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Compare and Contrast (Read the following Lesson, and review Flashcards, before doing the Practice. You can also do this on Study Island; Jenny Manuel, 8th STEM.) Do as often as you want. 8th STEM Compare & Contrast Study Guide Name_________________________ Compare and Contrast Information When we are presented with two passages, they may be similar or different. It is important to recognize these similarities and differences. Comparing Information When we compare two types of information, we are looking for similarities between them. In other words, we want to see how the two are alike. For example, Batman and Spider-Man are similar in the respect that they are comic book superheroes. Contrasting Information When we contrast two types of information, we are looking for differences between them. Contrasting means showing how two things are different. For example, Batman wears a bat costume, drives the Batmobile, and has an arch-nemesis named The Joker. Spider-Man wears a spider costume, swings from buildings with spider webbing, and has an arch-nemesis named The Green Goblin. Compare and Contrast When you read multiple informational texts on the same topic, you are bound to come across information that may differ. While reading multiple texts, it is important to identify the similarities and differences between the ideas presented in the texts. The similarities and differences, or conflicting information, in the texts present a new perspective on the topic and can help you research the topic better. Things to keep in mind while analyzing conflicting information: Make a note of the information that is in agreement in both texts. It is an indication that the information is most likely accurate. For texts with conflicting information, evaluate the evidence used by the authors. Arguments based on biased or personal opinions are not likely to be true. On the other hand, information supported by facts, data, and logical reasoning has a much higher chance of being accurate. Read the passages carefully and answer the questions below. Passage 1 A Glass of Milk a Day Milk is perhaps one of the most popular beverages in the United States. Some consume it for the taste, while some consume it for its nutritional benefits. Either way, milk is a common part of almost everyone's daily diet. In its raw form, milk is an extremely nutritive substance. It provides carbohydrates, fat, proteins, vitamins, and plenty of calcium. While all these nutrients can be found in other food sources too, milk packs them all together, making it a one-stop source for a healthy body. According to research, milk is known to reduce the chances of heart disease. Also, the calcium found in milk helps strengthen bones and teeth. Some research even indicates that milk can help in reducing body fat, which can assist in maintaining a healthy weight. Many people have a condition called lactose intolerance, which means that their bodies cannot process dairy products. Luckily for them, there are healthy substitutes for cow's milk that are easily available in the market. For example, soy milk is an excellent replacement for regular cow's milk and can be safely consumed by people who are lactose intolerant. Although a glass of milk a day does wonders, one can replace it with other dairy products such as cottage cheese, yogurt, or cheese for convenience, and gain the same nutritional benefits. Passage 2 Goodness Milk: A Myth? In the world of food, milk is an unavoidable product. It is consumed by nearly everyone. People either drink milk directly, make dairy products out of milk, or use milk as an ingredient in various dishes. Milk is considered to be a nutritious food and an excellent source of lactic acid and calcium. However, recent studies have shed light on certain facts about milk that challenge traditional beliefs. Though milk contains plenty of calcium, research indicates that the calcium does not really aid in strengthening our bones. Studies on teenagers prove that it is their level of physical activity, and not the amount of milk they consume, that ultimately affects how well the calcium is absorbed in their bodies. Similarly, the two proteins found in milk—whey and casein—do more harm than good. These proteins are known to cause many of the most common food allergies in infants and young children. Furthermore, milk contains calories and natural sugars known as lactose. Consuming these sugars and the calories in large quantities on a daily basis can lead to weight gain. It can also cause allergic reactions among those who are lactose intolerant. A number of people substitute a glass of milk for other dairy products in the hope that they will gain the same benefit as milk from these products. However, certain dairy products such as ice creams, cheese, or milkshakes are full of artificial sugar, salt, and fats. Hence, substituting milk and dairy products with other food items with the same nutritional value is a safer option. 1. What information in Passage 1 conflicts with the information in Passage 2? A. Almost everyone consumes milk on a daily basis. B. Milk can be replaced with other dairy products. C. Calcium from milk helps strengthen the bones in the body. D. Raw milk provides plenty of calcium and proteins. Explanation: The correct answer is C. The two passages present conflicting information on the role that calcium from milk plays in strengthening our bones. In Passage 1, the author states that calcium from milk helps in strengthening bones and teeth. However, in Passage 2, the author says that calcium plays no part in strengthening the bones. Instead, regular physical activity makes bones stronger. 2. What information in Passage 1 agrees with the information in Passage 2? 1 Compare and Contrast (Read the following Lesson, and review Flashcards, before doing the Practice. You can also do this on Study Island; Jenny Manuel, 8th STEM.) Do as often as you want. A. People with lactose intolerance cannot consume milk. B. Milk aids in reducing body fact, and thus may lead to weight loss. C. Milk is known to reduce the chances of heart disease. D. Cheese is a healthier substitute for people who don't drink milk. Explanation: The correct answer is A. Both passages state that people who suffer from lactose intolerance cannot process milk or other dairy products. Theme The theme is the most important message in a story. The theme will say something about life or human nature. Sometimes the theme is a moral or short lesson about life. Because the theme is a message, it must be expressed in a complete sentence. Sometimes the author does not tell you the theme. Instead, you have to figure it out from the text. Some Common Themes Found in Literature: • Man is his own worst enemy. • Good is stronger than evil. • A person grows by facing obstacles. • Treat others the way you want to be treated. Notice that the themes aren't describing particular events or characters. They are broad ideas that can apply to all people. example: The Fox and the Grapes by Aesop One afternoon, a fox was walking through the forest. The fox saw a bunch of grapes hanging from over a branch. Just the thing I need when I'm thirsty, the fox thought. Taking a few steps back, the fox jumped and just missed the hanging grapes. Again, the fox took a few steps back and tried to reach the grapes but still failed. Finally, giving up, the fox said, "They're probably sour, anyway." Then, the fox walked away. Question: Which of the following best describes a theme of the passage? A. It is easy to dislike what you cannot have. B. It is easy to find food for tall animals. C. Many animals like to eat fruits. D. A fox always knows when grapes are sour. Explanation: In the above story, the fox is trying to eat the grapes, but he or she cannot reach them. When the fox fails after trying, he or she says the grapes must be sour. One theme, or message, of this passage is, "It is easy to dislike what you cannot have." Tips for Identifying Theme: • Look closely at the title. Sometimes you will find a clue about the theme. • Look for ideas that are repeated more than once. • Look for lessons that the character learns. • Think about what happens in the story and how it can apply to life. For example, if the main character must survive an approaching tornado, the theme may be, "Nature is at war with mankind." Character Archetypes Archetype is another way of saying model or pattern. Archetypes show common traits and traditions shared by most cultures. Archetypes can also be applied to characters, setting, and journey. They are found in all literature (poetry, fiction, or nonfiction) in the types of characters, the images the author uses, myths, dreams, and the way people interact with each other. They can show the basic patterns of myth and customs in legends and habits of different cultures. Archetypes apply to characters, as well as setting and journey. If you pay close attention, you will see that there are some characters that repeatedly show up in most stories. They come up so often in fact that you can label them. The following are examples of common character archetypes found in literature: 2 Compare and Contrast (Read the following Lesson, and review Flashcards, before doing the Practice. You can also do this on Study Island; Jenny Manuel, 8th STEM.) Do as often as you want. Characters . femme fatale (dangerous female) . temptress . sire . damsel in distress .

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