Unit Plan 20 (Grade 6 ELA): Comparing Texts by the Same Author
Grade 6 author study unit: students compare two works by the same author to find recurring themes, settings, and plot patterns. They analyze how craft choices shape meaning, discuss insights with peers, and write organized, evidence-based comparisons.
Focus: Patterns in theme/setting/plot; author’s choices across works
Grade Level: 6
Subject Area: English Language Arts (Reading Literature; Writing—Informative; Speaking & Listening)
Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Authors leave fingerprints—recurring themes, settings, character types, and craft moves that appear across their works. This week, students read two short works by the same author, track patterns and contrasts, and explain how author choices shape meaning. They’ll discuss findings in small groups and write a clear informative comparison using well-chosen evidence and precise language.
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…
- Compare and contrast how an author develops similar themes, settings, or plots across two texts, noting signature craft choices (RL.6.9).
- Plan and write an informative comparison with a controlling idea, logically organized sections, transitions, and relevant evidence (W.6.2a–f).
- Engage in collaborative discussions: prepare, build on others’ ideas, reference the text, and come to conclusions together (SL.6.1).
Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 6
- Reading Literature 6.9 (RL.6.9): Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres (e.g., stories and poems) in terms of their approaches to similar themes and topics.
- Writing 6.2 (W.6.2 a–f): Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly (introduce; develop with facts/quotations; use transitions; use precise language; maintain formal style; provide a concluding section).
- Speaking & Listening 6.1 (SL.6.1): Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grade 6 topics/texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
Success Criteria — student language
- I can name what’s similar and different in the two texts (theme, setting, plot, or craft) and show it with evidence.
- I can write a well-organized comparison that uses transitions to connect ideas and stays objective and formal.
- I can discuss respectfully, refer to lines or moments, and revise my thinking based on the group’s ideas.