Paragraph Balance

This worksheet helps students in Grades 5, 6, and 7 strengthen analytical reading and writing skills by examining how a compare-and-contrast paragraph is structured. Using a model paragraph about a school library and a public library, students identify similarities and differences, evaluate balance, and explain how effectively the paragraph blends comparison and contrast to communicate ideas clearly.

Learning Goals

• Analyzing Compare-and-Contrast Structure (Grades 5-7) – Understand how similarities and differences are organized within a single paragraph.
• Identifying Compare vs. Contrast Points – Distinguish between shared traits and contrasting details using textual evidence.
• Evaluating Paragraph Effectiveness – Judge whether the paragraph is balanced and well-constructed.
• Textual Evidence and Explanation – Support opinions with specific examples from the text.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to support informational writing and text analysis standards.
• Active Annotation Practice – Color-coding comparison and contrast points reinforces close reading skills.
• Encourages Critical Reflection – Students go beyond identification to evaluate writing quality.
• Flexible Classroom Use – Works well for writing mini-lessons, small groups, independent practice, or assessment.

This printable worksheet helps students understand that effective compare-and-contrast writing requires thoughtful balance between similarities and differences. By analyzing and evaluating a model paragraph, learners build confidence in structural analysis, critical thinking, and evidence-based explanation. It is a simple, no-prep resource for classroom and homeschool settings that strengthens paragraph analysis and informational writing skills.

This worksheet is part of our Compare and Contrast Essays Worksheets collection.