The same but different

Discover how twins can be alike yet different! Engaging reading comprehension practice.

READ THE TEXT/ LISTEN TO THE AUDIO Maggie and Samantha are identical twin sisters. They were born just a few minutes apart, and they look exactly alike. They live with their mom and dad in Pennsylvania, and they go to the same elementary school.Because Maggie and Samantha look exactly alike, sometimes other students at school have a hard time telling them apart. Maggie has blonde hair, and so does Samantha, just like their dad does. Maggie has green eyes, and so does Samantha, just like their mom does. They are around the same height too.Maggie and Samantha like going to the same school. This is because they are not just twin sisters but best friends too. Every morning they take the yellow school bus from their house, and they sit together in the same seat. The sisters always have a lot to talk about, and they like to talk on the bus. They have a lot in common. Both girls enjoy a lot of the same television shows, books, and food. Both girls spend a lot of time together with their family, and they both like to play with their dog, Callie.But even though Maggie and Samantha look alike and share a lot of the same interests, they are also very different. Maggie likes to play sports. She is on a soccer team and a basketball team. Samantha doesn’t really like sports. She likes to dance, and on the days that Maggie plays soccer, she goes to take jazz and tap-dancing lessons.There are other differences between them too. Maggie likes to read mystery books, but Samantha likes to read books about animals. Maggie’s favorite dinner dish is spaghetti with meatballs, but Samantha’s favorite dinner dish is sushi. Maggie gets better grades in reading and Spanish, but Samantha gets better grades in math and science. Maggie likes to stay up late, and Samantha likes to go to bed early. Maggie likes the color red, but Samantha likes the color green.Even though two people may come from the same family or look the same or have a lot in common, it does not mean that they are exactly the same. Everyone is different in her or his own way. That is what makes Maggie Maggie. And that is what makes Samantha Samantha. Maggie and Samantha like being different from each other as much as they like being similar. That is what makes them special. 1. Who are Maggie and Samantha? sisters classmates dogs parents 2. How does the author compare and contrast Maggie and Samantha? The author explains that they have the exact same interests yet different personalities The author explains that they have some different interests yet they share the same looks The author explains that they both look alike but that they share nothing else in common The author explains that their personalities are exactly the same but their interests are completely different. 3. Read the following excerpt from the passage: “Both girls enjoy a lot of the same television shows, books and food. Both girls spend a lot of time together with their family, and they both like to play with their dog, Callie.”Based on this evidence, what conclusion can be made? Maggie and Samantha have a lot in common Maggie and Samantha don’t have many interests. Maggie and Samantha are best friends Maggie and Samantha don’t have much in common. 4. Based on the passage, which of the following conclusions about twins is true? Twins are usually just like their parents. It is unusual for twins to have differences Twins are unique people even though they share similarities with their twin siblings. Twin siblings tend to be more athletic and musically talented than other people. 5. What is the main idea of this passage? Even people with different interests can get along Even girls who love basketball can love soccer. Even students at school can’t tell twins apart. Even people who look identical are unique. 6. Read the following sentences: “Maggie and Samantha are identical twin sisters. They were born just a few minutes apart, and they look exactly alike.”As used in the passage, what does the word “identical” mean? outgoing in nature beautiful in appearance appearing exactly alike not resembling each other 7. Choose the answer that best completes the sentence below.Maggie and Samantha look alike and share a lot of the same interests; _, they are also very different. then also obviously however 8 - 10. Answer the questions by filling in the blanks 8. Which twin probably likes to play games in gym class more: Maggie or Samantha? Maggie9. Which subjects is Samantha better than Maggie at? math and science10. Are Samantha and Maggie's personalities exactly the same? No, they aren't