Comparing and Contrasting Informational Texts
Comparing and Contrasting Informational Texts
Have you ever heard the phrase, "It's like comparing apples and oranges?"
That phrase means you're comparing two things are very difficult to compare. They do not have a lot of similarities, but they do have a lot of differences.
When you compare and contrast two informational texts, sometimes you're comparing apples to apples and sometimes you're comparing apples to oranges. The ideas in each text might be very similar or they might be very different. This can happen even when the texts you're reading cover the same topic.
To compare and contrast two informational texts, you need to look at the following details in each text:
- What is the purpose of each text?
- What is the point of view of each text? (Who wrote it?)
- What is the main idea of each text?
- What details are included in both texts?
- What details are not included in both texts?
Read the two informational texts below, and then use the questions to compare and contrast them.
Informational Text #1: In the summer, people love to eat strawberries. Our special variety of California Strawberry is the perfect choice for summer. Our strawberries are picked at the peak of freshness and come straight off the vine. They are red, juicy, and full of nutrients and flavor. You'll love their sweet taste in all of your favorite strawberry recipes or while eating them on their own.
Informational Text #2: Strawberries are a favorite summer fruit. Strawberries are grown on vines and picked at the peak of freshness, usually in late June or early July. When ripe, strawberries are red and juicy. They are also full of nutrients and flavor. You can eat strawberries by themselves or use them in a variety of summer recipes.
What is the Purpose of Each Text?
The purpose the first text is to persuade people to buy a specific type of strawberries. The purpose of the second text is to inform (or tell) people about strawberries.
What is the Point of View of Each Text?
The first text was written by someone who grows a special variety of strawberries. The point of view of the second text is less clear, but was likely written by someone who just knows a lot about strawberries.
What is the Main Idea of Each Text?
Both texts explain that strawberries are a summer favorite.
What Details are Included in Both Texts?
Both texts say that strawberries are red, juicy, and full of nutrients and flavor. They also explain that you can eat strawberries by themselves or in different recipes.
What Details are Not Included in Both Texts?
The second text explains when strawberries are usually ripe and ready for picking.
By asking these questions, you can compare and contrast the two informational texts and get a better idea of what each one says.
The practice questions and worksheets below will help you practice compare and contrast informational texts.
Related Worksheets:
Related Lessons:
Additional Resources: