How Starlings Came to America (Paired Texts)

Have students read Text A and answer its question before turning to Text B. For the evidence pairs, ask students to name the kind of evidence each text uses before they judge.

Compare two texts on why Eugene Schieffelin released starlings in Central Park. The directions on the page read: Read Text A. Then circle the letter of the best answer for question 1. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade comprehension exercises, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

It gives Text A and Text B on the same subject, often on separate pages, and then asks questions that use both. Students compare events, structure or evidence across the two.

Students read an old tale, such as the Japanese story of the bamboo cutter's daughter, and a modern story that follows its pattern. They explain how the new story echoes the events of the old one.

One text tells a popular story, and the other checks it against evidence. On George Washington Carver, Myth and Fact, students decide which text gives stronger evidence about peanut butter.