Being able to compare and contrast ideas, people, and things is an essential part of English conversation as well as writing and speaking parts of international English exams. You will be given two photographs and asked to compare and contrast them, and give your opinion about them.

Comparing and contrasting is especially important when discussing a topic, talking about changes, or when you are asked to compare points of view, find similarities and differences.

There are many ways of expressing comparison and contrast in English

Contrast:

Unlike…

Even so...

Despite this/In spite of this

And yet

On the other hand

Although...

However,...

In contrast to...

…, whereas…

…, but…

A/One contrast between… and… is that…

 

Compare: 

In comparison to…

The most apparent difference/similarity between… and… is…

Compared to…

A/One difference/ similarity (which stands out) is…

They're both..., however,...

Neither of them...

Similarly,...

In picture A..., whereas/on the other hand/ however, in B...

Unlike the ... in the second picture, these ... are...

A isn't quite as good as...

While/Whereas A is ..., B is...

Both… and…/ … and… both

One of the (few) similarities/ differences between… and… is…

Another/ An additional difference/ similarity (which is instantly apparent) is…

Likewise,…

One resemblance between… and… is that… 

The most obvious/ important/ apparent similarity/ difference (for me) between… and… is…

There are more similarities than differences between… and… For instance,…