Scott Foresman Reading Street

then… suggest that they close their eyes and visualize the details of an outdoor place they enjoy.

If… students have trouble choosing a topic,

Differentiated Instruction

Grammar and Writing

Practice Book p. 168

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Develop an understanding of a compare and contrast essay.
Put ideas in order and use transitions that show likenesses and differences.
Use sensory details and strong verbs.
Establish criteria for evaluating a compare and contrast essay.

In a compare and contrast essay, a writer uses specific details that explain how two things are similar and different.

Compares and contrasts
Uses transitions and details to show likenesses and differences
Follows a pattern of organization
Has a clear topic sentence

Compare and Contrast Essay

Writing Rubrics and Anchor Papers, pp. 19–23.

Journal Entry
303g–303h

Week 3

Week 2

Week 1

Skit 329g–329h

News Story 379g–379h

Friendly Letter
353g–353h

Week 4

Week 5

Compare/Contrast Paragraph 399g–399h

See Differentiated Instruction
p. WA8.

See Differentiated Instruction
p. WA9.

Compare and Contrast Essay

Writing Prompt: People and Nature

Write an essay that compares and contrasts two things in
nature. Your subjects could be two plants, animals,
seasons, or weather conditions. Use words that show
what you are describing.

Purpose: Compare and contrast two things in nature

Audience: An artist who will paint a picture

READ LIKE A WRITER

Look back at Night Letters. Have students recall that as Lily gathers her letters,
she thinks about some of the similarities and differences between day and night
and between summer and winter. Point out that a writer also considers similarities
and differences in a compare and contrast essay.

EXAMINE THE MODEL AND RUBRIC

GUIDED WRITING Read the model aloud. Have students notice sentences in

which the writer uses transitions that make likenesses or differences clear.
Discuss how the model reflects traits of good writing.

Writing Transparency WP15

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Writing Transparency WP16

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FINDING A TOPIC

With students, brainstorm different kinds of plants, animals, and other
natural objects. Write a list on the board.
Have students go outdoors and investigate two plants or animals that
interest them. Have them take notes on their observations.
Go to the library with the class and help students find books with pictures
and text about nature. Have them take notes on possible topics.

NARROW A TOPIC

A penguin and a whale	There are too many differences and not enough likenesses.
A tornado and a hurricane	I don’t know enough about these things.
A maple tree and a pine tree	There are many similarities and differences, and both can be described vividly.

PREWRITING STRATEGY

GUIDED WRITING Display Writing Transparency WP17. Model how to

complete a Compare/Contrast T-Chart.

MODEL This student has thought of an attention-getting topic sentence and a conclusion that summarizes the essay. The student has listed the main similarities and differences between the two trees. Now the student can write a draft by adding details about each similarity and difference.

PREWRITING ACTIVITIES

Have students use Grammar
and Writing Practice Book p. 168
to help them organize information
about their chosen topic.
Students can elaborate on each of
the similarities and differences they
are describing.

Writing Transparency WP17

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Original:	Elaborated:
The leafy part of the maple tree is wide.	The branches and leaves form a full, rounded shape.
The pine tree has an arrow shape.	The pine tree is shaped like an arrow, with a wide bottom and a pointed top.