An important skill in reading and writing is the ability to compare and contrast characters. If you're able to demonstrate the similarities and/or differences between two people from your story, then you're showing a strong understanding of the text.
Your assignment this week is to compare and contrast two characters from the book you are reading at home. This assignment will take some time and you will have a week and a half to finish it. Please feel free to use the suggested timeline (or finish it earlier!):
Monday, 2/24: Think of a topic
Tuesday, 2/25: Create a "Double Bubble Map" or a "Venn Diagram"
Wednesday, 2/26: Write an introduction
Thursday, 2/27: Write "similarities" paragraph
Monday, 3/2: Write "differences" paragraph
Tuesday, 3/3: Write a conclusion
Wednesday, 3/4 Reread and post!
1.) Choose two characters from the book you are reading at home or from books we've read in school (The Willoughbys, Because of Mr. Terupt, your book club book, The Bridge Home, Tiger Rising, Wonder)
2.) Write a compare and contrast essay demonstrating the similarities and differences between these two characters.
3.) Use transition words such as "On the other hand..." or "Similarly..." (see the image below).
5.) Include the author and title
For example:
Two fifth graders with seemingly nothing in common. One who loves school, one who despises it. One who escapes life's problems through books, the other who can't stand reading. Despite their differences, Jessica and Jeffrey, two characters from the book, Because of Mr. Terupt, by Rob Buyea, also find common ground through their fifth grade experiences at Snow Hill School. Jessica and Jeffrey have many similarities and differences.
Jessica and Jeffrey may seem like total opposites, but they actually have quite a few things in common! Both attend Snow Hill Tree Elementary School and share their beloved teacher, Mr. Terupt. We don't realize it at first, but they are both compassionate and kind kids. Jessica demonstrates her compassion when she defends her friends from the bully, Lexie. Jeffrey shows his kindness with students from the collaborate classroom. Both characters also demonstrate a great deal of strength. Jessica's parents are recently divorced and she moved to a new school. Even though she's new, she finds the strength to make friends and face her difficult family situation. Similarly, Jeffrey struggles with his family as well. He lost his brother to cancer and shows grit and courage in dealing with these difficult situations.
Jessica and Jeffrey are also quite different. Jessica loves to read and appreciates school and learning. She often connects to the characters in her books, "I was finishing the book Belle Teal. I loved Belle. I wanted her to be my friend" (p.38). On the other hand, Jeffrey's attitude is not as positive. He doesn't like school and dislikes most of his teachers and assignments: "I'm no good in school. School stinks" (p. 15). Clearly, these two characters are very different, though in the end of the book, they all find a commonality--loving Mr. Terupt.
Two different students with challenging family situations find common ground in Because of Mr. Terupt. From kindness and courage to very different backgrounds, clearly Jessica and Jeffrey have many similarities and differences.
Your assignment this week is to compare and contrast two characters from the book you are reading at home. This assignment will take some time and you will have a week and a half to finish it. Please feel free to use the suggested timeline (or finish it earlier!):
Monday, 2/24: Think of a topic
Tuesday, 2/25: Create a "Double Bubble Map" or a "Venn Diagram"
Wednesday, 2/26: Write an introduction
Thursday, 2/27: Write "similarities" paragraph
Monday, 3/2: Write "differences" paragraph
Tuesday, 3/3: Write a conclusion
Wednesday, 3/4 Reread and post!
1.) Choose two characters from the book you are reading at home or from books we've read in school (The Willoughbys, Because of Mr. Terupt, your book club book, The Bridge Home, Tiger Rising, Wonder)
2.) Write a compare and contrast essay demonstrating the similarities and differences between these two characters.
3.) Use transition words such as "On the other hand..." or "Similarly..." (see the image below).
5.) Include the author and title
For example:
Two fifth graders with seemingly nothing in common. One who loves school, one who despises it. One who escapes life's problems through books, the other who can't stand reading. Despite their differences, Jessica and Jeffrey, two characters from the book, Because of Mr. Terupt, by Rob Buyea, also find common ground through their fifth grade experiences at Snow Hill School. Jessica and Jeffrey have many similarities and differences.
Jessica and Jeffrey may seem like total opposites, but they actually have quite a few things in common! Both attend Snow Hill Tree Elementary School and share their beloved teacher, Mr. Terupt. We don't realize it at first, but they are both compassionate and kind kids. Jessica demonstrates her compassion when she defends her friends from the bully, Lexie. Jeffrey shows his kindness with students from the collaborate classroom. Both characters also demonstrate a great deal of strength. Jessica's parents are recently divorced and she moved to a new school. Even though she's new, she finds the strength to make friends and face her difficult family situation. Similarly, Jeffrey struggles with his family as well. He lost his brother to cancer and shows grit and courage in dealing with these difficult situations.
Jessica and Jeffrey are also quite different. Jessica loves to read and appreciates school and learning. She often connects to the characters in her books, "I was finishing the book Belle Teal. I loved Belle. I wanted her to be my friend" (p.38). On the other hand, Jeffrey's attitude is not as positive. He doesn't like school and dislikes most of his teachers and assignments: "I'm no good in school. School stinks" (p. 15). Clearly, these two characters are very different, though in the end of the book, they all find a commonality--loving Mr. Terupt.
Two different students with challenging family situations find common ground in Because of Mr. Terupt. From kindness and courage to very different backgrounds, clearly Jessica and Jeffrey have many similarities and differences.