![]() Finally, model and write the paragraph or essay together as a group the first time through.īegin scaffolding the lessons by providing opportunities for independent work.Compare and contrast together as a group or individually.Read the two texts together as a group.For example, if students are comparing animals and a key point from passage A is size, then size should also be listed for passage B on the Venn diagram as a point being contrasted.įor beginners, the general plan for comparing and contrasting paired readings is: They also need to balance the differences. Students need to explain both similarities and differences. ![]() Important Point – Many students tell only how the two things are the same or only how they’re different. They’ll need more time to compare and contrast the passages and to learn to balance the differences between the passages. This move generally takes a few practice sessions before students feel ready to begin writing an essay. Moving from comparing and contrasting objects or pictures to paired passages is a big step. Choose two texts that are related in some way, such as similar topics, genres, subject matter, etc. The next step is to compare and contrast text, such as stories and passages. For students who might struggle with independent work, meet with a small group while the others work independently. For example, students can practice comparing and contrasting independently by completing a Venn diagram by themselves. On the second day, follow the same plan, but scaffold the activities to provide more independent practice. Try to find at least three similarities and three differences for each section of the organizer. Discuss the important points that students identified and decide where on a Venn diagram they should be categorized. Next, use an interactive whiteboard or create a big Venn diagram using chart paper or the chalkboard. Depending on your students’ abilities, this can be done together as a group or individually with sticky notes. Students should identify important points or characteristics of each item or picture. an eagle.Īt this point, comparing and contrasting should be intentionally easy in order to build students’ confidence and skills. You can also use pictures of two items, such as a bus vs. Use items they can see and touch, such as earbuds vs. On the first day, practice by comparing two similar items that are familiar to students. I plan at least two days for this activity. Here are the steps and scaffolding that I use when teaching students to write compare and contrast essays.Įxplain the definitions to ensure understandingįirst, students need to understand what the words compare and contrast mean.Ĭompare means to recognize and examine how two things are similar.Ĭontrast means to recognize and examine how two things are different.Ĭompare and contrast familiar objects and pictures
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