1. Introduction to Compare/Contrast Text Structure
Texts that compare and contrast look at the similarities and differences of more than one main idea.

2. Compare and contrast signal words
When authors use the text structure of compare and contrast, they often use special signal words to show this text structure.
Can you find the signal words in the paragraph?

3. What is the main idea of this paragraph
What is the main idea of this paragraph? (Without reading the article, can you guess?) Underline the signal words in this paragraph.
The cardinal and the cedar waxwing are two common birds. Both have crests on their heads. Both are common at birdfeeders. But the birds have some differences. The male cardinal is a bright red, while the waxwing is brown. The cedar waxwing often migrates from place to place. On the other hand, the cardinal stays in one place year after year.

4. Compare your answers with a friend’s.
Here they are!
The cardinal and the cedar waxwing are two common birds. Both have crests on their heads. Both are common at birdfeeders. But the birds have some differences. The male cardinal is a bright red, while the waxwing is brown. The cedar waxwing often migrates from place to place. On the other hand, the cardinal stays in one place year after year.

5. Signal Words Compare/Contrast Structure
In like manner
Likewise
Similarly
The difference between
As opposed to
After all
However
And yet
But
Nevertheless

6. Compare/Contrast Graphic Organizer
To organize similar and different details from a paragraph, we traditionally use a Venn diagram.
Create a Venn Diagram to organize the information from the previous paragraph.

7. Using a Matrix vs. Venn Diagram
A Venn Diagram only allows you to compare 2 things
Matrix allows you to compare several things with several different characteristics.

8. Let’s Practice
How would you set up a matrix to compare & contrast inside activities and outside activities, comparing activities that you do in middle school with what your grandparents did in middle school?

9. Review
Set up a matrix to explain the similarities and differences between the Description and Compare and Contrast text structures?
How can signal words help you as a reader?

10. Answer the question:
How do you determine whether or not an article is an example of the Compare/Contrast text structure?

11. Let’s read an article together
“Sharks Use Serial Killer Tactics”
Before we read:
Based on the text features (title, bold faced words, italics, headings, graphics), predict what this article will be about and what text structure the author will use.
During Reading:
-First Read: Read for fun! 
Was your prediction right? Do you need to change it?
-Second Read: Annotate article, circling signal words, and underlining information that we might add in a matrix.

12. This presentation was adapted from the Power Point presentation, “Understanding Text Structures,” by Emily Kissner.
Follow the links to find the original information: