"The Tell-Tale Heart" Original and Parallel Texts

A parallel text contains two different versions of the same text side-by-side. In the case of this parallel text, the version on the left is the original, and the one on the right is a modified version. This allows all students, but especially struggling readers, to be exposed to the complex vocabulary of Classic texts, while also providing them with a simplified version to clarify questions and word meanings independently.

The original text has been included in this set as well. The page numbers, general layout, paragraphs, and content match up in the two versions. Students who are strong readers can be given the original and struggling readers can be given the parallel version. All students can follow along in whole-class reading on the original text, but students with the parallel version have a built-in scaffold for when they are confused or when they are reading independently.

Parallel texts can be read many ways:

• Read left side and then the right (paragraph by paragraph).
• Read left side and then the right (page by page).
• Read one paragraph on left side, highlight words or concepts that are unclear, then read right side and highlight identified meanings for words/concepts that were previously unclear.
• Read one paragraph on left side, highlight words or concepts that are unclear, then skim the paragraph on the right for meanings.
• Read left side only referring to the right for clarification.
• Preread using right side, then read left side.
• Read left side, answer comprehension questions or give a summary, and then read right to check for correctness and adjust answers/summary as necessary.
• Any other way you feel would help the students to be successful!