Example:
"Like birds, bats are capable of flight. Both groups have evolved adaptations for aerial movement."
2. Contrast (Differences)
Signal words:
However, but, although, while
In contrast, on the other hand
Unlike, whereas, nevertheless
Despite, yet
Example:
"While birds use feathers for flight, bats rely on stretched skin between their fingers."
3. Cause and Effect
Signal words:
Because, since, therefore, thus
As a result, consequently
Due to, leads to, causes
4. Sequence/Time
Signal words:
📚 Practice Problems
1Problem 1easy
❓ Question:
What transition word signals a CONTRAST between two ideas?
A) Similarly
B) Therefore
C) However
D) Furthermore
💡 Show Solution
Solution:
Check each transition type:
A) Similarly = Shows similarity/comparison
B) Therefore = Shows cause/effect or conclusion
C) However = Shows contrast/difference ✓
D) Furthermore = Adds additional similar information
Answer: C - However
Other contrast words: but, although, while, in contrast, on the other hand, unlike, nevertheless, despite
Understand comparisons, contrasts, and relationships between ideas
How can I study Comparative Relationships and Contrasts effectively?▾
Start by reading the study notes and working through the examples on this page. Then use the flashcards to test your recall. Practice with the 3 problems provided, checking solutions as you go. Regular review and active practice are key to retention.
Is this Comparative Relationships and Contrasts study guide free?▾
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What course covers Comparative Relationships and Contrasts?▾
Comparative Relationships and Contrasts is part of the ACT Prep course on Study Mondo, specifically in the ACT Reading section. You can explore the full course for more related topics and practice resources.
Are there practice problems for Comparative Relationships and Contrasts?
First, next, then, finally
Before, after, meanwhile
Subsequently, previously
Question Types
Direct Comparison Questions
"Unlike X, Y is characterized by..."
Strategy:
Find where X and Y are discussed
Identify the key difference
Match to answer choices
Relationship Questions
"The relationship between X and Y can best be described as..."
Common relationships:
Cause and effect
Problem and solution
Example and generalization
Contrast/opposition
Support/evidence
Author's Contrast Questions
"The author contrasts X and Y in order to..."
Asking: Why did the author make this comparison?
Possible purposes:
Clarify a concept
Emphasize a difference
Support an argument
Provide context
Paired Passages (Comparative Reading)
Format: Two shorter passages on related topics
Question types:
1. Individual Passage Questions
"According to Passage A..."
Only look at that passage
Ignore the other one
2. Comparison Questions
"Both passages mention..."
Find common elements
Must appear in BOTH
3. Contrast Questions
"Unlike Passage A, Passage B..."
Identify key differences
Often about tone, focus, or argument
4. Synthesis Questions
"How would the author of Passage B respond to Passage A's claim that..."
Need to understand BOTH perspectives
Make logical connection
Strategies for Paired Passages
Step 1: Read Passage A
Answer questions about Passage A only
Don't look at Passage B yet
Step 2: Read Passage B
Note similarities and differences to Passage A
Compare main ideas, tones, evidence
Step 3: Answer Comparison Questions
Now you have both perspectives
Can compare/contrast effectively
Finding Relationships in Text
Look for Transition Words
These signal the type of relationship:
Similarity: also, similarly, likewise
Contrast: but, however, although
Cause: because, since, therefore
Example: for instance, such as
Emphasis: indeed, in fact, especially
Identify Structure
Compare/Contrast structure:
Presents two things
Shows how they're alike/different
Problem/Solution structure:
Presents a problem
Proposes solution(s)
Chronological structure:
Events in time order
Shows sequence
Common Wrong Answers
1. Reverses the Relationship
Says X caused Y when Y caused X
Gets the comparison backwards
2. Overstates Similarity/Difference
Says they're "completely opposite" when they have one difference
Says they're "identical" when they have similarities
3. Not Supported by Both
For "both passages" questions
Answer only appears in one passage
ACT Tips
Underline transition words - they show relationships
For paired passages: Read one at a time, then compare
Relationship questions: Think about the author's PURPOSE
Use process of elimination - cross out obviously wrong answers
ACT Tip: Knowing transition words helps you predict what's coming next!
2Problem 2medium
❓ Question:
Passage excerpt:
"Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power produce electricity without emitting greenhouse gases. Coal power plants, on the other hand, release significant amounts of carbon dioxide."
What relationship is being shown?
💡 Show Solution
Solution:
Signal phrase: "on the other hand" = CONTRAST
Two things being compared:
Renewable energy (solar/wind) - no emissions
Coal power plants - significant emissions
Relationship: Showing difference/contrast between renewable and non-renewable energy sources
Answer: Contrast - highlighting the difference in emissions between renewable and coal energy
ACT Tip: "On the other hand" is a classic contrast signal phrase!
3Problem 3hard
❓ Question:
Paired passage question:
Passage A argues that social media increases connectivity.
Passage B argues that social media can increase feelings of isolation.
Both passages would likely agree that:
💡 Show Solution
Solution:
What they disagree on:
Effects on relationships (one says positive, one says negative)
What they must agree on:
Social media EXISTS and is widely used
It AFFECTS social relationships (even if they disagree on how)
It's worth studying/discussing
Strategy for "both agree" questions:
Find points that are MORE GENERAL
Avoid claims specific to one argument
Look for underlying assumptions
Likely answer: "Social media has a significant impact on how people interact"
ACT Tip: "Both passages agree" answers are usually broader/more general than each individual argument!
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Yes, this page includes 3 practice problems with detailed solutions. Each problem includes a step-by-step explanation to help you understand the approach.