Welcome to Text Challenges

These activities are divided into three areas:

Comprehension
Presentation and Structure
Written Response

The activities are instructions for the student to follow and can be used in a variety of ways:

Homework
If a nonfiction or informational book has been assigned, ask your high ability students to complete one of the activities at the book's halfway point or as a mini-project.
Have students complete an activity at the beginning of the book, another activity at the middle of the book, and a third activity at the end of the book.
If you have students select a nonfiction text for independent reading, assign students or allow them to select an activity at the beginning, middle, and end of the unit.
Allow students to choose activities from a list for each nonfiction or informational book they complete. Use their work to monitor their progress and evaluate comprehension.

Additional ideas have been added with more lesson details.

Comprehension Activities-

Non-fiction

Graphic Organizer

Identify the focus of your text. Is it a concept, process, event, person, etc.? Once you determine the focus of the text, create a graphic organizer for the information presented. Are you tracking events in a movement? Are you focusing on parts of a whole? Are you explaining steps in a process? Include at least five details in the organizer - each point having a phrase or sentence of explanation.

Venn Diagram

Look for another article, either online or in print, that deals with the topic of your text in some way. Create a Venn Diagram comparing and contrasting the articles. Then, use the diagram to evaluate the information presented in each text. Assess the reliability and credibility of the evidence from both texts. Finally, write a three-to-five-sentence paragraph explaining which text you found most convincing and explain why.

Fact Finder

As you read, record at least five facts from the text that provide specific information about the main idea of the reading. After reading, take some time to think over the facts you wrote down. How do they influence your thoughts? Do you find the facts convincing or reliable? Why or why not? In a paragraph, share the facts that you took from the reading and explain the idea or opinion you've now formed based on the information.

Get It and Graph It

After reading your text and thinking about its main idea, come up with three survey questions about the information. Then, gather your data by asking a specific number of students your three questions. Analyze your data, and then graph your findings using a bar or pie chart.

Lawyer Up

Act as a lawyer to defend or refute claims based on evidence from the text. Create a short monologue/closing arguments to present to the class sharing your argument/perspective. Your presentation should be a well-thought-out stance based on your analysis of the text.

Comprehension Activities-

Fiction

Character Interview

Write 5–7 deep questions you would ask a main character, then answer in the character’s voice. Include the character’s motivations, fears, and hopes.

Change the Point of View

Rewrite a key scene from the perspective of another character (or even the antagonist). This helps you analyze perspective and bias in storytelling.

Theme Detective

Identify the theme of the story, then support it with at least three pieces of evidence from the text. Extend the challenge: connect the theme to a real-world issue or personal experience.

Plot Twist Maker

Create an alternate ending or add a new twist in the middle of the story. Then, explain how this change would affect the rest of the plot and the characters’ choices.

Symbol Hunt & Create

Find objects or events in the story that might symbolize bigger ideas. Then, have create your own symbol for the story (a drawing or metaphor) and explain its meaning.

Comparison

Compare this story to a similar story you have read. How are they he same? How are they different? Finally, write a three-to-five-sentence paragraph explaining which story you found most enjoyable and explain why.

Presentation and Structure Activities

Visual Creation

What type of visual should be included in the text to improve the reader's understanding? Create two new visual elements for your text. They can be any type of graphic: a picture, illustration, graph, diagram, chart, etc. The images should add to or clarify the information in the text. Include a caption for each visual.

Word Splash

Pull 15-20 words directly from the text that capture both the information and tone of the reading. Create a Word Splash with those words. On a piece of paper, write down the words, then illustrate the importance of each word by implementing different colors, sizes and/or text styles. Write a one-paragraph explanation of your Word Splash that describes the connotation of the text.

Author's View Point

After reading the text, answer the following questions in a paragraph response:

What is the author trying to accomplish?
What is the author's point of view?
What information enhances the author's view or takes away from it?
Is the author successful at getting the point across? Why or why not?

On the Stage

Create a mini presentation for your class. Design a two-to-three-minute talk demonstrating knowledge that you've gained from the text. Your presentation should be short, but entertaining; you must incorporate some type of visual (prop, scene, object, etc.) or presentation tool. Use details and facts from your reading as the basis for the information you present.

Table It

Create a table to identify and analyze the text features in your reading. On the far left side of your table, list different text features. Each time you come across one of these features, put a check mark and page number next to the feature. Write a paragraph that explains which features were used, and how effective they were in helping you understand the material.

Written Response

Journalist

Imagine you are a journalist interviewing a person, idea, or process from your text. Create a set of five interview questions for your subject. Then write out the answers to those questions, using facts and evidence from the text. Make your script interesting by drafting responses that have a "voice" and "personality," even if your subject doesn't.

Poetry
How-to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3K1sMhKiSQ

Links to an external site.

Pulling words and phrases from the text, create a Found Poem. A Found Poem uses the existing words in a text, in the order they appear, and arranges them into a poem. Your Found Poem must convey the main idea or theme of the text. It should also show an understanding of the concepts. Your poem must be at least 15 lines long and have an original title.

You Be the Judge (Evaluate and Analyze)

Think about the authenticity and credibility of the text and how it was presented. Then, write your responses to the following questions in paragraph form:

Do you think the information in the text is accessible to all people? Why or Why not?
Does the information presented fully represent all views on the subject, or does it convey a limited point of view? Explain.

As the World Turns

Using the facts presented in the text, make a real-world connection with the information you've learned. How will this information impact the world now? In the future? Draw a direct connection from the text to your own life, your community, or a problem in society. Does the text offer insight or a solution? Explain the connection in one or two paragraphs, citing evidence from the text.

Compare It

Compare and contrast the information from the text to a concept you already know. How are they similar? How are they different? Come up with at least three areas of comparison. Write your observations in paragraph form. Use appropriate transition words to signal your comparisons.

Critical Issue Debate

Critical Issue Analysis: Debate a Controversy

Objective: Encourage students to think critically about the topic presented in the informational text by analyzing various perspectives, forming a personal stance, and engaging in a mock debate.

This activity encourages students to engage deeply with the informational text, apply critical thinking, and practice persuasive argumentation. It pushes them to explore multiple viewpoints and refine their ability to think independently.

Instructions:

Identify a Central Issue: After reading the text, identify a central issue or controversy discussed within the material. For example, if the text is about climate change, the issue might be “Should the government implement stricter regulations on carbon emissions?”
Research Opposing Views: Conduct further research on the topic to uncover at least two different perspectives. Gather evidence and arguments that support both sides of the issue, even if the original text focuses on only one side. Be sure to use credible sources for your research.
Develop a Position: Reflect on the arguments and form your own reasoned position on the issue. Write a detailed justification (2-3 pages) explaining your stance and how it is informed by the original text and your additional research.
Engage in a Mock Debate:
- Prepare a Debate Outline: Create a structured outline for a mock debate. Identify key points for both sides of the argument, counterarguments, and possible rebuttals. Use evidence from the text and your research to support your arguments.
- Role Play: Either individually or with a partner, simulate the debate by presenting both sides of the issue. If done alone, record a video where you present each side’s argument and your rebuttals as though you are participating in the debate.
Reflective Essay: Write a reflective essay on the debate experience (1-2 pages). Address the following questions:
- How did your understanding of the issue evolve as you researched different perspectives?
- Did any of your own views change during the process? Why or why not?
- What challenges did you face in fairly representing both sides of the argument?
Propose a Compromise: After engaging with the opposing viewpoints, suggest a potential compromise or solution to the issue. Explain how this solution could address concerns from both sides.

Evaluation Criteria:

Depth of Understanding: Does the student demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the issue, both from the text and from additional research?
Critical Thinking: Has the student critically engaged with both sides of the argument and supported their analysis with evidence?
Debate Skills: Does the debate outline and role-play show logical organization, persuasive argumentation, and effective rebuttals?
Reflection: Is the student’s reflective essay thoughtful and introspective, showing growth in his/her thinking?
Creative Problem-Solving: How innovative or thoughtful is the proposed compromise?

Innovator's Blueprint

Innovator’s Blueprint: Design a Solution to a Real-World Problem

Objective: After analyzing the content of an informational text, students will use their understanding to design a creative and practical solution to a related real-world problem, encouraging critical thinking, innovation, and application of knowledge.

Instructions:

Identify a Key Problem: From the informational text, identify a central problem or challenge that is discussed or implied. For example, if the text is about urbanization, the issue might be the negative environmental impact of cities.
Brainstorm Solutions:
- Conduct further research on this problem, exploring what solutions have already been attempted or proposed.
- Brainstorm at least three possible ways to address the problem, including one unconventional or innovative solution that hasn’t been tried before. Think creatively and outside the box.
Design a Blueprint for Your Solution: Choose one of your solutions and develop it into a detailed project plan. This can be a product, service, initiative, or policy that addresses the problem in a meaningful way. Your blueprint should include:
- A Description: Explain what the solution is and how it works. Be specific about the mechanics of how it solves the problem.
- Key Features: Identify the unique aspects of your solution that make it effective, sustainable, and innovative.
- Visual Representation: Create a diagram, sketch, or digital mock-up of your solution. This could be a physical product design, a flowchart of a service or program, or a map showing how a policy would be implemented.
- Implementation Plan: Outline the steps needed to bring your solution to life. This might include funding, resources, partnerships, and timeline for execution.
Challenges & Criticisms: Analyze your solution by considering possible challenges, criticisms, or limitations. What obstacles might you face in implementing this solution? How would you address them?
Real-World Connection: Reflect on how your solution could impact the real world. Would it have a local or global effect? How would it benefit people, communities, or the environment?
Presentation: Present your Innovator’s Blueprint in one of the following formats:
- Visual Poster/Infographic: Create a large poster or digital infographic that presents your solution, blueprint, and implementation plan. Include visuals, key data points, and a summary of your reasoning.
- Pitch Presentation: Record a video where you “pitch” your solution as though you are presenting it to a panel of experts, investors, or stakeholders. This presentation should be 5-10 minutes long and explain the problem, your solution, and why it’s the best option.
Reflective Journal: Write a short journal entry (1-2 pages) reflecting on the process of creating your solution. How did your reading and research influence your ideas? What did you learn about problem-solving and innovation? Did your view of the issue change?

Evaluation Criteria:

Depth of Understanding: Does the student demonstrate a deep understanding of the problem from the informational text and beyond?
Creativity & Innovation: How original and creative is the proposed solution? Does it push beyond conventional ideas?
Feasibility: Is the solution practical and well thought-out? Does the student address potential challenges effectively?
Presentation: Is the visual representation or video clear, engaging, and well-organized?
Reflection: Does the student’s journal show a thoughtful connection between their reading, research, and creative process?

This activity merges creativity with practical problem-solving, allowing students to engage with informational texts in a meaningful, forward-thinking way while encouraging innovation and real-world application.