Sometimes writers organize nonfiction text by comparing and contrasting ideas. They often use signal words to communicate the structure. Some signal words point to a comparison or a contrast. The chart at the right shows examples of signal words.

Practice Together

Look for Signal Words Read this passage from “Kids Like Me.” Notice the signal words.

Hewan: American families do not seem that close-knit. However, Ethiopian families are. Unlike American families, we share our food from one big plate. The entire family sits around the table. Then we all eat out of one dish.

Ethiopian food is served in one big dish.

Use a Diagram You can use a Venn Diagram to show how things compare and contrast. The text in the middle shows how two things are alike. The other text shows how they are different.

Copy the diagram and complete it for the passage.

Venn Diagram

Try It!

Make a Venn Diagram Work with a partner. Make a Venn Diagram for another passage from “Kids Like Me.” Show how two things are alike and different.