Compare and Contrast

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

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?
(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:
• http://www.slideshare.net/elkissn/understanding-
text-structures
• http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/U
nderstanding-Text-Structure-Powerpoint