Procedure

1. Begin by pairing up the students.

2. Assign each student with only one of the topics they are comparing. Make sure each student has a different topic.

3. Each student should draw a large circle on a piece of paper and label it with the name of their topic.

4. Then, students should list characteristics of their topic in smaller circles and draw lines back to the main circle.

5. After each student has completed their individual circle, they should discuss their work with their partner.

6. As a pair, students should add a new set of smaller circles in between their original circles. These new circles should represent the similarities between the two topics.

7. Possible extension: students can use the completed map as a pre-writing activity for a compare and contrast essay.