Compare Contrast Text Structure

Compare/Contrast Text Structure

By Dawn McCoy

Objective

The student will understand the purpose of the compare/contrast text structure.

The student will recognize the signal words for the compare/contrast text structure.

The student will identify the similarities and differences of two topics in a text.​

Compare and contrast

When we compare two things, we tell how they are alike.

When we contrast two things, we tell how they are different.

We use the Venn diagram graphic​ organizer for the compare & contrast text structure.

The differences go in the outer circles.

The similarities go in the inner circle.​

Venn Diagram

Compare and Contrast Signal Words

Read the passage below

Look for the topic(s) when you are reading

Cats and dogs are both popular pets. They are both lovable and furry. Cats are different than dogs in how they show their happiness. Cats purr, but dogs wag their tails. Cats and dogs are similar in their need for exercise. Dogs can get exercise by being taken on walks with a leash. Cats do not like leashes and get their exercise by chasing birds. They both make great pets.

Draw

Highlight the topic(s) in yellow.

Draw

Highlight the signal words in pink.

Multiple Select

Cats and dogs are both popular pets. They are both lovable and furry. Cats are different than dogs in how they show their happiness. Cats purr, but dogs wag their tails. Cats and dogs are similar in their need for exercise. Dogs can get exercise by being taken on walks with a leash. Cats do not like leashes and get their exercise by chasing birds. They both make great pets.

Choose the statement(s) that show how cats and dogs are similar.

• Cats and dogs are similar in their need for exercise.

• Cats purr, but dogs wag their tails.

• They are both lovable and furry.

• Cats do not like leashes and get their exercise by chasing birds.

Multiple Select

Cats and dogs are both popular pets. They are both lovable and furry. Cats are different than dogs in how they show their happiness. Cats purr, but dogs wag their tails. Cats and dogs are similar in their need for exercise. Dogs can get exercise by being taken on walks with a leash. Cats do not like leashes and get their exercise by chasing birds. They both make great pets.

Choose the statement(s) that show how cats and dogs are different.

• Cats and dogs are similar in their need for exercise.

• Cats purr, but dogs wag their tails.

• They are both lovable and furry.

• Cats do not like leashes and get their exercise by chasing birds.

Now it's your turn

Look for the topic(s) when you read

The lion is often thought of as the king of the jungle, but the African wild dog may be a better hunter. Both lions and African wild dogs are pack animals and have females lead their hunts, but they have different hunting styles. Although lions are very fast, they do not have much stamina. They attack in short, ferocious bursts because they get tired quickly. On the other hand, African wild dogs are not very fast, but they have incredible stamina. They can run for hours and often chase their prey to exhaustion.

What signal words did you find?

Draw

Highlight the topic(s) in yellow. Highlight the signal words in pink.

Audio Response

What is one similarity between the lion and the African wild dog?

Open Audio Recorder

Multiple Select

Select the statement(s) that show the difference(s) between the lion and the African wild dog.

• Although lions are very fast, they do not have much stamina.

• Both lions and African wild dogs are pack animals.

• On the other hand, African wild dogs are not very fast, but they have incredible stamina.

• The lion and African wild dog are alike because they both live in Africa.

Multiple Choice

Which graphic organizer is used for the compare/contrast text structure?

Poll

How confident do you feel with the compare/contrast text structure?