Compare and Contrast Writing

What is the purpose of a compare/contrast essay?

• talk about the similarities and differences of two subjects
• inform or explain a subject to the reader
• tell a story
• use the five senses to paint a picture for the reader, incorporating imagery and specific details

What comes after the hook in an essay?

• thesis statement
• body paragraphs
• evidence to support the ideas in the hook
• background information

A point by point comparison...

• has one paragraph that focuses on the similarities while the following focuses on the differences
• the first paragraph focuses on one subject while the following focuses on another
• each paragraph focuses on one point of comparison (similarities or differences)

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Which of the following is a comparison?

• The prince finds Grimm's Cinderella when he searches the land far and wide for whoever can fit the shoe.  In the African story, the Cinderella goes looking for her prince. 
• In both Grimm's Cinderella and the Egyptian Cinderella, the prince must find the girl who fits the shoe.
• Grimm's Cinderella is enslaved by her step-mother, whereas in the Egyptian Cinderella, Rhodopis is enslaved by a master.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

Which of the following contrasts the Cinderellas?

• Despite other's put-downs and teasing, both Grimm's Cinderella and Rhodopis ignore their bullies and show kindness to others
• Grimm's Cinderella and Jouanah experience the death of their mother.  The spirit of their mothers intervene to ensure their daughters meet the prince.
• While Domitila clearly shows a natural talent for cooking, Grimm's Cinderella shows no talent to make anything

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

Also, as, as well as, both, in the same manner, in the same way, like, likewise, most important, same, similar, too

• Listed above are transition words for  comparing two things 
• Listed above are transition words for contrasting two things

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Although, but, differ, even though, however, in contrast, instead, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, unless, unlike, while, yet

• Listed above are transition words for comparing two things
• Listed above are transition words for contrasting two things

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Identify the transition below.

Effective teachers prove creative, organized, and fun; however, ineffective teachers seem uninspired, disorganized, and boring.

• effective

• disorganized

• however

• organized

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Identify the transition below.

Effective teachers prove dynamic, innovative, and passionate, whereas ineffective teachers seem dull, uninspiring, and apathetic.

• dynamic

• innovative

• apathetic

• whereas

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Which does not show contrast?

• Nevertheless, __.

• Even so, __.

• Similarly,

• On the other hand, __.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3