7th Grade Language Arts
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Definition: to identify similarities between two or more
items
For example:
Both the Huskies and the Cougars are sports teams in
Washington.
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
The word “both” is called a signal word.
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Definition: To identify differences between two or more
items
For example:
The Huskies play for UW while the Cougars play for WSU.
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The word “while” is another example of a signal word.
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Just like with cause and effect, when you want to show a compare
and contrast relationship between two items, you can use signal
words.
For example:
Whales are mammals. Zebras are also mammals.
“Also” indicates there is a similarity (comparison).

Whales live in the ocean. On the other hand, Zebras live on land.
“On the other hand” indicates a difference (contrast).
Signal Words
(These are just
examples—there
are others!)
Comparison
Contrast
Both
Also
Alike
Similarly
In the same way
In addition
Additionally
As well
Have in common
While
Although
However
Instead
On the other hand
Whereas
Unlike
On the contrary
Even though
One way to explore a compare/contrast relationship is by using
graphic organizers like the Venn Diagram
It looks like this:
Item #1
Item #2
Traits that are the
same for both items go
here
For example:
Cars
• Cars travel on
land
• Many people
own their own
car
• They are smaller
than airplanes
Both
• Mostly of
metal
Airplanes
• Airplanes fly in
the air
• Contain an
engine
• Few people own
their own
airplane
• Can carry
passengers
• They are larger
than cars
A tree diagrams is used to compare and contrast according to
categories
It looks like this:
Categories
Category #1
Category #2
Category #3
Category #4
Item #1
Item #2
Item #3
For Example:
Category
Cherry
Apple
Cantaloupe
Size
Small
Medium
Large
Shape
Round
Round
Round
Outside Color
Red
Green or red
Tan
Inside Color
Red
White
Orange
Taste
Tart/sweet
Crisp, tart or
sweet
Sweet
Texture
Squishy
Firm
Firm
outside/squishy
inside
Choose two items to compare and contrast; you can use the list
below to help you choose a topic. Use one of the diagrams
(Venn or tree) to show the similarities and differences.
Dogs vs. Cats
Football vs. Soccer
Caterpillars vs. Butterflies
Seattle vs. Renton
Pizza vs. Burgers
Pepsi vs. Coke
Tacos vs. Burritos
Justin Bieber vs. One Direction
Edward vs. Jacob