Today is rung 5 of 9 on this topic
Comparing two texts on the same topic
Can do: Reads two accounts of the same subject and identifies where they agree, differ, and why.
Why it matters
It's the beginning of source analysis, which runs through history, science and everything they'll read online for the rest of their life.
What it looks like when it's wobbly
Summarises both separately with no comparison, or assumes disagreement means one is simply lying.
⏱️ Two-minute check
Two articles on one event. "What did both say? What did only one say? Why might they differ?"
Solid looks like: A real difference identified, with a plausible reason — purpose, audience, or missing information.
The full activity for this topic · 20 minutes
Two Sources, One Table
- 1Make three columns: source A only, both, source B only.
- 2Read and fill it in.
- 3Look at the outer columns and ask why each one left that out.
- 4Ask who wrote each and what they wanted the reader to think.
- 5Try it at home: two family members' accounts of the same day out.
If it's too hard
Two short paragraphs and just the "both" column.
If it's too easy
Add a third source and work out which is most reliable, with reasons.
Say this
"They can both be honest and still disagree. What would explain that?"