When comparing two passages on the same topic, what should you compare?

• A. The length of each passage
• B. The publishers' credentials
• C. The topic of each passage
• D. Authors' claims, evidence, tone, and perspectives, noting similarities and differences

Answer: (D)

When two passages cover the same topic, the most helpful comparison focuses on what each author is claiming, how they support those claims, the tone they adopt, and the perspectives they bring. Start with the claims: what main point is each author making about the topic? Then look at evidence: what data, examples, anecdotes, or reasoning do they use, and how strong or biased is that support? Next, consider tone: is it neutral, persuasive, skeptical, celebratory, or critical, and how does that tone shape your trust in the argument? Finally, examine perspective: what assumptions or worldviews underlie each author, and how might their background influence what they emphasize or overlook? By noting where these elements align or diverge, you gain a fuller understanding of how the passages relate, reinforce, or challenge one another. Focusing on length, publishers’ credentials, or topics alone won’t reveal how the authors construct their arguments.