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Compare & Contrast Essay Writing: Middle School Level

Need help with improving writing skills? Join us for tips on how to create a quality essay. I will teach strategies that will organize thoughts and turn those ideas into a well thought out compare/contrast essay.
Holly Dorris
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(2)
Class

What's included

4 live meetings
2 in-class hours
Homework
1 hour per week. At the end of class, I will give them a short homework assignment, which they will bring to class the following session.
Assessment
If the parents are interested, I will grade the final essay and provide feedback.

Class Experience

US Grade 6 - 8
Beginner - Intermediate Level
I will teach writing strategies and how to turn brainstorming ideas into a quality compare/contrast essay. We will cover the following topics:
Definitions of 'contrast' and 'compare'
How to make and interpret a Venn Diagram
Graphic organizers to brainstorm ideas and use those ideas to form quality sentences
When and how to incorporate transitions into an essay writing assignment
Editing strategies that will improve a rough draft

At the beginning of most sessions, class will be structured as a lecture style. However, each session will also consist of discussions, asking and answering questions, and showing examples of visual aids. I will show examples of writing that can be improved and ask learners to tell me how to fix it. They will watch me edit, using their suggestions. For the last class period, most of the time will be listening and providing feedback on each learner's completed essay. For this class, my teaching style will be demonstrator because I will show knowledge in writing and provide activities and demonstrations. Some activities will be done in class, together as a group. Others will be done individually, outside of class time. Learners will be encouraged to take notes, ask questions, and to participate in discussions and group activities.
Learning Goals
Common Core Writing Standards: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.4:
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Common Core Writing Standards: CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.5:
With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach.
learning goal

Syllabus

Standards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
4 Lessons
over 2 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Compare & Contrast Brainstorm Ideas
 My lesson will begin by using a Venn diagram to show how to compare and contrast two simple items. While doing this, I will ask questions and use their ideas to fill in the diagram. Next, I will give them a scenario in which they may be asked to write an essay, comparing two locations. I will give them an example of my brainstorm writing and ask question to check understanding. Homework: they will complete a couple graphic organizers and prompts to help them brainstorm ideas for writing. 
30 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Transitions & Rough Draft
 The learners will share their brainstorm ideas. Then, I will explain how to use transitions when writing. We will review texts with transitions and text without transitions and discuss why the text with transitions is easier for the reader to follow. I will show them visual aids that give examples of when they would use transitions for a compare and contrast essay and how to turn their brainstorming ideas into a rough draft. Homework: Write a rough draft. 
30 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Editing Strategies & Final Draft
 I will give them editing strategies they should use when they edit their rough drafts. I will show them examples are writing that could be improved using these strategies. Homework: Revise and edit rough drafts and practice presenting final copies. 
30 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Presentations
 Each learner will present and read their essay to the group. 
30 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Supply List
Please bring paper (or a spiral notebooks) and something to write with.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
I use BookShark for the outline of my class because that is the curriculum we use at home. However, all the activities and visual aids are my own creations.
Joined September, 2024
5.0
2reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Education from University of Central Missouri
I have taught my twins and children in public schools a variety of language arts skills. I have taught in multiple states and am aware of the state standards that schools require in different grades. My expertise and bachelor's degree in education qualifies me to teach language arts skills for grades K-6th. My background with homeschooling my twins, who are now doing 7th grade work, and other homeschool students has allowed me to practice reading comprehension and writing skills on a daily basis. Between my professional experience before having children and being the primary teacher for my children since covid, I am well qualified to teach any language arts skills to elementary and middle school aged children.

Reviews

Live Group Course
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$10

weekly or $20 for 4 classes
2x per week, 2 weeks
30 min

Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
2-4 learners per class

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