Compare and Contrast

An organizational structure in which the writer shows how 2 or more things are similar or different.

• Compare & Constrast

• Problem & Solution

• Cause & Effect

• Chronological Order

Signal word: differ

• Compare & Constrast

• Problem & Solution

• Cause & Effect

• Chronological Order

Signal word: same

• Compare & Constrast

• Problem & Solution

• Cause & Effect

• Chronological Order

Signal word: alike

• Compare & Constrast

• Problem & Solution

• Cause & Effect

• Chronological Order

This type of writing considers similarities and differences.

• description

• compare & contrast

• order & sequence

• cause & effect

Which of the following best describes the process of comparing?

• Highlighting differences between two or more items.

• Discussing only the unique features of one item.

• Identifying similarities between two or more items.

• Focusing on the individual characteristics without comparing.

Signal word: unlike

• Compare & Constrast

• Problem & Solution

• Cause & Effect

• Chronological Order

Did you know that not all deserts are

hot? Both hot and cold deserts are very

dry, but unlike hot deserts, cold deserts have long

winters when the temperatures can reach below

freezing. Cold deserts also get a great deal of

snow, which is certainly not true for hot deserts.

• compare and contrast

• problem and solution

• description

• sequence

Next time you are thirsty, try drinking a

glass of water instead of a soda. Although

both will quench your thirst, soda is full of sugar and

chemicals. Water, on the other hand, is a much

healthier choice. Water helps your digestive system

to function properly and keeps you immune

system strong so you won't get sick.

• compare and constrast

• description

• problem and solution

• sequence

Electricity can flow through some kinds of materials, but not through others. Materials that electricity can flow through are called conductors. Metal and water are both conductors. By contrast, materials that electricity cannot flow through are called insulators. Plastic, glass, fabric, and wood are all insulators.

• compare and contrast

• cause and effect

• description

• sequence