Session 1
1. Define the meanings of “compare” and “contrast” and provide daily examples, such as, two classmates, two teachers and the parents, to explain what comparison and contrast are.
Definition:
(1) A “comparison” shows similarities between persons, places, things, ideas and situation.
(2) A “contrast” points out differences between persons, places, things, ideas and situation.
Example:
(1) father: tall, fat, mid forties, humorous, loving (2) mother: tall, thin, mid forties, considerate, loving,
→ similarities: tall, mid forties, loving
→ differences: fat vs. thin, humorous vs. considerate
2. Write two words “house” and “nest” on the board. Make two columns and label the column on the left Compare (same) and the column on the right Contrast (different).
Have students express all of the similarities and differences between these two words and write them on the chart in the appropriate column. The possible answer is like below:
Compare (same) Contrast (different)
Both are shelters. Nests are usually smaller than houses;
houses are bigger than nests.
Birds make their nests just like humans make their homes.
3. Provide ten pairs of words for students to decide what the words have in common and write down the similarities in the blanks (these pairs of words are extracted from http://www.teach-nology.com/). Have students share their answers with their group members by asking the following questions:
Question you may ask: (Students can substitute words in the underlined parts.) How are North America and Asia ALIKE?
How is North America SIMILAR to Asia?
Instructions:
For each number, please explain what the words have in common.
1. North America, Asia _________________________
4. Use the same ten sets of words above and have students discuss the differences between these words in groups by using the following questions:
Question:
How is North America DIFFERENT from Asia?
What are some of the DIFFERENCES between North America and Asia?
Instructions:
For each number, please explain what the words are different.
1. North America _________________________ Asia
5. Explain to students that they are going to compare and contrast items in cooperative groups. Give each group a sheet of paper with two columns and one index card with the same two pictures on it (presented below). Instruct groups to find out the
similarities and differences of the two people shown on the index card and fill in the blanks. The group who can fill in more blanks with reasonable answers will be the winner.
Paper with two columns:
Compare (same) Contrast (different)
Index card:
Session 2
1. Introduce the graphic organizer, Venn Diagram, used to analyze similarities and differences between two things to students.
(1) Venn Diagram: Place individual characteristics in either the left or right sections, and common characteristics within the overlapping section.
2. Explain that students will practice utilizing the graphic organizer (Venn Diagram) to compare and contrast two superheroes: Batman and Superman. Show the profiles of Batman and Superman extracted from the Characters page in the Superhero
Database (http://www.superherodb.com/characters.php). Ask students to read the two profiles, discuss as a group and complete the graphic organizer. Later, ask students to share their graphic organizer with other groups.
(1) Profile of Batman
(2) Profile of Superman
3. Introduce the linguistic devices related to comparison and contrast and explain the meaning of each word.
Linguistic Devices:
Similarities Differences
in the same way, equally, by the same token, in a similar fashion, in a similar way
differently, conversely, contrary to…, the other way round, alternatively, on the other hand
similarly, likewise in contrast, by contrast, on the contrary, in comparison with
in common with however, nevertheless, nonetheless, yet, while, whereas, but, otherwise
as usual except (for), apart/aside from
also, as well, too, as well as instead of, rather than
just as, just like, like though, although, despite (the fact that), in spite of (the fact that), still
unlike
4. Ask students to read the article Hamilton Versus Jefferson and underline the words or expressions indicating comparison or contrast. Then list the similarities and differences in the Venn diagram. (The article is extracted from
https://www.google.com.tw/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=
The differences between the two men were long-standing. Hamilton believed in a strong central government, while Jefferson wanted to protect the powers of the states. Their conflict went deeper than this, however, for it reflected fundamental differences in their opinions about democracy. Although he came from humble beginnings, Hamilton had little faith in the common person. He once said that “the people are turbulent [disorderly] and changing;
they seldom judge or determine right.” Hamilton wanted a strong central government that balanced power between the “mass of the people” and
wealthier citizens by appealing to the greed and self-interest of both. As he explained:
“We must take man as we find him, and if we expect him to serve the public,[we] must interest his passions in doing so.
A reliance on pure patriotism has been the source of many of our errors. . . . One great error is that we suppose mankind more honest than they are.”
Hamilton believed that his practical approach would protect everyone’s liberties while keeping the people from having too much power.
Jefferson disagreed strongly with Hamilton on the average citizen’s ability. While he admitted that “the people cannot be all, and always, well informed,” Jefferson firmly defended the right of the people to rule the country:
“It is my principle that the will of the Majority should always prevail [win]. . . . [I am] convinced that on their good sense we may rely with the most security for the preservation of . . . . liberty.”