Compare and Contrast Writing
Alike or Different? You Be the Judge
Students write an expository paragraph after comparing and contrasting items of texture, taste, odor, and visual appearance. This activity will work with students from upper elementary through high school. Lesson includes student handout and rubric.
Compare and Contrast Lesson Plan
Students use a Venn diagram to compare and contrast. Introductory activity leads to reinforcement with a story. Designed for grades K-5.
Comparing and Contrasting
This site emphasizes construction of the thesis statement. It is designed for college freshmen.
Comparison and Contrast Guide
The Comparison and Contrast Guide outlines the characteristics of the genre and provides direct instruction on the methods of organizing, gathering ideas, and writing comparison and contrast essays. This resource is designed for elementary students to use independently.
Forty Topic Suggestions: Comparison and Contrast
Scroll down on the page for a list of topics designed for high school or college students.
A Pair of Anything
Students use a Venn diagram as a prewriting activity for a compare/contrast essay. This page includes a rubric.
Teaching the Compare/Contrast Essay
This lesson plan includes explanations, a timeline, and handouts.
At this site, the same material
annotated by a master teacher. These materials work with middle and high school students.
Writing a Comparative Analysis
, a handout from The Writing Center at Harvard
Explanation of both traditional compare/contrast and "lens" papers, suggestions for organization.