Grade 5 · English language arts · 25 minutes
Compare text structures
Read two short texts on growing beans. Texts organize information in different ways.
Mr. S Teaches · Starter mini-lesson · elem-5-compare-text-structuresLearning objective
Explain and practice compare text structures using the activity and evidence, then show the reasoning behind an answer.
Gather your materials
- Paper and pencil or dictation support
- The short text provided in this lesson
- Optional drawing supplies
Use the items named in the teaching steps; paper models or adult-prepared photographs can replace physical equipment.
Common Core skill focus
RI.5.5Compare how two or more informational texts organize their ideas.
Read the official standard ↗Code and grade verified 2026-11-03. This mini-lesson addresses a selected skill, not the entire standard.
Teach it step by step
- Read two short texts on growing beans.
- Text A: First put a bean in damp soil. Next place the pot in suitable light. Then check it as it grows.
- Text B: Indoor and outdoor bean plants both need water. Outdoors they receive natural rain; indoors a person supplies all the water.
- Compare the organizational patterns and explain how each helps a reader.
Watch, notice, discuss
Video choices for this lesson
Preview a video, then choose what fits your learners. “Show to class” opens a larger view; use the player’s play and full-screen controls when you’re ready.
Teacher preview needed. Check the language, level and length before showing. YouTube may show ads or related videos.
The 5 Types of Text Structure| Comparing Text Structures| Informational Texts| Reading Grades 3-5
By Ms. Andy
Connect this video to the lesson on compare text structures. Pause to try an example together.
Open on YouTube: The 5 Types of Text Structure| Comparing Text Structures| Informational Texts| Reading Grades 3-5 (opens a new tab) ↗Compare and Contrast Text Structure Nonfiction Texts for Kids
By GRASPhopper
Connect this video to the lesson on compare text structures. Pause to try an example together.
Open on YouTube: Compare and Contrast Text Structure Nonfiction Texts for Kids (opens a new tab) ↗Compare how two nonfiction texts organize information. How does each structure help a reader?
An external player loads only after you choose Preview or Show to class. Playback connects to YouTube. Videos belong to their creators; availability and embedding can change.
Make the thinking visible
Example to work through together
Text A uses sequence to explain steps. Text B uses comparison to show similarities and differences in growing the same kind of plant.
Try the starter activity
Compare: “First plant seeds; then water” with “Both beans and peas need water.”
Student practice
Write a sequence paragraph and a comparison paragraph about caring for the same pet or plant.
Quick check for understanding
Which structures are used?
Sample answer and teacher guidance
Sample answer: Sequence and comparison.
Listen or look for: Look for two texts on the same topic and evidence of each structure; signal words alone are not enough.
Invite the learner to explain, demonstrate, draw or dictate their reasoning. Revisit a teaching step when the explanation is unclear.
Make it work for your learner
A little more support
Provide sequence and comparison graphic organizers.
An additional challenge
Explain which structure better serves a how-to purpose and why.