Recognizing comparison/contrast in assignments. Some assignments use wordsâlike compare, contrast, similarities, and differencesâthat make it easy for you to see that they are asking you to compare and/or contrast. Here are a few hypothetical examples: 1  Compare and contrast Fryeâs and Bartkyâs accounts of oppression.he thesis of your comparison/contrast paper is very important: it can help you create a focused argument and give your reader a road map so she/he doesnât get lost in the sea of points you are about to make.