CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.9
The Standard
Compare and contrast the adventures and experiences of characters in stories.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Reading Standards for Literature
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students identify what happens to two characters and how each character responds. They explain what is alike and different using details from the stories.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students name an event each character faces and explain how each responds. They state at least one clear similarity and one clear difference. They support each comparison with story details.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may compare appearance or personality instead of what the characters experience. They may retell each story separately without naming a similarity or difference. Some give answers without story details.
How to Assess It
- After two short read-alouds, give this exit ticket: “Name one experience the characters share and one difference. Draw or write one detail for each.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Place two labeled hoops on the floor, then have students sort picture cards showing shared and different character experiences.
Ask, “How did each character handle a problem?” Students draw both responses and complete: “Both characters..., but only...”
Play Character Match by pairing event cards from two stories, then explaining whether each pair shows a similarity or difference.
Ask two classmates about losing something, then compare their experiences with how a story character handled the same problem.
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Printable RL.1.9 Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.1.9, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.
Download the worksheetLearning progression
Where This Standard Sits
See the whole path on the Reading: Literature progression map.
Before This Standard
If students are struggling here, check these first.
What This Unlocks
Mastery here sets students up for these next.
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Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.9
Compare and contrast stories in the same genre (e.g., mysteries and adventure stories) on their approaches to similar themes and topics.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.3
Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.9
Compare and contrast the treatment of similar themes and topics (e.g., opposition of good and evil) and patterns of events (e.g., the quest) in stories, myths, ...
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