8.5.E

Making Connections

When reading texts, look for connections between them. Compare and contrast the texts, analyzing how they are alike and different.

When looking for connections between literary texts—such as short stories, novels, plays, and poems—think about their topics, historical and cultural settings, themes, points of view, and the authors' use of language.

Ask questions like —

Do two passages use the same topic to explore different themes?

Do two passages explore similar themes in different ways, with different topics, settings, and structures?

Do the points of view from which the passages are written affect the reader's experience of the subject matter?

In what ways do the authors use language similarly or differently? What types of literal and figurative language do the authors use?

When looking for connections between informational texts, think about their topics, central ideas, supporting details, and organizational structures.

Ask questions like —

Do two passages with the same general topic focus on the same or different aspects of the topic?

Do two passages have similar or different thesis statements, or controlling ideas?

Do the two passages use the same key ideas and details to develop the topic?

Do the passages have the same or different organizational structures?

When looking for connections between argumentative texts, think about the authors' stated opinions or stances on an issue, the evidence and arguments they use to support their opinions, and how they use language persuasively.

Ask questions like —

Do two passages with the same topic have the same or different claims about the issue?

How do the passages compare in terms of the rhetorical devices used to persuade readers?

Do the passages rely on facts and logical reasoning to support their claims, or do they employ logical fallacies? If so, which ones?

Do two passages have overlapping facts and information? If so, how is the information used the same or differently in the texts?

Remember: You can also look for connections across genres.

How do an argumentative and an informational text on the same topic compare? Do they have overlapping information? If so, what effect does that have on the credibility and persuasiveness of the argumentative text?

How are a poem and a play with similar themes alike and different? What structures and language choices do the authors of these different literary genres use in their work?

Does a story's message relate to a claim in an argumentative text? If so, does the storytelling have a stronger or weaker persuasive effect?

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Go to the next page to practice making connections between texts.

Making Connections

Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS): 8.5.E

make connections to personal experiences, ideas in other texts, and society;

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