COMPARING AND

CONTRASTING

Teacher Guidelines ▶ pages 1 – 2

4-6
Instructional Pages ▶ pages 3 – 5
Activity Page ▶ pages 6 – 7
Practice Page ▶ pages 8 – 9
GRADE

Homework Page
Answer Key
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page 10
page 11
 Classroom Procedure: Approximate Grade Level: 4–6
Objectives: The students will be able to compare
1. Introduce comparing and contrasting by showing the two and contrast characters, events, points of view, and
pictures you have chosen. Ask students: What is different other elements found in a story and in other reading
between the images? What is the same? content.
2. Allow for responses and discussion. List responses in State Educational Standards*
two separate columns. Ask students what other words LB.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.6
are used for things that are alike and different. Lead the LB.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.9
discussion to compare and contrast. LB.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.3
LB.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.9
3. Distribute Comparing and Contrasting (4-6) content pages. LB.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.7
Read and review the information with the students. Save LB.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.9
the final question for the closing of the lesson. Use the Class Sessions (45 minutes):
additional resources to enhance understanding. At least 2 class sessions
4. Distribute Activity pages. Read and review the instructions. Teaching Materials/Worksheets:
Pair students. Give students sufficient time to discuss Comparing and Contrasting (4-6) content
each thing/idea. Encourage students to have productive pages (2), Activity pages (2), Practice pages
discussions, especially related to opinion differences. (2), Homework page
5. Once completed with the chart, instruct students to choose Student Supplies: handouts
five from the list and write an introductory paragraph, which
Prepare Ahead of Time:
will be shared with the rest of the class. Allow time in the Two pictures to display, used for opening
schedule for each pair of students to read the paragraph. of the lesson. Use of current content for
6. Distribute Practice pages. Allow students to share their comparing/contrasting. Copy handouts.
responses. Encourage students to make inferences related Options for Lesson: Students may initially work
to some of the information shared as well to get beyond alone for the activity and then meet with a partner
what the author shares in each of the stories. to compare/contrast things and ideas. For the
activity, choose characters from a novel the students
7. Distribute the Homework page. Encourage students to have read. Add things or ideas for the activity.
use the topic as a story, not simply listing differences, etc. For practice, use current reading content. Assign
The next day, allow students to read their stories aloud more than one topic for the homework. Students
and lead a class discussion comparing and contrasting exchange homework with each other and compare/
the information from each story. contrast the story.

8. In closing, ask: What surprised you the most about two *Lessons are aligned to meet the education objectives and goals of
most states. For more information on your state objectives, contact
things you have ever compared and contrasted? your local Board of Education or Department of Education in your state.

9. Allow for responses and discussion. Ask students why they

were surprised about what was different and the same.
10. Allow for responses and discussion.

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 Teacher Notes
The lesson digs deeper into comparing and contrasting characters, points of view, events, and other elements
of a story. It may also be used to help students write compare and contrast essays. It is important for students
to understand the difference between the two terms as well. Many students believe comparing is the same
as contrasting and are interchangeable terms. Use current content as much as possible.
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Comparing and Contrasting
Every day you compare and contrast people, TV shows, books, food and
other items. In other words, you seek things that may be the same or different.
For example, you compare and contrast friends. Two of your friends may both
play sports (compare), but one may like science fiction movies and the other horror
movies (contrast). If you decide to see a Star Wars movie you’ll probably ask the
first friend, but later choose the second friend to see a scary movie.
Compare = Different. Contrast = Alike.
Being able to compare and contrast is helpful for life, and this is just one
reason you learn how to compare and contrast the different elements in a story
including characters, events, topics, points of view, and even cultures.
When you read a story there are usually characters. Every
character, like the people in your life, have different personalities. You could probably name
a certain trait of a character, and then name the opposite trait for the second character.
Stories, movies, or books often include an evil character and a good character. Many
traits contrast one another; however, they will have some you can compare as well.
For example, in the familiar story The Three Pigs, the wolf was determined to blow
down the houses, but the pigs were also determined to keep building new houses.
The wolf is evil; the pigs are good- a contrast. All of them have determination- a
comparison.
Actions or events in a story can also be compared and contrasted with each other.
It could be comparing and contrasting how a devastating flood affects a city to the
damage caused by an earthquake five years later in the same city. Here is a chart
comparing and contrasting the events:

FLOOD EARTHQUAKE
buildings damaged buildings damaged
COMPARED
no school for a week no school for a week
warnings were given no warnings
CONTRASTED
people moved back home homes are unlivable

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A point of view can be compared and contrasted too. Read each of the points of view of what happened
during a recent incident on the playground of a school during recess:
Daniel and Emily came running into the classroom anxious to tell the teacher about
a fight on the playground. “Calm down, children,” Mr. Green tells the kids. “What
happened outside today?”
Daniel responded, “Abby pushed Thomas and he immediately knocked her down on the
ground. Gabe then yelled at Thomas and was about to hit him but Abby stood up and
stepped between them. Abby then pushed Gabe again and they began yelling at each
other. I think Mrs. Gerlach made them all go inside.”
“That’s not exactly what happened,” Emily interrupted. “Abby and Thomas were pushing
each other and nobody fell on the ground. Gabe did yell at Thomas, but Abby did not
get between them. Abby and Thomas just kept yelling at each other until Mrs. Gerlach
made all of them go inside.”
As you can easily see there are two different stories about the incident on the playground. Comparing and
contrasting the students’ point of view results in the following: (A Venn diagram is used.)

Daniel's POV Emily's POV

Nobody fell on the
Abby pushed There
ground, Abby did
Thomas to the was
not get between
ground, Abby stood pushing
Thomas and Gabe,
between Thomas and
Abby did not push
and Gabe, Abby yelling.
again but only
pushed Gabe again. All went
yelled more.
inside.

Comparing and contrasting does not mean one is correct or right and another is incorrect or wrong. It also
does not make something good or bad. Comparing and contrasting is simply asking two questions:

1. What is the same between…?

2. What is the difference between…?

Once you compare and contrast things from a story or book, you can certainly debate whether one is better
than another, agree or disagree with something, and closely analyze or review the information.

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Finally, comparing and contrasting two or
more cultures is often done when reading
a story or novel. Many stories involve
characters with various backgrounds,
religions, traditions and beliefs, as well
as from other parts of the country or world,
or from the past and present.
It is okay to identify those things that are
the same and different because it helps
you learn more about characters and
events. In addition, you find out interesting
information about other cultures and the
way people who may be different from
you live their lives. Frequently, when you
compare and contrast cultures, you will
discover many more things that are alike
than are different.

The next time you read a story, whether it

is a mystery, drama, horror, science fiction
or other kind of book, identify the things
that are the same and different. Those
things can include the characters, events,
behaviors, actions, points of view, cultures
or just about anything. Comparing and
contrasting helps you better understand
the characters of the story, its plot, the
conclusion, and much more.

What surprised you the most about two things

you have ever compared and contrasted?

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 Activity Name __________________________ Date _________

Instructions
1. Compare & contrast each personal thing/idea with your partner. Use the accompanying chart.
2. Discuss each one and then write your responses in the correct column. (See below example.)On many,
there may be responses in all columns.
3. Spend efficient time on areas requiring an opinion to discover what is alike and different.
4. Once completed, choose five of the things or ideas and work together to write a paragraph that would be
used as an introduction of yourselves to a stranger.
5. Your single paragraph will be read to the class.
6. Use the lines below to write the final draft of your paragraph. Use additional paper if necessary.

JOHN JANE
Thing or Ideas Contrast Compare Contrast
Coke, Oreos, vanilla ice cream, shrimp, root beer, ice cream, hot dogs, apple Pepsi, chocolate chips, chocolate ice
favorite foods or drinks
steak, mashed potatoes pie, tacos, watermelon, chicken, sweets cream, lobster, French fries, venison

This is Jane and John and they both like to drink root beer soda, but John likes Coke and Jane likes Pepsi. Something else they like are potatoes, though
one of them like mashed and the other one would rather eat French fries. They both enjoy various kinds of meat and fish, but they both eat chicken or hot
dogs. John likes steak and shrimp, Jane would rather have lobster and venison. Their favorite desserts include ice cream, chocolate or vanilla, and they
both love sweets plus apple pie. It seems you can feed them watermelon or tacos anytime as well.

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 Name: _____________________________ Name: _____________________________
Thing or Idea Contrast Compare Contrast

hair and eye color

type of house and

neighborhood
Activity

family

sports, interests, hobbies

Allowance or no allowance,
and amount

traditions of your culture,

religion, or background

year-round schooling or 9
months a year, why or why
not

what time should school start

and end each day and why

describe your personality

Name __________________________ Date _________

details of the happiest day of

your life

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 Practice Name __________________________ Date _________

Read the two stories – COMPARE and CONTRAST the stories, characters, and events using the chart.
Cinderella (An Italian Cinderella Story)
Once upon a time there was a man who had three daughters. The older daughters were very selfish and bossy. They made
their younger sister, Cinderella, do all their work. Cinderella was very kind and never complained. She spent any free time she
had taking care of animals.
The father was going on a trip. He asked each one of his daughters to tell what gift they would like him to bring back. The
oldest wanted a fancy dress. The other wanted a pretty hat. Cinderella said, “A little bird, please.”
Later, the family was invited to a ball at the king’s court. “Cinderella!” her oldest sister said. “If you had asked for a dress,
you could have come to the ball with us. You are so foolish!”
When everyone left, Cinderella’s bird helped make her beautiful. He gave her a shiny green dress and sparkling glass
slippers. She went to the ball, and the king asked her to dance. They danced all night long, until the ball was almost over. “I
need to get back home before my family sees I’m gone!” Cinderella said.
She hurried so fast, one of her slippers fell off outside the castle. When she got back home, there was a knock on the door.
It was the king! He was holding Cinderella’s glass slipper. “It is you!” he said.
Cinderella’s family came home just in time to see the king put the slipper on Cinderella’s foot. Their mouths fell open in
surprise. They opened even wider when the king asked Cinderella to be his wife.

Little Ashes (A Native American Cinderella Story)

Once upon a time, there lived a father and his three daughters. They lived in a wigwam by the side of a lake. The two older
sisters were lazy and mean. They made their younger sister tend to the fire and do all the work. This kind girl was called “Little
Ashes” because of the soot on her face.
Across the lake, there lived a powerful hero of the tribe. His name was Strong Wind. Strong Wind could make himself
invisible. The only person who could see him was his sister, Soft Rain.
Strong Wind wanted to marry. But only a girl with a kind heart could see him and become his wife. The news spread quickly.
The older sisters made Little Ashes make them new dresses and beautiful shell belts. They used all the cloth and shells. None
were left for Little Ashes.
Sadly, Little Ashes watched her sisters and all the other maidens go to the wigwam where Strong Wind and Soft Rain lived.
Then Little Ashes went for a walk in the woods. She saw some pieces of white bark that had fallen from a tree. “I can make a
dress of bark!” she thought happily. “Thank you, kind tree!” Then she saw little white and yellow flowers. “I can weave these
flowers into a necklace! Thank you, Mother Earth!” she cried.
Meanwhile, all the maidens arrived at Strong Wind’s wigwam. Soft Rain asked them if they could see Strong Wind. They
all lied and said “yes.”
Soft Rain then asked, “By what does my brother pull his sled?” One maiden said a sled, another said a heavy rope, and a
third said a dog. But they were all guessing, for they could not see Strong Wind at all.
Just then, Little Ashes stepped forward. She was wearing a simple bark dress and a flower necklace. Soft Rain greeted
her kindly and politely.
“Do you see my brother?” Soft Rain asked.
“There is a handsome man coming up the path,” answered Little Ashes. “Is he your brother?”
“By what does he pull his sled?” asked Soft Rain.
“By the trunks of two oak trees,” Little Ashes answered.
Soft Rain smiled. She had one more question. “What is he wearing?”
“He wears a beautiful blanket made of a double rainbow!” said Little Ashes.
Then Strong Wind said, “You do see me! You will be my wife, the light of my life. So I will call you Dawn Light.”
With great joy, Strong Wind and Dawn Light were married. Dawn Light’s father was happy for his youngest daughter. Her
sisters were not.

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 What are some of the things that are
Cinderella: What are some of the things Little Ashes: What are some of the
comparable between Cinderella and
that contrast with Little Ashes ? things that contrast with Cinderella ?
Little Ashes ?
Practice
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 Homework Name __________________________ Date _________

Choose one of the topics and write a short story below:

Write a story about two students who

Write a story about a parent who is Write a story about a student who is
are running for school president and
trying to convince the family to choose deciding which sport he/she wants to
their efforts convincing others to vote
one of two places for a vacation. play during the coming year.
for them.

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 What are some of the things that are
Cinderella: What are some of the things Little Ashes: What are some of the
comparable between Cinderella and
that contrast with Little Ashes ? things that contrast with Cinderella ?
Little Ashes ?
Practice

Native American story, Two older daughters were

Father with 3 daughters, younger daughter
lazy and mean, younger daughter's name was Little
Italian story, two older daughters were selfish and different than older daughters, younger daughter
Ashes, description of home is given as a wigwam
bossy, younger daughter's name was Cinderella, responsible for all of the work, the older daughters
by the side of the lake, younger daughter made
no description of the place they lived, father were mean to the younger daughter, dresses were
dresses for older daughters, Mother Earth helped
bought clothing for older daughters, bird helped available for the two older daughters, younger
make a dress for Little Ashes, Little Ashes left at
make Cinderella a dress, Cinderella left at home daughters responsible for getting own dresses,
home while older daughters went to Strong Wind's
Answer Key

while the older daughters went to a ball held by both older daughters went somewhere special
wigwam, Little Ashes meets Strong Wind on a
the King, Cinderella went to the ball and danced without the younger daughter, there is a hero in
path, she is able to see him unlike the other
with the King, Cinderella loses a slipper and later both stories, the youngest daughters will marry
daughters, the hero is Strong Wind, the older
the King returns it to her, the hero is a King, older the hero of the story, both stories show how a
sisters are surprised, Little Ashes' name is changed
daughters are not happy for her, story does not say neglected girl ends up becoming the wife of a hero
to Dawn Light and they marry, more interaction
they marry but will be married or important person, both younger daughters are
took place with older daughters and other
noticed by the hero
characters
Name __________________________ Date _________

Some answers may vary, may include comparing/contrasting characters within each story.

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