Two Sides of the Screen: Comparing Writers' Viewpoints

About This Resource

A complete Grade 9 ESL reading pack on comparing how two writers present different views on the same topic. Students read two short opinion articles about phones in schools, identify each writer's viewpoint, evidence and tone, compare their language choices and write a comparison paragraph with linking phrases such as whereas and similarly. Includes slides, a lesson plan, worksheet, quiz, homework, A5 flashcards, a rubric, Word files and answer keys.

Overview

Writers rarely just give facts; they choose words, evidence and tone to persuade readers to see an issue their way. Comparing two texts on the same topic shows how viewpoint shapes writing. Students read an article by a teacher who wants phones banned during the school day and one by a student who argues for supervised use. They identify each viewpoint, find evidence and loaded language, describe the tone, note similarities and differences and write a short comparison using comparative linking phrases.

Resource Details

Subject: ESL
Topic: Comparing Writers' Viewpoints
Category: Reading
File Type: PDF
File Size: 361.2 KB
Published: 14 Nov 2026
Downloads: 0

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Grade 9 ESL (ages 14–15), B1–B2 60 minutes Reading critical thinking comparison writing

Learning Objectives

Identify each writer's viewpoint, evidence and tone.
Compare how two writers use language to present their views.
Write a comparison paragraph using linking phrases.

How to Use This Resource

Ask students to stand on a line from strongly agree to strongly disagree: "Phones should be banned at school."
Read both articles with the slides, then do activities 1 and 2 together.
Students complete activities 3 to 6. Use the quiz and send the homework page home.

Classroom Activity Ideas

Opinion line: students stand on a line to show their view before and after reading.
Word swap: students replace loaded words with neutral ones and discuss the change in tone.
Third voice: students write a short reply from a parent's viewpoint.

Differentiation

Support: give a comparison grid with prompts (viewpoint, evidence, tone, key words). Challenge: students evaluate which article is more convincing and explain why with reference to both texts.

Assessment

Use the worksheet and quiz to check understanding. Use the rubric for the comparison paragraph.

Teacher Tips

Stress that a viewpoint is not the same as the topic: both writers discuss phones, but they disagree. Teach students to support every comparison with a short quotation. Keep the class debate respectful, as students will have strong opinions.

What's Included

11-page printable PDF lesson pack: teacher lesson plan with timings, materials and differentiation
Key vocabulary list (6 words with meanings and examples)
Student worksheet (6 activities)
Quiz / assessment (3 parts)
Homework practice page
Printable flashcards: 6 A5 picture cards (separate PDF)
Assessment rubric (4 levels)
Lesson slides (editable PowerPoint)
Editable Word version of all student pages
Complete answer key (also as a separate PDF)

Additional Files

Lesson Slides (PPTX)
Editable Student Pages and Lesson Plan (DOCX)
A5 Flashcards (PDF)
Answer Key (PDF)

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