9A Lesson 2

Comparative Reading

9A Lesson 2

I can compare and contrast two parts of a text.

ELAGSE6RL9 Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres...

ELAGSE6RI9 Compare and contrast one author's presentation of events with that of another (e.g., a memoir written by and a biography on the same person).

When you compare two texts, you see how they are the same. When you contrast two texts, you see how they are different. This is called comparative reading. There are many things to compare and contrast in a text. Authors often use compare and contrast when they write. They might show what two characters have in common. Or, they might show how two characters are completely different. Authors might do this with actions, events, or ideas as well. Authors do this to help you better understand a written piece.

Take a look at these two paragraphs. How do they compare or contrast with each other?

Paragraph 1: When you use paper, you use trees. People cut down millions of trees to make paper each year. Earth needs more trees, not fewer. They help keep our air clean, and they are home to many animals. So the less paper you use, the better. Use both sides of the paper to do homework. Don’t use two paper towels when one will do.

Paragraph 2: When you use electricity, you are really using fuel. Most electricity is made from coal. Earth has only a limited amount of coal. So it makes sense to use less electricity whenever we can. Turn off the lights when you leave a room. Ask your school to use light bulbs that save energy.

The first paragraph is about paper and trees. The second is about electricity and coal. This is how they contrast. In other words, this is how they are different. Each paragraph is about a different natural resource. Each resource is something that many people use every day. So how do they compare? Let’s read the text closely. Both paragraphs are about using less of something. The first explains how using less paper is good for Earth. The second explains how using less electricity is good for Earth. Both have the same message. Both are about changes that can be done to use fewer natural resources and save energy.

Now try these two paragraphs. How do they compare or contrast with each other?

Paragraph 1: Many of the months in the calendar are named for Ancient Roman gods or times of the year. For example, January is named for the god Janus. He was the god of doors. January is named for him because this month “opens” the year. March is named for Mars. He was the god of war. March used to be the first month, and the soldiers did not fight until then.

Paragraph 2: Some days in the calendar are also named for gods. But they are not named for Ancient Roman gods. They are named for Norse gods. These were the gods of the countries in Northern Europe. For example, Wednesday is named for Odin (“Odin’s Day”), who was the “all father” of the gods. Thursday is named for Thor (“Thor’s Day”), who was the god of the sky and thunder.

So, how do these paragraphs compare?

Both have to do with a measurement of time on a calendar. Both tell how these measurements were named after gods. How do these paragraphs contrast? The first one is about months and how some were named for Ancient Roman gods. The second one is about days and how some were named for Norse gods.

FREEZE SCREEN, then FLIP SLIDE.

Question 1

Paragraph 1: Bats are small flying mammals. Their young are born alive and get milk from their mothers. At night, they fly about, easily finding insects to eat. Studies have shown that bats give off high-pitched cries that people cannot hear. These cries are like waves that travel out and hit any objects in their path. These cries echo back to the bat. When the bats hear the echoes, they know if there is something in the way.

Paragraph 2: Bottle-nosed dolphins are sea mammals. These highly intelligent creatures are swift and graceful swimmers. They live on fish. They do not lay eggs. Instead, they give birth to live young, which feed on the milk produced by their mothers. They are able to swim freely through the ocean at high speeds without hitting objects. Dolphins make sounds like high-pitched whistles. These sounds bounce back when they hit any objects. When dolphins hear the echoes, they know where the objects are.

Multiple Select

1. In these paragraphs about bats and dolphins, which two things do these animals have in common?

• A. Both are sea animals that are fast swimmers and live on fish.

• B. Both are mammals that are born alive and get milk from their mothers.

• C. Both are highly intelligent creatures that can learn to solve problems.

• D. Both are small flying creatures that do their hunting and feeding at night.

• E. Both are animals that use high-pitched sounds to find where objects are.

FREEZE SCREEN, then FLIP SLIDE.

Question 2

Paragraph 1: It is known that many games were played in Ancient Egypt. Tug of war was one of them. There is a picture of it. The picture is very, very old. It was drawn on a wall. In it are two groups of people. The two groups are very close to each other. But they are not using a rope. Instead, they are holding hands. Each group is trying to pull the other over to its side.

Paragraph 2: In India, there is also an old picture of tug of war. In it are two groups of people. They are pulling on a large rope. The picture is done in stone. It is more than 800 years old. It is in a temple. A temple is a very special place. The game may have been done only on a certain day. No one really knows for sure. But it is still played today. In some parts of India, it is now a kind of dance.

Multiple Choice

2. The two paragraphs above are about the game of tug of war. How do these paragraphs compare with each other?

• A. Both describe old pictures that show people playing tug of war.

• B. Both explain how tug of war was played in Ancient Egypt.

• C. Both point out that tug of war began as a type of dance.

• D. Both give reasons why rope was important in tug of war.

FREEZE SCREEN, then FLIP SLIDE.

Question 3

Paragraph 1: Scientists have found that when you listen to music, your brain will start to make a chemical. Some call it the “feel good” chemical. Your brain will make it when you feel joy. This “feel good” chemical will travel through your body. It has the power to make you happy.

Paragraph 2: Want to feel less stress? Try a slow song. A BPM (beats per minute) of 50 to 60 is great if you need to wind down. (Bad day at school, maybe?) But what if you need energy for a big game? Or you want to pump yourself up for a test? Turn your radio to a rock or dance station. The music will be in the 140 to 150 BPM range. That will do the job.

Multiple Choice

3. These two paragraphs are about music. How do they compare or contrast with each other?

• A. The first paragraph argues that music helps mainly children feel better, while the second argues that music helps mainly adults.

• B. The first paragraph describes how music affects heart rate, while the second describes how music affects memory.

• C. Both explain why music is better than exercise at getting rid of stress.

• D. Both have to do with how music affects your mood and energy level.

FREEZE SCREEN, then FLIP SLIDE.

Question 4

Paragraph 1: There are many satellites in outer space. The most common type of satellite is for communication. This kind of satellite makes it easy for us to talk to someone halfway around the world. Special signals go up to a communication satellite. Then the satellite sends those signals all over the world.

Paragraph 2: A satellite must be launched into space. Have you ever jumped high in the air, only to fall quickly to the ground? Gravity is tough to beat! And a satellite is a lot heavier than you are. So, a rocket must be used. The force of the rocket’s power lifts the satellite into space. 

Multiple Choice

4. How do these two paragraphs about satellites contrast with each other?

• A. The first paragraph explains how satellites are built, while the second explains how fast satellites can travel.

• B. The first paragraph describes how satellites track weather on Earth, while the second describes how they track weather on other planets.

• C. The first paragraph tells what communication satellites do, while the second tells how satellites are launched into space.

• D. The first paragraph lists the many ways satellites can be used, while the second lists the many problems they can have.

Poll

I can compare and contrast two parts of a text with ease.

• Easily - 100% of my answers were correct!

• Pretty well- 75% of my answers were correct.

• I'm having trouble. I got a 50% or less on this assignment.