Read two passages about the same natural disaster. Then compare and contrast a firsthand account and a secondhand account by noticing point of view, details included, and the information each provides.
Read both passages. Then answer the questions in the Main Activity and Exit Ticket.
I woke up to rain tapping the window like someone drumming their fingers. By breakfast, the street looked like a shiny gray ribbon. Mom kept checking her phone and the sky.
Around lunchtime, the rain got louder—like a thousand pennies hitting our roof. Our backyard turned into a muddy lake. When I stepped onto the porch, the air smelled like wet dirt and leaves.
Then we heard the sirens.
A neighbor ran by and shouted, “The river is flooding! Get to higher ground!” My stomach felt twisty. Dad carried our photo box, and I grabbed my little brother’s stuffed turtle. We walked fast, splashing through water that kept creeping up the sidewalk.
At the community center, people huddled with blankets. Someone handed me a cup of warm cocoa. My hands shook, but the cocoa helped. Through the window, I could see the river rushing past the trees. I thought about our house and my bike in the garage.
That night, I couldn’t sleep much. Every time I closed my eyes, I pictured the water climbing higher.
On Saturday, heavy rainfall caused the Maple River to rise quickly and flood parts of Maple Town. According to local officials, the rain lasted for many hours and water covered several streets near the river.
Residents in the low-lying neighborhood were advised to move to higher ground. Emergency workers used sirens and announcements to warn people. Families brought important items with them, such as photo albums, medicine, and small bags of clothing.
The town opened the community center as a temporary shelter. Volunteers provided blankets, warm drinks, and basic supplies. One resident reported feeling worried about damage to homes and belongings.
By evening, the river began to slow down, but some areas remained underwater. Officials reminded everyone to stay away from moving water because it can be dangerous. The next day, crews started checking roads and helping families return safely when conditions improved.
Officials said the town will review the flood response plan and continue to share safety information with residents.
If you want to understand what it felt like during the flood, which passage is most helpful?
Write the type of account for Passage B. (One word.)
Read both passages. Then answer the questions in the Main Activity and Exit Ticket.
I woke up to rain tapping the window like someone drumming their fingers. By breakfast, the street looked like a shiny gray ribbon. Mom kept checking her phone and the sky.
Around lunchtime, the rain got louder—like a thousand pennies hitting our roof. Our backyard turned into a muddy lake. When I stepped onto the porch, the air smelled like wet dirt and leaves.
Then we heard the sirens.
A neighbor ran by and shouted, “The river is flooding! Get to higher ground!” My stomach felt twisty. Dad carried our photo box, and I grabbed my little brother’s stuffed turtle. We walked fast, splashing through water that kept creeping up the sidewalk.
At the community center, people huddled with blankets. Someone handed me a cup of warm cocoa. My hands shook, but the cocoa helped. Through the window, I could see the river rushing past the trees. I thought about our house and my bike in the garage.
That night, I couldn’t sleep much. Every time I closed my eyes, I pictured the water climbing higher.
On Saturday, heavy rainfall caused the Maple River to rise quickly and flood parts of Maple Town. According to local officials, the rain lasted for many hours and water covered several streets near the river.
Residents in the low-lying neighborhood were advised to move to higher ground. Emergency workers used sirens and announcements to warn people. Families brought important items with them, such as photo albums, medicine, and small bags of clothing.
The town opened the community center as a temporary shelter. Volunteers provided blankets, warm drinks, and basic supplies. One resident reported feeling worried about damage to homes and belongings.
By evening, the river began to slow down, but some areas remained underwater. Officials reminded everyone to stay away from moving water because it can be dangerous. The next day, crews started checking roads and helping families return safely when conditions improved.
Officials said the town will review the flood response plan and continue to share safety information with residents.
If you want to understand what it felt like during the flood, which passage is most helpful?
For planning an emergency response, which passage would be more useful, and why? Use at least one detail from the text.
Which passage is a firsthand account?
Select two details that are MORE likely to appear in a firsthand account than a secondhand account.
What is the main difference in point of view between the two passages? (Answer in 3 words or less.)
Which detail BEST shows that Passage B is a secondhand account?
Sort each detail into the best category.
Warm cocoa calmed shaking hands
Grabbed brother’s stuffed turtle
Officials advised residents to move
Crews checked roads next day
Sirens warned people
Community center used as shelter
Firsthand only
Secondhand only
Both
Compare and contrast the two accounts. Include two details from Passage A and two details from Passage B to support your answer.
Match each feature to the passage that shows it most clearly.
| Draggable item | arrow_right_alt | Corresponding Item |
|---|---|---|
Official warnings and safety advice | arrow_right_alt | Passage A |
Sensory details (sounds/smells) | arrow_right_alt | Passage B |
Summary of what happened over time | arrow_right_alt | Passage A |
Feelings and reactions | arrow_right_alt | Passage B |
For planning an emergency response, which passage would be more useful, and why? Use at least one detail from the text.
Which passage is a firsthand account?
Which detail BEST shows that Passage B is a secondhand account?
Select two details that are MORE likely to appear in a firsthand account than a secondhand account.
What is the main difference in point of view between the two passages? (Answer in 3 words or less.)
Match each feature to the passage that shows it most clearly.
| Draggable item | arrow_right_alt | Corresponding Item |
|---|---|---|
Sensory details (sounds/smells) | arrow_right_alt | Passage A |
Feelings and reactions | arrow_right_alt | Passage B |
Summary of what happened over time | arrow_right_alt | Passage A |
Official warnings and safety advice | arrow_right_alt | Passage B |
Sort each detail into the best category.
Warm cocoa calmed shaking hands
Grabbed brother’s stuffed turtle
Officials advised residents to move
Crews checked roads next day
Sirens warned people
Community center used as shelter
Firsthand only
Secondhand only
Both
Compare and contrast the two accounts. Include two details from Passage A and two details from Passage B to support your answer.
Write the type of account for Passage B. (One word.)