Comparing and Contrasting Seeing how things are alike and different

When you read about things, it is good to think about how they are alike and how they are different. Doing this allows you to compare and contrast things.

alike When you tell about how two or more things are alike you compare..

different When you tell about how two or more things are different you contrast..

A Venn Diagram is a great tool to use to compare and contrast two or more things.

alike thing 1 different thing 2 different

Let’s Practice…. Read the following passages. Think about the things that are being talked about. Ask yourself: How are they alike? and How are they different?

North America is home to four different kinds of bears. Two of these are the Grizzly bear and the Black Bear. These bears are both found in the United States of America. They have many things in common. But they have many differences as well. The Black Bear is relatively small. An adult is usually only lbs. A Grizzly, on the other hand, can weigh up to 1,400 lbs. and stand up to 13 feet tall. Both bears eat berries, insects, and plants. They also eat fish, squirrel, and even large animals like deer and elk. Bears are amazing creatures but they are dangerous too. You should never approach or attempt to feed one.

According to the passage, what do both types of bears have in common? 1. their weight 2. what they eat 3. their height 4. how they care for their young

According to the passage, which is a difference between the two types of bears? 1. what they eat 2. their color 3. their habitat 4. their size

Black Bear lbs. Grizzly 1,400 lbs. fish, squirrel, deer, elk; live in U.S.; dangerous

Wolves and coyotes are two well-known members of the canine family. Both live in packs and both tend to prefer to live in rural or unpopulated areas. Wolves are generally larger than coyotes. They are also less shy and more aggressive. Wolves are usually gray in color though they may be white or even black. Coyotes tend to be brown, reddish, or even yellowish in color. Unlike wolves, coyotes are well-adapted to life in urban areas and may live in towns and cities near people. Both wolves and coyotes are wild animals that should be respected and treated with caution.

According to the passage, what was not a difference between coyotes and wolves? 1. size 2. color 3. where they can live 4. how old they can live to be

According to the passage which is a similarity between wolves and coyotes? 1. both are about the same size 2. both live in packs 3. both are very aggressive

canines, live in rural areas, live in packs, wild animals coyotes smaller more shy brown, red, or yellow may live near people wolves larger less shy more aggressive white, gray, or black

Insects are the largest group of animals on earth. There are about million different kinds of them. Some insects live in groups. These insects are called social insects. Two of the best known social insects are bees and ants. Bees and ants both live in groups called colonies. Both have workers and a queen. Like all other insects, ants and bees have three body parts. Bees are well-known for collecting nectar and producing honey. Ants usually gather seeds or crumbs of food. Both ants and bees are some of the most interesting insects known to man.

According to the passage, which is a difference between ants and insects? 1. what they eat 2. where they live 3. only bees have wings 4. only bees can sting

According to the passage, what is not a similarity between bees and ants? 1. both are social insects 2. both live in colonies 3. both eat nectar 4. both have a queen

social insects; workers, queen, 3- body parts; interesting ants seeds and crumbs bees nectar