1. Compare & Contrast Paragraphs

2. Characteristics of a Compare & Contrast Paragraph
Explains or describes two or more people, places, things, or events.
Compares by telling how the two people, places, things, or events are alike.
Contrasts by telling how the two people, places, things or events are different.
Uses clue words - both, also, too, as well, on the other hand, however, but, and while to help readers understand the similarities and differences.

3. Choosing a Topic It should be interesting to you.
What would your audience enjoy reading?
Your topic should interest you and others.

4. Topics that fit our theme
Animals that use camouflage
Animals that use shells
Animals that use poison
Animals that use smell
Animals with fur
Animals with feathers

5. Brainstorm/Share Ideas
Share your animal pairs with your group.
Do your group members seems to be interested in your choices? Which ones? (think about your audience)
Do you have details you can use to compare AND contrast your animals?
Which of your choices is the most unique? – one that no one else is doing?

6. Venn Diagram/Planning
Use a Venn Diagram to plan out your ideas.
You should have 3-4 ideas that contrast your animals.
You should have 3-4 ideas that compare your animals.

7. Sentences that Compare & Contrast
Writing your Draft
Topic Sentence
Tells what will be compared and contrasted.
Says they have many similarities and differences.
Sentences that Compare & Contrast
One or more sentences tell how two things or ideas are similar.
One or more sentences tell how two things or ideas are different.
Concluding Sentence
Offers concluding ideas on the topic.
Leaves the reader with something to think about.

8. Clue Words Clue words make the paragraph’s structure clearer.
Clue words that compare:
both
also
too
Clue words that contrast:
however
but
while

9. Use descriptive words & phrases to help your audience “visualize”
feathers
white feathers
snowy white feathers
predator
hungry predator
ravenous predator is lurking