MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Reading Practice Test

What is a suggested approach for comparing two or more texts?

1. Read each text carefully and consider the author's view

2. Summarize each text in one sentence

3. Read only the introduction of each text

4. Compare only the conclusions drawn

The correct answer is: Read each text carefully and consider the author's view

The suggested approach of reading each text carefully and considering the author's view is foundational to a thorough comparison of texts. This method allows for a deeper understanding of not only the content but also the context, perspective, and intent behind each work. By paying close attention to the authors' viewpoints, readers can analyze how different texts address similar themes, issues, or arguments. It facilitates a comprehensive comparison that takes into account nuances such as tone, style, and rhetorical strategies, which are essential for a well-rounded analysis. In contrast, summarizing each text in one sentence may overlook critical details and subtleties, thereby limiting the depth of understanding necessary for effective comparison. Reading only the introduction of each text provides insufficient information, as it ignores the body and conclusions that are often crucial for a complete analysis. Comparing only the conclusions drawn from each text fails to consider the arguments, evidence, and reasoning that lead to those conclusions, which are key components in understanding the overall message and effectiveness of each work.