L5 Advanced Writing Course - Compare and Contrast

Welcome to Advanced Writing

Compare & Contrast!

After completing this lesson, you will be able to:

• Understand Compare and Contrast Writing
• Write Your Own Compare and Contrast Writing Passage
• Use the Pop-Up Pointers to Edit and Polish Your Work

Be sure to complete the lesson by following the roadmap:

1. Play the Warm-Up Game
2. Learn About Compare and Contrast Writing
3. Choose Your Topic and Complete the Quick-Write

1. Complete the Writing Activity
2. Explore the Pop-Up Pointer
3. Edit Your Work
4. Discuss Your Homework

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Warm Up

Use the sliders to see two options. Name as many similarities and differences as you can!

Next

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Warm Up

Use the sliders to see two options. Name as many similarities and differences as you can!

Next

© 2025 For Kids Corp. All Rights Reserved

Warm Up

Use the sliders to see two options. Name as many similarities and differences as you can!

Next

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Let'sLearn

Let's Learn about Compare & Contrast in Writing.

Similarities are things that two subjects share. These are traits they have in common.

Compare & Contrast

Compare and Contrast is a writing technique that explains how two things are similar and how they are different. Writers usually use compare and contrast to make their ideas clear, organized, and to show relationships between concepts. This is a helpful tool to analyze different concepts in your writing!

Differences are features that make two subjects unlike each other.

Transitions are words that guide the reader through comparison writing.

Criteria are the categories or features you compare, like cost, size, mood, or purpose.

A Thesis Statement is a clear sentence that shows the main idea of your comparison.

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ExampleText

Read the Compare & Contrast Writing example out loud. Put the Transition Words in their place!

Pop-Up:Compare & Contrast

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QuickWrite

Choose a Writing Topic. Spend 5 minutes writing!

Option 2:Transportation

Choose two types of travel and compare and contrast them. Maybe it is planes or cars, trains or buses! Be sure to use clear transitions and include a thesis.

Option 1:Favorite Places

Compare and contrast two places that you love. It could be your favorite cafe and your favorite park! Be sure to use clear transitions and include a thesis.

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Edit YourWork

Fill out this Venn Diagram with your Mentor!

Topic A:

Topic B:

Similarities:

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Feedback

Share Your Thoughts!

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Homework

Homework

Option 2:Travel Agent Twist

Pick two places you have never visited. Pretend that you are a travel agent and write a paragraph comparing the destinations. Be sure to include a thesis and transitions!

Option 1:Character Face-Off

Pick two characters from any story, show, or game you enjoy. Write a paragraph comparing their personality, choices, or values. Be sure to include a thesis and transitions!

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Example:

"Although both smartphones work well, the iPhone is better for students because it is fast, easy to use, and educational."

Example:

"Both summer and winter are beautiful seasons, but they feel completely different."

Example:

Words like:Similarly, Also, Unlike, In Contrast... "Unlike Chicago, New York is known for The Statue of Liberty."

Example:

"I will compare two popular iPhone apps by speed, design, and safety."

Venn Diagram:

Venn Diagrams are simple visual tools that show how two things are similar or different. It uses overlapping circles. Each circle represents one idea and the part in the middle represents what they have in common.

Tip from author, E.M. Forster:

“The act of comparison is the beginning of understanding.” - E.M. Forster E. M. Forster was a British novelist and essayist known for his precise observations about human relationships and society, often encouraging readers to think critically about connections and differences.

Example:

"Both cities have public transportation."

Example:

"One city is known for being quiet, while the other city is notoriously loud."