Exploring Compare and Contrast Structure in Expository Texts

Materials and Technology

Student Interactives

Printouts

Preparation

 

MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGY

• Computer lab with Internet access
  
  
• Index cards
  
  
• A compare and contrast paragraph from your school curriculum or from the Internet Articles Written in the Compare and Contrast Format list
  
  
• Nests and Houses PowerPoint presentation

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STUDENT INTERACTIVES

Grades   K – 12  |  Student Interactive  |  Organizing & Summarizing

Venn Diagram

This interactive tool allows students to create Venn diagrams that contain two or three overlapping circles, enabling them to organize their information logically.

 

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PRINTOUTS

• Compare and Contrast Tool Kit
  
  
• Paragraph Practice
  
  
• Venn Diagram Rubric
  
  
• Group Skills Tracking Sheet
  
  
• Venn Diagram Reproducible

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PREPARATION

1.	Create small, heterogeneous groups and prepare one compare and contrast index card for each group. On each card, write the names of two items that can be compared (e.g., "motorcycle/bicycle," or "clock/watch").
2.	Print and make copies of the Paragraph Practice sheets, Compare and Contrast Tool Kit, and Venn Diagram Rubric.
3.	Bookmark and preview the Nests and Houses PowerPoint presentation and online Comparison and Contrast Guide on your classroom computer. Reserve an LCD projector if you don’t have one in your classroom to show the Nests and Houses presentation or print and make copies of the slides for your students.
4.	Select and print copies of a compare and contrast paragraph or article from your science or social studies curriculum for each student. You may also select an article from the Internet Articles Written in the Compare and Contrast Format list.
5.	Make plans to support your struggling readers by doing any of the following: Make audio recordings of the compare and contrast paragraphs for students. Meet with them in a guided reading group to read the paragraphs before they work with their small group. Pair them with an adult or trusted peer in class to practice reading the paragraphs.

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