Similarities & Differences
Playing soccer and playing basketball both use a ball and teams, but they’re played differently. Describe one way they’re similar and one way they’re different.
Sample answer: Similar: Both are team sports using a ball to score. Different: Soccer is played with feet; basketball with hands.
Jay hit the ball so hard it flew over the fence. What does ball mean here?
A round object used in sports.
After finishing the race, Ben felt happy that he gave it his all. What is the opposite (antonym) of happy?
Sad / Unhappy
Jacob’s alarm didn’t go off. He rushed out the door still brushing his hair. Why was Jacob in such a hurry?
He was late.
Carlos smiled as he unwrapped the game he’d been wanting for months. How does Carlos feel?
Excited / happy
Watching a movie and reading a book can tell the same story but in different ways. Explain how they are alike and how they are different.
Sample Answer: Similar: Both tell a story. Different: Movies show pictures; books use words you imagine.
The coach told us to pitch the tent before dark. What does pitch mean here?
To set up a tent.
When the coach said, “Let’s begin practice,” everyone ran to their spots. What is a synonym for begin?
Start / Commence
The lights dimmed, the crowd grew quiet, and the curtain rose. Actors began speaking, but some lines were whispered. What can you infer is happening?
A play or theater performance.
Jordan’s shoulders slumped when the teacher handed back his test with a low score. How does Jordan feel?
Disappointed
Cats and dogs can both be pets, but they act and need attention in different ways. Tell one similarity and one difference between cats and dogs.
Sample Answer: Similar: Both are pets that people care for. Different: Dogs need walks and attention; cats are more independent.
After losing his match, Caleb shook hands with his opponent. Later, he used a match to light a candle. What are the two meanings of match?
A game or contest; a small stick used to start a fire.
The test was difficult, but Ryan thought it was actually pretty easy. What is the opposite (antonym) of difficult?
Easy / Simple
Maya’s hands were covered in paint, and she smiled at the bright canvas. A few splatters were on her clothes too. What can you infer Maya has been doing?
Painting or working on an art project.
Evan clenched his fists and turned red after his friend took his turn. How does Evan feel?
Angry or frustrated
Texting and talking face-to-face are two ways to communicate. Explain one way they’re the same and one way they’re different.
Sample Answer: Similar: Both ways to communicate or share information. Different: Texting uses phones; talking face-to-face is in person.
Mason sat on the bench during the game. Later, he helped his dad build a new bench for the backyard. What are the two meanings of bench?
A long seat; a piece of furniture to sit on (in a park or at home).
The old trophy was fragile, so the team handled it carefully. What is a synonym for fragile?
Delicate / Breakable
After hearing the loud crash of thunder, Max grabbed his dog and ran inside. Rain started hitting the windows a few seconds later. What can you infer about the weather?
A storm or heavy rain was starting.
Tyler’s stomach felt tight before going on stage. How does Tyler feel?
Nervous or anxious
Playing video games and playing on a sports team both involve competition. Describe one similarity and one difference between the two activities.
Sample Answer: Similar: Both can be competitive and fun. Different: Sports are physical and active; games are mental and played indoors.
During baseball practice, Liam was the batter. Later, he helped his mom mix the batter for pancakes. What are the two meanings of batter?
A player hitting the ball; a mix of ingredients for cooking.
After losing the championship game, Max felt very defeated. What is the opposite (antonym) of defeated?
Victorious / Successful / Triumphant
The referee blew the whistle, and everyone in blue cheered. Their captain held up a trophy while the other team looked disappointed. What can you infer happened in the game?
The blue team won the championship or a big game.
Alex stayed after practice while everyone else left. He kept trying the hardest drill even though he had already made several mistakes. How does Alex feel?
Determined / motivated