Grade 7 · Analysing Arguments · Tracing Arguments
Comparing Two Accounts of the Same Event
Find agreements and disagreements between sources.
Learning objectives
- Find agreements and disagreements between sources
- Explain how emphasis changes meaning
- Write a balanced synthesis sentence
AERO English Language Arts alignment
AERO.ELA.7.RI.9
Analyse two or more texts on the same topic, comparing how each shapes its presentation of key information and interpretation of facts. Grade 7 / MYP 2 emphasis: work independently with two related texts and explain how a writer's choices create effects.
AERO.ELA.7.RI.2
Determine a central idea of an informational text and analyse its development across the text; provide an objective summary. Grade 7 / MYP 2 emphasis: work independently with two related texts and explain how a writer's choices create effects.
AERO.ELA.7.RI.10
Read and comprehend a wide range of informational and digital texts, including texts about the Gulf region, independently and proficiently. Grade 7 / MYP 2 emphasis: work independently with two related texts and explain how a writer's choices create effects.
AERO.ELA.7.RI.4
Determine the meaning of words and phrases as used in an informational text, including technical, connotative and figurative meanings. Grade 7 / MYP 2 emphasis: work independently with two related texts and explain how a writer's choices create effects.
AERO.ELA.7.RI.7
Integrate and evaluate information presented in different media and formats, including charts, maps, infographics and video, as well as in words. Grade 7 / MYP 2 emphasis: work independently with two related texts and explain how a writer's choices create effects.
MYP criteria
- Criterion A — Analysing
- Criterion B — Organizing
ENGAGE
One Event, Two Views
Imagine that your school holds an outdoor reading morning. The school newsletter describes it as a smooth success, while a student observer reports queues and seating problems. Both writers witnessed the same event, but they selected and emphasised different details. This does not always mean that one account is false. A writer’s purpose, evidence and language can shape how you interpret the event. In this lesson, you will compare two accounts and combine their ideas fairly.
Think about it
- Why might two truthful accounts of one event sound different?
- Which details would you check before deciding that an event was successful?
EXPLORE
Read Two Accounts of the Reading Morning
Source A: School Newsletter
Last Tuesday, 180 Grade 7 students took part in a thirty-minute outdoor reading morning in the school courtyard. Shade cloths covered the main seating areas, and two water stations were available. The plan worked smoothly: students settled quickly, shared books and enjoyed a calm change from their normal classrooms. Teachers reported that most groups stayed focused for the full session. The strong participation and positive atmosphere showed that the courtyard can support regular reading activities during suitable weather.
Source B: Student Council Observer’s Report
The outdoor reading trial involved 180 Grade 7 students and lasted thirty minutes. Shade cloths and two water stations were provided. Many students said that the open-air setting felt calm. However, our timing showed that a queue at one water station delayed three classes by about seven minutes. As the sun moved, seats at the edge of the courtyard lost shade, and twenty-four students returned indoors before the session ended. The trial was promising, but regular outdoor reading would require another water station and a revised seating plan.
Think about it
- Which facts appear in both accounts?
- How do the sources differ in their judgement of the event’s success?
- Which details does Source B emphasise that Source A leaves out?
EXPLAIN
How Writers Shape an Account
Begin by identifying each source’s central idea. Source A argues that the event was successful and could be repeated. Source B presents the event as promising but argues that practical improvements are needed.
| Comparison | Evidence from the sources |
|---|---|
| Agreement | Both state that 180 students attended for thirty minutes. |
| Agreement | Both mention shade cloths, two water stations and a calm atmosphere. |
| Difference | Source A calls the plan smooth; Source B reports a seven-minute delay. |
| Difference | Source A recommends regular use; Source B recommends improvements first. |
Emphasis is the importance a writer gives to selected information. Source A emphasises participation, focus and positive teacher responses. Source B emphasises measured delays, changing shade and the number of students who went indoors. These choices lead you towards different interpretations.
Difference does not always mean contradiction
A source may omit a detail because it has a different purpose. First decide whether the sources directly conflict or simply focus on different evidence.
Language also shapes meaning. The phrase “worked smoothly” gives a confident overall judgement. In contrast, precise details such as “seven minutes” and “twenty-four students” make the difficulties seem measurable and significant. When analysing effect, name the choice, quote or paraphrase the evidence, and explain how it guides the reader.
- Find the shared facts before examining differences.
- Identify each source’s central idea and purpose.
- Notice included, omitted and repeated details.
- Compare judgement words, statistics and recommendations.
- Keep your synthesis objective rather than choosing a winner.
Balanced synthesis frame
Both sources agree that _____; however, Source A emphasises _____, while Source B highlights _____, leading to a more _____ interpretation.
MYP_PRACTICE
Build a Balanced Comparison
Use the two accounts to prepare a brief, objective comparison. Record agreements before differences, then examine how selected details and language shape each central idea. Finish with one balanced synthesis sentence that represents both sources accurately without declaring either writer completely right or wrong.
- Write two facts that both sources report.
- State the central idea of each source in your own words.
- Select one detail or phrase that Source A emphasises and one that Source B emphasises.
- Explain how these choices create different impressions of the event.
- Write and revise one balanced synthesis sentence.
EXIT_TICKET
Before you close this lesson
Think about it
- How did each writer’s choice of evidence shape your interpretation of the event?
- What makes a synthesis sentence balanced rather than one-sided?
Watch
Check Yourself with Lateral Reading: Crash Course Navigating Digital Information #3
CrashCourse · 14 min
Learn to investigate online claims by leaving a page and checking what reliable external sources say about it.
Before you watch: Why might studying only one webpage give you an incomplete picture?
- What is lateral reading, and how is it different from reading vertically?
- Which outside sources would you consult to verify an unfamiliar website?
Watch
How to choose your news - Damon Brown
TED-Ed · 5 min
Learn how news is selected and how source choices can shape the information you receive.
Before you watch: How do you currently decide whether a news report is trustworthy?
- What kinds of bias can influence news selection?
- What steps could you take before sharing a news story?
Interactive practice · balanced source synthesis
From Comparison to Synthesis
Use evidence from both accounts to complete the comparison prompts and produce one precise synthesis sentence. Your response should identify shared facts, explain the different emphasis of each source and remain objective.
Check your answer
Task
Compare what the writers report, how they present it and what conclusion each one reaches.
Steps
Sentence frames
Prompts
Your answer
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Key vocabulary
- account
- A spoken or written description of an event.
- central idea
- The main point developed across an informational text.
- emphasis
- Extra importance given to a particular detail or idea.
- synthesis
- A balanced combination of ideas from different sources.
Practice questions
0/3 correct
Level 1 · Criterion A
Which statement best expresses the central idea of Source B?
Level 1 · Criterion A
Which point is reported in both sources?
Level 2 · Criterion A
How does Source B’s use of precise numbers shape its presentation?
MYP criterion tasks
Level 2 · Criterion A
Explain how the phrase “worked smoothly” in Source A and the queue detail in Source B create different impressions.
Level 3 · Criterion B
Write one balanced synthesis sentence comparing the two accounts.
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