IXL | Compare and contrast in informational texts

Use the text to compare and contrast fudge and tablet.

Fudge is a popular treat in America, but similar sweets can be found in other parts of the world. Tablet is the name of a Scottish dessert. Both desserts are made by boiling sugar, milk, and other ingredients until a drop of the mixture forms a soft, smooth ball when dropped into cold water. Like fudge, tablet is flat and usually cut into small squares. Unlike fudge, tablet does not usually contain chocolate.

	Fudge	Tablet
Scottish
Flat and cut into squares

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question

Use the text to compare and contrast a telescope and a microscope.

Scientists invented telescopes and microscopes to look at things they can't see with their eyes. A telescope is used to look at distant objects. On the other hand, a microscope helps people see extremely small things. Telescopes and microscopes work in a similar way. They use curved pieces of glass to make things look larger than they are. They allow people to see small details in the faraway or tiny objects they are viewing.

	A telescope	A microscope
Used to look at very small things
Uses curved pieces of glass

key idea

Authors often compare and contrast ideas, events, people, or things.

To compare is to show how two things are alike. When authors compare, they often use signal words like in the same way, both, or similarly.

To contrast is to show how two things are different. When authors contrast, they often use signal words like unlike, on the other hand, or however.

solution

Look at the signal words and the surrounding details in the text.

Scientists invented telescopes and microscopes to look at things they can't see with their eyes. A telescope is used to look at distant objects. On the other hand, a microscope helps people see extremely small things. Telescopes and microscopes work in a similar way. They use curved pieces of glass to make things look larger than they are. They allow people to see small details in the faraway or tiny objects they are viewing.

These signal words help show the differences and similarities between a telescope and a microscope:

	A telescope	A microscope
Used to look at very small things
Uses curved pieces of glass

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