Grade 6 English Language Arts | FL B.E.S.T. Standard: ELA.6.R.3.3
Compare and contrast how authors with differing perspectives address the same or related topics or themes.
By the end of this unit, students will be able to:
| Term | Definition | Student-Friendly Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Compare | Identify similarities between texts | Finding what texts have in common |
| Contrast | Identify differences between texts | Finding how texts are different |
| Perspective | The viewpoint or attitude of the author | The author's point of view and what they believe about the topic |
| Genre | A category or type of text | The kind of text it is (fiction, nonfiction, poetry, drama, etc.) |
| Format | The structure or arrangement of a text | How the text is organized and presented (article, letter, speech, etc.) |
| Author's Purpose | The reason an author writes a text | Why the author wrote it (to inform, persuade, entertain, explain) |
| Theme | The central message or lesson | The big idea or life lesson the author wants you to understand |
| Comparison Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Same Topic, Different Genres | Two texts on the same subject but in different formats | A poem and a news article about climate change |
| Same Topic, Different Perspectives | Two texts on the same subject with different viewpoints | Two editorials about school uniforms - one for, one against |
| Same Theme, Different Stories | Two texts that share a theme but tell different stories | Two short stories both about perseverance |
| Fiction and Nonfiction Pairs | A literary text paired with an informational text | A historical fiction story and a textbook excerpt about the same era |
| Day | Focus | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Comparing Texts | Review genres and formats. Introduce comparison vocabulary. Use Student Concept Worksheet. |
| 2 | Same Topic, Different Genres | Compare how information is presented differently in a poem vs. an article. |
| 3 | Comparing Author Perspectives | Analyze how different viewpoints affect content and tone. |
| 4 | Comparing Themes Across Texts | Find shared themes in different stories. Complete Practice Worksheet. |
| 5 | Assessment | Administer FAST Format Quiz. Review and reteach as needed. |
Teach students to use this systematic approach:
Content - What is each text about?
Organization - How is each text structured?
Message - What point is each author making?
Purpose - Why did each author write this?
Audience - Who is each text written for?
Response - How does each text make you feel?
Evidence - What details support your analysis?
Create a T-chart or Venn diagram on the board. As students read paired passages, have them add details to the chart. Categories can include: topic, genre, author's perspective, tone, main idea, evidence used, and theme.
When comparing themes, have students:
1. Identify the theme of each text separately
2. Find specific evidence that supports each theme
3. Determine if themes are the same, similar, or different
4. Explain how each author develops the theme differently
When texts have different genres, ask: "What can this genre do that another can't?" For example, a poem can use rhyme and metaphor to create emotion, while an article uses facts and statistics to inform. Help students see that genre affects HOW a message is delivered.
Correction: Comparing includes both similarities AND differences. Train students to look for what texts have in common as well as how they differ.
Correction: Two texts about the same topic (like sports) can have very different themes. One might emphasize teamwork while another emphasizes individual determination.
Correction: Purpose is WHY the author wrote (inform, persuade, entertain). Perspective is the author's VIEWPOINT or attitude about the topic. Two authors can have the same purpose (persuade) but different perspectives (one supports, one opposes).
Correction: Strong comparative responses cite evidence from BOTH texts. Teach students to include at least one piece of evidence from each text in their answers.
On the FAST assessment, text comparison questions typically ask students to:
Key Strategy: Train students to read BOTH passages completely before answering questions. Comparison questions require understanding of both texts, not just one.