Instructions

Click on ‘For example’ and ‘but’ to access further text.

Compare how Columbus is presented across both texts.

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The comparison question…this is a higher level skill as you have to draw ideas from both texts. This tests your ability to supply detail as well as give a good overview of both texts. A useful skill is the ability to sum up a paragraph at a time.
For example…
In text A, Columbus is described as having an “insatiable thirst for knowledge” and wanted to help his Spanish masters
but…
in text B he begins by saying that he started with a “honest purpose” but that he “gradually” changed. He began to place himself “beyond” the boundaries of civilization

Christopher Columbus – born Cristoforo Colombo – grew up in Genoa, Italy and had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and exploration. Even though he was very religious, he had an inkling that the world was round and decided to prove this by sailing west. This would also – he thought – help his Spanish masters to an easier route to India and Asia.

When he sailed with his three little ships to discover unknown lands, he was an accredited explorer for the court of Spain, and was bravely sailing forth with an honest purpose, and with the same regard for law and justice as is possessed by any explorer of the present day. But when he discovered some unknown lands, rich in treasure and outside of all legal restrictions, the views and ideas of the great discoverer gradually changed. Being now beyond the boundaries of civilization, he also placed himself beyond the boundaries of civilized law.