32 Paired Passages to Use in Middle School ELA

Much of teaching and learning in ELA is based on reading, analyzing, and pulling information from passages, and these 32 paired passages to use in middle school ELA were made specifically for this grade range and their interests.

We’ve got a passage for that.

When we talk with new middle school ELA teachers about the different ways to connect with students, we often bring up a variety of topics that students are interested in. We spend a lot of time listing topics like video games, cell phones, social media, and sports, and then we try to come up with examples to use in the classroom or projects or assignments we can do that will align with these topics.

Well, we’ve made it a lot easier to give students a chance to work with these types of high-interest topics with our Paired Passage product line.

In the Paired Passage product line, we have 30+ paired passages to use in middle school ELA that hit on topics middle school students actually care about and enjoy learning about.

What are Paired Passages?

Paired passages are sets of nonfiction passages that have a shared topic. Each passage looks at the topic from a different angle or purpose.

In our paired passages to use in middle school, we have also included reading comprehension questions for each passage so that teachers can easily use the passages for bell-ringers or as stand-alone assignments.

Ways to Use Paired Passages

Since each of our paired passages includes reading comprehension questions, they are great for test prep and practicing test-taking strategies. Teachers can gather a variety of passages and create practice tests for students to use as they prepare for standardized tests.

Paired passages can also be given to students as they practice making arguments and pulling information from sources.

We also like using paired passages as an introduction to a discussion session. Since the passages provide different points of view on the same topic, the discussion that can stem from the reading often results in a very heated give-and-take session with students that can be a fun and interesting way to work on listening and speaking standards.

New Ways to Use Paired Passages

Although you can always use paired passages to practice test taking or to read and discuss as a class, there are also many other ways to use paired passages.

In this blog post, we discuss several new (and unexpected) ways to use paired passages with your middle school ELA students.

30+ Paired Passages to Use in Middle School ELA

Here is the current list of the paired passage bundles available in The Sparkly Notebook Store. When you click on the bundle of the grade level you teach, you’ll have the option to select a specific topic or grab the whole grade level at a discount! 

Remember: Passages from other grade levels can also provide opportunities for differentiation!

Grade Level Bundles:

4th-5th Grade

6th-7th Grade

8th-9th Grade 

Topics Include:

• Instagram vs. TikTok
• iPhone vs. Android
• Graffiti
• Should We Ban Zoos?
• Cell Phones
• Video Games
• Pizza
• Running
• Social Media Effects
• Technology
• Superheroes
• Making the Team
• Kids as Influencers
• Advertisements
• PlayStation vs. Xbox
• School Uniforms
• Live Life or Capture It
• Benefits and Risks of Playing on Sports Teams
• Football Safety
• Participation Trophies
• Fidget Toys
• Is TV Worth the Risk?
• Importance of Sleep
• YouTube Fame
• Reality TV
• Fact or Fiction Online
• Owning a Pet
• In-Person or Virtual
• Healthy Eating
• Mac vs. PC