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Compare & Story Elements

Grade 4 · Stretch challenge · 8 questions · Version PG-LP440O-1J4D

1.

Read: “The first model predicted flooding from rainfall alone. A revised model also included soil saturation and paved surfaces, and its predictions matched later storms more closely.” What comparison or contrast does the passage make?

2.

Read: “Solar panels produced the most electricity at midday, but household use peaked after sunset. A battery stored the midday surplus for evening use.” What comparison or contrast does the passage make?

3.

Read: “The town planted native grasses beside the river. Their deep roots held soil during storms, and the water became less muddy.” What comparison or contrast does the passage make?

4.

Read: “The creek looked shallow near the bank but deepened toward the center. Maya used the marked bridge posts instead of guessing the water level.” What comparison or contrast does the passage make?

5.

Read: “Two teams tested paper airplanes. One changed the wing shape; the other changed both the wings and the paper weight, making its results harder to explain.” What comparison or contrast does the passage make?

6.

Read: “During drought, the farm watered every field equally and several crops wilted. The next season, soil sensors directed water only where moisture was low.” What comparison or contrast does the passage make?

7.

Read: “The council's first traffic plan shortened car trips but removed a busy crosswalk. After residents objected, the revision restored the crossing and added a protected turn lane.” What comparison or contrast does the passage make?

8.

Read: “One article called the new park expensive, while another emphasized cleaner air and cooler streets. The budget showed high initial costs but lower maintenance expenses over time.” What comparison or contrast does the passage make?

Answers and teaching notes

Use the answers to check the work after the learner finishes. For writing prompts, the guide describes what a strong response should include.

Show answers for version 2
  1. Read: “The first model predicted flooding from rainfall alone. A revised model also included soil saturation and paved surfaces, and its predictions matched later storms more closely.” What comparison or contrast does the passage make?The revised model used more factors and made better predictions.
  2. Read: “Solar panels produced the most electricity at midday, but household use peaked after sunset. A battery stored the midday surplus for evening use.” What comparison or contrast does the passage make?Production peaked at midday, while use peaked after sunset.
  3. Read: “The town planted native grasses beside the river. Their deep roots held soil during storms, and the water became less muddy.” What comparison or contrast does the passage make?The river was less muddy after the grasses grew.
  4. Read: “The creek looked shallow near the bank but deepened toward the center. Maya used the marked bridge posts instead of guessing the water level.” What comparison or contrast does the passage make?The bank was shallow, while the center was deeper.
  5. Read: “Two teams tested paper airplanes. One changed the wing shape; the other changed both the wings and the paper weight, making its results harder to explain.” What comparison or contrast does the passage make?One team changed one variable; the other changed two.
  6. Read: “During drought, the farm watered every field equally and several crops wilted. The next season, soil sensors directed water only where moisture was low.” What comparison or contrast does the passage make?Equal watering ignored conditions; sensor-guided watering responded to them.
  7. Read: “The council's first traffic plan shortened car trips but removed a busy crosswalk. After residents objected, the revision restored the crossing and added a protected turn lane.” What comparison or contrast does the passage make?The first plan emphasized speed; the revision also addressed pedestrian safety.
  8. Read: “One article called the new park expensive, while another emphasized cleaner air and cooler streets. The budget showed high initial costs but lower maintenance expenses over time.” What comparison or contrast does the passage make?One source stressed cost; the other stressed environmental benefits.

Worked example

Name both elements and describe a specific similarity or difference.

Common mistake

Describing only one side of a comparison.

Helpful hint

Use both names in your answer.