Comparison Essays
Key Definitions
•Compare = Similarities
and Differences
•Contrast = Differences
Only
Thesis
• It is not acceptable to simply say “the two
civilizations were similar and different”
– specify specifically how they are similar and different
• Possible Prompt:
Analyze similarities and differences in techniques of
imperial administration in TWO of the following
empires.
– Han China (206 B.C.E.–220 C.E.)
– Mauryan/Gupta India (320 B.C.E.–550 C.E.)
– Imperial Rome (31 B.C.E.–476 C.E.)
Example
• The political system of Han China is similar to
the Guptan Empire in that both included strict
laws and stressed the importance of your role
in society. A major difference between these
administrations is that in Han China the king
was fully in charge, even revered, while in the
Mauryan/Guptan Empire priests were at the
top of the hierarchy.
Example
• The imperial administration of Han China and
Imperial Rome were similar because they
were both headed by an emperor. However,
they differed in their treatment of the
emperor. In Han China a ruler’s decisions, if
detrimental to society, could be questioned.
While in Rome, what the emperor decreed
could not be questioned.
What do I need for my thesis?
• You must address 1 specific similarity and 1
specific difference.
• i.e. Both the Empires of China and Rome were
ruled by an emperor who maintained imperial
control, however, the Chinese instituted a
system of scholar bureaucrats that gained
their position through merit, while the
Romans never achieved such an elaborate
bureaucracy.
What is a direct comparison?
• This is a comparison that is not split between
paragraphs or by other sentences. It must be
one or two sentences that compare one
subject of the comparison to another.
• Your comparisons should be supported by
evidence to support your statement.
Example
Direct Comparison: While both the Roman and Han (or Gupta)
Empires left behind many achievements, the Han (or Gupta)
were much more technologically and culturally creative.
Evidence:
- The Romans took much of their culture from the Greeks, such
as their religion, artwork and architecture.
- While the Romans had aqueducts, roads and other great
works, much of this was taken from others and improved
upon. The Gupta on the other hand came up with the concept
of zero and a base 10 number system that is still in use today.
- The Romans relied on slavery for their source of labor, while
the Chinese relied upon free peasants. This led to
technological stagnation on the part of the Romans, while the
Chinese were able to (insert pieces of specific evidence here).
What is analysis?
• This is where you explain why.
• You tell the reader what caused this similarity
or difference to occur.
• This is usually a because sentence and the
most difficult part of the comparison essay.
• The reason that the Guptan bureaucracy was
never as elaborate as that of the Chinese was
because….