Pros and Cons Sorting

This worksheet helps students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 build informational reading, classification, and critical thinking skills by examining the strengths and weaknesses of small and large AI models. Students read a detailed passage explaining differences in speed, cost, accuracy, power requirements, and performance limits, then sort statements to determine whether each applies to small models, big models, or both.

Learning Goals

• Determining Main Ideas (Grades 6-8) – Students identify central ideas and supporting details in a technical informational text.
• Text-Based Classification – Learners sort statements accurately using evidence and context clues from the passage.
• Understanding AI Capabilities – Students compare strengths, limitations, and trade-offs between different AI model types.
• Analytical Reasoning – Students interpret nuanced statements about performance and constraints to select the best category.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Written by educators with clear explanations and age-appropriate technical language.
• Low-Prep and Structured – Ready for independent work, guided reading, or technology-focused lessons.
• Strengthens Close Reading – Requires careful attention to wording and detail in each statement.
• Supports Diverse Learners – Sorting format and repeated decision-making reinforce comprehension.
• Cross-Curricular Alignment – Integrates English Language Arts skills with technology education and digital literacy.

This printable worksheet helps students develop a deeper understanding of how different AI models are designed for different purposes by comparing real-world strengths and limitations. Through careful reading, classification, and reasoning, learners strengthen comprehension, analytical thinking, and digital-literacy skills. Suitable for classroom or homeschool use, this activity supports informed evaluation of technology systems.

This worksheet is part of our Small AI Models vs. Big AI Models Worksheets collection.