1. Introduction

Unit 3c deals with comparing and contrasting things or phenomena. Comparing and contrasting is a very important skill, as to a certain extent, our life is based on choice. Very often, we need to weigh alternatives, evaluate them and choose or recommend the most appropriate one for a particular purpose. We usually do this by measuring the alternatives or items against some criteria such as quantity, efficiency, fit for purpose and cost. And this is where comparison and contrast phrases are used. In this unit, you will first revise some basic ways used to compare and contrast. Then, more complex phrases for comparison and contrast will be introduced and used in technical contexts; namely in comparing and contrasting manual and computerized control. It goes without saying that most current systems are computer-controlled because this type of control is less costly and more precise. Unit 3c discusses how this type of control is used in transportation, particularly in cars and planes.

 

Contents:

  • Grammar: Expressing comparison and contrast

The two cars are similar in many ways. However, they differ in colour.

While my car is white, yours is blue.

 

  • Comparison = talking about similarities:

similar to, the same as, similarity in, both... and..., similarly, ... in a similar way, too, as well, also, (like*)

 

  • Contrast = talking about differences:

difference between, slightly different, differ in, but, however, nevertheless, although, even though, though, whereas, while, (unlike, as opposed to, in contrast*)

 

* The asterisked expressions in brackets are extra. The coursebook does not list them in Unit 3c, but still they are going to be included in some of the online exercises.