Compare and Contrast Text Structure

When comparing and contrasting, you should ________.

• write similarities in the overlapping sections of a Venn diagram

• write differences in the overlapping sections of a Venn Diagram

• write similarities in the arrows of a flow chart

• skip pre-writing and begin writing the essay right away

Using ________ in your essay helps readers know when you're comparing and contrasting.

• nouns

• transition words

• punctuation

• prepositions

In which of the following situations could you compare and contrast?

• You are voting for class president, and there are three students running.

• You are writing an essay about which time period you’d rather live in: the 1980s or the 1880s.

• You are deciding what the major differences are between the first and last Harry Potter books.

• All of the above

Kelvin is writing about the Greek myths that he recently read. He describes how they each focus on a hero’s quest and how each hero is different. Kelvin is ________.

• comparing Greek myths but not contrasting them

• comparing Greek myths with Roman myths

• comparing and contrasting Greek myths

• not comparing or contrasting

you should, ________.

• choose one difference between the items that is most important

• pick which item is better

• revise your essay using a flow chart

• pre-write for your essay using a Venn diagram

If you’re comparing and contrasting three items, you ________.

• can’t use a Venn diagram

• only have to describe two of them

• can add a third circle to your Venn diagram

• can compare them without contrasting

What would you compare and contrast to respond to the following essay prompt?

• mammals and reptiles

• humans and insects

• vertebrates

• deserts and rainforests

Which of the following words or phrases can be used to show a comparison?

• On the other hand

• Similarly

• While

• In contrast

Which of the following words or phrases could be used when contrasting?

• Similarly

• In conclusion

• On the other hand

• Nonetheless

Which of the following is a key feature of a compare and contrast text structure?

• Chronological order

• Cause and effect

• Highlighting similarities and differences

• Descriptive language