Comparing two texts: how to help a child
Some reading tasks give two short texts on the same topic, often called Text A and Text B, and ask how they are similar or different. These questions test whether a child can hold two ideas in mind at once, which takes practice.
Read each text on its own first
Ask your child to read Text A and say in one sentence what it is about, then do the same for Text B. Do not compare until each is clear.
Then look at the same four things in each
- Purpose: is it trying to inform, persuade, entertain or describe?
- Audience: who is it written for?
- Viewpoint: what does the writer think or feel about the topic?
- Features: facts or opinions, a personal voice or a neutral one, a story or a list.
Use a simple two-column note
Draw two columns, one for each text, with the four things above down the side. Fill in a few words for each. The gaps and matches are the similarities and differences.
Sentence starters that help
- Both texts say that...
- Text A focuses on... whereas Text B focuses on...
- The writers agree that... but they differ on...
- Text A uses facts to... while Text B uses personal experience to...
Support every point with evidence
As with any reading answer, ask "how do you know?" A good comparison names something in each text, in the writer's words or a close detail.
Common mistakes
- Summarising one text and forgetting the other.
- Saying they are "different" without saying how.
- Comparing small details when the main purposes or viewpoints are the real difference.
Where it shows up in LiteracyLab AI
Reading practice includes passages made of two texts, marked Text A and Text B, with questions about how they connect.
Common questions
How much should my child write?
Two or three clear sentences naming one similarity or difference and the evidence in each text are usually enough.
Do the texts always disagree?
No. Sometimes they agree on a fact but differ in tone or audience.
Get feedback on your child's writing
LiteracyLab AI reads a child's own writing and gives specific feedback: what worked, one thing to try next, and a corrected version, matched to their year and curriculum. The Free plan includes 3 pieces a month and needs no card.