Comparative study Writing comparative essays

To study Keep a reading response journal for all of your comparative texts. Write down your responses to the texts and what you have learned about each mode of comparison. Talk about your texts with your fellow classmates - this will give you new and fresh ideas. Practise writing comparative essays - it is a skill that does not come easily. You must have experience of writing about your texts. Make a comparative table in your revision notes where you list the differences and similarities of each text. Try to learn a few short quotations from each text - it will really impress your examiner.

Writing essays Be able to discuss key moments in your texts. Look at the quotation/statement in the question. What is it saying? Aim to discuss three comparative texts. Show personal engagement with your texts. Detailed reference is fine but some well-chosen quotations will really impress. Use comparative phrases to show the links or differences between texts. The following list is a collection of some helpful linking phrases: – “ in x we also see, ”unlike y” similarly in x” however, in z” what a contrast to x”x differs from y in that” I noticed in all/both texts”all texts display”typical to both/all texts” there is a stark contrast in y” each of the texts”again in y we see”unlike x”like y”in the same way z” This is a full essay question. You must refer to three texts you have studied. You cannot use any text you have previously answered on in the single study section.

Answer structure Answers can be one part worth 70 marks (5 pages A4) or have two parts a (30 marks, 2A4 pages) and b (40 marks, 3 A4 pages). Answer should have 24 quotes/references, examples An essay on theme: should discuss 4 aspects/types e.g. Love – Parent and child – siblings – Romantic – Unrequited An essay on Literary Genre should least 3 e.g. – Narrator/ mise-en-sence – structure – Imagery – Flashback

Structure Introduction Development of aspect 1 Aspect 1 Development of aspect 2 Aspect 2 Development of aspect 3 Aspect 3 Development of aspect 4 Aspect 4 Conclusion

Introduction: brief! Introduction – naming texts and showing you know what the question is asking you about. Example:

Developments Your essay will have 4 sections where you discuss your 4 aspects of the mode: literary genre or theme. Each section will have c.2 paragraphs. DO NOT spend 1 paragraph on each text. Instead discuss non-linear structure and use of flashbacks in one paragraph, referring to all 3 texts

Conclusion Draw together your argument Refer to the question reminding the reader how you have agreed/disagreed/discussed the question