CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.9
The Standard
Compare and contrast the most important points presented by two texts on the same topic.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Reading Standards for Informational Text
What This Standard Means
Students need to read two nonfiction texts about the same topic and figure out what big ideas each author wants them to remember. They compare those main points, not every small detail. They should be able to say what is the same, what is different, and use evidence from both texts.
Mastery looks like a student naming the topic, identifying one or two important points from each text, and explaining matches and differences in simple language. Students often get stuck retelling both texts, comparing pictures only, or choosing fun facts instead of the main points.
Ways to Teach It
- Give pairs two short animal articles and a Venn diagram, then have them sort sticky notes with each text’s most important points.
- Ask students to write: What did both texts teach you, and what did only one text teach you?
- Read two short paragraphs aloud and ask students to hold up same or different cards for each teacher-made point.
- Compare two weather reports for the same day, then discuss what information matched and what each report added.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.2.9
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.5
Compare and contrast the overall structure (e.g., chronology, comparison, cause/effect, problem/solution) of events, ideas, concepts, or information in two or m...
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.1.9
Identify basic similarities in and differences between two texts on the same topic (e.g., in illustrations, descriptions, or procedures).
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.9
Compare and contrast the most important points and key details presented in two texts on the same topic.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.9
Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.