Planning your comparative coursework

A reminder of what you are assessed on:

Planning: First steps: Scrutinise the question. What is it really asking you? Come up with a few ideas for arguments. Then think about how convinced you are of each. Pare your ideas down to one central argument that you can summarise in one sentence… underline the key words in this and keep referring back to them in the body of your essay. Then consider how you can relate this argument to context (AO3).

Make sure you are convinced of your own argument! Your argument: When you have a central argument (that you can sum up in one sentence), think about: The sub-points you can make to support the argument Moments/ characters in the play and novel who could be used to support the argument. It is important that you can compare (AO4) all the way through your essay, so your sub-points/ character choices should complement one another. Make sure you are convinced of your own argument!

Planning the detail: AO2 You should now have: A central, focused argument, grounded in contextual detail; 2-3 sub points about both texts (whether this is character based or event/ plot based). Now start planning your AO2: analysis. Go back over both texts and pull out quotations/ sections that support your ideas. You should aim to have 2-3 quotations per text, per point (i.e 8-12 quotations in total). Make sure they are quotations that you can analyse in depth and detail (for THB, perhaps for language, structure and stagecraft).

Planning the detail: AO5 Remember that critical interpretation is also worth 20%. You cannot leave this out and can’t achieve a level 4 (17/25) or above without really engaging with your critics. When you have an idea of your argument, you need to use Jstor, Google Books, Emag and the critics we have given you. Try to choose critical quotations that You understand fully You can use to develop and further your argument.

Planning the detail: introduction The introduction is often the hardest part of an essay. You will probably need to draft it before writing the body of the essay and then redraft it when you have finished the essay. Your introduction should: Refer to the question Refer to the texts you will be discussing Clearly set out your argument Act as a ‘contents page’, making it clear what will be in the body of your essay Ground your ideas in context

Planning and writing each paragraph You will need to work slowly through each paragraph, making sure you are writing in a clear, concise and detailed way. Every part of your essay should: Clearly answer the question Clearly argue your point Refer specifically to contextual features Use and analyse at least one quotation from each text Use a critic and respond closely to them, Using their ideas to develop your own. It is up to you how you structure each paragraph, but if you are struggling, PEACH might help: Point about both texts Evidence from both texts Analysis of both quotations (trying to compare) Critical quotation and exploration of this Historical context At the end of every paragraph, write a sentence summarising your point/ argument, using the key words from your introduction

Final top tips: Plan in detail before writing Do it early; put it aside a week or so before the deadline and then read it out loud to someone to check for weak points/ errors Proof read! DO NOT leave it ‘til the last minute. Just do it. It’s not as scary as you think it is. If you are stuck, ask us for help! Keep the mark scheme in front of you and make sure you are not missing out any of the key components Don’t try to be overly clever/ complex. Be clear and focused. Believe your own argument.