Compare and Contrast Ideas

Authors often connect unknown ideas with known concepts to help readers learn about a topic. Instruction includes identifying author’s use of comparisons and a reader’s ability to make comparisons. Readers identify and collect similes, metaphors, and analogies to build understanding and showcase their comprehension.

Simile
A comparison of two unlike things that are alike in one way. A simile uses like or as or a comparative adjective and than.
Examples
Butterflies are like flower petals with wings.
Migration is like a journey.

Metaphor
An implied comparison between two unlike things. A metaphor does not use a clue word to make the comparison.
Examples
Butterflies are flower petals with wings.
Migration is a journey.

Analogy
A comparison of two or more objects. The analogy implies that the objects are alike in some way.
Examples
An orchestra of robins welcomed the sunrise.
Birds soar through highways in the sky.


Guiding Questions:

  • What does this selection remind you of?
  • What does (idea from selection) remind you of?
  • What comparisons did the author use to describe ideas?
  • What similes or metaphors did the author use to describe ideas in the selection?
  • What analogies were used to help readers connect ideas?
  • What are the similarities described? What are the differences described?
  • How did the author help readers learn new ideas?
  • Why did the author compare...to... How are they alike? How are they different?
  • Writers often connect new ideas with something a reader may already know. What examples from the selection show this writing strategy?