies, and the other is huge and swims, but they both use sonar to hunt.)
• You could pick two subjects that might appear to be the same but are actually different. For example, you could choose "The Hunger Games movie vs. the book."

• For example, ask yourself: What can we learn by thinking about “The Hunger Games” and “Battle Royale” together that we would miss out on if we thought about them separately?
• It can be helpful to consider the “So what?” question when deciding whether your subjects have meaningful comparisons and contrasts to be made. If you say “The Hunger Games and Battle Royale are both similar and different,” and your friend asked you “So what?” what would your answer be? In other words, why bother putting these two things together?

• A “Venn diagram” can often be helpful when brainstorming. This set of overlapping circles can help you visualize where your subjects are similar and where they differ. In the outer edges of the circle, you write what is different; in the overlapping middle area, you write what’s similar. [2] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source
• You can also just draw out a list of all of the qualities or characteristics of each subject. Once you’ve done that, start looking through the list for traits that both subjects share. Major points of difference are also good to note.

• For example, if you are comparing and contrasting cats and dogs, you might notice that both are common household pets, fairly easy to adopt, and don’t usually have many special care needs. These are points of comparison (ways they are similar).
• You might also note that cats are usually more independent than dogs, that dogs may not provoke allergies as much as cats do, and that cats don’t get as big as many dogs do. These are points of contrast (ways they are different).
• These points of contrast can often be good places to start thinking about your thesis, or argument. Do these differences make one animal a superior type of pet? Or a better pet choice for a specific living situation (e.g., an apartment, a farm, etc.)?

• Show readers why one subject is more desirable than the other. Example: "Cats are better pets than dogs because they require less maintenance, are more independent, and are more adaptable."
• Help readers make a meaningful comparison between two subjects. Example: "New York City and San Francisco are both great cities for young professionals, but they differ in terms of their job opportunities, social environment, and living conditions."
• Show readers how two subjects are similar and different. Example: "While both The Catcher in the Rye and To Kill a Mockingbird explore the themes of loss of innocence and the deep bond between siblings, To Kill a Mockingbird is more concerned with racism while The Catcher in the Rye focuses on the prejudices of class."
• In middle school and high school, the standard format for essays is often the “5-paragraph form,” with an introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion. If your teacher recommends this form, go for it. However, you should be aware that especially in college, teachers and professors tend to want students to break out of this limited mode. Don’t get so locked into having “three main points” that you forget to fully explore your topic.

Organizing Your Essay

• Subject by subject. This organization deals with all of the points about Topic A, then all of the points of Topic B. For example, you could discuss all your points about frozen pizza (in as many paragraphs as necessary), then all your points about homemade pizza. The strength of this form is that you don’t jump back and forth as much between topics, which can help your essay read more smoothly. It can also be helpful if you are using one subject as a “lens” through which to examine the other. The major disadvantage is that the comparisons and contrasts don’t really become evident until much further into the essay, and it can end up reading like a list of “points” rather than a cohesive essay. [4] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source
• Point by point. This type of organization switches back and forth between points. For example, you could first discuss the prices of frozen pizza vs. homemade pizza, then the quality of ingredients, then the convenience factor. The advantage of this form is that it’s very clear what you’re comparing and contrasting. The disadvantage is that you do switch back and forth between topics, so you need to make sure that you use transitions and signposts to lead your reader through your argument.
• Compare then contrast. This organization presents all the comparisons first, then all the contrasts. It’s a pretty common way of organizing an essay, and it can be helpful if you really want to emphasize how your subjects are different. Putting the contrasts last places the emphasis on them. However, it can be more difficult for your readers to immediately see why these two subjects are being contrasted if all the similarities are first.

• Introduction. This paragraph comes first and presents the basic information about the subjects to be compared and contrasted. It should present your thesis and the direction of your essay (i.e., what you will discuss and why your readers should care).
• Body Paragraphs. These are the meat of your essay, where you provide the details and evidence that support your claims. Each different section or body paragraph should tackle a different division of proof. It should provide and analyze evidence in order to connect those proofs to your thesis and support your thesis. Many middle-school and high-school essays may only require three body paragraphs, but use as many as is necessary to fully convey your argument.
• Acknowledgement of Competitive Arguments/Concession. This paragraph acknowledges that other counter-arguments exist, but discusses how those arguments are flawed or do not apply.
• Conclusion. This paragraph summarizes the evidence presented. It will restate the thesis, but usually in a way that offers more information or sophistication than the introduction could. Remember: your audience now has all the information you gave them about why your argument is solid. They don’t need you to just reword your original thesis. Take it to the next level!

• Introduction: state your intent to discuss the differences between camping in the woods or on the beach.
• Body Paragraph 1 (Woods): Climate/Weather
• Body Paragraph 2 (Woods): Types of Activities and Facilities
• Body Paragraph 3 (Beach): Climate/Weather
• Body Paragraph 4 (Beach): Types of Activities and Facilities

• Introduction

• Body Paragraph 1: Similarity between woods and beaches (both are places with a wide variety of things to do)
• Body Paragraph 2: First difference between woods and beaches (they have different climates)
• Body Paragraph 3: Second difference between woods and beaches (there are more easily accessible woods than beaches in most parts of the country)
• Body Paragraph 4: Emphasis on the superiority of the woods to the beach

• Topic sentence: This sentence introduces the main idea and subject of the paragraph. It can also provide a transition from the ideas in the previous paragraph.
• Body: These sentences provide concrete evidence that support the topic sentence and main idea.
• Conclusion: this sentence wraps up the ideas in the paragraph. It may also provide a link to the next paragraph’s ideas.

Putting It All Together

• If you are having trouble finding evidence to support your argument, go back to your original texts and try the brainstorming process again. It could be that your argument is evolving past where it started, which is good! You just need to go back and look for further evidence.

• For example, in a body paragraph about the quality of ingredients in frozen vs. homemade pizza, you could close with an assertion like this: “Because you actively control the quality of the ingredients in pizza you make at home, it can be healthier for you than frozen pizza. It can also let you express your imagination. Pineapple and peanut butter pizza? Go for it! Pickles and parmesan? Do it! Using your own ingredients lets you have fun with your food.” This type of comment helps your reader understand why the ability to choose your own ingredients makes homemade pizza better.

• Reading your essay aloud can also help you find problem spots. Often, when you’re writing you get so used to what you meant to say that you don’t read what you actually said.

• Avoid bias. Don't use overly negative or defamatory language to show why a subject is unfavorable; use solid evidence to prove your points instead.
• Avoid first-person pronouns unless told otherwise. In some cases, your teacher may encourage you to use “I” and “you” in your essay. However, if the assignment or your teacher doesn’t mention it, stick with third-person instead, like “one may see” or “people may enjoy.” This is common practice for formal academic essays.
• Proofread! Spelling and punctuation errors happen to everyone, but not catching them can make you seem lazy. Go over your essay carefully, and ask a friend to help if you’re not confident in your own proofreading skills.

Sample Body Paragraphs

• "When one is deciding whether to go to the beach or the woods, the type of activities that each location offers are an important point to consider. At the beach, one can enjoy the water by swimming, surfing, or even building a sandcastle with a moat that will fill with water. When one is in the woods, one may be able to go fishing or swimming in a nearby lake, or one may not be near water at all. At the beach, one can keep one's kids entertained by burying them in sand or kicking around a soccer ball; if one is in the woods, one can entertain one's kids by showing them different plans or animals. Both the beach and the woods offer a variety of activities for adults and kids alike."

• "The beach has a wonderful climate, many activities, and great facilities for any visitor's everyday use. If a person goes to the beach during the right day or time of year, he or she can enjoy warm, yet refreshing water, a cool breeze, and a relatively hot climate. At the beach, one can go swimming, sunbathe, or build sandcastles. There are also great facilities at the beach, such as a changing room, umbrellas, and conveniently-located restaurants and changing facilities. The climate, activities, and facilities are important points to consider when deciding between the beach and the woods."

Sample Essay Outline

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About This Article

To write a compare and contrast essay, try organizing your essay so you're comparing and contrasting one aspect of your subjects in each paragraph. Or, if you don't want to jump back and forth between subjects, structure your essay so the first half is about one subject and the second half is about the other. You could also write your essay so the first few paragraphs introduce all of the comparisons and the last few paragraphs introduce all of the contrasts, which can help emphasize your subjects' differences and similarities. To learn how to choose subjects to compare and come up with a thesis statement, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Blog > Common App , Essay Advice > Should you write your college essay about siblings?

Should you write your college essay about siblings?

Admissions officer reviewed by Ben Bousquet, M.Ed Former Vanderbilt University

Written by Kylie Kistner, MA Former Willamette University Admissions

Key Takeaway

Siblings. Love them or hate them, they shape who you are, especially as a high school student.

If your relationship with your sibling(s) has significantly impacted your life, then you may be considering it as a topic for your college essay.

But how do you decide if writing about siblings is right for you? If it is, what’s the best way to write about them in a college essay?

Like a fight with your sibling, let’s get into it.

When should you write a college essay about your siblings?

Essays about siblings have a lot of potential as personal statements because your personality and values can implicitly shine through your relationship with your sibling(s).

They can also be downright adorable. In fact, one of the essays I remember most fondly from my time as an admissions officer was about the student’s close relationship with her sibling. I could tell that she was a really sweet, caring person from how she wrote about their good memories together.

But “adorable” isn’t always the message you want your admissions officers to take away from your essay.

Students commonly err by spending too much valuable essay real estate describing their sibling or relationship and not enough on themselves.

At the end of the day, your college essay needs to be a genuine reflection that tells the admissions committee who you are and why they should admit you.

If your own relationship with your sibling(s) does that for you, then go for it. If not, consider another topic that does.

Dos and don’ts when writing about siblings in your college essay

Once you’ve determined whether you should write about your siblings, you’re likely asking how you should write about them. Consider the following advice before you begin writing your essay.

Do write about a memory or tradition that significantly shaped who you are.

One way to write a successful essay about siblings is to hone in on a specific memory or tradition.

Focusing on a specific event gives your admissions officer insight into what your life has actually been like. It’ll also help keep you on track and prevent you from going on too many tangents.

You can set the scene through your language and extract broader meaning from those special moments with your sibling.

The key is that the memory or tradition has to have had a concrete and prominent effect on who you are today. Otherwise, why write about it?

You could write about how you and your sister are renowned tennis stars, how you hiked the Pacific Crest Trail with your three siblings, or how yearly Groundhog Day celebrations with your brother led to your interest in physics.

Choose a memory or tradition that molded your values or dramatically changed something about you.

Do explain how a specific part of you exists because of your sibling.

Another effective approach is to explain how your sibling directly influenced you.

Beware of focusing too much on your sibling. But sometimes the only way we can truly explain who we are is by discussing the events or people that affected us.

If your sibling’s personality, activities, or behavior made you into who you are today, then this approach may be for you.

Probably the most common version of this essay is about sibling competition. Students like to write about how they have always competed with or lived in the shadow of a sibling. This approach can sometimes work, but it’s a common topic that tends to be too negative, so you may consider alternatives.

Better methods might include: identifying an impactful activity you did together, reconciling different beliefs, or analyzing how your personality developed in response to theirs.

Whichever approach you choose, try to avoid the following common mistakes.

Don’t write a college essay about how great your siblings are.

Your college admissions essay isn’t Yelp. Don’t just write a glowing review of your sibling rather than a college essay about yourself. Your sibling should not be the main character of your essay. You should.

Your essay also shouldn’t provide a simple or generic explanation of why you love, hate, admire, etc. them.

Think about it: does an essay on those topics actually advocate for you to be admitted? Likely not. That’s why it’s important that your essay is, at its core, about you.

Don’t get lost in negative emotions.

While you may have been negatively impacted in some way by your sibling, your college essay isn’t a burn book, either. And its goal isn’t to get your sibling into (or out of) college.

Your college essay needs to serve you.

While it’s okay to explore the darker sides of life in a college essay, you don’t want to write something that ultimately leaves your admissions officer with a negative taste.

You want them to envision you as a happy, engaged college student. However you write about your relationship with your sibling should, in the end, help your admissions officer to make these positive connections.

Final Thoughts

College essays about siblings don’t always work in your favor. They can be too much about your sibling, too superficial, or filled with too much emotion that doesn’t serve a clear purpose.

So if you’re going to write about your siblings, make sure that you are doing so because it is the best way to tell the admissions committee about you.

If you’re ready start writing your college essay about siblings, check out our How to Write a College Essay guide.

Liked that? Try this next.

The Incredible Power of a Cohesive College Application

How to Write a College Essay (Exercises + Examples)

12 Common App Essay Examples (Graded by Former Admissions Officers)

How to Write Supplemental Essays that Will Impress Admissions Officers

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5.6: Compare and Contrast

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• Jenifer Kurtz

Comparison in writing discusses elements that are similar, while contrast in writing discusses elements that are different. A compare-and-contrast essay , then, analyzes two subjects by comparing them, contrasting them, or both.

The key to a good compare-and-contrast essay is to choose two or more subjects that connect in a meaningful way. The purpose of conducting the comparison or contrast is not to state the obvious but rather to illuminate subtle differences or unexpected similarities. For example, if you wanted to focus on contrasting two subjects you would not pick apples and oranges; rather, you might choose to compare and contrast two types of oranges or two types of apples to highlight subtle differences. For example, Red Delicious apples are sweet, while Granny Smiths are tart and acidic. Drawing distinctions between elements in a similar category will increase the audience’s understanding of that category, which is the purpose of the compare-and-contrast essay.

Similarly, to focus on comparison, choose two subjects that seem at first to be unrelated. For a comparison essay, you likely would not choose two apples or two oranges because they share so many of the same properties already. Rather, you might try to compare how apples and oranges are quite similar. The more divergent the two subjects initially seem, the more interesting a comparison essay will be.

Writing at Work

Comparing and contrasting is also an evaluative tool. In order to make accurate evaluations about a given topic, you must first know the critical points of similarity and difference. Comparing and contrasting is a primary tool for many workplace assessments. You have likely compared and contrasted yourself to other colleagues. Employee advancements, pay raises, hiring, and firing are typically conducted using comparison and contrast. Comparison and contrast could be used to evaluate companies, departments, or individuals.

Exercise 13

Brainstorm an essay that leans toward contrast. Choose one of the following three categories. Pick two examples from each. Then come up with one similarity and three differences between the examples.

• Romantic comedies
• Internet search engines
• Cell phones

Exercise 14

Brainstorm an essay that leans toward comparison. Choose one of the following three items. Then come up with one difference and three similarities.

• Department stores and discount retail stores
• Fast food chains and fine dining restaurants
• Dogs and cats

The Structure of a Comparison and Contrast Essay

The compare-and-contrast essay starts with a thesis that clearly states the two subjects that are to be compared, contrasted, or both and the reason for doing so. Remember, the point of comparing and contrasting is to provide useful knowledge to the reader. Take the following thesis as an example that focuses on contrast.

Thesis statement : Organic vegetables may cost more than those that are conventionally grown, but they are definitely worth every extra penny.

Here the thesis sets up the two subjects to be compared and contrasted (organic versus conventional vegetables), and it makes a claim about the results that might prove useful to the reader.

You may organize compare-and-contrast essays in one of the following two ways:

• According to the subjects themselves, discussing one then the other
• According to individual points, discussing each subject in relation to each point

The organizational structure you choose depends on the nature of the topic, your purpose, and your audience. See the chart below, which diagrams the ways to organize the organic versus conventional vegetables thesis.

Given that compare-and-contrast essays analyze the relationship between two subjects, it is helpful to have some phrases on hand that will cue the reader to such analysis. See the chart below for examples.

Create an outline for each of the items you chose in Exercises 13 and 14. Use the point-by-point organizing strategy for one of them, and use the subject organizing strategy for the other.

Writing a Comparison and Contrast Essay

First, choose whether you want to compare seemingly disparate subjects, contrast seemingly similar subjects, or compare and contrast subjects. Once you have decided on a topic, introduce it with an engaging opening paragraph. Your thesis should come at the end of the introduction, and it should establish the subjects you will compare, contrast, or both as well as state what can be learned from doing so.

The body of the essay can be organized in one of two ways: by subject or by individual points. The organizing strategy that you choose will depend on, as always, your audience and your purpose. You may also consider your particular approach to the subjects as well as the nature of the subjects themselves; some subjects might better lend themselves to one structure or the other. Make sure to use comparison and contrast phrases to cue the reader to the ways in which you are analyzing the relationship between the subjects.

After you finish analyzing the subjects, write a conclusion that reinforces your thesis while drawing a conclusion based on what you have presented. This conclusion is the “and so” statement for your essay, giving you the place to offer a judgement based on the examination you have just offered.

Many business presentations are conducted using comparison and contrast. The organizing strategies—by subject or individual points—could also be used for organizing a presentation. Keep this in mind as a way of organizing your content the next time you or a colleague have to present something at work.

Exercise 16

Choose two people who are significant in your life and have a similar relationship with you (two friends, two siblings, etc). Make a list of similarities and differences between these people. Consult your list, then draw a conclusion based on the presence of these similarities and differences. Outline the similarities and differences, then write a statement that offers an overall conclusion.

Assignment 5

Choose one of the outlines you created in Exercise 15 or 16, and write a full compare-and-contrast essay. Be sure to include an engaging introduction, a clear thesis, well-defined and detailed paragraphs, and a fitting conclusion that ties everything together.

Key Takeaways

• A compare-and-contrast essay analyzes two subjects by either comparing them, contrasting them, or both.
• The purpose of writing a comparison or contrast essay is not to state the obvious but rather to illuminate subtle differences or unexpected similarities between two subjects.
• The thesis should clearly state the subjects that are to be compared, contrasted, or both, and it should state what is to be learned from doing so.
• Organize by the subjects themselves, one then the other.
• Organize by individual points, in which you discuss each subject in relation to each point.
• Use phrases of comparison or phrases of contrast to signal to readers how exactly the two subjects are being analyzed.

External Links

“ Disability ” ( https://tinyurl.com/y99te6e2 ) by Nancy Mairs: In “Disability,” writer Nancy Mairs discusses the experience of being a disabled person in a world focused on the able-bodied. It seems to be titled “Hers” but it is the correct essay.

“ Friending, Ancient or Otherwise ” ( https://tinyurl.com/y85u8ae8 ) by Alex Wright: In “Friending, Ancient or Otherwise,” writer Alex Wright explores the evolution and purpose of friendship in the age of social media.

“ Sex, Lies and Conversation: Why Is It So Hard for Men and Women to Talk to Each Other ? ” ( https://tinyurl.com/y95dpehx ) by Deborah Tannen. In this essay, Tannen compares and contrasts conversation styles. You can view the essay here ( https://tinyurl.com/y9vnjqv8 ) also.

Example Comparison and Contrast Essay: "A South African Storm"

By Allison Howard – Peace Corps Volunteer: South Africa (2003-2005)

It’s a Saturday afternoon in January in South Africa. When I begin the 45–minute walk to the shops for groceries, I can hear thunder cracking in the distance up the mountain in Mageobaskloof. But at 4 p.m. the sky is still light and bright and I am sure—famous last words—I will be fine without an umbrella.

Just the basics: eggs, bread, Diet Coke in a bag slung into the crook of my elbow. Halfway from town, two black South African women—domestic workers in the homes of white Afrikaner families—stop me with wide smiles. They know me; I’m the only white person in town who walks everywhere, as they do. They chatter quickly in northern Sotho: “Missus, you must go fast. Pula e tla na! The rain, it comes!” They like me, and it feels very important to me that they do.“Yebo, yebo, mma,” I say—Yes, it’s true—and I hurry along in flip-flops, quickening my pace, feeling good about our brief but neighborly conversation. These are Venda women.

My black South African friends tell me it’s easy to tell a Venda from a Shangaan from a Xhosa from a Pedi. “These ones from Venda, they have wide across the nose and high in the cheekbones,” they say. But I don’t see it; I’m years away from being able to distinguish the nuances of ethnicity. Today, I know these women are Vendas simply because of their clothing: bright stripes of green and yellow and black fabric tied at one shoulder and hanging quite like a sack around their bodies. They’ve already extended a kindness to me by speaking in northern Sotho. It’s not their language but they know I don’t speak a word of Afrikaans (though they don’t understand why; Afrikaans is the language of white people). They know I struggle with Sotho and they’re trying to help me learn. So they speak Sotho to me and they’re delighted and amused by my fumbling responses. And I am, quite simply, delighted by their delight.

The Venda ladies are right: the rain, it comes. Lightly at first, and by habit I begin trotting to hurry my way home. Just a little rain at first and there are plenty of us out in it. I can see others up ahead on the street and others still just leaving the shops to get back before the real rain begins.

The people who are walking along this swath of tar road are black. Black people don’t live in this neighborhood—or in my town at all, for the most part. They work and board here as domestic workers, nannies, gardeners. Their families live in black townships and rural villages—some just outside of my town; others far away, in places like Venda.

Today, we’re walking together in the rain, and I’m quickening my pace because—after all, it’s raining. That’s what you do in the rain. And even though it’s coming down noticeably harder, it’s 80 degrees and I’m not cold, I’m just wet. My hair is stuck to my forehead and my T-shirt is soaked … and I’m the only one running for cover. And I think: So what? It’s just water and in the middle of the January summer, it’s warm, refreshing water. Why run? Why do we run from the rain?

In my life back in the United States, I might run because I was carrying a leather handbag, or because I wore an outfit that shouldn’t get wet. I would run because rain dishevels and messes things up. Mostly though, we run because we just do; it’s a habit. I’ve done it a hundred times: running to my car or the subway station with a newspaper sheltering my head. I have never not quickened my pace in the rain until today.

It took all of my 27 years and a move to Africa, where I don’t have a leather handbag to shelter or a pretty outfit to protect. I’m wearing an old cotton skirt and a T-shirt, and I’m drenched, and I love it. I learn things here in the most ordinary circumstances. And I feel like a smarter, better woman today because I got groceries in the rain.

But on the long walk home, positively soaked and smiling like a fool, I notice a car pulling over and a man yelling in Afrikaans to get in, get in. I look in the direction I’ve come from and several meters behind me is a woman with a baby tied to her back and an elderly man carrying bags, leading a young boy by the hand. On the road ahead, a woman about my age carries a parcel wrapped in plastic, balanced precariously on her head. There are maybe 20 people walking with me in my reverie of rain and they are black. And the man in the car is white and he’s gesturing frantically for me to get in. Why me? Why not the others? Because I’m white and it’s about race. Everything is about race here.

This man in the car is trying to do something kind and neighborly. He wants to help me and his gesture is right, but his instincts are so wrong. How do you resent someone who is, for no benefit of his own, trying to help? But I do. I resent him and I resent the world he lives in that taught him such selective kindness. This whole event unravels in a few seconds’ time. He’s leaned over and opened the car door, urging me in … and I get in. And we speed past my fellow walkers and he drops me at my doorstep before I have time to think of anything besides giving him directions.

It feels like a mistake because I’m ashamed to think what the Venda women would have felt if he’d ignored them and they had watched me climb into that car. In some ways, the whole episode seems absurd. I’m not going to atone for 400 years of South African history by walking with black people in the rain. If I’d refused his ride, he wouldn’t have thought anything besides the fact that I was certifiably crazy. That’s the thing about being here: I’m not going to changeanything. But I believe it matters in some infinitesimal way that people like the Venda women, and the dozens of people who may walk alongside me on any given day, know that I’m there. In black South African culture it is polite to greet every person you pass. That’s what they do, so I do it, too. On the occasional morning, someone might greet me as “sesi,” sister. I have to believe that matters; I know it matters to me.

I was disappointed in myself for getting into the car because I acted according to the same habit that makes us think rain an inconvenience. Just as we run from the rain, I hopped into that car because I’m supposed to. Conventionally, it makes sense. But convention compels us to do so many things that don’t make any sense at all. Convention misinforms our instincts. And in a larger sense, it is convention that propels Afrikaner culture anachronistically into the future. Ten years after the supposed end of apartheid, I’m living in a world of institutionalized racism. Convention becomes institution—and it’s oppressive and it’s unjust. I know that if I’m going to make it here for two more years, I need to walk in the rain. It’s a small, wasted gesture, but it’s an uncorrupted instinct that makes me feel human.

So much about living here feels like that fraction of a second when the Afrikaner man was appealing to my conventional sensibilities and the people on the street were appealing to my human instincts. It may feel unnatural to reject those sensibilities just as, at first, it feels unnatural to walk in the rain. But if I lose a hold on my instincts here, I’ll fail myself and I’ll fail to achieve those tiny things that matter so much. It’s simple and it’s small; and it’s everything. Gandhi said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Indeed. Let it rain.

Example Comparison and Contrast Essay #2: Comparing and Contrasting London and Washington, DC

Both Washington, DC, and London are capital cities of English-speaking countries, and yet they offer vastly different experiences to their residents and visitors. Comparing and contrasting the two cities based on their history, their culture, and their residents show how different and similar the two are.

Both cities are rich in world and national history, though they developed on very different time lines. London, for example, has a history that dates back over two thousand years. It was part of the Roman Empire and known by the similar name, Londinium. It was not only one of the northernmost points of the Roman Empire but also the epicenter of the British Empire where it held significant global influence from the early sixteenth century on through the early twentieth century. Washington, DC, on the other hand, has only formally existed since the late eighteenth century. Though Native Americans inhabited the land several thousand years earlier, and settlers inhabited the land as early as the sixteenth century, the city did not become the capital of the United States until the 1790s. From that point onward to today, however, Washington, DC, has increasingly maintained significant global influence. Even though both cities have different histories, they have both held, and continue to hold, significant social influence in the economic and cultural global spheres.

Both Washington, DC, and London offer a wide array of museums that harbor many of the world’s most prized treasures. While Washington, DC, has the National Gallery of Art and several other Smithsonian galleries, London’s art scene and galleries have a definite edge in this category. From the Tate Modern to the British National Gallery, London’s art ranks among the world’s best. This difference and advantage has much to do with London and Britain’s historical depth compared to that of the United States. London has a much richer past than Washington, DC, and consequently has a lot more material to pull from when arranging its collections. Both cities have thriving theater districts, but again, London wins this comparison, too, both in quantity and quality of theater choices. With regard to other cultural places like restaurants, pubs, and bars, both cities are very comparable. Both have a wide selection of expensive, elegant restaurants as well as a similar amount of global and national chains. While London may be better known for its pubs and taste in beer, DC offers a different bar-going experience. With clubs and pubs that tend to stay open later than their British counterparts, the DC night life tend to be less reserved overall.

Both cities also share and differ in cultural diversity and cost of living. Both cities share a very expensive cost of living—both in terms of housing and shopping. A downtown one-bedroom apartment in DC can easily cost $1,800 per month, and a similar “flat” in London may double that amount. These high costs create socioeconomic disparity among the residents. Although both cities’ residents are predominantly wealthy, both have a significantly large population of poor and homeless. Perhaps the most significant difference between the resident demographics is the racial makeup. Washington, DC, is a “minority majority” city, which means the majority of its citizens are races other than white. In 2009, according to the US Census, 55 percent of DC residents were classified as “Black or African American” and 35 percent of its residents were classified as “white.” London, by contrast, has very few minorities—in 2006, 70 percent of its population was “white,” while only 10 percent was “black.” The racial demographic differences between the cities is drastic.

Even though Washington, DC, and London are major capital cities of English-speaking countries in the Western world, they have many differences along with their similarities. They have vastly different histories, art cultures, and racial demographics, but they remain similar in their cost of living and socioeconomic disparity.

5. Compare/Contrast

2. compare and contrast.

Your next essay is going to be a comparison/contrast of two connected items. Comparison means looking at similar ideas; contrast looks at differences.

…………………………………………………………………………………

First of all, you need to think about what you want to compare/contrast (topic). Some popular topics are two best friends; two cars you’ve owned; two places you’ve lived; the differences (and similarities) between high school and college; two siblings; two parents; two favorite movies, TV shows or other forms of entertainment. The key to choosing a topic is the two items have to have some kind of connection. You might want to compare/contrast a hawk with an eagle, or a hawk with a pigeon (predator-prey) for instance, but why would you want to look at a hawk and a hummingbird, for instance. Except that they’re two birds, there isn’t a lot else in common. You might even look at an ostrich and a hummingbird, as the largest and smallest of birds, but a hummingbird and hawk don’t have even that kind of connection.

………………………………………………………………………………………………..

There are three ways you can go about developing a comparison/contrast paper. I’ll briefly discuss them, but you need to think about which would be best for the topic you’ve chosen:

• Case Pattern  (one side at a time). With this format, you begin the body of your essay with one of the two items you are writing about. You discuss that item thoroughly before moving on to the second item. When you get to the second item, you are finished with the first. You don’t need to repeat what you said in the first section of the essay. For example, let’s say you’re writing an essay on the similarities and differences between the American alligator and the Nile crocodile. You want to look at three aspects of the reptiles: habitat; feeding habits; breeding habits. With the case pattern, you would have a section solely dedicated to the alligator, perhaps with a paragraph each for habitat, feeding habits and breeding habits. Then you would have a section solely dedicated to the crocodile, again, focusing on those three sections. The key thing to remember here is to consistency. If you have three paragraphs in the alligator section, you should have three paragraphs in the crocodile section.
• Alternating pattern  (point-by point). With this format, you will be going back and forth between the two items. The similarities and differences are much more obvious, since you are mixing the two items together instead of separating them as you did with the case pattern. For instance, with the alligator/crocodile essay, you would have three sections: one on habitat; one on feeding habits and one on breeding habits. Within the section on habitat, you would look at both the similarities and difference between where alligators and crocodiles live. They both like wet areas, but the alligator is much more inclined to a swampy environment, whereas the crocodile likes a more open area. Again, consistence would be important here. Each section should be about the same length. If you have a lot of information on habitat and feeding habits but only a brief section on breeding, the reader will assume you are not as familiar with that section. If you’re not, why include it?
• Opposing pattern  (similarities vs. differences). With this format, you are emphasizing that two items have a balanced amount of similarities and differences. It only works if there is that balance. If you are writing about your two twin siblings, there are probably many more similarities than differences. You would be writing a lopsided paper. But if you were looking at your two best friends, there might be a fairly even balance: they’re your best friends because they probably have a lot in common, but they are two individuals who have been raised differently and think differently, perhaps. Our friends, the alligator and crocodile would work well, probably, in the opposing pattern. They are very similar in that they are large predator reptiles. But they have vast differences as well, including location and personality traits (crocodiles are much more aggressive and much more dangerous to humans, for instance).

………………………………………………………………………….

Here are outlines for the three essays just described:

……………………………………………….

Case Pattern

Introduction (Including thesis statement)

A. Alligators

2. Feeding habits

3. Breeding habits

B. Crocodiles

………………………………………………………………….

Alternating Pattern

Introduction

1. Alligators

2. Crocodiles

B. Feeding habits

C. Breeding habits

……………………………………………………………………

Opposing Patterns

A. Similarities

1. Habitat likenesses

2. Feeding likenesses

3. Breeding likeness

B. Differences

1. Habitat differences

2. Feeding differences

3. Breeding differences

…………………………………………………………………………..

Again, pick a topic you feel comfortable with- one you have a good, solid knowledge of and one you will enjoy writing about. Make sure your topic is narrow enough to deal with in an essay of three or so pages. You can’t write about the similarities and differences between World War I and World War II, for instance. You need an introduction and conclusion, again, remembering that introductions attract readers and express theses, and conclusions influence readers to continue thinking about your topic.

Remember to include a rough draft. Try prewriting if you’re having any problems getting started. Talk to your classmates about possible topics if you like.

• Authored by : Jeff Meyers. Provided by : Clinton Community College. License : CC BY: Attribution

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Comparing and Contrasting: A Guide to Improve Your Essays

Walter Akolo

Essays that require you to compare and contrast two or more subjects, ideas, places, or items are common.

They call for you to highlight the key similarities (compare) and differences (contrast) between them.

This guide contains all the information you need to become better at writing comparing and contrasting essays.

This includes: how to structure your essay, how to decide on the content, and some examples of essay questions.

Let’s dive in.

What Is Comparing and Contrasting?

Is compare and contrast the same as similarities and differences, what is the purpose of comparing and contrasting, can you compare and contrast any two items, how do you compare and contrast in writing, what are some comparing and contrasting techniques, how do you compare and contrast in college level writing, the four essentials of compare and contrast essays, what can you learn from a compare and contrast essay.

At their most basic, both comparing and contrasting base their evaluation on two or more subjects that share a connection.

The subjects could have similar characteristics, features, or foundations.

But while a comparison discusses the similarities of the two subjects, e.g. a banana and a watermelon are both fruit, contrasting highlights how the subjects or items differ from each other, e.g. a watermelon is around 10 times larger than a banana.

Any question that you are asked in education will have a variety of interesting comparisons and deductions that you can make.

Compare is the same as similarities.

Contrast is the same as differences.

This is because comparing identifies the likeness between two subjects, items, or categories, while contrasting recognizes disparities between them.

When you compare things, you represent them regarding their similarity, but when you contrast things, you define them in reference to their differences.

As a result, if you are asked to discuss the similarities and differences between two subjects, you can take an identical approach to if you are writing a compare and contrast essay.

In writing, the purpose of comparing and contrasting is to highlight subtle but important differences or similarities that might not be immediately obvious.

By illustrating the differences between elements in a similar category, you help heighten readers’ understanding of the subject or topic of discussion.

For instance, you might choose to compare and contrast red wine and white wine by pointing out the subtle differences. One of these differences is that red wine is best served at room temperature while white is best served chilled.

Also, comparing and contrasting helps to make abstract ideas more definite and minimizes the confusion that might exist between two related concepts.

Can Comparing and Contrasting Be Useful Outside of Academia?

Comparing enables you to see the pros and cons, allowing you to have a better understanding of the things under discussion. In an essay, this helps you demonstrate that you understand the nuances of your topic enough to draw meaningful conclusions from them.

Let's use a real-word example to see the benefits. Imagine you're contrasting two dresses you could buy. You might think:

• Dress A is purple, my favorite color, but it has a difficult zip and is practically impossible to match a jacket to.
• Dress B is more expensive but I already have a suitable pair of shoes and jacket and it is easier to move in.

You're linking the qualities of each dress to the context of the decision you're making. This is the same for your essay. Your comparison and contrast points will be in relation to the question you need to answer.

Comparing and contrasting is only a useful technique when applied to two related concepts.

To effectively compare two or more things, they must feature characteristics similar enough to warrant comparison.

In addition to this they must also feature a similarity that generates an interesting discussion. But what do I mean by “interesting” here?

Let’s look at two concepts, the Magna Carta and my third grade poetry competition entry.

They are both text, written on paper by a person so they fulfil the first requirement, they have a similarity. But this comparison clearly would not fulfil the second requirement, you would not be able to draw any interesting conclusions.

However, if we compare the Magna Carta to the Bill of Rights, you would be able to come to some very interesting conclusions concerning the history of world politics.

To write a good compare and contrast essay, it’s best to pick two or more topics that share a meaningful connection .

The aim of the essay would be to show the subtle differences or unforeseen similarities.

By highlighting the distinctions between elements in a similar category you can increase your readers’ understanding.

Alternatively, you could choose to focus on a comparison between two subjects that initially appear unrelated.

The more dissimilar they seem, the more interesting the comparison essay will turn out.

For instance, you could compare and contrast professional rugby players with marathon runners.

Can You Compare and Contrast in an Essay That Does Not Specifically Require It?

As a writer, you can employ comparing and contrasting techniques in your writing, particularly when looking for ideas you can later apply in your argument.

You can do this even when the comparison or contrast is not a requirement for the topic or argument you are presenting. Doing so could enable you to build your evaluation and develop a stronger argument.

Note that the similarities and differences you come up with might not even show up in the final draft.

While the use of compare and contrast can be neutral, you can also use it to highlight one option under discussion. When used this way, you can influence the perceived advantages of your preferred option.

As a writing style, comparing and contrasting can encompass an entire essay. However, it could also appear in some select paragraphs within the essay, where making some comparisons serves to better illustrate a point.

What Should You Do First?

Before you compare two things, always start by deciding on the reason for your comparison, then outline the criteria you will use to compare them.

Words and phrases commonly used for comparison include:

In writing, these words and phrases are called transitions . They help readers to understand or make the connection between sentences, paragraphs, and ideas.

Without transition words writing can feel clumsy and disjointed making it difficult to read. ProWritingAid’s transition report highlights all of a documents transitions and suggests that 25% of any sentences in a piece include a transition.

Sign up for a free ProWritingAid account to use the Transitions Report.

So, how do you form all of this into a coherent essay? It's a good idea to plan first, then decide what your paragraph layout will look like.

Venn diagrams are useful tool to start generating ideas. The, for your essay, you need to choose between going idea by idea and going point by point.

Using a Venn Diagram

A Venn diagram helps you to clearly see the similarities and differences between multiple objects, things, or subjects.

The writing tool comprises two, or more, simple, overlapping circles in which you list down the things that are alike (within the overlapping area) and those that differ (outside the overlapping area).

It’s great for brainstorming ideas and for creating your essay’s outline. You could even use it in an exam setting because it is quick and simple.

Going Subject by Subject

Going subject by subject is a structural choice for your essay.

Start by saying all you have to say on the first subject, then proceed to do the same about the second subject.

Depending on the length of your essay, you can fit the points about each subject into one paragraph or have several sections per each subject, ending with a conclusion.

This method is best for short essays on simple topics. Most university-level essays will go point by point instead.

Going Point by Point

Going point by point, or alternating, is the opposite essay structure from going subject by subject. This is ideal when you want to do more direct comparing and contrasting. It entails discussing one comparison point at a time. It allows you to use a paragraph to talk about how a certain comparing/contrasting point relates to the subjects or items you are discussing.

Alternatively, if you have lots of details about the subject, you might decide to use a paragraph for each point.

An academic compare and contrast essay looks at two or more subjects, ideas, people, or objects, compares their likeness, and contrasts their differences.

It’s an informative essay that provides insights on what is similar and different between the two items.

Depending on the essay’s instructions, you can focus solely on comparing or contrasting, or a combination of the two.

Examples of College Level Compare and Contrast Essay Questions

Here are eleven examples of compare and contrast essay questions that you might encounter at university:

• Archaeology: Compare and contrast the skulls of homo habilis, homo erectus, and homo sapiens.
• Art: Compare and contrast the working styles of any two Neoclassic artists.
• Astrophysics: Compare and contrast the chemical composition of Venus and Neptune.
• Biology: Compare and contrast the theories of Lamarck and Darwin.
• Business: Compare and contrast 2 or more business models within the agricultural industry.
• Creative writing: Compare and contrast free indirect discourse with epistolary styles.
• English Literature: Compare and contrast William Wordsworth with Robert Browning.
• Geography: Compare and contrast the benefit of solar panels with the benefit of wind turbines.
• History: Compare and contrast WWI to WWII with specific reference to the causes and outcomes.
• Medicine: Compare and contrast England’s health service with America’s health service.
• Psychology: Compare and contrast the behaviorist theory with the psychodynamic theory.

So, the key takeaways to keep in mind are:

Have a basis for comparison. The two things need to have enough in common to justify a discussion about their similarities and disparities.

Don’t go back and forth when using the block method. The best way to write your essay is to begin with a paragraph discussing all the facets of the first topic. Then, move on to another paragraph and talk through all the aspects of the second subject.

You can use both alternating and blocking techniques. Combining the two approaches is also an option. You can apply the alternating method in some paragraphs, then switch and use the block method. This method will help you offer a much deeper analysis of the subjects.

Have a reason for comparing the two things. Only select the points of comparison that resonate with your purpose.

Comparing and contrasting are essential analytical skills in academic writing. When your professor issues you with such an essay, their primary goal is to teach you how to:

• Engage in critical thinking
• See and make connections between words or ideas
• Move beyond mere descriptions or summaries to developing interesting analysis
• Get a deeper understanding of the subjects or items under comparison, their key features, and their interrelationships with each other.

Ultimately, your essay should enlighten readers by providing useful information.

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Essay on Comparing and Contrasting Two Siblings

Introduction.

Being born with sisters and brothers is the best thing that one can ever experience. I sometimes wonder how it feels to be the only child where one has no sister or brother to talk to. It must be boring and lonely to be in a home where the centre of attention is one person. I am glad because I have two siblings one a girl who is older than me and a brother who is younger. Siblings play critical roles in families for instance they give guidance and direction, advice and good company in times of leisure. However it is important to note that siblings have different characters and they can never be the same. On the contrary they a times poses some similarities that emanate from common upbringing. When I compare my two siblings I find one to be a friend, confidant and another to be distant though we share the same home. The paper will therefore compare and contrast the elder sibling to my younger by explaining it to my aunt who is forty years old. It will make comparison based on understanding, generosity and patience.

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The Understanding and Generosity of Jenny vs. the Impatience and Meanness of Justin

My elder sister Jenny is my favorite and she is very understanding because when I do something that is not right she will not quarrel me but instead explain to me why it is wrong. There are times when I do not do a lot of things as expected but Jenny understands and helps me correct any mess that occurs. For instance one day I went to visit my friend and came home very late a thing that my parents do not approve. I expected her to be angry but instead she stayed calm and advised me not to repeat it. On the contrary, my younger brother Justin always talks negatively and criticizes me a lot. He does not understand that I am not perfect and I make mistakes just like he does. For instance one day I accidentally tampered with our television and instead of him helping me fix it he said I did it intentionally because it was time for his favorite program.

Similarly, Jenny is quite generous and always shares everything she gets with even when I am not around she keeps it for me. I feel she is concerned and loves me a lot that she cannot have something and her young sister is not having. For instance a few months ago she won two tickets to go a movie theatre and she was told to pick a friend. Jenny gave me the ticket instead of her best friend. On the other hand Justin is very mean and when he has something extra he keeps it for his future use. For instance Uncle Jack bought him two packets of candies and he never shared them with me. Aunty I know you are surprised but that is how Justin and I live.

Additionally, Justin is very impatient because when he wants something to be done waiting is not an option for him. He is easily loses his temper and often gets agitated. My brother wants things done his way and gives himself priority forgetting that others are in need just like him. When it comes to issues that require queuing he gives up in the middle. On the contrary Jenny is very patient. She is not easily angered and can wait for something to be done even if it takes longer than her expected time.

Similarities in Caring, Respect, and Firmness

On the contrary my siblings have similarities and one of them is that they are always very caring. They can never allow any of their close associates to suffer in any way. For instance one day I lost some money that was meant for my school trip. Jenny and Justin contributed without telling our parents.

Besides, they are very respectful and never answer back to our parents regardless of how angered they are. It is a virtue that I have learned from them. For example my father one day accused them falsely without knowing and instead of them arguing rudely they politely explained. They never answered a single word that showed retaliation or agitation. Finally, they are both firm on their principles and they cannot be easily swayed to change their minds.

In conclusion, I am glad to have two siblings one a girl who is older than me and a brother who is younger. Siblings play critical roles in families for instance they give guidance and direction, advice and good company in times of leisure. However it is important to note that siblings have different characters and they can never be the same I can say that my siblings are different in behavior regardless of them being brought up from one home. Jenny is generous, patient and understanding while Justin is mean, impatient and not understanding at all. It is also important to note that they are both respectful and firm in regard to their principles. I am glad to have...

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Siblings Comparison Essay

My siblings.

Siblings can be your brother or sister by blood or marriage. Siblings are great at times because you always have someone to hang out with and talk to. I was the only child until I was about three years old before my brother was born. My mom decided to have one more, when I was eight years old. My brother’s name is Jushad and my sister’s name is Jacsyn (pronounced Jackson). As you can see, all of our names start with the letter J. Although we have some similarities, we are also very different hobby choices, physical appearances, personalities and education.

Jushad is 14 years old. He likes to play games such as NBA 2k21, Fortnite, and Need for Speed with his friends on PlayStation. He also likes to go outside sometimes and play basketball in the backyard. Although he enjoys his family, I think overall my brother enjoys doing anything that involves his friends. My sister, on the other hand, is not like that. Jacsyn is 9 years old. She likes to watch YouTube on her iPad.  She enjoys watching Roblox animations, family YouTube channels, and Dance Moms. Although she enjoys watching YouTube, she also enjoys playing a variety of different games. She likes to play Roblox and Among Us. When she isn’t playing a game on her iPad, she is on a drawing app making many different creations. She does everything by herself and rarely plays with others.

My siblings have both different and similar physical appearances. Jushad is tall with a medium build. He is about 5’7 and weighs 143 lbs. He has thick black hair. He has an oblong shaped head with a wide nose. His smile brightens up the room with his dimples. In comparison to Jushad, my sister is more on the shorter and chunkier side. She is about 4’7 and weighs 116 pounds. She also has thick hair, but it is brown. She has a smaller nose. She also has a pretty smile with dimples like my brother. They both share the same thick and bushy eyebrows. Even with the different physical characteristics you can still tell they are siblings.

Although they have some similar physical characteristics, their personalities are totally opposite. Jushad is an introvert. He rarely comes out of his room. He talks very quiet and rarely yells. When he is upset, he doesn’t show it. He is more on the shyer side than Jacysn. He doesn’t do well when it comes to meeting new people. He closes up and shuts himself out from the rest of the world. Jacysn, on the other hand, is an extrovert. You can hear her from a mile away. You call her name and she yell “YES!?” She does good with meeting new people and being in different environments. She will make the entire room laugh. She is goofy and clumsy unlike Jushad. She makes friends very easily. Jacysn is the type to walk up to somebody and become their friend by just simply introducing herself. Jacysn doesn’t back down from a fight while Jushad shies away from conflict. Jacsyn is determined in everything she does including school unlike Jushad who doesn’t put forth an effort.

Education is very important in our household but takes a toll on them in different ways. Jushad has a harder time in school than Jacysn. Jushad has Attention Deficit Disorder which causes him to think of school differently. He hates the thought of school. He comes up with every excuse for not completing his work or excuses for staying home. The thought of school gives him anxiety. Our mom constantly receives emails and messages from different teachers regarding his performance in class. His grade always varies, but majority all never good. Our parents constantly have to get on to him about not doing his work. On the other hand, Jacysn enjoys school. She gets excited about learning new information and if she doesn’t know she will definitely ask. If she has homework, she’ll come home and do it right away without anyone having to nag her about it. Her grades are mostly A’s and B’s, but her least favorite subject is Reading, and she tends to struggle. Jacysn tends to be the teacher’s “class pet” in class. Teachers love her creativity and her spunky personality.

If I had to pick the sibling most like myself, it would be Jacsyn. We are both extroverts and love going places. We are both short like our mother, but I have an athletic build from cheerleading. We share the same brown hair and skin complexion. We both enjoy YouTube and can watch it for hours, but that is also the only hobby we share. We also both excel in school.

Siblings bring a family together with both their differences and similarities. We are alike enough for others to know we are siblings but different enough to be our own individual. My parents does a great job of not comparing us and allowing us to grow in our own ways. Although we are different at times, I can honestly say I have the best siblings in the world.

Izzah Ahmed

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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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'My sister and I' - Comparison/Contrast essay.

radair101422 1 / 1   Jun 19, 2012   #1 I am new to this website, so I hope I am doing this right! I have never been good at writing papers.. so I'm hoping I can get some tips on what I need to change or do to make a good grade on this essay. My professor told us to write a comparison/contrast paper. It has to be 500 words about two people. She wanted us to focus on apperance, personality, and hobbies. Thanks for the help in advance! My sister and I Most siblings have a lot of things in common, like the same interests. However, my older sister and I are very different from each other, although many people often mistake us as twins. Once people actually get to know us they realize that we are very different in personalities and hobbies. I have often wondered how we ended up so different. We may look a like, but that's one of the only things we have in common. We have many similarities in our appearances. My sister and I are both very short; and have the same exact height. Furthermore, we both have brown hair, blue eyes, and freckles head to toe. Our round faces are almost identical. We also wear the same sizes in clothes because of our small figures. Moreover, our styles of fashion are also similar, including t-shirts, shorts, and flip-flops. This similar appearance was a problem growing up, because we would steal each other's clothes. Our tiny hands and chubby feet look exactly alike. However, thankfully my sister's feet are a little bigger than mine, so she couldn't steal my shoes. Our shoe size is probably the only difference in our appearances. Even though most of our appearances are similar, our personalities are completely opposite. My sister is a very hyper person, but I'm a calm and laid-back person. I love planning and organizing, but my sister never plans anything and just goes with the flow. She is very selfish and rarely puts others before herself. I have a really big heart and always put others before myself. She is a very social person and loves to talk; however, I have never been a talkative person and I like to keep to myself. She has a really bad temper and gets angry easily. It takes a lot to get me mad and I'm a very patient person. I'm always in a good mood, but my sister is rarely in good mood. I'm not a very picky person and I don't care if I don't get my way; however, my sister always has to have her way. She is always stubborn and makes situations so difficult for everyone else. I'm not stubborn at all and I try to do whatever is easiest for everyone. I love animals and children more than anything! My sister can't stand animals and doesn't plan on having children. Finally, our hobbies are very different. I love being active and playing sports. In high school I was a cheerleader and a soccer player. I attended every baseball, basketball, and football game. Sports were a big part of my life. Nevertheless, my sister has never played a sport in her entire life. She loves to sleep and be lazy. If it requires work, then she wants no part of it. I love to hunt, fish, and be outdoors; however, my sister doesn't like to get dirty or be outside. Her favorite hobbies are shopping and watching television. I can't stand to shop or be cooped up inside. She loves spending money and I rarely spend any money. My sister has always been a girlie girl and I have always been a tomboy. Many siblings that have the same parents look a lot alike. Siblings that are raised the same usually share a lot in common. My sister and I may look like twins, but we actually have little in common. I can't imagine having a sister who is less like me then she is. It's hard to understand how we ended up so different, but were raised the same exact way. It just goes to show that not all siblings have similarities.

Phone 3 / 1   Jun 20, 2012   #2 Comments: - Ideas are excellent. - Grammar is excellent - Idea links should be improved (the links mean cohesion and coherence) - Outline: you should focus on how to organize and support ideas. (which on is the main ideas and how to support accurately) Anyway, now i know about you as well as your sister. Good Luck :))

OP radair101422 1 / 1   Jun 21, 2012   #3 I feel like it needs something.. just not sure what! I have been staring at it for hours trying to figure it out.

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Only Child vs. Siblings: Unique Family Dynamics

December 4, 2023

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Family dynamics vary significantly, and the number of children in a family plays a pivotal role in shaping individuality. For many, the decision to have one or multiple children is profound, influenced by various factors like cultural norms, personal preferences, or practical considerations.

Both scenarios - being an only child and growing up with siblings - offer unique experiences that contribute to a child's development. In this comprehensive exploration, we will dig into the advantages of being an only child and the benefits of having siblings, ultimately highlighting the role of Kintree, an exceptional family tree-building platform , in preserving your family's story, regardless of its size.

The Advantages of Being an Only Child

1. Undivided Attention: Being an only child often means receiving more attention from parents and caregivers. This undivided focus can contribute to a strong parent-child bond, making the child feel valued and cherished.

2. Independence: Only children are encouraged to develop independence early on. They learn to entertain themselves and rely on their creativity to keep busy, fostering a sense of self-sufficiency.

3. Academic Focus: With no siblings to share resources with, only children may have access to more educational opportunities and financial resources, which can contribute to their academic success.

4. Strong Sense of Self: The lack of sibling rivalry can lead to a well-defined sense of self. Only children tend to know themselves better and can be more self-assured.

5. Closer Adult Relationships: Many only children develop close relationships with their parents, which can lead to enduring bonds in adulthood. They often become excellent listeners and communicators.

6. Increased Family Resources: Without multiple children to provide for, parents may have more resources to invest in the only child's hobbies, interests, and experiences.

7. More Opportunities: An only child may have more opportunities for travel, extracurricular activities, and enrichment experiences. This exposure can broaden their horizons.

8. Lower Sibling Conflicts: Without siblings to argue or compete with, only children typically experience fewer conflicts at home.

The Advantages of Having Siblings

1. Social Skills: Siblings provide a natural social environment. Children with siblings often develop strong social skills, including conflict resolution, cooperation, and sharing. 

2. Emotional Support: Siblings can offer emotional support and companionship. They are there through life's ups and downs, creating an essential support system.

3. Sharing Responsibility: Siblings often share household chores and responsibilities, teaching them valuable life skills like teamwork and accountability.

4. Rivalry Encourages Growth: Sibling rivalry can be challenging, but it can also encourage personal growth, adaptability, and the development of healthy competition. 

5. Lifelong Friends: Siblings can become lifelong friends. They understand your background, share memories, and often have a unique bond that comes from growing up together.

6. Increased Perspective: Growing up with siblings exposes children to different perspectives, values, and personalities, helping them become more open-minded and accepting of diversity.

7. Learning Through Observation: Siblings provide opportunities for observational learning. Younger siblings learn from older ones, gaining insights and knowledge.

8. Shared Traditions: Siblings often participate in and uphold family traditions, ensuring that cultural and familial practices continue through generations.

Kintree: Preserving Your Family's Story

Whether you're an only child or have siblings, your family's story is a cherished narrative that should be preserved. Kintree is a remarkable family tree-building platform that can help you maintain this narrative, irrespective of your family's size. Here's how Kintree empowers families:

1. Family Trees: Kintree offers a user-friendly interface to create, share, and explore your family tree. It allows you to document your family's history and connections.

2. Connect Across Generations: With Kintree, you can connect with relatives, bridging generation gaps and ensuring that your family's history is accessible and understood by all.

3. Share Precious Memories: You can upload family photos, videos, and documents, creating a digital family archive that preserves your most precious memories.

4. Event Coordination: Kintree simplifies the coordination of family events and gatherings, ensuring everyone is on the same page and actively participates in these special moments.

In the end, whether you are an only child or have siblings, both family structures offer unique advantages. What matters most is the love, understanding, and support that family members provide. Kintree helps you cherish these relationships and the beautiful tapestry of your family's history.

Nurturing individuality is a complex journey influenced by family dynamics. Regardless of the path you've walked, your family is the bedrock of your individuality. Utilize Kintree to celebrate and preserve the exceptional narrative of your family, no matter how small or large it may be. After all, it's not about the number of family members; it's about the connections and memories that bind you together.

Whether you are an only child or part of a big family, celebrate the uniqueness of your family with Kintree. Your family's story is a treasure waiting to be explored.

What's your family story? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.

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Discover and treasure your unique family history using kintree.

Kintree is a family social network for you to connect with your loved ones. It is the ultimate destination to stay in touch with your family members anytime, anywhere and on any device. Kintree is revolutionizing the way we bond with our family like never before.

With Kintree, you don’t have to worry about keeping your social and family life separate, as you can only connect with your family members on Kintree. Staying connected with your long-lost relatives regularly has now become fun and hassle-free. It is a blessing for those who work long working hours and have no time to bond with their extended family.

The minute you create your family tree online on Kintree, you embark on an enthralling journey to discover your past, unlike anything you have experienced.

Whether you make your family chart alone or collaborate with other family members to build one, we are sure you’ll have fun exploring your family history. Below are some features that you’ll love about Kintree.

Our Foreroom feature is even more exciting. Using this feature, you can

Family Tree

In the family tree section, you can learn even more about your family through your grandparents and living relatives than you did before. One of the easiest ways to uncover your family story is to create a family tree chart.

Here is how you can make your family tree.

Add exact details like names, birthdays, photos and videos, if any, to create an elaborate family tree chart.

Personal profile

Once you sign up, create your personal profile and stay in sync with the latest happenings in your family. Your profile is a place where you can add

Daily reminders

Get notified every time there is any activity in your family. Our notifications tab keeps you updated on everything going on in your family like

Discover your unique family history and preserve it with our free family tree builder. Download the Kintree app on your Android or iOS device today.

Whether you want to know who your ancestors were or where they came from, Kintree is one of the best social media sites that help you find exactly what you need. Trying to piece together your family is a humongous task, let alone preserving your family stories for generations to come.

Therefore, safeguarding your legacy through a family tree is the need of the hour. Although creating a family tree isn’t something that you can build overnight, we can help ease the process for you. You may take weeks or even months to build a family tree, but we are sure you won’t regret your decision once you start.

While exploring your family history, you can start with whatever information you have to start your family tree project.

Some of our premium features are

Family tree builder

An ideal way to start building your family tree is to add your immediate families like your parents, grandparents and siblings. Making an extended family tree is never easy, especially if you are not connected with your family regularly. Here’s how you can build your tree.

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Our Family Tree Project

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Kintree | Create your family tree online for free

Kintree is an all-in-one social platform for families who believe in togetherness. With Kintree, you can build your family tree online , connect with your family on the go & bond with your extended family anytime, anywhere. What's even more awesome is that you can share photo albums & videos online with your family.

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