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Comparing Two Sources

Social studies evidence for a Grade/Year 7 or 8 classroom, with reading, subject language, speaking and writing.

Grade/Year 7 & 845–60 minutesPrintable

Teacher lesson: Read the short text aloud and model the first task. Students can plan in a language they know well before speaking or writing in English. Use all twelve panels or adjust the pace for your learners.

Teacher Answers Back to Teacher Lessons

1Reading

A student compares a newspaper report with an interview about a community garden — Illustration: Comparing two sources.

Before you read:

Look at the title. What do you know about social studies evidence? Tell a partner one idea.

A class is learning about a community garden. A local newspaper reports that volunteers planted 100 vegetables last month. A student interview says the garden helps neighbours meet and share skills. Both sources are useful, but they answer different questions. The newspaper gives a number and a date. The interview describes a person’s experience. The teacher asks students to identify who made each source and what it can tell them. Students decide to use both when writing a short explanation of the garden’s value.

2Vocabulary

Words: source · volunteer · interview

Write a short meaning or example. You may use a language you know well first.

source –

volunteer –

interview –

3Comprehension

4Language Focus

Use these sentence starters. Change the words to fit your idea.

According to the newspaper, .

The interview adds that .

Write one sentence of your own.

5Listen and Note

Listen as your teacher reads the text again. Note two key ideas or facts.

First idea:

Second idea:

Compare your notes with a partner.

6Speaking

Compare a fact from a report with an opinion or experience from a person.

Use a sentence starter from panel 4. Ask your partner one follow-up question.

Useful questions: “Could you explain that?” “Why do you think so?”

7Try It

Use this skill: How might you use social studies evidence in another lesson or everyday situation? Give one example and explain it to a partner.

Draw a quick plan or write three key words before you speak.

8Writing

Write a short paragraph using one detail from each source.

Plan in a language you know well if it helps. Then write your answer in English.

9Word Study

Choose the correct words from this lesson’s reading.

Word bank: source · interview

A newspaper is one . An gives a person’s experience.

10Sentence Builder

Put these words in the right order. Check the capital letter and punctuation.

reports / a number and a date / The newspaper / .

11School English

A classmate uses only the interview. Suggest another source.

Write a polite question or response you could use at school. Then say it to a partner.

12Exit Reflection ✓

Take a few minutes to reflect.

1. One useful word I learnt in this lesson:

2. One thing I can do in class:

3. One question I still have: