Comparing and contrasting is one of the most powerful tasks for building cultural understanding and developing communicative skills. This group project is designed to work with any level, any theme, and any language, making it ideal for Spanish, French, or world language teachers looking for adaptable materials.
Below you’ll find an overview of how to use the resource, tips for differentiation, project instructions, sample topics, checklists, and a grading rubric — all ready to use in your classroom.
How to Use These Materials
These materials are flexible and adaptable for students from beginner to advanced levels. The level of difficulty will depend on the sources you select and your learners’ proficiency.
Two Versions Suggested
- Version 1: Directions in English — for lower levels or introducing the task.
- Version 2: Directions entirely in the target language — for intermediate and advanced learners.
Using the Sources
- Many activities include linked resources such as readings, videos, and infographics.
- Preview all materials to ensure they are age- and level-appropriate.
- The sources may include authentic content or materials created by native speakers for learners.
- You can substitute or add your own sources to better match your curriculum.
Examples of Possible Sources:
- A reading or video from your textbook
- An infographic or short video from a trusted platform
- Real-world items such as menus, ads, schedules, or blog posts
Tips for Adapting Activities
- Some resources may be more suitable for upper levels — adjust as needed.
- For video-based materials, you can:
- Use transcripts to create comprehension questions.
- Have students take notes using a printable or digital organizer.
- Turn notes into a group project or visual presentation.
Classroom Implementation
These activities can be completed in:
- Half a class period
- A full block
Plan time for:
- Introducing the assignment
- Exploring and understanding sources
- Taking notes and completing organizers
- Preparing and presenting visuals
Group projects work especially well for lower levels:
- Students collaborate to understand the material.
- They share and organize their ideas.
- They create posters or slides to support their presentations.
Customization & Extensions
When preparing to use these materials:
- Choose or adapt the template that fits your class.
- Decide which version of the directions (English or target language) you’ll use.
- Make a copy of the organizer and add your own sources or topics.
You can adapt this activity to any theme, such as:
- Clothing
- Food
- Celebrations
- School life
- Housing
- Community
- Hobbies or free time
This project encourages cultural comparison and interpretive understanding. It’s excellent pre-AP practice for cultural comparison or presentation tasks.
Compare and Contrast Project Instructions
Goal:
Compare two things, cultures, communities, or places. Use the graphic organizer to write down your ideas. You may use information from class discussions, readings, videos, or personal experience.
Steps
1. Introduction
Say what you are going to compare.
Example (in English): “Today I will talk about _____ and _____.”
2. Definition
Briefly describe the two items, cultures, or places you are comparing.
3. Organization
Use a chart or Venn diagram to sort your similarities and differences.
Useful Comparison Vocabulary (translate for your class):
- _____ has…
- _____ is celebrated in…
- They are both…
- Both have…
- Both are found in…
- However…
- On the other hand…
- Although…
4. Bullet Points
Turn your ideas into 10 short, clear bullet points showing what you learned or noticed.
5. Conclusion
End with a strong closing statement.
Example: “These two cultures have many differences, but they also share important similarities.”
6. Presentation
Share your comparison with the class in one of these ways:
- A poster or large paper visual
- A Google Slides or PowerPoint presentation
- An audio recording using a tool like Vocaroo
- A recorded slide show with voiceover
- A live presentation
Sample Topics for Comparison
You can use these or choose your own:
Education
- Schools in two countries
- School schedules
- School lunches
Holidays and Celebrations
- Holidays in two countries
- Christmas traditions
- Halloween and Day of the Dead
- Independence Day celebrations
- New Year’s customs
Food and Eating Habits
- Traditional foods in two cultures
- Fast food in different countries
- Mealtime routines or dining customs
Homes and Housing
- Home styles or living spaces in two countries
- Rural vs. urban living
- How families use their living spaces
Leisure and Free Time
- Typical weekend activities
- Sports or hobbies across cultures
Checklist
- Introduction included
- Clear definitions of both topics
- Completed comparison chart or organizer
- Used comparison vocabulary
- At least 10 bullet points
- Neat, legible writing or design
- Strong conclusion
- Final project submitted or presented
Grading Rubric (1–5 Scale)
| Category | 5 – Excellent | 4 – Good | 3 – Satisfactory | 2 – Needs Improvement | 1 – Incomplete |
| Content | Includes 10+ comparison points using information from multiple sources | 8–9 comparison points with some sources | Some comparison points but limited depth | Few points or little effort | Missing or incomplete |
| Vocabulary / Language | Uses comparison language clearly and correctly | Minor errors that don’t affect understanding | Some errors; meaning sometimes unclear | Frequent language errors | Incorrect or missing vocabulary |
| Clarity & Presentation | Clear, organized, visually appealing | Mostly clear and organized | Understandable but uneven presentation | Disorganized or hard to follow | Illegible or incomplete |
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