Virginia SOL 10.RI.3.A
The Standard
Evaluate how different authors write about the same topic and shape their presentations or viewpoints of key information using facts, opinions, and reasoning.
Virginia Standards of Learning for English · Integration of Concepts
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students compare two texts on the same topic and identify the facts, opinions, and reasoning each author uses. They explain how those choices shape viewpoint and judge which presentation is more convincing or balanced.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students cite exact passages and correctly label facts, opinions, and reasoning. They explain how each author’s choices shape the viewpoint and judge which presentation is more convincing or balanced.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may assume every statistic is neutral or that any fact automatically proves a claim. They may summarize each text separately, confuse opinions with evidence, or label disagreement as bias without checking the reasoning.
How to Assess It
- Give students two short paragraphs about the same issue. Ask them to identify one fact and one opinion in each, then explain which author reasons more effectively and why.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs two printed articles to highlight facts, opinions, and reasoning in three colors, then annotate how each choice shapes viewpoint.
Ask students to write: Which author presents the topic more fairly, and what specific evidence supports your judgment?
Run an evidence sort relay using excerpt cards labeled fact, opinion, reasoning, or unsupported claim, then review disputed choices.
Compare two news reports about school phone bans, noting which facts each includes, leaves out, or frames differently.
Free download
Printable 10.RI.3.A Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 10.RI.3.A, 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 worksheetKeep exploring
Related Standards
- 8.RI.3.B
Compare and contrast how two or more authors present conflicting information on the same topic by assessing where the texts disagree in reasoning and evidence.
- 7.RI.3.B
Compare and contrast how two or more authors writing about the same topic shape their presentations or viewpoints of key information by emphasizing different fa...
- 11.RL.2.B
Evaluate how authors use specific word choices, syntax, tone, and voice to convey the author’s intent and viewpoint.
- 12.RI.3.A
Evaluate texts with differing points of view on the same or similar events or issues by assessing claims, reasoning, evidence, and connections to other works or...
Turn this exact standard into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.