Comparative Reading

Comparative Reading

To compare two or more texts means to explain how they are similar. To contrast texts means to explain how they are different. A reader may compare and contrast texts within and across genres and between two or more texts. Texts may have the same or a related topic or have similar themes.

Though they may be writing about a similar topic or theme, authors’ opinions or ways of addressing the topic are not always similar. Authors can use different literary elements, such as characters, setting, plot, and symbols, to express their own views on the topic or theme. Such elements sometimes refer to other written works, expanding an idea or theme over time. Opinions can also change over time, so readers must consider the text’s historical context when the text was written. In addition, authors might use different media to address the same topic or theme.

• details that show the topic of each text

• key events and information about the time period, such as:

  • the year it was written words and phrases unique to a certain time

  • references to historical events descriptions of clothing or objects from a particular time period

  • references to the beliefs, values, or customs from a particular time period

In order to identify how authors from different time periods address the same or related topics, note the following:

Checklist for Comparative Reading:

1. What is the shared or related topic of the texts?

2. What would the two authors agree about?

3. What would they disagree about?

4. What does each author want you to feel about the topic?

5. Does each text have features of that time period?

6. How does the time period influence the way each author writes about the topic?

To compare and contrast how authors from different time periods address the same or related topics, consider the following questions:

Checklist for Comparative Reading:

Let's try to compare two readings.

Reread paragraphs 15-18

Text 2: Heroes Every Child Should Know Chapter 1

Reread paragraphs 27-32

Text 1: The Lightning Thief Chapter 3

​Evaluate the differences between the characteristics of Percy and Perseus. What do you notice about what is happening and their attitudes in response to the circumstances? When you're ready to answer, go to the next slide.

Multiple Choice

Based on these excerpts, what is one difference between the way that the authors have developed the characteristics of their main characters?

• Both characters are forced to travel.

• Percy Jackson is confident, while Perseus is afraid of the strange things that happen to him.

• Percy Jackson is confused about why he is constantly on the move, while Perseus is confident when he has to go on a journey.

• Percy Jackson is happy to move, while Perseus is upset at having to go on a journey.
  

Multiple Choice

Which evidence from Heroes Every Child Should Know best supports the answer?

• Then Perseus looked down the cliff and shuddered; but he was ashamed to show his dread.

• And behold, instead of falling he floated, and stood, and ran along the sky.

• So Perseus started on his journey, going dry-shod over land and sea; and his heart was high and joyful, for the winged sandals bore him each day a seven days' journey.

• And seven days he walked through it on a path which few can tell, till he came to the edge of the everlasting night.