Compare & Contrast
Informational Texts
Common Core Reading
Literacy
Aligned Resources
Grade 3: 3.RI.9
Created By: Jamie Jacobs
Edited by: Karen Almond
Clipart By: Little Reds Clip Art
All rights reserved by author, Duplication limited to classroom use only, and
electronic distribution limited to classroom use only
Name: ________________
3.RI.9
Informational Text - Coyotes
Directions: Read the two informational texts on coyotes. Then compare and
contrast the information in the two texts by using a Venn diagram.
INFORMATIONAL TEXT #1
Coyotes appear in many Native American tales. They are usually depicted as smart and strong
beasts in stories. Coyotes are members of the dog family. They once lived in open prairies and
deserts, but they now roam the continents forests and mountains. These animals will eat almost
anything. They hunt animals such as rabbits, fish, frogs, and even deer. They can also eat
insects, snakes, fruit and grass. They are known for killing pets such as cats and small dogs.
People who live in the desert must be careful of leaving small animals alone outside at night.
INFORMATIONAL TEXT #2
You will find coyotes in deserts and valleys. Desert coyotes are light gray or tan and have a
black tip on their tail. Coyotes travel during the day and hunts at night. They can run swiftly
which helps them catch their prey easily. Coyotes eat meat and fish. They dont even mind
eating spoiled and rotten meat. The coyote is one of the few animals whose howls are heard at
night. Coyotes can howl, yelp, bark and huff. Their howls are used to keep in touch with other
coyotes in the area. The coyote is a member of the dog family. The coyote even looks like a
medium sized collie dog. One of the main differences is that the tail of the coyote is round
and bushy.
Name: ________________
3.RI.9
Informational Text - Wolves
Directions: Read the two informational texts on wolves. Then compare and
contrast the information in the two texts by using a Venn diagram.
INFORMATIONAL TEXT #1
Wolves are famous for their howl, which they use for communication. A wolf howls to get the
attention of his pack or to send messages to other packs to show territory. Wolves live in
packs of six to ten animals. They are known to roam great distances in one day. They prefer
to eat large animals such as deer, elk, and moose. However, they also eat smaller animals such
as birds, fish, lizards, snakes, and fruit. Wolves are the largest members of the dog family.
Gray wolves are the most common type of wolf and they are found all over the Northern
Hemisphere. In some states humans have hunted gray wolves to near extinction. Humans are
fearful of wolves because they have been known to attack their livestock and animals.
INFORMATIONAL TEXT #2
Wolves are related to the jackal and domestic dog. All wolves are identified by their powerful
teeth, bushy tails, and traditional howls. Wolves live in groups called packs. A pack is made up
of a male parent, a female parent and a few other adult wolves. The pack works together to
hunt for food and to take care of the pups. There are many stories and fables written about
wolves, such as Little Red Riding Hood and stories about Werewolves. These stories have
made wolves out to be evil and dangerous creatures even though they pose little threat to
humans. Wolves have been hunted by humans possibly due to these false images that wolves
are evil and dangerous creatures.
