1. Comparing and Contrasting Text Elements
Same Difference

2. Comparison Words and Phrases
Points out the similarities and differences between two or more subjects
Comparison Words and Phrases
too
both
accordingly
resemble
similar to
also
likewise
same as
in the same way
like

3. Contrast Words and Phrases
Point out differences between two or more subjects
Contrast Words and Phrases
yet
differ
however
easy/easiest
different from
but
while
more/less
better/best
on the contrary
instead
unlike
worse/worst
harder/hardest
on the other hand

4. Prewriting activity
Choose a pair of people you know well (i.e. mother and father, two sisters, two friends)
Chart the similarities and differences for each person similar to this example:
Topic: my mother and father
Similarities: both are strict; both allow me to make my own choices; both support me; both love camping; both love to eat at new places
Differences: Dad is very logical and calm; Mom is anxious and full of energy; Dad likes to fix things; Mom likes to read; Dad loves Chinese buffets; Mom loves Italian food; Dad likes to take long walks; Mom likes to tan by the pool

5. You can write your response in two ways.
Making your own
Write a topic sentence that compares and contrasts the two people used in the prewriting activity. This will be your main idea.
Use the prewriting activity to write a short paper that compares and contrasts the two people.
You can write your response in two ways.

6. Line by Line Pattern (ABAB)
Two patterns
Block Pattern (AABB)
Line by Line Pattern (ABAB)
Use the first paragraph to write about one subject and the next paragraph to write about the next, or
Organize the pattern within one paragraph by discussing A in the first half of the paragraph and B in the second half.
The two subjects are discussed together instead of separately.
First compare both A and B in terms of one similarity or difference.
Then compare both of them in terms of another similarity or difference.

7. Rubric
Credentials
Points Possible
Topic sentence is clear, significant, and interesting. 3
Sufficient number of items to compare and contrast 6
Method of organization is effectively applied