Virginia SOL 3.RL.3.C
The Standard
Compare and contrast the themes, settings, and plots of stories written by the same author about the same or similar characters.
Virginia Standards of Learning for English · Integration of Concepts
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students read two stories by one author that feature the same or related characters. They compare the message, time and place, central problem, major events, and resolution using details from both texts.
What Mastery Looks Like
- Students accurately describe each story’s message, setting, problem, major events, and resolution. They explain meaningful similarities and differences, using details from both stories as support.
Common Misconceptions
- Students may call the topic, such as friendship, the theme instead of stating a message about friendship. They may compare small details while missing major differences in the setting, central problem, or resolution.
How to Assess It
- Ask students to complete this exit ticket: “Name one similarity and one difference between the two stories, then support each with a specific detail.”
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Give pairs event, setting, and message cards from two stories; students sort them by title and link matching or contrasting details.
Ask, “How did the author reuse a character but change the problem, setting, or message?” Students answer with two story details.
Play Comparison Corners: call out a detail, and students move to Same, Different, or Both, then explain their choice.
Have students make a library recommendation card comparing two books by one author and naming which reader would enjoy each.
Free download
Printable 3.RL.3.C Worksheet
A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to 3.RL.3.C, 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.RL.3.C
Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres (e.g., stories and poems; historical novels and fantasy stories; literary nonfiction and informational) ...
- 2.RL.3.C
Compare and contrast characters, settings, and plots in two versions of the same story from different cultures (e.g., Cinderella stories).
- 7.RL.3.B
Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres (e.g., stories and poems; historical novels and fantasy stories) in terms of their approaches to similar...
- K.RL.3.B
With prompting and support, compare and contrast characters, plot events, or settings between two familiar stories
Turn this exact standard into a lesson
Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.