IXL | Compare and contrast in informational passages

Read the passage about monkeys and apes.

Some people think monkeys and apes are the same, but they are not. Most monkeys have tails, but apes never do. Apes are usually big, while monkeys are usually small. Monkeys and apes have a lot in common, though! They are both hairy. Next to humans, they are also some of the smartest animals on Earth!

Based on the text, sort the phrases by whether they describe monkeys, apes, or both.

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question

Read the passage about tornadoes and hurricanes.

Tornadoes and hurricanes are two kinds of powerful weather. Tornadoes are cone-shaped, but hurricanes are not. Tornadoes look like spinning clouds that touch the ground. Hurricanes are big storms that bring lots of rain and strong winds. Tornadoes also have strong winds. Hurricanes can last for days. However, tornadoes usually only last for a few minutes. Both kinds of weather are dangerous.

Based on the text, sort the phrases by whether they describe tornadoes, hurricanes, or both.

key idea

Authors often compare and contrast two things in their writing.

To compare is to show how two things are alike. When authors compare, they often use signal words such as like, same, both, also, and too.

To contrast is to show how two things are different. When authors contrast, they often use signal words such as unlike, different, only, but, and while.

solution

Read the passage again. Look at the words in bold. They can help you figure out how the author compares and contrasts tornadoes and hurricanes.

Tornadoes and hurricanes are two kinds of powerful weather. Tornadoes are cone-shaped, but hurricanes are not. Tornadoes look like spinning clouds that touch the ground. Hurricanes are big storms that bring lots of rain and strong winds. Tornadoes also have strong winds. Hurricanes can last for days. However, tornadoes usually only last for a few minutes. Both kinds of weather are dangerous.

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Not feeling ready yet? These can help:

GG.1Use conjunctions

GG.2Use subordinating conjunctions

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