Estimated Time: 60 minutes

One way to become a better writer is to read good writing. In this essay, the author compares his family with his wife's family, which provides an example of the essay type you will be writing.

Read:

This week read "Like Mexicans" by Gary Soto in The Norton Sampler: Short Essays for Composition on page 276.

Writing Project

Understanding Comparison Writing

This month you will be focusing on compare and contrast writing. But don't worry. We're taking this one step at a time.

This week, start by watching this short video to understand what compare and contrast writing is all about.

Now, begin building your notes:

• Choose two characters from the book (use the character list from the Read, Write and Learn).
• Jot down key traits, actions, relationships, and especially how they respond to literature or change throughout the story.
• Use the character comparison graphic organizer to help structure your notes.

📝 Tip: Don’t just list physical traits. Think about how the characters grow, what motivates them, and how they react to the books they secretly read.