Comparing and Contrasting in Fiction

Comparing and Contrasting in Fiction

Read the following passage carefully. Then, answer the questions that follow by comparing and contrasting the characters and events in the story.

The Two Friends

Lily and Daisy were best friends, but they were very different. Lily loved to read books. She would spend hours in her cozy reading nook, lost in stories about dragons and faraway lands. She was quiet and thoughtful, always thinking before she spoke. Daisy, on the other hand, loved to play outside. She would run and jump, climb trees, and explore every corner of the park. She was loud and adventurous, always ready for a new game or challenge. One sunny afternoon, Lily wanted to read a new mystery book, while Daisy wanted to build a giant fort in the woods. They argued for a little while, each wanting to do their own thing. Finally, Lily suggested, "Why don't we try both? First, you can help me read the first chapter of my book, and then I'll help you collect branches for your fort." Daisy smiled. "That's a great idea!" she exclaimed. They spent the afternoon together, enjoying both activities. Lily even found a clue in her book that helped Daisy figure out where to find the strongest branches for their fort.

1. What is one way Lily and Daisy are similar?

2. How is Lily different from Daisy?

3. At the beginning of the story, Lily wanted to  , while Daisy wanted to  .

4. Both Lily and Daisy eventually  , showing they were good friends.

5. Describe one way the conflict between Lily and Daisy was resolved. What did they do to solve their problem?

6. Imagine if Lily and Daisy were not friends. How might the end of the story be different? Explain your answer by contrasting their actions if they weren't friends.

7. Use the Venn Diagram below to compare and contrast Lily and Daisy. Write their unique qualities in the outer circles and their shared qualities in the overlapping section.