MAP 3rd Grade Reading
An engaging course designed to help third graders master reading skills and succeed on the MAP Reading assessment.
Advanced Topics
Comparing and Contrasting
What Does It Mean to Compare and Contrast?
When you compare, you look for ways that things are alike. When you contrast, you look for ways they are different.
How to Compare and Contrast
- Use a Venn diagram to organize similarities and differences.
- Look for words like "both," "similar," "however," and "unlike."
- Think about what makes each thing special.
Why This Skill is Important
Comparing and contrasting helps you understand stories and information better, and it can help you make choices in everyday life.
Real-World Uses
You compare and contrast all the time—like picking shoes, choosing between two games, or deciding what snack to eat!
Examples
Comparing cats and dogs: Both are pets, but cats usually meow and dogs bark.
Contrasting seasons: Summer is hot and sunny, while winter is cold and snowy.
In a Nutshell
Find what’s the same and what’s different between people, places, or things.