compare and contrast essay about hot and cold weather

Mabel Kwong

Asian australian. multiculturalism, hot vs cold weather: pros and cons comparison.

Hot weather. Cold weather. You might prefer one climate over the other. Or you might love both.

Climate is different all around the world. Some countries have four seasons. Other parts of the world especially countries close to the equator don’t have four seasons and pretty much have tropical climate all year round.

Hot or cold weather. Different climates, different temperatures.

I never liked cold weather. Never like it when the temperature dips below 20’C (68’F) in Melbourne. Summer is my favourite season and a 30’C (86’F) day is something I love. When I lived in Singapore, I loved that each day was a tropical humid 30’C.

Here are some pros and cons of living in each kind of climate – grouped according to different lifestyle aspects. Hot or cold, most of the time we need to put up with the weather as it is to get on with our lives.

1. Clothing

The warmer it is, the less you need to wear. The colder it is, the more you need to bundle up.

The warmer it is, the less items of clothing you need to pick out each day and chances are it’s faster to put together an outfit. When it is cold, you probably need to layer up and there’s more clothes to be bought, more washing to be done.

No matter how many woollen layers I wear during Melbourne’s winter that hovers around 5-13’C (41-55’F), I still feel cold. When I lived in tropical Singapore for seven years, I rejoiced throwing on just a shirt and shorts each day. I rejoiced at the humidity, moisturising my skin and throat, rejoiced at the tropical warmth making my body feel warm and alive.

How hot or cold it is can affect how we look and how we feel.

2. Mood and emotions

Perhaps the warmer the weather, the happier you feel and the cooler it is the more contemplative you are.

When it’s warm, many of us seem to like venturing outdoors for a walk or a trip to the beach or just somewhere to unwind and relax. When it’s cooler, many of us seem to like staying indoors, curled up on the couch and reading or watching TV.

With cooler months come cooler temperatures and longer nights in seasonal places. During this time some of us might suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is when our mood plummets as daylight decreases leading to bouts of depression. A questionnaire conducted by Swinburne University hypothesised 3-4% of Australians could be affected by SAD and noted a drop in mood among Australians during winter.

On the other hand, research by Auburn University in 2016 found there is no correlation between depression and seasons based on analysing survey responses collected from participants present n different sunlight conditions. Interestingly enough, research on human performance shows we’re more alert when our body temperature is high. That would explain why it’s usually harder for to get out of bed in winter, harder to fall asleep in warm weather.

3. Exercise

Whether warm or cold, rain, hail or shine, there’s plenty to do outdoors. Wearing the right attire, you can walk, run, hike, cycle and shop anytime of the year.

Notably while a cold body needs more energy to warm up and get moving comfortably, this doesn’t necessarily mean you burn more calories exercising in cold weather. Rather, as metabolism researcher Aaron Cypress argues, sitting around shivering in the cold burns more brown fat and calories than exercising.

It’s possible to venture out in most kinds of climate.

Each of our bodies are genetically and biologically unique and so will react differently to different kinds of weather . When it’s warm, you might get hay fever, need to wear sunglasses in bright sunlight, get heat rashes or get dehydrated.

When it’s cold, you might get cold hands, suffer from hypothermia or frostbite, and maybe be more susceptible to catching a cold or flu.

Notably, a study on human behaviour and personality spanning 1.6 million participants in the US and China found the temperature which we are most emotionally stable in is 22’C (72’F). That said, conditions such as asthma, dry skin and any chronic illness can flare up in any kind of weather.

Living in humid Singapore, somehow I am always a target for mosquitoes. Living in Australia, hay fever hits me hard in the warmer months but I’m not too popular with mosquitoes here. No matter the cons, I’ll always love warm weather.

5. Cooking and eating

Often colder weather triggers a survival instinct and you tend to eat more.

Ice-cream, icy poles, cold drinks and salads tend to be the choice foods in summer. On the other hand, hot chocolate, soups and hearty roasts are usually popular go-to foods in cold climate.

When you’re done cooking at home in the cooler months, you might find yourself opening the windows to get rid of lingering cooking smells – and face the wrath of cold winds coming right at you at home.

6. Insulation at home

When you’re home, you want to feel comfortable and ambient temperature plays a part in that.

Turning on the air-conditioner or fan is one way to cool the house down on a hot day. Cranking up the heater makes the house less chilly in winter. Or we may use a reverse cycle or split system air-conditioner for all seasons, all year round. Statistics by the Australian Energy Regulator show Australians seem to use more electricity during summer.

I’ve never been a fan of using the heater or air-conditioner at home. Both make the air drier at home and my eyes and throat get dry, adding hundreds of dollars to the electricity bill. A fan is enough to keep me cool in summer. As much as I hate layering up, that’s what I do at home in winter to stay reasonably warm.

Each of us feels comfortable in different temperatures.

In Australia, dry summer warmth tends to invite more snakes and spiders to the backyard. Warmth and dampness can bring around dust mites and mosquitoes – bugs which you don’t usually get in winter .

On the subject of cooler weather, Studies at the Woolcock Medical Research in Sydney show that people with allergies often come into closer contact with allergy sources in winter, and mould and mildew can circulate through heater air vents.

I’ve never encountered a snake in summer here in Melbourne, but I’ve had many spiders the size of a hand crawl through the bedroom window. I still like summer.

What is warm or cold weather to someone may not necessarily be the case for someone else. Naturally each of us are suited to and like different kinds of weather and have varying degrees of tolerance towards different temperatures.

Different factors affect your individual tolerance for cold and hot weather. This could be the food you eat, genetics, age, illnesses and just how well your body regulates and maintains its optimum temperature.

In general, the longer you live in a certain place, the more acclimatised you become to the climate there, or at the very least learn to put up with it . The more you live in a certain place, the more prepared you may be prepared for certain weather conditions.

Sometimes we get used to the weather, sometimes we don’t.

The weather impacts on how comfortable we feel, and inevitably an impact on mortality rates. In 2015, an international study analysing over 74 million deaths across the world found moderately cold weather kills 20 times as many people as hot weather

The same study found around 6.5% of deaths in Australia are attributed to cold weather, compared to 0.5% from hot weather. It’s also been suggested many Australian homes are glorified tents not prepared for cold temperatures – and some apartments I’ve lived in have condensation on windows and poor ventilation in winter.

Interestingly enough, while heat and light can make us feel better, it also has the potential to make us hot and bothered. The summer months in Australia are usually the highest months for homicide, with murder rates rising with temperature in Darwin – more warm nights out, more tipple consumed, the higher likelihood of aggression.

When we feel comfortable with the weather, it’s one less thing to worry about.

The more comfortable you are with the weather, the more you can get on with your lives and focus on what you want to do . Most of you reading this will probably live in a place that’s moderately hot or cold temperature-wise.

However it’s possible to live in extreme weather such a living in a desert or within the Arctic Circle (think places reaching 40’C (104’F) or -30’C (-22’F) ) or experiencing raging monsoons. The adventurous among us probably wouldn’t mind experiencing these kinds of climate extremes on once-in-a-lifetime vacations.

At the end of the day, I’d much rather sweat than shiver. Much rather feel sweaty and sticky than numb to the bone. To me, feeling warm is not just being able to feel what’s around me, but it also means feeling the present moment and being present where I am.

Do you prefer living in a warmer or colder climate?

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225 thoughts on “ Hot vs Cold Weather: Pros and Cons Comparison ”

Great photos, Mabel! I definitely like warm more than cold, although the last month in Stockholm was overly warm…without the A/C I am used to here in Florida 🙂

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Hopefully the rest of summer won’t be too warm for you, Tiny. A cool drink or ice-cream could help you stay cool 🙂

Beautiful images Mabel, I especially love the warm colours of Autumn 🍁 We live in the North of Scotland and love what we call ‘freshness’, brought to us by the Northern winds. Every season brings its own magic here and I treasure these changes in the landscape, in the light and in the weather each season brings 🙂💖

Thanks, Xenia. Living amongst freshness sounds like a good way to live. Hope the winds are usually just right and not too blowy 🍃 You are right. Every season brings its own magic, and no two seasons are the same. Enjoy the rest of summer and the great outdoors 🌳🌿😊

Thank you Mabel, enjoy the great outdoors where you are too 🙂💖

I will enjoy the great outdoors. Take care stay safe ❤

I’d have to go with the cold weather, Mabel. If there is one thing that makes me grumpy, it’s hot humid weather. I dislike being sweaty and not being able to cool down. I dislike the air being so still and humid that it’s hard to breathe. I dislike sleepless nights when it’s too hot and humid and the air is heavy. I remember those summer nights when living in London. There are only so many clothes you can take off when trying to cool down, but you can always put on another layer to keep warm. I don’t often get cold. In fact, I’ve been known to go out on cold frosty mornings in just shorts and a light jacket over a polo shirt. A brisk walk soon gets me warmed up. ❄️ I’m already looking forward to the first Autumn frosts of the season.

It does sound like you and cool weather get along better, Hugh. It also sounds like London can be quite warm, and humid too which makes it uncomfortable. Hopefully no more of those sleepless hot summer nights for you now in Swansea.

I am the complete opposite of you. No matter how many layers I put on, I still feel the chill in cold weather. Shorts on cold frosty mornings is quite something… If you ever come to Australia in the winter, I think you’ll be comfortable in shorts 🙂

My sister has just been over to the UK for three weeks. She’s lived in Brisbane for 15 years and says that winter is Brisbane is perfect for her. 😀I could definitely see myself wearing shorts in winter in Brisbane, Mabel. Summer, though, in Brisbane, is a different matter.

Brisbane is humid with tropical conditions. Brisbane’s winter might even be a bit warm for you. Melbourne or Tasmania might be your preferred Oz destinations 😀

This is such a relevant post given the way climate change is making for more extreme climates, Mabel. I prefer warmer weather over colder, and I am blessed to live in the mild comfort of Canada’s West coast. With that being said, we are in the midst of a heat wave now and I find it really impacts how alert I feel – it makes me tired! I also have to exercise in the morning or evening as otherwise it’s not going to be a very long run workout! I hope you have a beautiful rest of your weekend ♥

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So true that climate change is resulting in more climate extremes. Sounds like you are comfortable living on Canada’s west coast, and hopefully that heatwave doesn’t get any more unbearable for you. Good luck with exercising and I’m sure you can find something that works for you any kind of weather ❤

Hello Mabel, Wow, this is a challenging question. When I was younger, I would have said “hot weather” but as I get older, I feel myself less tolerant of heat and humidity. Therefore, if I *had* to choose, I would choose cold weather. I hope you are doing well 🙂 Best wishes from hot & humid Japan, Takami

Maybe you just grew fond of the colder weather over the years. Or maybe where you live just became warmer. The weather in Japan sounds very nice to me right now. Hope you stay well 🙂

We are having a terrible heat wave…the worst in years! I believe it’s a result of global warming…amongst other reasons 😦 I’m dreaming of cooler temperatures…

Sorry to hear about the heatwave and hope it passes, or at least cooler weather comes your way. Stay safe.

I’d rather swelter than shiver also. But when I lived in the SF Bay area, I had the best of all worlds. In the winter it was never too cold – perhaps 50 during the day, but some days, 65. In the summer, cool and foggy, but some days maybe up to 80 (rare). But, most of us don’t have choices about where we live, so we just deal with the weather we’re given. I’m in the New England area now, where it’s super hot and humid this summer (sweltering) but still, I can walk early in the morning or later at dusk. In the winter, it’s cold and snowy – not my favorite. ;-0

SF sounded like a treat for you weather-wise when you lived there. But you are right that most of us don’t have a choice where we live. Good to hear you can go out for walks and take it slow. Perhaps the weather will cool down soon and stay like that for a while 🙂

One thing that is always sure – the weather (and life) will never stay the same. 🙂 ❤

So true. Weather and life will never stay the same. Weather one year won’t be the same weather another year, even season. Just like unpredictable life 🙂 ❤ ❤

This reminds me of a poem by Robert Frost titled Fire and Ice. Either weather is unfortunate unless you are 7-9 months pregnant in the middle of winter then it feels good! 🤣

That is lovely this reminded you of a poem by Robert Frost. I had to look it up. Haha, a life in you makes you feel all the more warmer 😀

Canada does have contrasting weather in different regions. Approx. lst 40 yrs. I lived in southern Ontario where summers regularily are 25-30+degrees C with nearly 90-100% humidity. There are smog alerts. Yes, we did go on bike trips in such temp….cycling for hrs.

Where we are in Alberta, it’s hot but dry. These past few summer days have been 30+ degrees C with some forest fire smoke from 200 km. northwest of us. There is a heat alert. Forest fires in different parts of British Columbia and Alberta right now.

Where we live is the coldest I’ve ever experienced dry but very cold often -15 to -20 degrees C. Several days per winter @ -35 to -40 degrees C. Again there is a very cold warning against getting frostbite.

Vancouver is lovely however it does get consistent hrs. of rain in winter and late fall months.

So I prefer Vancouver’s weather. If not that, then hot but dry summers no more than 30 degrees C. I am fine with winter down to -20 degrees C –but only if it’s dry air not humid cold air and wind under 20 km./hr. 🙂 I’m pretty specific but this is a very wide range of temperatures that I can live easily with for rest of my life. 🙂

You provided such a great overview of the weather all around Cananda, Jean. It must have been challenging cycling in those temperatures, high humidity and smog…would have guessed at the end of each cycling trip. Forest fires is definitely something dangerous especially wen deliberately lit. We get forests fires in Australia each summer, and quite a few of them are a result of vandalism and being deliberately lit.

That is pretty cold winters in Alberta and hope you haven’t gotten too bad a case of frostbite. Vancouver does sound quite pleasant weather-wise but I think for those who love heat, its winters can still be rather cold 🙂

Amazing post! I definitely like Cold more than warm, Thanks for viewing up such wonderful information. I like this post, keep writing and give the useful post.

Okay then, you like cold more than warm. Good luck with your tours!

“When it’s warm, many of us seem to like venturing outdoors for a walk or a trip to the beach or just somewhere to unwind and relax. When it’s cooler, many of us seem to like staying indoors, curling up on the couch and reading or watching TV.”

I work the other way around – the heat wave we have had in Sweden for 3 1/2 months has totally blurted out my summer. During summer I usually do the things you describe, and I also love hiking with my dog(s). But this summer – nothing was possible…. Three months in a sauna, I really have stayed indoors almost all the time, because sitting inside the house is the only way to stay reasonably cool and sane. Indoors about 26-27C and outdoors 30-36C in the shadow. Which means at worst more than 50 degrees in the sun. Unfortunately, this has been a marathon just to stay alive. My new puppy has been packed in wet cloth.

I agree we adapt if we stay in the same place for years, but also that we maybe like it best as it was where we were born. Many years ago, I checked out at what temperature I felt best, function on top and feeling at ease – and it is 23 C. Imagine my surprise when scientists (you wrote it…) had concluded 22 C!

Of course we are all different – which almost always is a good thing and for a reason. I hate feeling sweaty and if I had to choose, I would chose cold over hot, because when it is cold, I can put on clothes – when it is hot, I cannot doff my skin. I have always envied those who can stand heat well. My daughter has the same difficulties as I have, but my son and husband are alike…they like it hot… This summer though, the two of them thought it was too much. Maybe one month is OK, but 3 1/2… And no home made bread or cakes, not much warm food. Impossible to stand in the kitchen making it even hotter.

From what you have said and from reading your blog, it does sound like a warmer than usual summer for you. If you aren’t used to that weather, it can be uncomfortable to adjust. Sometimes the best way to cope from weather you are not used to is stay indoors – indoors at least you can control to some degree how cool or warm your home can be, and also refreshments available and really out of the wild elements. It sounds like your puppy is finding it hard to cope. Maybe he might need some icy treats.

Although I like hot, I have to agree with you if it’s every day hot, it can be a bit of a bother. Like you said, it can be hard to make bread or cakes when the weather is hot. Sometimes when it gets to 35-40’C in Australia’s summer, definitely no cooking in my house and we get takeaway (and spend more money…) – when we cook, we open the windows for ventilation and in such hot weather the hot air just comes in. Stay cool, Leya. Autumn is coming for you soon ❤

This night there was thunder and lightning and quite some rain, so today we have moderate 25C. I can breathe.

Hopefully the weather stays cool for you, Leya. Take care and stay safe ❤

Thank you for the well wishes – and they go right back at you!

Definitely warm climate for me, hands down. I can never get used to colder climates even though I love snow. I love that I can wear tee and shorts all year round.

Warm climate all the way indeed. A T-shirt and shorts is such comfortable attire and I wish I could wear it all year round in Melbourne lol.

Loved your photos Mabel… And yes extreme weather for sure around the world.. And I so enjoyed my read.. I can relate to many things you have brought up as topics here.. Layering up is something we always do in our winters and last year with the ‘beast from the East’ as weather channels on the TV had dubbed the winter chill factor that swept across Britain plunging temperatures down to minus 14C… It was very cold.. And yes when its colder we often eat lots more food.. We love stews, with our potatoes and leeks and parsnips.. While I love warm weather compared to such winters.. This Summer here has also been the extreme.. and we are not geared up with air-conditioning etc in our homes… So the 30C plus we have had has been too hot for me.. Sultry humid nights and not much sleep, even with the electric fan blowing the air around.. 🙂

Now when I have been abroad in the heat of the Summer… Its not a problem. it seems a different sort of heat.. Fresher and more comfortable..

So I think if I had to choose between Summer or Winter.. It would have to be SPRING!…. Not quite as cold and not quite as hot… Loved your thoughts on this Mabel.. ❤

So lovely to hear you enjoyed your read and time here, Sue. Writing is the best way I express myself 😊 Minus 14’C does sound very cold, and in those instances rugging up would be very important. Food can help keep you warm…but definitely not overeat and overconsume calories 😛

So sorry to hear that sultry humid nights have been uncomfortable for you. I would happily trade that with our winter nights here. Hopefully you at least have a fan to help you keep cool, and at the very least keep in the shade.

Spring usually gives me hayfever, and Spring here in Melbourne can be quite frigid! Hope you are well, Sue. Take care of your allotment and most importantly yourself ❤

Thank you Mabel, we are well, and we enjoyed the company of our granddaughter yesterday.. She came with us to the allotment to see how her Pumpkin she set was growing.. And it looking like it will be a huge one by the time its finished growing..

And I can sympathise with your Hay-fever… Not nice.. My hubby only recently started with this annoyance.. And he has worked outdoors all his life, yet only the last few years its started to irritate his eyes etc.. Makes me wonder if its not other things in our atmosphere rather than just the pollen.. Take care too my friend… And remember that it is important to look after ourselves.. ❤ Mega Hugs Mabel.. ❤

That is amazing to hear your granddaughter’s pumpkin will be a huge one this year. So many things to make with it, and I’m sure it will be delicious to serve up. Very exciting 🙂

That is a downer to hear hayfever is flying around your hubby. Maybe it could be a lifetsyle change that brought it on, or as you said it could really be our atmosphere or what’s in the air right now. Hopefully he finds some relief and it’s not something that goes on all year round. Take care indeed and yes, it is so important to look after ourselves. Mega mega hugs ❤

Thanks Mabel.. its not bothering him at the moment.. He finds that the fields, especially when we travel into the countryside where they plant rape-seed-oil.. In spring the fields are full of the yellow blooms and the air is heavily scented.. It doesn’t bother me, but it sets him sneezing.. Then other times he doesn’t know what triggers it.. As for the pumpkin I took a photo yesterday with our granddaughter and may post on my gardening blog.. for a short update.. We have been busy on the plot again.. ❤

That is great hayfever is at bay for your hubby. Maybe he should stay in the car when driving by rape-seed fields…they can be very pretty 🙂

Keep busy on the allotments. Harvest time coming right up 🙂 ❤

Yes… got some more pictures to share soon. ❤

No prizes for guesssing which type of weather suits me! I get energized by the cold and whilst it higher humidity is moisturizing, it is also clogging of my sweat pores! It sure is interesting how weather occupies so much of our conversation and thoughts! We finally got some light rain today after months of drought. Is it warming up down your way now. This week is the start of our spring/summer, the middle of the day is already in the mid twenties.

Weather is usually fill-in banter when we are with someone we just met or don’t know too well. It’s not exactly warming up here yet, no where near mid-twenties and nights are still down to single digits. But the days are certainly getting longer and the sunlight seems stronger 🙂

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Which do I like? None of the above. Take away the words “sweltering” and “freezing”, then we’re okay. I’d choose hot ’cause I can cool off using an electric fan or air-conditioning, stay under a cool shade, and play outdoor stuff. It’s harder to stay warm when it’s cold. After a warm drink, the cold goes back. And you have to wear more clothes. The only positive sides are lots of hugs and the warm(!) feeling of Christmas 🙂

Hehe, you seem like the in-between weather kind of person. I also agree it’s harder to stay warm when cold. The cold always has a habit on creeping up on you and seeping into your bones, especially at night when you sleep.

I used to get cold easier as well and my usual illnesses have to do with colds. So my non-existing problem that I worried about before was what if I had to live abroad where it’s cold? Could I handle it? These recent years, I’ve found that I don’t get cold easily anymore. It’s a rare occasion. I don’t even use a blanket when I sleep. My husband would be all covered up in blanket and I would just be “chillin'” even in my shorts.

Maybe our bodies change and adapt as we grow older. We might like warm at one point, and cold at other times. Just like how we might have different favourite foods at different times of our lives.

That’s one way to look at it.

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Home Essay Samples Life Summer

Summer and Winter: a Compare and Contrast Analysis

Table of contents, climate and atmosphere, activities and lifestyle, mood and emotions, wardrobe and fashion, nature and surroundings.

• Kingsolver, B., Hopp, S., & Kingsolver, C. (2007). Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life. Harper Collins.
• Solnit, R. (2001). Wanderlust: A History of Walking. Penguin Books.
• Thoreau, H. D. (1854). Walden. Ticknor and Fields.
• Williams, T. (2002). Winter Sleep. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
• Woolf, V. (1922). Jacob's Room. Harcourt, Brace and Company.

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4.1: Introduction to Comparison and Contrast Essay

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The key to a good compare-and-contrast essay is to choose two or more subjects that connect in a meaningful way. Comparison and contrast is simply telling how two things are alike or different. The compare-and-contrast essay starts with a thesis that clearly states the two subjects that are to be compared, contrasted, or both. The thesis should focus on comparing, contrasting, or both.

Key Elements of the Compare and Contrast:

• 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.

Objectives: By the end of this unit, you will be able to

• Identify compare & contrast relationships in model essays
• Construct clearly formulated thesis statements that show compare & contrast relationships
• Use pre-writing techniques to brainstorm and organize ideas showing a comparison and/or contrast
• Construct an outline for a five-paragraph compare & contrast essay
• Write a five-paragraph compare & contrast essay
• Use a variety of vocabulary and language structures that express compare & contrast essay relationships

Example Thesis: Organic vegetables may cost more than those that are conventionally grown, but when put to the test, they are definitely worth every extra penny.

Sample Paragraph:

Organic grown tomatoes purchased at the farmers’ market are very different from tomatoes that are grown conventionally. To begin with, although tomatoes from both sources will mostly be red, the tomatoes at the farmers’ market are a brighter red than those at a grocery store. That doesn’t mean they are shinier—in fact, grocery store tomatoes are often shinier since they have been waxed. You are likely to see great size variation in tomatoes at the farmers’ market, with tomatoes ranging from only a couple of inches across to eight inches across. By contrast, the tomatoes in a grocery store will be fairly uniform in size. All the visual differences are interesting, but the most important difference is the taste. The farmers’ market tomatoes will be bursting with flavor from ripening on the vine in their own time. However, the grocery store tomatoes are often close to being flavorless. In conclusion, the differences in organic and conventionally grown tomatoes are obvious in color, size and taste.

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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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If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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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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Summer and Winter Essay

There are different seasons in the world and each has got its significance as well as particular characteristics that make it unique. In most cases, there are four main seasons in a year which are inclusive of winter, summer, spring and autumn. Since all seasons are different in various ways, this essay shall describe winter and summer being two seasons which are marked by the extreme weather conditions.

Due to the weather conditions, life is quite different as there are certain activities and aspects that characterize each season. Bent on that, this essay shall give a description of life in winter and in summer focusing more on not only the activities but also on weather and clothing.

Summer is a season that is marked by the relatively high temperatures. Days in summer are usually longer than the nights because the sun always rises up early. Consequently, people wake up earlier, work for long hours and end up accomplishing much. Due to the hot weather, people have to put on light clothes as they cannot make it to be on heavy clothing.

Generally, life is more enjoyable in summer and people are more energetic to perform their daily activities. However, such kind of a life is not enjoyed in the countries that lie near the tropics since temperatures are extremely hot in such places. Working indoors and outdoors is no different as it is quite uncomfortable in both cases.

For instance, working indoors requires the help of air conditioners while working outdoor is also very problematic because people have an added responsibility of protecting their skins from the hot temperatures which are quite hazardous (Advantages and disadvantages of cold weather).

Winter as highlighted in the introductory part is a season marked with cold temperatures as well as by short days and long nights. Although the term is rather subjective, its beginning is marked by winter solstice which takes place exactly on the longest night as well as the shortest day in each year. Due to the cold and chilly weather, people as well as animals are very inactive and hence the reason why most animals hibernate as they are not able to continue with their daily lives due to the cold weather.

Plant life is also affected since most plants cannot thrive in extremely cold temperatures. People have to put on very heavy clothing to generate and maintain warmth. Activities that people engage in are also meant to generate heat. However, there is also some fun since the season gives people a chance to engage in wonderful activities like skiing and children enjoy playing with snow and making snow balls.

In conclusion, it is important to mention that winter and summer are all important seasons in each year as they have different impact in the life of individuals. Although both terms are subjective, they do take place interchangeably such that when it is winter at the northern hemisphere, it is summer at the southern hemisphere.

Both seasons are marked by different weather conditions which in turn determine several aspects like activities and the clothing that people wear in each. Temperatures in each season determine the type of activities, clothing and even food.

The study has indicated that since winter is marked by low temperatures, people wear warm clothing, take foods that help to generate warmth and take part in activities that help to generate warmth. In summer, people wear very light clothing since the temperature is a bit high and have to take a lot of fluids to replace lost fluids. Both seasons have got advantages and disadvantages and hence none is superior to the other.

Works Cited

Advantages and disadvantages of cold weather . 2009. Web.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, October 29). Summer and Winter Essay. https://ivypanda.com/essays/description-of-life-in-summer-and-winter/

"Summer and Winter Essay." IvyPanda , 29 Oct. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/description-of-life-in-summer-and-winter/.

IvyPanda . (2023) 'Summer and Winter Essay'. 29 October.

IvyPanda . 2023. "Summer and Winter Essay." October 29, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/description-of-life-in-summer-and-winter/.

1. IvyPanda . "Summer and Winter Essay." October 29, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/description-of-life-in-summer-and-winter/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Summer and Winter Essay." October 29, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/description-of-life-in-summer-and-winter/.

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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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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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Compare and Contrast Hot and Cold Weather

Compare and Contrast Hot and Cold Weather What weather is preferable and why? Both hot and cold weather conditions have their advantages and their drawbacks, yet according to different perspectives only one can be more beneficial. Hot and Cold climates have their pros and cons especially with the feelings they create, the ways in which they affect the environment, and the way influence the environment.

Warm and Cool atmospheres are both very different from each other both possessing the possibility of creating positive and disheartening emotion. Warm, temperate weather typically creates an optimistic ambience as several activities and ways of life can be introduced, although this type of climate can still displease others. This type of weather usually allows for more productivity allowing one to get more accomplished giving people a stronger sense of self-confidence.

There are those who hate intense heat and the activities that come in its wake that interfere with their everyday lives. Moreover, there are those that look forward to a cold day than anything else in their life, and could go without a bright, and sunny for the rest of their lives. It seems that those that live in colder regions of the world prefer a colder climate because that is what they are accustomed to; it brings comfort and normality to their lives.

Warm climate people have the possibility of enjoying a rainy or snowy day, but more than likely they will grow further animosity against that type of weather. Climate affects all types of people emotionally in so many ways and the best type of weather will be argued over till the end of time. Furthermore, a topic that is not looked at closely by many is how types of climate affect the economy whether for good or bad. Hot and Cold weather affect business on a global scale yet a warmer climate has the tendency to be more beneficial toward the economy.

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Essay on Cold Weather

Students are often asked to write an essay on Cold Weather in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Cold Weather

What is cold weather.

Cold weather is when the air gets very chilly. In many places, this happens in winter. During this time, the temperature goes down. This means it can be freezing outside. People wear coats, hats, and gloves to stay warm.

Effects on Nature

When it’s cold, you might see snow or ice. Lakes and ponds can freeze. Many animals sleep a lot in the cold, which is called hibernating. Trees lose their leaves and wait for spring to grow new ones.

Staying Warm

In cold weather, we keep warm by wearing thick clothes. We also use heaters in our homes. Drinking hot drinks like cocoa can help too. It’s important to stay dry and wear layers.

Fun in the Cold

Even if it’s cold, you can have fun. Kids love to build snowmen, have snowball fights, and sled down hills. Skating on ice is another fun activity. Always dress warmly to enjoy these games safely.

Also check:

• Advantages and Disadvantages of Cold Weather

250 Words Essay on Cold Weather

Cold weather is when the air around us gets very chilly. This often happens in the winter season when the sun does not warm the earth as much. During this time, the temperature can drop so much that we need to wear warm clothes like jackets and hats to keep ourselves cozy.

Why Does Weather Get Cold?

The weather turns cold mainly because of the way the earth moves around the sun. When part of the earth is tilted away from the sun, it does not get as much sunlight. That part then cools down, and we experience winter. The opposite happens when the earth tilts towards the sun, bringing us warmer weather.

Activities in Cold Weather

Even though it’s chilly, we can still have fun in cold weather. Many people like to play in the snow, making snowmen or having snowball fights. Others enjoy winter sports like skiing or ice skating. But it’s important to dress warmly to stay safe and healthy while having fun outside.

Animals in the Cold

Animals have to adapt to the cold too. Some grow thicker fur, while others hibernate, which means they sleep through the coldest part of the year. Birds often fly to warmer places in a process called migration.

Staying Healthy

To stay healthy in cold weather, we should keep warm, eat good food, and exercise indoors if it’s too cold outside. This way, we can enjoy the beauty of the cold season without getting sick.

500 Words Essay on Cold Weather

Introduction to cold weather.

Cold weather is a time when the air gets chilly and you can see your breath when you talk or breathe out. It happens in many places around the world, mainly during the winter months. When it’s cold, people wear warm clothes like jackets, hats, and gloves to keep themselves cozy.

What Makes Weather Cold?

The weather turns cold because of changes in the air and the earth’s position. The earth travels around the sun in a big circle, and sometimes certain parts of the earth are farther from the sun. When this happens, the sun’s warmth doesn’t reach those parts as much, and that’s why it gets cold. Also, when the sun’s rays hit the earth at a slant, they spread out and don’t warm the ground as much.

Even though it’s chilly, you can still have fun in cold weather! People like to play in the snow, building snowmen or making snow angels. Others enjoy winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. It’s important to dress warmly when you play outside in the cold to stay safe and comfortable.

Animals and Cold Weather

Animals have different ways of dealing with the cold. Some grow thick fur, while others hibernate, which means they sleep through the coldest part of the year. Birds often fly to warmer places, which is called migrating. Animals that stay active in the cold have to find enough food and shelter to survive.

Staying Healthy in the Cold

When it’s cold, you should take care to stay healthy. This means wearing the right clothes to keep warm and eating healthy food that gives you energy. It’s also good to keep moving and play active games, so your body stays warm. If you’re feeling too cold, it’s best to go inside and warm up.

How Cold Weather Affects Daily Life

Cold weather can change how we do things every day. Sometimes schools close if it’s too snowy or icy, making it dangerous to travel. Cars might need special tires to drive on slippery roads. People also use heaters in their homes to stay warm, and sometimes they have to shovel snow from their driveways and sidewalks.

Cold weather is a special time of year that brings its own fun activities and challenges. It’s important to know how to dress and take care of yourself when it’s cold. By understanding what causes cold weather and how to enjoy it safely, you can have a great time even when the temperature drops. Remember to help animals and people who might need extra care in the cold, and always be prepared for changes in the weather.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Inequality In Society
• Essay on Inequality In India
• Essay on Inequality Between Rich And Poor

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

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