This is a resource I created to support my 3rd graders in writing a compare and contrast essay. It starts with guided notes about each part of the essay and includes scaffolded paragraphs with sentence starters. Once your two topics are decided, students can easily complete the rest of the essay. This is a great introduction to compare and contrast essays as well as explanatory writing. This is intended for 3rd graders and includes 4 paragraphs: introduction, similarities, differences, and concl