Mastering Compare and Contrast Skills in 5th Grade

Welcome to our blog series focused on the Common Core State Standard CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.5, which aims to help 5th graders develop their skills in analyzing the structure of informational texts, particularly through comparing and contrasting. This critical thinking skill is essential for students as they navigate an increasingly complex world of information and ideas.

Throughout this series, we will explore various aspects of teaching and learning the compare and contrast skills. We’ll start by taking a closer look at the standard itself, understanding its importance, and how it fits into the broader context of the Common Core State Standards. Then, we’ll dive into practical strategies for teaching compare and contrast, including pre-reading activities, graphic organizers, collaborative learning techniques, and the use of technology to enhance learning.

What is the CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.5 Standard?

The CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.5 standard states that students should be able to “compare and contrast the overall structure (e.g., chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) of events, ideas, concepts, or information in two or more texts.” In other words, students should be able to identify and analyze how authors organize and present information in different ways across multiple texts.

Why is it Important for 5th Graders to Learn to Compare and Contrast skills?

Learning to compare and contrast informational texts is crucial for 5th graders because it helps them develop critical thinking skills, analyze multiple perspectives, and synthesize information from various sources. By understanding how different authors structure their texts and present information, students can better comprehend and evaluate the content they encounter. This skill is not only essential for academic success but also for navigating the vast amount of information they will encounter throughout their lives.

How does this Standard Fit into the Broader Context of the Common Core State Standards?

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.5.5 is part of the Reading: Informational Text strand of the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts. This standard focuses on helping students develop the skills necessary to read, understand, and analyze informational texts across various disciplines. By mastering the skills outlined in this standard, 5th graders lay the foundation for future success in reading and analyzing increasingly complex informational texts in middle school, high school, and beyond.

Recommended Reading:

“The Youngest Marcher” by Cynthia Levinson is about comparing and contrasting the experiences of young activist in the Civil Rights Movement. This book provides an excellent opportunity for 5th graders to practice compare and contrast skills. The book tells the story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a young activist who participated in the Civil Rights Movement. By comparing and contrasting Audrey’s experiences with those of other young activists mentioned in the book, students can analyze how the author structures the information and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by these brave children.

Example informational text:

Comparing Biographies of Amelia Earhart

Directions: Read the following biographies of Amelia Earhart. Then answer the open ended and multiple choice questions by comparing and contrasting the biographies.

Biography 1:

Amelia Earhart was a famous American aviator. She was born in Atchison, Kansas in 1897. As a child, she loved adventure and was an avid climber and explorer. She took her first plane ride in 1920 and immediately fell in love with aviation. In 1928, she became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean. In 1932, she made the first solo flight across the Pacific by a woman. Earhart set many records as a pilot and gained international fame. She was dedicated to advancing aviation and opportunities for women. In 1937, Earhart attempted to fly around the world but disappeared somewhere over the Pacific Ocean. She was never seen again and no traces of her or her plane were ever found. 

Biography 2:  

Amelia Earhart, the pioneering American aviator, was born in Atchison, Kansas in 1897. From a young age, Earhart was adventurous and fearless. She developed a passion for aviation after her first plane ride in 1920. Earhart made history in 1928 as the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. Four years later, she became the first woman to fly solo from Hawaii to California. A courageous record-setter, Earhart dedicated her life to expanding women’s opportunities in aviation. During an attempt at an around-the-world flight in 1937, she vanished without a trace over the Pacific, leaving behind an enduring legacy as one of America’s most celebrated aviators. Her disappearance remains an unsolved mystery.

Questions:

Here are open-ended questions encourage students to analyze the structure and presentation of information in the two biographies, compare and contrast key details, and consider how the authors’ choices impact the reader’s understanding of Amelia Earhart’s life and legacy.

Q1. How do the two biographies differ in their structure and organization of events in Amelia Earhart’s life? Explain how these differences impact the way her story is presented.

Q2. Compare and contrast the level of detail provided in each biography about Earhart’s childhood and early experiences. How do these details contribute to your understanding of her character and motivations?

Q3. Both biographies mention Earhart’s passion for aviation and her record-setting achievements. Analyze how each biography presents this information and discuss the effect it has on the reader’s perception of Earhart’s accomplishments.

Q4. The biographies also touch on Earhart’s dedication to advancing opportunities for women in aviation. Compare and contrast how each biography addresses this aspect of her life and its significance.

Q5. Examine the way each biography handles the story of Earhart’s disappearance. How do the authors’ choices in presenting this information differ, and what impact does it have on the overall tone and message of each biography?

Below are scaffolded multiple-choice questions based on the above informational text:

1. What are two main similarities between the biographies?

A) Where and when Earhart was born 

B) Earhart’s love of adventure as a child

C) Earhart’s mysterious disappearance  

D) Earhart’s records as the first woman solo pilot

2. How do the biographies differ in describing Earhart’s early life?

A) Only Biography 1 discusses her adventurous personality

B) Only Biography 2 mentions she was from Kansas

C) Biography 1 provides more details about her childhood 

D) Biography 2 focuses more on her young adult life  

3. What key event is included in Biography 1 but not Biography 2?

A) Her first plane ride sparking her aviation interest

B) Her 1932 solo flight across the Pacific

C) Her mysterious disappearance over the Pacific 

D) Her 1928 solo Atlantic flight

4. How does Biography 2 provide additional details about Earhart’s advocacy?

A) It describes her advancing women’s opportunities

B) It discusses her dedication to advancing aviation 

C) It states she was a courageous record-setter

D) It calls her an enduring legend

5. How does comparing these biographies improve understanding of Earhart?

A) It establishes a better timeline of the key events in her life

B) It highlights her greatest accomplishments in aviation

C) It provides a more complete picture from different perspectives

D) It emphasizes the mystery surrounding her disappearance 

Answers

1. D) Earhart’s records as the first woman solo pilot 

2. C) Biography 1 provides more details about her childhood

3. B) Her 1932 solo flight across the Pacific

4. A) It describes her advancing women’s opportunities 

5. C) It provides a more complete picture from different perspectives

Click here to access this worksheet. More worksheets on Amelia Earhart.