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Chapter 8: Comparison Pattern

Photo shows two dogs sitting side by sidePattern #3: The Comparison Pattern

Let’s focus on what things have in common. We often find the comparison pattern used together with the contrast pattern. But we need to understand them separately. Let’s look at the comparison pattern first: The comparison pattern means that two or more ideas in the paragraph are being described in terms of their similarities and how they are alike. 

Transition Words as Signals

These words can be used to signal how the ideas are related to each other. When you encounter words like these, they are usually connecting two ideas together, indicating that they are related. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but shows some of the words that can be used in this type of pattern.

Transition words that may signal comparison
Just as Likewise Just like Similarly
Equally Both Alike Same
Share Similarity Resemble In common

Examples of the Comparison Pattern

Below are examples of the comparison pattern. Can you spot the transitions and identify the pattern?

Comparisonnotice the ideas are introduced with comparison words because they want to show similarity. The comparison pattern often begins by introducing two subjects. In this case, the two subjects are introduced in terms of their similarities. This signals that they will be compared. 

Achilles and Hector, though on opposing sides of the Trojan War, share a surprising number of similaritiesBoth are depicted as peerless warriors, admired for their strength, courage, and unwavering loyalty. They fight not for glory or personal gain, but out of a deep sense of duty – Achilles to the Greek cause, and Hector to the defense of Troy and his family. Despite the brutal conflict, both acknowledge the human cost of war and share moments of empathy with their enemies. This shared complexity makes them not just formidable warriors, but relatable figures caught in the tide of fate. 

Practice 8.1

Read the following paragraph and see if you can find the words that connect the ideas. Continue reading after the paragraph for hints.  

Earth and Mars share several striking similarities that make the Red Planet a focus of scientific exploration. Both planets have a 24-hour day, with Mars’ day, called a sol, lasting just over 24 hours, making their daily cycles remarkably alike. Similarly, both planets experience seasons due to the tilt of their axes, although Mars’ seasons are longer because it takes nearly twice as long to orbit the Sun. Mars and Earth have polar ice caps in common, composed of frozen water and, in Mars’ case, frozen carbon dioxide. These similarities suggest that studying Mars could provide insights into Earth’s past and its potential for sustaining life beyond our planet.

In this paragraph, the author uses several words as clues to how the ideas are related. Can you find those transition words?

This paragraph shows you don’t necessarily have to begin the sentence with the transition. The ideas can be connected anywhere in the sentence by including a word or phrase that explicitly connects the ideas. 

Practice 8.2

Read the paragraph below and try to identify the transition words. This time, see if you can understand the idea presented with each transition word. These ideas are called the details. In a comparison pattern paragraph, each detail is presented in the order of the author’s preference.  

Despite cultural differences, many Christmas traditions share common elements worldwide. Decorating a tree is a beloved practice shared by several cultures, from Germany’s original Tannenbaum tradition to the brightly adorned Christmas trees in the United States and Japan. Similarly, gift-giving is a universal feature of Christmas, symbolizing generosity and love, whether it’s exchanging presents on Christmas Eve in many European countries or on Christmas morning in North America. Festive meals bring families together across cultures, with dishes varying from roasted meats in England to tamales in Mexico, but equally emphasizing togetherness and celebration. These shared customs highlight how Christmas fosters joy and unity, regardless of cultural differences. 

Practice 8.3

Read the paragraph below and see if you can find the transitions that signal the pattern. Focus on understanding each detail of the comparison. After you’ve read the paragraph, complete the practice below.  

Honeybees and ants share many fascinating similarities due to their social structures and behaviors. Both insects live in highly organized colonies with a clear division of labor, including workers, queens, and specialized roles to maintain the community. Communication is another shared trait; honeybees use a waggle dance to convey the location of food, while ants rely on chemical pheromones to guide others to a food source or alert them to danger. Similarly, these species work collaboratively to store food for future use, ensuring their colonies’ survival during times of scarcity. These parallels highlight the remarkable efficiency and adaptability of these tiny yet complex creatures. 

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Strengthening Reading and Comprehension by Audrey Cross and Katherine Sorenson is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International 

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Integrated Reading and Writing Copyright © by Central Arizona College is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.