Unit Plan 26 (Grade 5 ELA): Multiple Accounts & Point of View in Informational Text
Grade 5 informational reading and writing unit: compare multiple accounts of the same event, analyze differences in perspective and focus, and write evidence-based comparisons with clear textual support.
Focus: Comparing accounts; differences in perspective and focus
Grade Level: 5
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Reading Informational; Writing—Analysis)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Not all nonfiction tells the same story the same way. This week, students read two (or more) accounts of the same event/topic and analyze how point of view, purpose, and focus shape what is included, emphasized, or left out. They’ll quote/paraphrase accurately, identify similarities and differences, and write short evidence-based comparisons explaining how perspective changes understanding.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Compare multiple accounts of the same event or topic, noting important similarities and differences in point of view and focus (RI.5.6).
- Quote accurately from texts and draw inferences that support claims about perspective (RI.5.1).
- Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis in a short written response (W.5.9b).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 5
- RI.5.6, RI.5.1, W.5.9b
Success Criteria — student language
- I can explain how two authors look at the same topic differently.
- I quote or paraphrase correctly and connect the evidence to my claim about perspective.
- I can write a clear comparison paragraph that names the focus of each account and what that means for readers.