General Information
Test Item Specifications
- incorrect comparison;
- incorrect contrast;
- similarities or differences that are drawn from the text but unrelated to the test item;
- facts and details drawn from the text but unrelated to the test item; and
- plausible but incorrect distractors based on the text.
The student will identify similarities between elements within or across texts, or will identify differences between elements within or across texts.
Grade-level appropriate texts should include elements that can be compared or contrasted and may include, but are not limited to, character, setting, subject, author’s purpose, author’s perspective, and main idea.
When constructing compare-and-contrast items using literary text, situations involving one or more characters changing over time should be assessed under LA.4.2.1.2 and the content focus of character development.
When constructing a test question, similarities or differences is the preferred wording for this benchmark.
Similarities and differences should not be assessed together in a single item.
Compare (similarities: Grades 4–5 within/across texts)
Contrast (differences: Grades 4–5 within/across texts)
Texts should be literary or informational.
Other stimuli may include, but are not limited to, illustrations with captions, graphics, and charts.
Texts must include elements that compare and/or contrast.
To assess this benchmark across texts, items should be based upon two related texts containing elements that can be compared or contrasted.
To assess this benchmark within a text, items should be based upon elements that can be compared or contrasted.
Distractors may include, but are not limited to
Note: When constructing a comparison item, distractors should not contrast elements. In a contrast item, distractors should not compare elements.
Sample Test Items (2)
| Test Item # | Question | Difficulty | Type |
| Sample Item 1 | The sample item below is based on “Across the Blue Mountains” on page H–9. How is Miss Bilberry’s life at the new house SIMILAR to what it was before? |
N/A | MC: Multiple Choice |
| Sample Item 2 | The sample item below is based on “Learning to Sing” on page G–11. How is the article “Learning to Sing” DIFFERENT from the text box “Sing Like a Pro”? |
N/A | MC: Multiple Choice |
Related Resources
Unit/Lesson Sequence
| Name | Description |
| Exploring Compare and Contrast Structure in Expository Texts | This lesson focuses on identifying and analyzing the compare and contrast text structure within expository texts. First, students are introduced to the terms compare and contrast and asked to find similarities and differences between two common items. Next, students work in small groups to identify texts that are comparing and contrasting information. Students are then introduced to the Venn diagram as a tool that demonstrates similarities and differences and aids in learning new material. |