Virginia SOL 11.RI.3.B
The Standard
Compare and contrast informational and technical texts for intent, content, and clarity.
Virginia Standards of Learning for English · Integration of Concepts
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students compare an informational text with a technical text, often about the same subject. They explain differences in purpose, included details, organization, and ease of understanding.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students explain how two texts on the same subject differ in purpose, selected details, organization, and clarity. They support each comparison with precise evidence from both texts.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may treat topic as purpose, assuming two texts about the same subject have the same intent. They may judge clarity by length or vocabulary alone instead of organization, detail, visuals, and audience needs.
How to Assess It
- Give students a product guide and a short consumer article about the same device. Ask them to name each text’s purpose and cite one feature that makes each clear or unclear.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Annotate a printed instruction manual and related article with colored sticky notes for purpose, key content, organization, and clarity.
Write a paragraph answering: Which text better serves its intended audience, and what two details support your judgment?
Sort quote and feature cards into informational text, technical text, or both, then earn points by defending each choice.
Compare a workplace safety procedure with a news report about the same hazard, focusing on audience needs and useful details.
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Printable 11.RI.3.B Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 11.RI.3.B, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.
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Related Standards
- 3.RL.3.B
Compare and contrast details in paired literary and informational nonfiction texts including their treatment of similar themes, topics, and patterns of events.
- 5.RL.3.C
Compare and contrast details in paired literary and informational nonfiction texts including their treatment of similar themes, topics, and patterns of events.
- 9.RI.2.A
Compare characteristics of expository, technical, and persuasive texts, including their differences in purpose, format, and text structure.
- 4.RL.3.B
Compare and contrast details in paired literary and informational nonfiction texts including their treatment of similar themes, topics, and patterns of events.
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