Grade 5 Reading | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.5.R.1.3
When we compare, we look for ways things are SIMILAR or the same. When we contrast, we look for ways things are DIFFERENT. Good readers compare and contrast characters, settings, events, and themes to understand stories more deeply!
Find SIMILARITIES
How are they THE SAME?
Find DIFFERENCES
How are they DIFFERENT?
both, similarly, also, likewise, just as, in the same way, too, equally, as well as
however, but, yet, while, although, unlike, in contrast, on the other hand, whereas
Twelve-year-old Maya loved the city park. Every Saturday, she sat on her favorite bench beneath the old oak tree, sketchbook in hand. The park was always busy - joggers circled the path, children played on the swings, and vendors sold hot dogs and pretzels. Maya didn't mind the noise. She found inspiration in the energy around her. People-watching gave her ideas for her drawings. Her dream was to become a famous artist who captured city life.
Twelve-year-old Jade loved the mountain trail behind her grandmother's cabin. Every Saturday, she hiked to her favorite spot - a flat rock overlooking the valley. She always brought her sketchbook. The trail was quiet except for birdsong and rustling leaves. No one else was ever around. Jade liked it that way. The silence helped her focus on capturing the details of nature - the texture of bark, the curve of a leaf. Her dream was to become a wildlife artist who showed people the beauty of the natural world.
| Maya (City Park) | BOTH | Jade (Mountain Trail) |
|---|---|---|
|
- Loves busy, noisy places - Draws people and city life - Finds inspiration in energy and crowds |
- Same age (12) - Love drawing every Saturday - Have favorite spots - Dream of becoming artists |
- Loves quiet, peaceful places - Draws nature and wildlife - Finds inspiration in silence and detail |
Key Insight: While Maya and Jade share the same passion for art, their different settings shape what inspires them and what they want to create!