Comparative Relationships and Contrasts

Types of Relationships

1. Comparison (Similarities)

Signal words:

• Similarly, likewise, also, both
• In the same way, just as
• Comparable to, resembles

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:

• First, next, then, finally
• Before, after, meanwhile
• Subsequently, previously

Question Types

Direct Comparison Questions

"Unlike X, Y is characterized by..."

Strategy:

1. Find where X and Y are discussed
2. Identify the key difference
3. 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
• Watch for: "both," "only," "neither" (check carefully!)
• Relationship questions: Think about the author's PURPOSE
• Use process of elimination - cross out obviously wrong answers