Comparing Central Ideas Across Two Texts

Compare how two texts on the same topic present different central ideas or emphasize different evidence.

Two texts on the same topic can have different central ideas, or similar ideas supported in different ways. Comparing them builds a fuller understanding. Use three steps: state each text's central idea, compare the evidence each uses, and explain the similarity or difference. Example: Text A, an original news article, reports that a new skate park opened and focuses on its design and how many visitors came. Its central idea: the park is a popular new addition to the town.

Text B, an original opinion piece by a neighbor, argues that the park was built without enough parking and has created traffic problems. Its central idea: the park's planning ignored nearby residents. Both share a topic, but Text A emphasizes attendance numbers while Text B uses complaints and traffic observations. Neither text gives the whole picture alone.

When comparing, avoid simply summarizing each separately; use comparing words like 'while,' 'both,' 'in contrast,' and 'similarly' to show the relationship directly.

• 1State each text's central idea
• 2Compare the evidence each text emphasizes
• 3Use comparing words: both, while, in contrast, similarly