Compare and Contract Two Texts Review ELA.3.R.3.3

Contrast means to find differences between things

Contrast

Compare means to find similarities between things

Compare

When we compare and contrast authors, we look at how they tell their stories differently.
Think of it like looking at two different pictures of the same thing.

Every author has their own special way of writing.

Authors have different:

• Writing styles

• Opinions

• Experiences

• Ways of explaining things

Both authors might:

• Use the same facts

• Share similar opinions

• Tell the story in the same order

• Use similar words
  Example: Two books about dolphins might both talk about how they breathe air

Authors might have:

• Different main points

• Different examples

• Different text structures

• Different opinions
  Example: One author might focus on how dolphins play, while another focuses on what they eat

Use these tools when comparing authors:

• Highlight similar ideas in yellow

• Highlight different ideas in blue

• Make notes in the margins

• Use a Venn diagram to organize your thoughts

• Read both texts carefully
  • Look for key words and main ideas
  • Ask yourself:

  • What are both authors trying to tell me?

  • How are their messages the same or different?

  • Which details does each author include?