MAP 3rd Grade Reading

An engaging course designed to help third graders master reading skills and succeed on the MAP Reading assessment.

Finding the Main IdeaMaking InferencesUnderstanding Vocabulary in Context
Comparing and Contrasting TextsIdentifying Author’s PurposeUnderstanding Text Features
Reading for InformationReading for EnjoymentUsing Reading Skills Every Day
Looking Back at the PassageEliminating Wrong AnswersPacing Yourself During the Test
Finding the Main Ide...Making InferencesUnderstanding Vocabu...Comparing and Contra...Identifying Author’s...Understanding Text F...Reading for Informat...Reading for Enjoymen...Using Reading Skills...Looking Back at the ...Eliminating Wrong An...Pacing Yourself Duri...
Advanced Topics

Comparing and Contrasting Texts

Why Compare and Contrast?

Comparing and contrasting means looking at two things to see how they are alike and how they are different. This helps you understand stories and information better.

How Can You Compare and Contrast?

  • Look for similarities: What do both stories or characters have in common?
  • Find differences: What makes each one unique?
  • Use a Venn diagram: Draw two circles that overlap to organize your thoughts.

On the MAP Reading Test

You’ll often read two short passages and answer questions about what is the same or different.

Real-World Connection

You might compare your favorite books, games, or even two different animals you learn about in science!

Examples

  • You read about wolves and dogs. Both have fur and howl, but wolves live in the wild while dogs are pets.

  • Two fairy tales both have brave heroes, but one is set in a castle and the other in a forest.

In a Nutshell

Find what’s the same and what’s different in stories or information.

Key Terms

Compare
To find similarities between two or more things.
Contrast
To find differences between two or more things.
Next
Identifying Author’s Purpose