Similar or Different? Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay

About This Resource

A complete Grade 10 ESL writing pack on compare and contrast essays: planning with a Venn diagram, writing a thesis statement, choosing the block or point-by-point structure, and using linking words for similarity (similarly, both, likewise) and difference (whereas, in contrast, on the other hand). Students analyze a model essay, practice linking sentences and write their own essay. Includes slides, a lesson plan, worksheet, quiz, homework, flashcards, a rubric and answer keys.

Overview

Students learn how to write a clear, well-organized essay that compares and contrasts two subjects. They plan by sorting similarities and differences in a Venn diagram and choosing criteria (points of comparison) such as cost, convenience or effect. They write a thesis statement that names both subjects and the main idea, and choose between two structures: the block method (all about subject A, then all about subject B) and the point-by-point method (one criterion at a time for both subjects). They analyze a model essay about online and classroom learning, practice linking words for similarity and difference, and write and edit their own essay.

Resource Details

Subject: ESL
Topic: Compare and Contrast Essays
Category: Writing
File Type: PDF
File Size: 352.3 KB
Published: 09 Nov 2026
Downloads: 0

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Grade 10 ESL (ages 15–16), B1–B2 60 minutes Academic writing organization linking words critical thinking editing

Learning Objectives

Plan a compare and contrast essay using a Venn diagram and clear criteria.
Write a thesis statement and organize an essay with the block or point-by-point method.
Use linking words of similarity and difference accurately.

How to Use This Resource

Start with the slides: show two smartphones or two cities and ask students to say one similarity and one difference.
Teach planning, thesis statements, structures and linking words with the slides and flashcards, then do worksheet activities 1 and 2 with the model essay.
Students complete activities 3 to 6, then use the quiz and write the full essay for homework.

Classroom Activity Ideas

Human Venn diagram: two hoops on the floor; students place cards with features of two sports in the right area.
Linker swap: students rewrite sentences from the model essay using a different linking word with the same meaning.
Peer edit: partners check each other's drafts for a thesis statement, a clear structure and at least six linking words.

Differentiation

Support: provide a paragraph frame with sentence starters for each part of the essay. Challenge: students write a more nuanced conclusion that recommends one option for a specific type of person and explains why.

Assessment

Use the worksheet and quiz to check structure, thesis statements and linking words. Use the rubric to assess the homework essay.

Teacher Tips

Students often list facts without a clear point. Insist that every body paragraph begins with a topic sentence that names the criterion ("The first difference is cost.") and that the conclusion says what the comparison shows.

What's Included

11-page printable PDF lesson pack: teacher lesson plan with timings, materials and differentiation
Key vocabulary list (8 words with meanings and examples)
Student worksheet (6 activities)
Quiz / assessment (3 parts)
Homework practice page
Printable flashcards: 8 A5 picture cards (separate PDF)
Assessment rubric (4 levels)
Lesson slides (editable PowerPoint)
Editable Word version of all student pages
Complete answer key (also as a separate PDF)

Additional Files

Lesson Slides (PPTX)
Editable Student Pages and Lesson Plan (DOCX)
A5 Flashcards (PDF)
Answer Key (PDF)

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