Comparing Texts — Answer Key
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
A poem and a news article about the ocean give readers the exact same information.
Corrected: A poem and a news article about the ocean present information differently because they belong to different genres.
A poem uses imagery and emotion to describe the ocean, while a news article relies on facts and data, so readers get very different information from each genre.
2. Fix the sentence:
Fiction texts are always more interesting than nonfiction texts on the same topic.
Corrected: Fiction and nonfiction texts each offer different strengths when exploring the same topic.
Saying one genre is "always more interesting" is an opinion stated as fact; both fiction and nonfiction bring different strengths to any topic.
3. Fix the sentence:
A biography and a historical fiction novel about the same person contain identical facts.
Corrected: A biography presents verified facts, while a historical fiction novel may include invented details alongside real events.
A biography sticks to verified facts, but historical fiction can invent dialogue, scenes, and details, so the two genres do not contain identical information.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A genre is a category of text, such as poetry, fiction, or informational writing.
Genre means a category or type of writing; knowing the genre (poetry, fiction, informational) helps you predict how the text will be organized and what to expect.
2. A nonfiction article about volcanoes presents facts, while a myth about volcanoes tells an imaginary story.
Nonfiction relies on verified facts and real-world data, while a myth uses an imaginary story to explain the same natural event in a creative way.
3. Comparing genres helps readers understand how different types of writing communicate information.
Each genre communicates information in its own way -- poetry uses imagery, fiction uses story, and informational writing uses facts and evidence.
4. A personal narrative uses first-person perspective, while an encyclopedia entry uses third person.
A personal narrative is written from the author's own point of view using "I" and "me," while an encyclopedia entry uses third person to stay objective.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. Text A is a science article explaining how tornadoes form. Text B is a short story about a family surviving a tornado. How does the genre change what readers learn?
Sample answer: The science article teaches readers about the causes and conditions of tornadoes, while the short story helps readers understand what it feels like to experience one. Each genre provides a different kind of understanding.
A good answer includes: The science article teaches readers about the causes and conditions of tornadoes, while the short story helps readers understand what it feels like to experience one. Each genre provides a different kind of understanding.
2. Why might an author choose to write a poem about space instead of an informational article?
Sample answer: An author might choose poetry to express feelings of wonder and emotion about space, using imagery and rhythm. An informational article would focus on facts and data instead of feelings.
A good answer includes: An author might choose poetry to express feelings of wonder and emotion about space, using imagery and rhythm. An informational article would focus on facts and data instead of feelings.