What is comparative analysis in SOL reading context?

• A. Interpreting the historical background of the texts.
• B. Analyzing similarities and differences between texts, authors, or perspectives.
• C. Evaluating the tone and mood of a single passage.
• D. Memorizing biographical details of the authors.

Answer: (B)

Comparative analysis in SOL reading asks you to examine two or more texts, or different viewpoints from the same text, and draw out how they are similar or different. You’re looking at ideas, themes, arguments, evidence, purposes, and the authors’ perspectives or biases, and how these elements across sources relate to each other. This helps you understand how different writers approach a topic, what they emphasize, and how context might shape their claims. For example, comparing two passages about a historical event lets you see how each author frames the event, what evidence they rely on, and what conclusions they reach. It can also involve weighing opposing views to understand why those authors hold their positions and how their rhetoric differs. The other options focus on analyzing a single text in isolation, such as uncovering tone and mood within one passage or recalling biographical details, which aren’t about comparing across texts.