Making Comparisons using Simple Passages and Venn Diagrams

As students begin to feel more confident with their reading, I like to provide them with different types of reading material. I think that this is a great way to challenge them and help them develop critical thinking. 

This Making Comparison packet is a good resource for changing things up a bit. Students read simple passages and then use a Venn Diagram to compare the similarities and differences between two topics. 

The topics in this packet are familiar to students, so they are able to learn new information and also use what they know to make comparisons. 

The packet includes 10 passage pages with corresponding Venn Diagram pages. The passages provide students with nonfiction text, which is important for them to be exposed to. The comparisons in the passages are made between: dogs and cats; apples and oranges; cars and bikes; football and basketball; bees and butterflies; pizza and spaghetti; bats and birds; winter and summer; oceans and lakes; and penguins and polar bears.  

Here is a preview of the Dogs and Cats text and Venn Diagram:

How I Use: I provide students with one of the comparison passage pages. Then we read it together. This provides students with reading support if needed. It also allows me to clarify the facts and/or unknown words. After we have read the passage together, I have students read it on their own, or with a partner. I like to have students highlight keywords, or important facts during this time. Once students have finished reading I have them work on the Venn Diagram. 

Using these passages is a fun way to get students reading. They enjoy the familiar topics and are able to use their background knowledge. They are also able to share other things that they know about the topic. 

This packet is available at my TPT Store if you are interested. 

Here is the link: 

Making Comparisons using Simple Passages