COMPARE AND CONTRAST PARAGRAPHS

Compare and Contrast Paragraphs We use compare and contrast paragraphs to help show the difference between two similar things. We do not normally compare unrelated things (we don’t compare pencils and dogs).

Compare and Contrast Paragraphs We do this because we think the differences are important for the reader. Perhaps these two things seem the same, but it is important for the reader to know they aren’t.

BRAINSTORMING

Brainstorming We do not brainstorm in a normal way for compare and contrast paragraphs.

Brainstorming Instead, we use a Venn diagram.

Venn Diagram With a Venn diagram, we put the similarities in the MIDDLE. We put the differences on the SIDES (A and B).

CATS DOGS SOUND OFTEN QUIET CAN BE OFTEN LOUD LOUD COST LESS $$$ $$$ MORE $$$ MESS DIRTY MESSY SLOBBER LITTERBOXES POOP ON FLOOR FRIENDLY FRIENDLY TO FRIENDLY FRIENDLY TO OWNERS EVERYONE

Brainstorming It can be very difficult to brainstorm like this. It is easiest to start with the similarities (how they are the same). Then, explain how they are different. Cats and dogs…. They both have ears. Normally, cats have smaller ears, and dogs have bigger ears.

CATS DOGS SMALLER EARS EARS BIGGER EARS

Brainstorming Finally, on the side of the Venn diagram, give a name for this difference. A noun is easiest. Cats and dogs…. They both have ears. Normally, cats have smaller ears, and dogs have bigger ears. “ear size”

CATS DOGS EAR SIZE SMALLER EARS EARS BIGGER EARS

You will have time to practice this brainstorming with a group of 3 or 4. I will hand you some topics and a worksheet. Try to complete the Venn diagram like I showed you. On Wednesday, we will do the outline together.

OUTLINING

OUTLINING Compare and contrast paragraphs have a special organization. We can do “block organization” and “Point-by- point” organization. For this class, we will focus on “Point-by-point” organization.

Point By Point For your outline, each main point is the name that you gave the difference. EARS COST NOISE

Point By Point The smaller points will be: The similarity How A is different How B is different EARS Both have ears Cats=smaller ears Dogs=bigger ears COST NOISE

Point By Point The smaller points will be: The similarity How A is different How B is different EARS COST Both expensive Cats = less expensive Dogs = more expensive NOISE

Point By Point The smaller points will be: The similarity How A is different How B is different EARS COST NOISE Both noisy Cats = less noisy Dogs = more noisy

TOPIC + CONCLUDING SENTENCE

TOPIC SENTENCE On your worksheet, you will see some example topic sentences. Remember: count word includes several, many, a few, etc. Cats and dogs may seem similar, but they are different in a few ways. By understanding the key differences between cats and dogs, people can decide the best pet for them.

CONCLUDING SENTENCE Like the other paragraphs, the concluding sentence can easily follow one of these structures: Rephrase topic sentence Repeat mean ideas Make a suggestion Make a prediction In conclusion, knowing these difference between cats and dogs will help you choose correctly at the pet store.

By yourself OR with your group, complete your outline for your C&C paragraph.