Comparing Texts | Answer Keys

Student Concept Worksheet Answers

Question	Answer
1	Trees (or Nature, Environment)
2	Text A (article) uses facts, statistics, and scientific information to explain the importance of trees. Text B (poem) uses imagery, personification, and emotional language to show the beauty and significance of trees. The article informs; the poem inspires.
3	Text A: To inform readers about the scientific importance of trees (oxygen, carbon, climate) Text B: To create an emotional connection and appreciation for trees through imagery and figurative language
4	Text A shows value through facts: trees produce oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide, provide habitats, and prevent erosion. Text B shows value through emotional connection: the tree is like "a wise grandfather" with "arms stretched wide," it holds memories and stories, and provides shade for children. One uses logic; the other uses feeling.

Practice Worksheet Answers

Question	Answer
1	B. Text A is informational with research; Text B is a personal narrative with emotions
2	Text A's author views technology with concern - emphasizing risks like "decreased face-to-face interaction" and children who "struggle with basic conversation skills." Text B's author views technology positively - it's a "lifeline" that keeps friendships alive. The informational text focuses on problems; the narrative highlights benefits.
3	Text B views technology more positively. Evidence from Text B: "my phone became a lifeline," "keeping our friendship alive," "friends laughing together, supporting each other." Evidence from Text A (showing the contrast): technology causes "decreased face-to-face interaction," "sleep disruption," and "increased anxiety."
4	A. Both acknowledge that technology affects relationships
5	An informational article uses facts and expert quotes, which might seem more credible and objective. A personal narrative uses emotions and personal experience, which might be more relatable and moving. The article might convince someone logically; the narrative might connect emotionally. Different readers respond differently to each format.
6	B. Small acts of kindness can help someone feel less alone
7	SIMILAR: Both feel isolated and alone at their new schools, both feel like outsiders looking in, and both experience a turning point when one person reaches out to them. DIFFERENT: Marcus moved within the US (Detroit to new school) while Aisha moved internationally (Beirut to Boston). Aisha faces additional challenges with language and culture.
8	In Text A, Destiny approaches Marcus and mentions something positive about him (his science answer), leading to "something loosened in his chest." In Text B, Aisha takes the first step by complimenting Tyler's drawing, and Tyler responds with understanding ("It gets easier, I promise"). Both moments involve recognition and shared interests that break down barriers.
9	B. They signal hope and the possibility of belonging
10	Possible elements: (1) The experience of being the new kid / feeling isolated, (2) The turning point moment when someone shows kindness, (3) The theme of belonging and hope, (4) How each main character responds to their situation, (5) The role of shared interests in making connections, (6) The difference in their backgrounds/challenges.
11	B. One supports required PE for all; the other wants student choice
12	Both authors agree that physical activity/health is important for students. They just disagree on HOW it should be delivered (required class vs. student choice).
13	Text A: Uses research ("Studies show," "CDC reports"), statistics ("obesity rates have tripled"), and logical arguments about health benefits. Text B: Uses emotional appeals (students with asthma, social anxiety, humiliation), appeals to values (autonomy, respect), and proposes alternatives.
14	Text A has a formal, authoritative tone - using words like "responsibility," "necessary," and citing research. It sounds confident and prescriptive. Text B has a more empathetic, critical tone - using phrases like "one-size-fits-all," "forced," "humiliation," and "respect." It appeals to individual needs and emotions.

FAST Format Quiz Answers

Question	Answer
1	B. Text A is an editorial using logic and facts; Text B is a poem using imagery and emotion
2	B. It represents human curiosity, achievement, and hope for the future
3	A. Text A aims to persuade through facts; Text B aims to inspire through imagery
4	B. By calling humans "explorers, dreamers, seekers" who are "Chasing lights beyond our home"
5	B. Text A uses examples of inventions and benefits; Text B uses metaphors and emotional language
6	B. The poem can use rhythm, imagery, and figurative language to create an emotional response
7	B. The idea that space exploration inspires and unites humanity Text A discusses how space exploration "inspires young people" - connecting to the poem's theme of humanity exploring together.
8	A. A reader who wants to be inspired emotionally and appreciates creative expression
9	See rubric and sample response below.
10	See rubric and sample response below.

Question 9 Scoring Rubric

Score	Criteria
2	Compares AND contrasts how both texts present space exploration's value, includes evidence from BOTH texts, and explains the significance of the comparison
1	Compares or contrasts with weak evidence, OR only uses evidence from one text, OR lacks clear explanation
0	Does not compare texts, provides no evidence, or response is off-topic

Sample 2-Point Response for Question 9:
Both texts present space exploration as valuable, but they do so in different ways. Text A uses logical arguments and concrete examples - it lists technologies like "memory foam, water filtration systems, and medical imaging devices" that came from space research, and mentions that GPS exists because of space satellites. The editorial shows value through practical benefits.

Text B, the poem, shows value through emotional and symbolic language. Lines like "We are explorers, dreamers, seekers" and "We find the courage not to roam alone" present space exploration as part of human nature and identity. While Text A says we should explore space because of what we GET from it (technology), Text B says we should explore because of who we ARE (curious seekers). Both believe space exploration is worthwhile, but Text A appeals to logic while Text B appeals to the heart.

Question 10 Scoring Rubric

Score	Criteria
2	Identifies appropriate text for each audience (scientist/student), provides clear reasoning based on text characteristics, and demonstrates understanding of audience needs
1	Identifies texts but with limited reasoning, OR only addresses one audience effectively
0	Does not match texts to audiences appropriately or provides no reasoning

Sample 2-Point Response for Question 10:
For a scientist, I would use Text A (the editorial) because scientists value evidence and logical arguments. The editorial provides specific examples of technologies developed from space research and mentions climate research satellites - these concrete facts would appeal to someone with a scientific mindset who wants proof of value.

For a young student, I would use Text B (the poem) because it uses imagination and inspiring language that captures wonder. Lines like "Perhaps one day a child will play / Where no human seed has yet been sown" speak directly to young people and make them feel like they could be part of space exploration. The idea of being "explorers, dreamers, seekers" is exciting and accessible. Young students are often moved by stories and dreams more than statistics.

Quick Reference: Comparison Elements