How to Use Comparisons in IELTS Writing?

IELTS is a very popular exam undertaken by many students. The IELTS tests the various skills of an individual, especially, reading, writing and listening skills. In writing skills, the candidate is allotted the task of framing an essay. Due to limited hours, the candidate has to frame his or her essay in a very precise and prudent manner. They need to make use of important elements to make their essay attention dragger.

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Comparison is one of those important elements that is required for preparing an essay. Comparison can add to the quality of an essay and those who are appearing for an IELTS writing paper should know how to master this element of essay writing. Comparison can be drawn in two ways to improve the quality of an essay. The first method states that one has to draw similarities in different things and the other method states that one has to draw differences to compare the things. An individual can use either method to draw contrasting arguments in an essay, but first, it is important to have a better insight into the two methods stated here.

1. Drawing comparison through similarities

The first method is a very common way of drawing comparisons. By drawing similarities between things can make the essay more interesting and attention-catching work. Drawing similarities can also be done in two ways-

1. Drawing similarities with different degrees - According to this method the similarities are drawn based on the same characteristics or traits but the intensity of that characteristic can vary.

For Example - Due to lack of improper management the poverty ratio is more in developing countries than in wealthier countries.

The lower class of the society has less privilege of accessing education than the upper wealthier class.

2. Expressing similarities by using two distinct sentences- Under this method several phrases or words like- similarly, in a similar manner, in the same, etc… are used to draw similarities.

For Example - It is said that to run a country, experience from the older generation is very important. Similarly, the radical new thoughts of the younger generation are also vital for a country to evolve and develop from time to time.

Shakespeare has very prudently related the infant age and the later stages of life. According to him an infant in his early years of life is dependent on his family members. In the same manner, a person in his last stages of life is dependent on the people surrounding them.

2. Drawing Comparison through differences-

In the first method we noticed that comparison is drawn by picking and pointing out the similarities between two things, but in the second method, the comparison is drawn by pointing out the difference between two things. Like the first way, this method also has two ways of comparing by drawing differences in two different ways.

1. Contrasting or comparing through a single sentence - In this way the differences are pointed out by using a single sentence.

For Example - As contrasted with men, women are equally stronger in every domain.

Contrasted with a present scenario and the behavior of the younger generation, the people from olden times were more patient and emotionally strong.

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2. Contrasting or comparing by using two sentences - In this method comparison is drawn using two sentences. In this method also certain phrases like in contrast, opposite of, on contrary, from a different point of view, from a distinct perspective etc… are used.

For Example - The older generation doesn’t see the worth of the e-sport industry which is evolving and striving in the present situation. On the contrary, the younger generation is much more interested in this e-sport industry and many of them are endeavoring to build a career in esports.

On one hand, we all have acknowledged the fact of a growing depletion of natural resources and on the other hand, we are overusing these non-renewable sources of energy despite knowing the present scenario.

Final Thought

To make an essay more interesting and attention seeker one has to model their essay by using different essential elements of writing. Comparison is one of the vital elements of modeling an essay. The above-mentioned ways would not only help to add crispness to the essay but will also add to the quality of the content.

Those who are appearing for the IELTS exam should keep in mind the above-mentioned methods before framing their essays. They need to practice more thoroughly. Individuals can pick any method and should practice every method to improve their writing skills.

Moreover, to gain more knowledge about the writing part of the IELTS exam candidates can refer to the writing sample question to know more about the topics which they can get for framing an essay.