Certification Examinations for Oklahoma Educators (CEOE) Practice Exam

What graphic organizer is best for comparing the similarities and differences between cats and dogs?

1. Brainstorming web

2. Venn diagram

3. Think-write-pair-share

4. Sentence frames

The correct answer is: Venn diagram

A Venn diagram is specifically designed to compare and contrast two or more items, highlighting their similarities and differences in a clear, visual format. In the case of comparing cats and dogs, a Venn diagram allows for the easy representation of traits that are unique to each animal as well as those they share. Each circle in the diagram can contain information relevant to one of the animals, with the overlapping section showcasing their common characteristics. For instance, you could write “playful” and “affectionate” in the overlapping area, as these traits may apply to both cats and dogs. Meanwhile, unique qualities such as “meows” for cats and “barks” for dogs would fit in their respective non-overlapping sections. This visual separation helps in organizing thoughts and providing clarity when discussing or analyzing the two animals. The other options serve different purposes. A brainstorming web is more suited for generating ideas without comparing them directly. Think-write-pair-share is an interactive discussion strategy that encourages student engagement and sharing but does not necessarily focus on visual comparison. Sentence frames provide structured writing support but do not visually represent similarities and differences. Thus, the Venn diagram stands out as the most effective tool for this specific comparison task.