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Lesson Plans > Language Arts & Literature > Grades 6 - 8 > Organizational Patterns: Comparison and Contrast Writing
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Visual Learner
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Auditory Learner
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Organizational Patterns: Comparison and Contrast Writing

Learn to outline and write a compare and contrast essay
Grade Level: 6-8 
Concept:  Learn to outline and write a compare and contrast essay 
Estimated Duration: 90 minutes
 
Objectives
Students will be able to:
  • identify the A+B comparison organizational pattern
  • generate ideas for writing from discussion
  • use an organizational strategy to outline writing
  • write organized paragraphs that compare/contrast items
Materials
Overhead projector
Chart paper
Markers
 
Differentiated Strategies
These strategies are used to meet the varied needs of all learners:
  • for various grade levelsVarying academic levels: uses mixed-ability groups to allow students to learn from one another, small group and whole group participation
  • for visual learnersVisual learners: incorporates graphic organizers to allow students to see the organizational pattern of comparison/contrast writing
  • for auditory learnersAuditory learners: encourages partner talk to generate ideas for organizing and writing
  • for kinesthetic learnersKinesthetic learners: engages students in organizing outlines on chart paper and moving around the room to present outlines to peers
Procedures
Warm Up
  • On the board, write the following statement: McDonald's _____________; whereas, Burger King ______________.
  • for auditory learners Ask students to raise their hands to offer a variety of ways complete the sentence.
  • Write students’ responses on the board and explain that they are brainstorming ideas for comparing and contrasting.
Direct Instruction
  • Distribute the Comparison and Contrast Pattern graphic organizer to students and place the same graphic organizer (on a transparency) on the overhead projector.
  • for auditory learnersExplain the A+B comparison pattern to students.
  • for visual learners Using the example of comparing pets, model how to complete the A+B outline on the overhead, based on students’ brainstorming suggestions. 
  • for kinesthetic learners Have students mimic the same outline on their worksheet.
Practice
  • for various grade levels Place students in pairs. Partners should choose two fast-food restaurants to compare. Give students ideas of subtopics to compare. These ideas could include: quality of food, cleanliness, customer service, parking, location, hours, price, kid-friendliness, employment, etc.
  • for kinesthetic learners Using the A+B pattern, partners use chart paper and markers to diagram a large outline of the comparison.
  • If students in classroom are ethnically diverse, encourage selection of local ethnic restaurants for comparison.
  • for auditory learners Upon completion of outline on chart paper, partners present their A+B outlines to the class.
Assessment
  • Individual students create an A+B outline that compares their current year of school with a year in early elementary school. Ideas for comparison could include: expectations of students, styles of teaching, “choice” in the classroom, discipline, free time, organization of classes, homework, creativity, etc.
  • for visual learners Once outlines have been completed and initialed by the teacher, students write a two-paragraph comparison essay using the Comparison & Contrast A+B Writing graphic organizer.
Closure
  • Remind students that there will be many times in life where they will need to compare two items, especially when they become consumers.
  • Applied learning: Ask students to compare various aspects of two products before they make a purchase in the future. They should compare price, quality, durability, user-friendliness, etc.
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