Exploring Compare and Contrast Structure in Expository Texts

This lesson focuses on identifying and analyzing the compare and contrast text structure within expository texts. First, students are introduced to the terms compare and contrast and asked to find similarities and differences between two common items. Next, students work in small groups to identify texts that are comparing and contrasting information. Students are then introduced to the Venn diagram as a tool that demonstrates similarities and differences and aids in learning new material.

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Standards & Objectives

Learning objectives:

Students will:

Build their understanding of the terms compare and contrast by participating in class discussions and by using Internet resources such as the Comparison and Contrast Guide
Work collaboratively to identify similarities and differences among subject matter
Examine curriculum-based text to compare and contrast ideas
Demonstrate understanding of the compare and contrast strategy by visually representing information in a Venn diagram

Lesson Variations

Blooms taxonomy level:

Creating

Extension suggestions:

Follow up this lesson with another ReadWriteThink lesson, “Teaching the Compare and Contrast Essay through Modeling.”

Have students use the Compare & Contrast Map to plan an essay about the similarities and differences between different kinds of homes.

Have students use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast character traits from a story or article read in class.

Ask students to interview a friend or family member who has lived in the same neighborhood for a long period of time and write a paragraph expressing what has changed and what has stayed the same in the community. They can then create a Venn diagram entitled "My Neighborhood: Then and Now."

References

Contributors:

Julie Scudder

Originator:

Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation