Paired Texts [Print & Digital]: Giraffes and Zoos Grades 4-6

$4.00

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Description

These paired passages, or paired texts, meet the demand for more complex texts that students can use to compare and build knowledge to integrate information and draw conclusions.

The high-interest, rigorous passages in this set are great to stretch your 4th and 5th graders, and still appropriate for many students in middle school as well. The passages in this set are differentiated. Two levels are provided: on grade level for 4-5 and on grade level for 6-7.

I have included printable AND Google App formats of the passages along with the multiple-choice and constructed response questions. There are seven multiple-choice questions (each question assessing a different standard) and one constructed response/essay question for the pair.

The printable passages are provided in two styles: article (two column) as well as full page.

⬆️ Please check out the preview for a look at the resource! ⬆️

This set contains ONE PAIR (two passages) about giraffes and the positive and negative facts about zoos. This is the perfect set to integrate reading with persuasive writing as well!

WAYS TO USE THIS RESOURCE:

  • whole group or small group modeling
  • read and annotate the texts together, then provide the questions for comprehension check, allowing students to use the annotated passages
  • completely independent practice for students reading above 4th-5th grade level

WHY TEACHERS LOVE THESE PAIRED TEXTS:

  • students enjoy the topics of the passages (no yawns through lessons)
  • integrate social studies and science content into ELA to maximize much-needed time
  • differentiate reading levels for students’ abilities
  • the multiple-choice questions cover a variety of standards per paired set, and they require students to go back into the text for the answer (not basic-level comprehension)
  • digital formats are self-grading
  • having both printable and digital formats allows teachers to transition seamlessly from in-class to virtual learning, or use in paperless 1:1 classrooms

SEE IT IN ACTION:

Click here to see a blog post showing how I model purposeful annotating!

INFO ABOUT THE DIGITAL FILES:

The assessments are provided in Google FORMS. The multiple-choice options will be shuffled for each student, and the items will be automatically scored.

The passages are provided in Google SLIDES and can be annotated by adding text boxes. Students could use lines to underline or draw arrows with the line tool. I have also inserted a “highlight box” on the title of each passage. Show students how to select the box, then copy and paste it to use for highlighting purposes in the text. They can resize the box by dragging the corners to highlight only what they need.

You could allow the students to use their annotated passages for their assessments by having them share the screen (or “split screen”) for both files. I have also included the passages at the top of the assessments.

Get a free digital pair of texts delivered to your inbox, along with more useful information about implementing paired texts in your classroom.

See the other paired texts sets in my store, or click here to BUY ALL of the Grades 4-6 Paired Texts and get any new sets I create in the future for free!

Are you looking for DIFFERENTIATED passages to use for assessments? Click here to see my Mix and Match Assessments, differentiated for student reading level and grade level comprehension!

Please remember, this purchase is for the use of one teacher. It is not intended to be shared. Please use the ‘additional license’ purchase if more than one teacher will be using it. Thank you!

Copyright © 2014-2020 Ideas By Jivey, LLC
All rights reserved by author, Jessica Ivey.
Permission to copy for single classroom use only.
Electronic distribution limited to single classroom use only.
Not for public display.

★★★★★ TpT buyer review

Great Resource

I purchased this a while ago, and I have used it each school year. It is a great resource.
Knox Your Ordinary Teacher Grades taught: Pre-K, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 · June 10, 2026
★★★★★ TpT buyer review

Perfect resource

Thank you so much. This resource was perfect for me to give to my literacy intervention students!
Rachael R. Grades taught: 5, 6 · December 15, 2025
★★★★★ TpT buyer review

helpful resource

This resource connected to the standards and was engaging.
Lynn T. Grades taught: 5 · August 5, 2025
★★★★★ TpT buyer review
This resource was exactly what I was looking for! Thank you!
The Ohio Teacher Grades taught: 5 · May 17, 2025
★★★★★ TpT buyer review
Comparing text is so difficult for students. These passages were engaging and students loved the activity.
Stephanie S. Grades taught: 5 · November 22, 2024
★★★★★ TpT buyer review
This was an engaging and effective resource to address similar themes and topics.
Kali L Grades taught: 5 · November 6, 2024
★★★★★ TpT buyer review
Such a fun resource! A perfect way to practice this skill in an engaging way!
Nolan in Fifth Grades taught: 5 · August 4, 2024
★★★★★ TpT buyer review
Thank you for this resource! It was very helpful in my classroom!
Melissa A. Grades taught: 4 · June 20, 2024
★★★★★ TpT buyer review
Highly engaged and my students were actively engaged
Michelle L. Grades taught: 3 · June 4, 2024
★★★★★ TpT buyer review
My students enjoyed this activity. I wish there were more questions for the passages and more passages in general.
Jennifer S. Grades taught: 4 · March 19, 2024
★★★★★ TpT buyer review
Students enjoyed reading these passages. They are good test prep.
Carey R. Grades taught: 4 · February 29, 2024
★★★★★ TpT buyer review
My students absolutely loved this! I feel like they learned so much while having so much fun. Such a great purchase, will definitely be buying more.
Lisa M. Grades taught: 4 · December 7, 2023