One of the weaknesses in implementing many popular instructional tactics (e.g., problem-based learning, project-based learning, argumentation activities, WebQuests) is getting from an understanding of the tactic to a specific activity for classroom implementation that is relevant to a curriculum need. This is why resources such as Newsela paired texts provides such a valuable starting point for educators.
Newsela, an online service focused on the developing reading skills, offers a service suited to this educational goal. Among the resources offered are paired texts. Newsela locates two online sources related to a current topic. Each pair of texts is associated brief background comments, discussion topics and a writing prompt.