Category: Identifying Similarities and Differences

Tite: #5 Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

Time Needed: Varied
Room Arrangement: No variation needed.
Materials: Computer or paper and pencil, textbooks or supplemental research materials (books,
magazines, etc.).
Process/Directions: Read aloud a compare and contrast essay to the class. Read it aloud for a
second time, pointing out how it was written, either separated into points or by similarities first
and then differences next. Then, present material for comparison to the students, whether it be
two texts, two historical figures, two political positions, etc. Then have the students draft a
compare and contrast essay. Go through the writing process with the students until they have a
final draft that is acceptable for their grade level and expectations.
Example of when I would use this: This strategy can be used when comparing two sides of
historical debate. For example, during a unit on the Prohibition Era, the students could compare
and contrast the views of people for prohibition and against it.
(Source: Public Knowledge)