Compare and Contrast

Overview

In this 55-minute introductory lesson, 6th-grade students will learn the foundational skills of comparing and contrasting texts. Through engaging discussions, direct instruction, and collaborative activities, they will develop critical thinking by identifying similarities and differences using key vocabulary and graphic organizers. This lesson follows the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) to build essential reading comprehension and analytical skills foundational for higher-order thinking.

Standards Alignment

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.1
Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.3
Describe how a particular story’s or drama’s plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.6.5
Analyze how a particular sentence, paragraph, chapter, or section fits into the overall structure of a text and contributes to the development of the ideas.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1
Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Define and use key compare and contrast vocabulary: similarity, difference, compare, contrast, alike, both, however, on the other hand.
Identify similarities and differences between two short stories using textual evidence.
Organize their findings visually using a Venn diagram.
Collaborate effectively in small groups to discuss and analyze texts.

Materials Needed

Two short stories (age-appropriate, roughly 2-3 pages each) with contrasting themes or characters (print or digital copies for students)
Large classroom whiteboard and markers
Pre-drawn Venn diagram posters or handouts (one per group)
Vocabulary chart with compare/contrast terms
Student notebooks or journals
Sticky notes or index cards
Timer or clock

Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction and Hook (10 minutes)

Begin with a brief warm-up: Write two simple objects on the board (e.g., apple and orange). Ask students to quickly list one way these are similar and one way they are different — just a few aloud or on sticky notes.
Introduce key vocabulary terms related to comparing and contrasting, explaining each with examples and writing the words on a vocabulary chart. Use simple analogies (e.g., “Compare means looking for how things are alike, like the same color or shape. Contrast means looking for differences, like taste or size.”)
Briefly explain why comparing and contrasting is important for understanding texts better and developing critical thinking skills.

2. Direct Instruction: Identifying Compare and Contrast (10 minutes)

Read aloud or play an audio recording of the first short story to the class.
Ask comprehension questions targeting plot and character responses (CCSS.RL.6.1 and RL.6.3).
Repeat with the second short story.
Highlight similarities and differences in the stories as a class: model this using the vocabulary terms. Write examples on the board referencing specific text evidence (guided by CCSS.RL.6.1).

3. Group Activity: Venn Diagram Comparison (20 minutes)

Divide students into small groups of 3-4.
Distribute copies of both short stories and a large Venn diagram handout/chart.
Task each group with identifying at least three similarities and three differences between the stories. Encourage them to find textual evidence to support their points.
Circulate to support groups, prompting with questions like: “What are two characters alike in?” or “How does the setting differ in each story?”
Groups record their findings on the Venn diagram, using key vocabulary terms.

4. Sharing and Discussion (10 minutes)

Each group presents one similarity and one difference they found, explaining with text evidence. Encourage other groups to add or ask questions (promoting SL.6.1 collaboration).
Facilitate discussion focusing on how comparing and contrasting helps us understand the authors’ messages better.
Write any new or thoughtful insights on the board for class reference.

5. Independent Reflection and Exit Ticket (5 minutes)

Ask students to write a short paragraph in their journals responding to the prompt:
“Why is it useful to compare and contrast stories? Provide one example from today’s activity.”
Collect these as an exit ticket to assess understanding of the day’s objectives.

Differentiation and Extension

For ELL or struggling readers: Provide vocabulary word banks and sentence starters. Use visual aids and pair students for peer support.
For advanced learners: Challenge them to consider author’s purpose or themes in their comparisons or find subtle differences beyond the obvious.
Extension Activity: Invite students to bring two related objects or images from home to compare and contrast in the next lesson.

Teacher Reflection Notes

Were students able to use evidence to support their comparisons?
Did the vocabulary instruction enable students to articulate similarities and differences clearly?
Were cooperative groups effective in engaging all learners?
Adjust pacing or scaffold support for the next lesson based on observed student needs.

This detailed lesson equips students with a strong foundation in comparing and contrasting that will support their analytical skills across academic subjects, setting the stage for more complex critical thinking.

Teaching Instructions