Explorers Compared

This comparative reading worksheet is designed for students in Grades 5, 6, and 7 to strengthen informational text comprehension and compare-and-contrast skills. Students read short biographical passages about Marco Polo and Neil Armstrong and complete a comparison chart identifying similarities and differences in their journeys, goals, challenges, and historical impact. The activity helps learners connect exploration across time while practicing analytical reading and writing.

Learning Goals

• Compare & Contrast Informational Texts (Grades 5-7)
  Students identify similarities and differences between two nonfiction texts.
• Biographical Reading Comprehension
  Learners analyze key details about each explorer’s life and achievements.
• Historical & Modern Connections
  Students examine how exploration has evolved across different eras.
• Analytical Thinking & Writing
  The comparison chart supports organized, evidence-based responses.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource
  Designed by educators to align with upper elementary and middle school ELA standards.
• Cross-Curricular Integration
  Connects literacy skills with social studies and history.
• Clear Visual Organization
  The chart format helps students structure comparisons logically.
• Flexible Classroom Use
  Ideal for biography units, exploration themes, guided reading, or assessment.

This printable worksheet gives students meaningful practice with comparing and contrasting informational texts while deepening understanding of historical and modern exploration. By examining the achievements of Marco Polo and Neil Armstrong side by side, learners strengthen comprehension, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. Suitable for classroom instruction or homeschool use, this no-prep resource supports confident nonfiction reading and thoughtful comparison across time.

This worksheet is part of our Grade 5 Reading Comprehension collection.