Compare and Contrast Ideas
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What you will learn
- 1Explain the difference between comparing and contrasting
- 2Identify signal words that show similarities and differences
- 3Use a Venn diagram or T-chart to organize compare-and-contrast information
Mini Lesson
When we compare two things, we look at how they are the same. When we contrast them, we look at how they are different. Authors often compare and contrast to help readers understand two subjects more clearly.
Compare vs Contrast
- Compare = find similarities (things that are the same or alike)
- Contrast = find differences (things that are different)
- Many texts do both — they compare AND contrast the same two subjects
- A Venn diagram uses two overlapping circles: each side shows what is unique, the middle shows what is shared. A T-chart uses two columns, one for each subject
Signal Words for Similarities
- "Both ... and ..."
- "Similarly ..."
- "In the same way ..."
- "Like ..." / "Just as ..."
- "Also ..."
Signal Words for Differences
- "However ..." / "But ..."
- "On the other hand ..."
- "Unlike ..." / "In contrast ..."
- "While ..." / "Whereas ..."
- "Although ..." / "Even though ..."
Words to know
Compare
To look at two or more things and identify how they are alike
e.g. Compare the two stories by listing what they have in common.
Contrast
To look at two or more things and identify how they are different
e.g. Contrast the two characters — one is brave, the other is cautious.
Venn diagram
Two overlapping circles used to show what two subjects share (middle) and what is unique to each (sides)
e.g. She drew a Venn diagram to compare cats and dogs.
Signal word
A word or phrase that tells the reader what is coming next (similarity or difference)
e.g. "However" is a signal word for contrast.
When you read a compare-and-contrast text, circle all signal words. They are your guide to what is alike and what is different. Then draw a quick Venn diagram to organize what you find.
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