Comparing and contrasting

Complete these sentences with the most appropriate word or expression in bold. In one case, all three options are possible.

1. The contrast / compare / comparison   in working conditions between our Denver department and our department in Chicago is very noticeable, and employees are now demanding equality in this area.
2. The two companies differentiate / differ / different   considerably from each other: one sells to the wholesale market, and one sells directly to retailers.
3. It is often difficult to differentiate / differ / contrast   between employees who are off work because they are genuinely ill, and those who are just enjoying a day at home.
4. Our new software program shares some common characters / characterizes / characteristics   with those that are already on the market.
5. There's a clear distinguish / distinctive / distinction   between starting your own company, and taking over one that already exists.
6. Compared / Compare / Comparing   with 15 years ago, home PCs are cheaper, faster and have a much bigger memory.
7. The two products are different in every way: there's absolutely no compare / comparison / contrast   between them.
8. Our latest mobile phones similar to / alike / resemble   those of our main competitor, except that they have more features and are more reliable.
9. There are several similarities / similarly / similar to   between our new photocopier and our old one: these include an advanced color facility and a multi-task option.
10. Serious computer hackers can access your personal files and destroy or alter them. Exactly / In the same way / Just as  , they can gain access to your Internet banking facility and steal your money.
11. The quality of our products is excellent. Likewise / Alike / Likeness  , the price.
12. The TOEFL® exam covers a variety of general English tasks. In contrast to / Although / By way of contrast  , the TOEIC® focuses more on business and professional issues.
13. The company has not performed very well during the last quarter. Nevertheless / Even so / However  , it has still managed to turn a profit and retain most of its clients.
14. There currently seems to be a large discrepancy / discrimination / differential   between the number of people employed in service industries, and those employed in the primary sector.
15. Our new contract states that both parties must give 6 months' notice of termination, unlike / whereas / whereby   our old contract had an immediate 'get-out' clause.