Readers need to practice using language cue words (signal words) to write about the information presented in a Venn Diagram. Practice orally or with written sentence frames until readers are ready to write a paragraph.
• Write an informative text to examine the topic and present information clearly.
• Use linking words or phrases to connect ideas.
I can write a compare-and-contrast paragraph using signal words.
• Text Structure: Compare and Contrast
• Signal Words: similarly, also, in the same way, same as, both, all, like, just like, however, different, instead, contrast, differ, unlike
Readers need to practice using language cue words (signal words) to write about the information presented in a Venn Diagram. Practice orally or with written sentence frames until readers are ready to write a paragraph.
Review the Venn diagram with readers. Use prompts below as needed:
Signal word: alike
Support readers to compare the Ermine and the Arctic Hare using the academic language frame and the signal word alike.
Possible responses:
Ermines and Arctic Hares are alike because
Signal word: both
Support readers to compare the Ermine and the Arctic Hare using the academic language frame and the signal word both.
Possible responses:
Both Ermines and Arctic Hares are
Ermines and Arctic Hards both
Signal word: similarity
Support readers to compare the Ermine and the Arctic Hare using the academic language frame and the signal word similarity.
Possible responses:
A similarity Ermines and Arctic hares have is
Signal word: in contrast
Support readers to contrast the Ermine and the Arctic Hare using the academic language frame and the signal word in contrast.
Possible responses:
In contrast,
Signal word: unlike
Support readers to contrast the Ermine and the Arctic Hare using the academic language frame and the signal word unlike.
Possible responses:
Signal word: similar, however
Support readers to compare and contrast the Ermine and the Arctic Hare using the academic language frame and the signal words similar and however.
Possible response:
Support readers to practice putting information into a paragraph frame. Use the examples of compare and contrast paragraphs as needed to help readers at their level of language and/or writing skills.
Model comparing and contrasting colors of the ermine and Arctic hare in different seasons:
Ermines and Arctic hares both adapt to their environment by changing colors. Similarly, their fur coats change to white in the winter. In contrast, they have different colored fur from each other during the warmer seasons. The ermine is reddish-brown and the Arctic hare is grayish brown.
Support readers to practice putting information into a paragraph frame. Use the examples of compare and contrast paragraphs as needed to help readers at their level of language and/or writing skills.
Model comparing and contrasting the diet of the ermine and Arctic hare:
Ermines and Arctic hares both adapt their diet to the seasons. Similarly, they must adjust their diet when food is scarce. For example, the Arctic hare can only find and eat woody plants and moss in the winter months. In contrast, the ermine as a carnivore will hunt for other types of small mammals, such as insects, birds, and eggs.
Continue talk and write practice with other topics from the book:
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