how to write a compare and contrast essay fourth grade

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helping students be successful writing a compare and contrast essay in 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade

Scaffolding a Compare and Contrast Essay With Frames and Templates

Writing can be hard and frustrating for upper elementary students; writing a compare and contrast essay can be even harder and more frustrating.

Often, this skill gets pushed to the back burner. It is a lot easier to practice comparing and contrasting with things that take less time - like by using a Venn Diagram.

However, teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students to compare and contrast topics within their writing is an important skill. Scaffolding student writing through sentence or paragraph frames and essay templates can minimize the frustration of students, save valuable time, and help your students become better writers. Providing structure helps focus yoru students.

Below, find ideas for scaffolding so that your 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students can be successful with comparing and contrasting in their writing - and eventually writing a compare and contrast essay!

Start Small - With Compare and Contrast Sentence Starters or Frames

Students don't have to write an entire essay every time you want them to practice comparing and contrasting within their writing - they can practice this skill by simply writing a sentence that compares or contrasts two things.

Providing students with sentence starters is a great way to ease them into using compare and contrast language in their writing. This is especially beneficial for your ELL and low language students, but ALL of your students will benefit from this strategy.

Example Sentence Starters

1. __________ and __________ are different because __________.

2. __________ and __________ are alike because __________.

3. The most important difference between __________ and __________ is __________.

4. An important similarity between __________ and __________ is __________.

5. While __________ and __________ are alike because __________, they have different __________.

Using a Paragraph Template or Frame

After students have been successful at writing sentences that compare and contrast, expand to short paragraphs. Provide scaffolding similar to the sentence frames to help your 3rd grade, 4th grade, or 5th grade students be successful.

Using scaffolding like this will not only help them with comparing and contrasting language, but will improve their overall writing as well.

(You might find some of these other writing tips and ideas helpful.)

Example Paragraph Frames

1. __________ and __________ have many differences. The most important difference is _________________________. Another difference is _________________________. Finally, _________________________.

2. __________ and __________ are similar in many ways. For example, ____________________. Furthermore, they both ____________________. A final similarity is ____________________.

3. __________ and __________ are similar in some ways, but different in others. For example, they both ____________________. Despite this similarity, they are different because ____________________. This difference is important because ____________________.

comparing and contrasting scaffolded essay template / outline for upper elementary

Compare and Contrast Essay Template / Structure / Outline

Writing an essay can be overwhelming. Teachers often try to support students by modeling good essay writing - which is an essential step. But having students go straight from having a compare and contrast essay modeled for them to writing their own independently can be a huge jump for some. They are going straight from "I do" to "You do."

A scaffolded essay outline makes a good "we do" for upper elementary students. Provide students with a scaffolded template that clearly lays out the structure of a good compare and contrast essay. This helps students stay on topic and reminds them what a good compare and contrast essay should look like.

Eventually, you will take this scaffolding away. Or, you can use the scaffolding to differentiate. Provide more scaffolding for students that needed, while students have a good grasp might only have topic students scaffolded for them - or maybe even no scaffolding at all.

compare and contrast scaffolded writing - includes an essay template for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students

If you know your students would benefit from this type of scaffolding, but don’t have the time to create it yourself, check out my Compare and Contrast Writing Resource.

It walks students through the writing process with scaffolding each step of the way. This resource also provides a model essay so that you can model expectations for your students. Plus, it can be used over and over again with different topics.

You might also like these other ideas for scaffolding your instruction, or these compare and contrast activities and ideas.

Want a Compare and Contrast Freebie?

Download these reading passages with a compare and contrast activity for free and use it to today!

I will try the strategy, seems easy to follow

Writing to Compare and Contrast

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Young Writers at Work

Writing a Compare-and-Contrast Essay (Gr. 4)

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Compare and Contrast with Paired Text Passages for Reading and Writing

Compare and Contrast Passages, Graphic Organizers RL.4.9 4th Grade Reading RL4.9

Easel Activity

Also included in: 4th Grade Reading Literature Text RL Bundle - Fiction Lexile Reading Activities

Firsthand and Secondhand Accounts Compare and Contrast RI.4.6 4th Grade - RI4.6

Also included in: 4th Grade Reading Informational Text RI Bundle - Nonfiction Activities, Lexile

Compare and Contrast Nonfiction Reading Response Essay Writing Unit

Also included in: Text Dependent Test Prep Writing Units BUNDLE

Paired Passages Paired Texts Compare and Contrast Passages Video Games

Also included in: Paired Passages Paired Texts Reading Comprehension Compare & Contrast Passages

Informational Text Structures Unit - Nonfiction for Third, Fourth & Fifth Grade

Text Structure in Nonfiction 4th Grade RI.4.5 - Reading Passages for RI4.5

Also included in: 4th Grade Nonfiction Reading Comprehension Bundle - Google Distance Learning

Compare & Contrast Stories - 10 Paired Passages - 4th & 5th Grade Folktales

Also included in: Comparing Folktales Around the World Unit - 4th & 5th Grade Bundle RL.4.9 RL.5.9

Compare & Contrast Point of View RL.4.6 & RL.5.6 - Lexile Reading Passages

Also included in: 4th Grade Fiction Reading Comprehension Bundle

Non-Fiction Paired Passages for Comparing and Contrasting for 4th-7th Grades

Compare & Contrast Point of View Task Cards - 4th & 5th Grade - RL.4.6 & RL.5.6

Also included in: Reading Comprehension Task Cards Bundle for 4th & 5th Grade

Compare and Contrast Digital Reading Unit for 4th Grade

Also included in: Digital Reading Bundle Nonfiction for 4th Grade - Reading Comprehension

4th Grade STAAR Reading Practice Tests, Aligned Review!

Also included in: 4th Grade STAAR Reading Test-Prep BUNDLE, PDF or Digital Option!

Compare & Contrast Nonfiction Bundle - 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grades

Compare and Contrast Fiction Reading Unit With Centers THIRD GRADE

Also included in: Reading Units - Unit Three Bundle THIRD GRADE

Paired Passages Paired Texts | Compare and Contrast | History of Technology

Also included in: Paired Passages Paired Texts | Reading Comprehension | Compare and Contrast 3-4

No Prep Emergency Sub Plans - Substitute Activities for 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade

Paired Passages Paired Texts | Compare and Contrast | Animal Adaptations

Compare and Contrast Test 2

Compare and Contrast Nonfiction Reading Unit With Centers THIRD GRADE

Also included in: Reading Units and Centers MEGA BUNDLE THIRD GRADE

Nonfiction Text Structures 4th Grade ELA Test Prep Game

Also included in: Reading Comprehension Reading Skills Worksheets Bundle

Compare & Contrast - 4th&5th Grade Florida BEST Standards - ELA.4.R.3.3/5.R.3.3

Also included in: 4th Grade Florida BEST Reading Comprehension Bundle FL B.E.S.T.

Character Traits and Analysis Graphic Organizers 3rd 4th and 5th Grade

Also included in: Character Graphic Organizers Bundle: Printable and Digital Versions

Reading Comprehension Passages - Compare and Contrast - DIGITAL INCLUDED!

Also included in: NO PREP Reading Comprehension Passages GROWING BUNDLE! Print AND Digital!

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Teaching the Compare and Contrast Essay through Modeling

Together, students and teacher use charts and Venn diagrams to brainstorm and organize similarities and differences between two objects. The teacher then models the beginning of the first draft, inviting students to help rephrase, clarify, and revise as the draft is written. Finally, students take what they have learned to complete the draft independently.

Featured Resources

Comparison and Contrast Guide : This student-centered online guide provides a thorough introduction to the compare and contrast essay format, including definitions, transitions, graphic organizers, checklists, and examples.

Venn Diagram : Use this online tool during prewriting to organize ideas for a compare and contrast essay.

From Theory to Practice

Rick VanDeWeghe writes of modeling: "teachers show how they go about the processes of reading and writing-drawing students' attention to the ways readers and writers think and the real decisions they make, especially when they themselves are challenged." In her book Conversations , Regie Routman explains why this modeling process is so successful: "It has always been our job to teach directly and explicitly in response to students' needs-carefully demonstrating, specifically showing how, clearly explaining. Whatever we want our students to do well, we first have to show them how. Of all the changes I have made in my teaching, adding explicit demonstration to everything I teach has been the single most important factor in increasing students' literacy" (24).

Further, writing out loud with students gives me an opportunity to show my enjoyment for the writing process. Students see that revision and editing are part of the fun, and that even teachers don't get it correct the first time. As an added bonus, students are frequently more eager to share personal writings with me for feedback once they see this process modeled.

Common Core Standards

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State Standards

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NCTE/IRA National Standards for the English Language Arts

Materials and Technology

Preparation

Student Objectives

Students will

Session One

Sessions Two and Three

History historical figures, maps of different time periods, states, time periods, books on the same historical subject Science scientists, weather patterns, plants in habitats Art paintings, artists' lives, different techniques Reading two different authors, two stories by the same author, books on the same topic by different authors, a book and the movie made from it

Student Assessment / Reflections

If possible, it is great to read the essay with the student individually and provide direct feedback. When this option is not available, constructive written comments are helpful. As you read the essays, keep notes on the aspects to review and share with the class later. For more structured feedback, use the Comparison and Contrast Rubric . After you have finished responding to the essays, review them with the class, adding advice as needed. You might go back and model an area where students needed more practice. Alternately, you can use the Compare and Contrast Guide to review the area.

This interactive tool allows students to create Venn diagrams that contain two or three overlapping circles, enabling them to organize their information logically.

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Teaching students how to write compare and contrast essays

How to Teach Compare and Contrast Essays

This article covers step-by-step how to teach compare and contrast essay writing to students using pictures and paired passages.

Sometimes you have to slow down to speed up. When it comes to teaching, compare and contrast essay writing to students, that saying definitely applies.

I’ve learned that spending meaningful time upfront instructing students on how to organize their thoughts and words really pays off.

reading comprehension worksheet set using paired passages

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Explicitly teach writing

Students can verbally explain how two objects are alike and different fairly easily. However, writing is often a struggle for these same students.

I can tell you that simply assigning more and more writing practice is not the answer.

Instead, students need:

Here are the steps and scaffolding that I use when teaching students to write compare and contrast essays.

Explain the definitions to ensure understanding

First, students need to understand what the words compare and contrast mean.

Compare means to recognize and examine how two things are similar.

Contrast means to recognize and examine how two things are different.

Teaching students how to compare and contrast

Compare and contrast familiar objects and pictures

I plan at least two days for this activity.

On the first day, practice by comparing two similar items that are familiar to students. Use items they can see and touch, such as earbuds vs. headphones or markers vs. crayons. You can also use pictures of two items, such as a bus vs. a car or a cardinal vs. an eagle.

At this point, comparing and contrasting should be intentionally easy in order to build students’ confidence and skills.

Students should identify important points or characteristics of each item or picture. Depending on your students’ abilities, this can be done together as a group or individually with sticky notes.

Next, use an interactive whiteboard or create a big Venn diagram using chart paper or the chalkboard. Discuss the important points that students identified and decide where on a Venn diagram they should be categorized. Try to find at least three similarities and three differences for each section of the organizer.

large group modeling of how to write a compare and contrast essay

On the second day, follow the same plan, but scaffold the activities to provide more independent practice. For example, students can practice comparing and contrasting independently by completing a Venn diagram by themselves. For students who might struggle with independent work, meet with a small group while the others work independently.

Venn diagram comparing and contrasting paired passages

Compare and contrast text

The next step is to compare and contrast text, such as stories and passages. Choose two texts that are related in some way, such as similar topics, genres, subject matter, etc.

Moving from comparing and contrasting objects or pictures to paired passages is a big step. This move generally takes a few practice sessions before students feel ready to begin writing an essay. They’ll need more time to compare and contrast the passages and to learn to balance the differences between the passages.

Important Point – Many students tell only how the two things are the same or only how they’re different. Students need to explain both similarities and differences. They also need to balance the differences. For example, if students are comparing animals and a key point from passage A is size, then size should also be listed for passage B on the Venn diagram as a point being contrasted.

For beginners, the general plan for comparing and contrasting paired readings is:

Begin scaffolding the lessons by providing opportunities for independent work. Begin doing a bit less as a group and allow students to take on more steps by themselves.

For example, read the texts together but allow students to explore and identify similar and different points from the texts independently.

Continue to use gradual release until students are completing the work independently.

Worth trying – Consider choosing passages right at students’ ability levels or slightly below their ability levels for the first independent practice.

Step-by-step plan to compare and contrast text

The following steps outline the plan I use each year to successfully teach students to compare and contrast using paired passages. I typically introduce the process in January and continue to fine-tune it through the spring.

1. Break down questions and prompts

Model reading and rereading the question or prompt several times. Students must understand exactly what the question is asking them to do.

Take the time to break down every word. Explicitly teach the meanings of words like evaluate , list , explore , explain , etc.

Students should highlight, underline, or circle important keywords from the question. Use those keywords to turn the question into a statement. The statement becomes our topic sentence for writing the essay.

2. Highlight the passages

I instruct students to read paired passages through the first time without marking them up. The second reading is the time is for highlighting, underlining, and circling.

Using paired passages to teach compare and contrast essay writing

As you begin scaffolding, students can experiment with using one color to highlight similarities and another color for differences.

Advanced students can try marking each important point in a different color. For example, if students are comparing and contrasting two animals, they might underline the size of the animals in pink. They can underline the prey in yellow, etc.

3. Organizing students’ thinking

Now that students have identified the important details, they need to organize them.

Organizers are perfect for compare and contrast questions. Students can practice with Venn diagrams, lists, or other types of organizers.

I’ve debated with other teachers about the merits of having students write complete sentences on organizers vs jotting notes, abbreviations, and ideas. Some teachers feel that students need to get their ideas down on paper quickly and that complete sentences can wait. Other teachers want the organizers to include the hard part of developing complete sentences.

Think it over and decide what’s best for your class based on your students and their abilities.

4. Developing sentences with sentence starters

The topic sentence can and should be developed by using the keywords from the question or writing prompt.

The body sentences can follow a basic formula or recipe. I model writing the body sentences using sentence starters or sentence stems.

Point out to students that everyone’s writing will be worded differently, and that’s perfectly fine. With writing, there are many ways their thoughts can be expressed.

Here are some basic sentence starters:

The first way ___________ and ____________ are alike is ________________________ .

However, a difference between ___________ and ____________ is ___________________________ .

Important Point – In the beginning, students will rely heavily on these sentence stems. With practice, they’ll gradually begin to trust themselves and their own way of expressing ideas. The sentence stems are an important scaffold for beginning and struggling writers. They may need help understanding how to fill in the blanks and with wording their sentences.

5. Developing paragraphs

I’ve found that beginning and struggling writers have an easier time writing separate paragraphs for similarities and differences. For example, after the introduction, focus on a paragraph describing similarities followed by a paragraph or two focusing on differences. This structure is called a block format.

Here’s a typical block format:

The other structure is to compare and contrast the details by alternating point-by-point.

Here’s a typical alternating format:

Decide how you want the paragraphs structured and teach students to follow that structure each and every time. Less sophisticated writers may become confused if you try teaching both structures or if you give them a choice.

6. Remember to use transitions

Finally, I encourage students to use transitions to move from one sentence or point to another.

Transition words help the essay flow and signal to the reader the direction the essay is heading.

Discuss the meanings of transition words with students. I’ve found that many students don’t fully grasp the connotation of transitions. Students also need to learn why one particular transition word may be better suited for a sentence than another.

Final thoughts about comparing and contrasting

Remember – practice makes permanent! The more students practice these skills, the better they’ll become. The gradual release method works very well for this type of writing.

Looking for compare and contrast activities?

Would your students benefit from practicing these skills? You can save yourself time by using my Compare and Contrast Paired Passages Set. This bundle is geared towards grades 2-5 and will save you time spent planning. It includes both printable and digital versions!

cover of Compare and Contrast Paired Passages Bundle on Teachers Pay Teachers

Compare and Contrast Paired Passages and Writing Set – Students learn and practice comparing and contrasting informational texts through pictures and paired text passages with posters for support. These passages can be printed or assigned through Google Drive or Google Classroom.

Sentence Starters for Writing and Citing Text Evidence – Sentence stems are the beginnings of sentences. They help students develop high-quality answers when responding to text questions. This mini-poster set is a terrific reference as a bulletin board in classrooms.

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Compare and Contrast essay outline
Compare and Contrast Essay: outline, format, structure, topics, examples
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Writing A Compare And Contrast Essay 5th Grade
Compare and Contrast Essay: outline, format, structure, topics, examples
How To Write A Compare And Contrast Essay 3rd Grade

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Compare and Contrast
Sample Compare Contrast Essay
Week 6 Instructor Session Week 7 Quiz Prep
Vocabulary to Show Contrast and Example in Essay
Compare & Contrast Essay
The Comparison and Contrast Essay

COMMENTS

Scaffolding a Compare and Contrast Essay With Frames and
However, teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students to compare and contrast topics within their writing is an important skill. Scaffolding student writing
Lesson 2 Writing Compare and Contrast Essays
Ask: How did I write my compare and contrast essay? Students should respond that you first used the information from your Venn Diagram to write an introduction
Writing to Compare and Contrast
Hey, fourth grade. >> This is your fifth and final video lesson of the week. Make sure that you're watching and completing your assignments
Compare & Contrast Writing
The resources below will provide our students many strategies to structure this type of writing. Students will learn that writing a compare and contrast essay
Writing a Compare-and-Contrast Essay Printable (4th Grade)
Students are introduced to comparing and contrasting through this writing process teaching model. It includes a sample compare-and-contrast chart
Writing a Compare & Contrast Essay: Lesson for Kids
The first sentence in your second paragraph should tell readers how the two things you are comparing are the same. Include specific examples from the two
Compare And Contrast 4th Grade Teaching Resources
Teach your students how to write a compare and contrast informative writing essay with this 6-week 4th-grade writing unit.
Compare and Contrast Essay
Describes how to write a compare and contrast essay for my fourth graders. For their assignment, they have to compare and contrast two
Teaching the Compare and Contrast Essay through Modeling
Together, students and teacher use charts and Venn diagrams to brainstorm and organize similarities and differences between two objects.
How to Teach Compare and Contrast Essays
Explicitly teach writing · Explain the definitions to ensure understanding · Compare and contrast familiar objects and pictures · Compare and contrast text · Step-