Comparing and Contrasting Texts

Read the following short biography of Amelia Earhart. Think about the author’s point of view about Amelia Earhart and how these feelings are shown throughout the text. How might the author’s point of view toward Earhart have affected her choice of details and her presentation of events?

• The author admires Earhart and shows this by highlighting her achievements and bravery.

• The author is critical of Earhart and focuses on her failures and mistakes.

• The author is neutral and presents a balanced view of Earhart's life.

• The author is indifferent and provides minimal details about Earhart.

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CCSS.RI.7.9

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RI.7.6

Read the biography 'Earhart on Equality' by Brian Vargas. What do the important facts about Amelia Earhart included in this biography help you understand about her?

• Her passion for aviation

• Her role in promoting gender equality

• Her early life and education

• Her achievements in aviation

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CCSS.RI.11-12.10

CCSS.RI.6.10

CCSS.RI.7.10

CCSS.RI.8.10

CCSS.RI.9-10.10

Take notes as you read, you may want to copy the chart. Write facts that are different under the title of each biography. Write facts that are similar in the two biographies under Both. Use the biographies 'Born to Fly' and 'Earhart on Equality'.

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CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.8.7

CCSS.RL.7.7

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.8.7

Review the title and first two sentences. Who is writing this passage? How do you know who is writing this passage. Use examples from the text.

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CCSS.RI.7.9

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

Underline words and phrases that show Keller’s thoughts and feelings. What do you think she wants the reader to understand?

• Keller wants the reader to understand her challenges and triumphs.

• Keller wants the reader to focus on her physical surroundings.

• Keller wants the reader to ignore her personal experiences.

• Keller wants the reader to understand her daily routine.

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Underline at least three important facts that the author of this biography includes that are not present in Helen Keller’s memoir. How do these facts help you know the author’s purpose for writing is different than Keller’s?

• The biography includes facts about Keller's early education.

• The biography focuses on Keller's relationship with her family, her travels, and her speeches.

• The biography includes facts about how she lost her sight and hearing.

• The biography discusses how Keller's learned how to cope with her disability.

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CCSS.RI.11-12.10

CCSS.RI.6.10

CCSS.RI.7.10

CCSS.RI.8.10

CCSS.RI.9-10.10

How does Helen Keller’s purpose for writing her memoir differ from that of the biographer who wrote about her life?

• A. Helen tries to inform people about the facts of her life, but the biographer wants people to know about Helen’s personality.

• B. Helen tries to explain her childhood actions, while the biographer writes to tell people about Helen’s wild childhood.

• C. Helen wants to reflect on her experiences, while the biographer writes to inform people about events in Helen Keller’s life.

• D. Helen wants to entertain people by describing her point of view, but the biographer wants to amaze people with facts.

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CCSS.RI.11-12.10

CCSS.RI.6.10

CCSS.RI.7.10

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CCSS.RI.9-10.10

What event appears both in Helen Keller’s memoir and the biography of Helen Keller?

• how she lost both her hearing and sight

• how she learned that things have names

• how she learned to touch-read people’s lips

• how she helped the blind all over the world

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CCSS.RI.11-12.10

CCSS.RI.6.10

CCSS.RI.7.10

CCSS.RI.8.10

CCSS.RI.9-10.10