Writing to Compare and Contrast A Workshop to Improve Our Written Communication 6 th Grade Social Studies March, 2014

Essential Questions What does it mean to compare things? What does it mean to contrast things?

Key Words In your table groups, brainstorm words that are associated with comparing and/or contrasting. ComparisonsContrasts

Comparing and Contrasting Greek Democracy & Roman Republic Venn Diagram

Planning our Essay: Ways to Compare and Contrast Whole to whole Similarities to differences Point by point

Planning our Essay: Interactive Help Compare and Contrast Guide Compare and Contrast Map

Paragraph Structure Topic Sentence Supporting details and explanations Transitional Sentence

Planning our Essay: Building Blocks Introduction ◦ Introduce the items ◦ Thesis/claim Supporting paragraphs ◦ Topic sentence ◦ Supporting details and evidence Conclusion ◦ Summarize key points and thesis ◦ Provide “so what?” reason as to why this argument is important in the big picture **This is the last sentence of your first paragraph. It is the foundation of your paper. Everything else is based on proving your thesis is “correct.”**

Example Introduction Government practices and ideals we enjoy today owe many of their roots to ancient Greek democracy and Roman republic structures. There are many similarities and differences between these two forms of government. The three key similarities are: both systems strived to give power to the people, both elected their officials, and power was given to these official representatives. Three significant differences between the government forms include: how the different governments elected their officials, the basics of how each system worked, and the orientation of the hierarchy within each system. While both forms of government have provided important political and social foundations, the Greek system has more greatly impacted how we in the United States run our country. This optional thesis statement makes the paper an argument. The conclusion will focus on how the Greek system is more of an influence on the US. The next body paragraph/s should discuss these differences in the order listed. The first body paragraph/s should discuss these similarities in the order listed. Opening sentence starts broad

Writing our Essay Write your thesis (the interpretation or position you want to prove within your paper). Now take your notes from the Venn Diagram and Compare/Contrast Map and develop them into paragraphs. Be sure to use specific examples. (Say, “For example…”) Use your compare/contrast words. Use transitional words between paragraphs. Be sure all your paragraphs “prove” your thesis. Use ACE – answer the question, cite examples, explain the examples – in each paragraph

Scoring Rubric

Wrap-Up Share with your shoulder partner… What are three ways to structure a compare and contrast essay? What is the job of a thesis statement or claim? Any questions?