Crafting an effective comparison of non-fiction texts
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use discourse markers and correlative and comparative conjunctions to craft an effective comparison of non-fiction texts.
Key learning points
- A comparison is a consideration or evaluation of the similarities or differences between two things or people.
- It might be helpful to think of the writers as in conversation with one another when comparing texts.
- You should start a comparative paragraph with a comparative topic sentence.
- You should use discourse markers and comparative and correlative conjunctions to compare throughout the paragraph.
Keywords
Topic sentence - a sentence that expresses the main idea of the paragraph in which it occurs
Inference - a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning
Comparison - a consideration or evaluation of the similarities or differences between two things or people
Correlative conjunction - made up of two or more words working together as a pair, to link two similar items
Comparative conjunction - words or phrases that compare ideas in a sentence and to show similarities and differences
Common misconception
Comparative paragraphs should only focus on differences.
The most effective comparisons look for subtle differences within larger similarities.
Teacher tip
It would be useful for pupils to share their collected evidence from the texts so that they can judge which are the most effective quotations.
Equipment
You will need access to the articles 'My Struggle with a Tiger' and 'Gorilla recaptured after escape at London zoo' which are available in the additional materials.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Inferences should be based on and reason.
Q2.What is being described here: 'a sentence that expresses the main idea of the paragraph in which it occurs'?
Q3.Which of the following is an effective topic sentence?
Q4.'A consideration or evaluation of the similarities or differences between two things or people' is the definition of which word beginning with 'c'?
Q5.Which of the following comparative conjunctions would you use to show a similarity between ideas?
Q6.'Made up of two or more words working together as a pair, to link two similar items' is the definition of a conjunction.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.A topic sentence that gives either a similarity or a difference between two texts is called a topic sentence.
Q2.'Words or phrases that compare ideas in a sentence and to show similarities and differences' is the definition of conjunctions.
Q3.Rawlinson's 'Gorilla recaptured after escape at London zoo' was written in 2016 in comparison to Jamrach's article in 1879 - which of the following might the time difference imply?
Q4.Which of the following are similarities between Jamrach's 'My Struggle with a Tiger' and Rawlinson's 'Gorilla recaptured after escape at London zoo'?
Q5.In Rawlinson's article 'Gorilla recaptured after escape at London zoo', the gorilla is recaptured through the use of which object beginning with 't'?
Q6.In 'My Struggle with a Tiger', Jamrach's account of the tiger's den only references the "iron bars" - what inference can we make from this?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Crafting an effective comparison of non-fiction texts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Crafting an effective comparison of non-fiction texts, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the Non-fiction: changing views unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.