1. In any given text, the roles assigned to men and women contribute greatly to the reader’s understanding of that society.
Discuss this statement, explaining how the roles of men and women help the reader to understand the world of the text.
70 marks

2. Don’t panic!

3. STEP ONE: Brainstorm the roles of men and women in each text – do this separately to keep the points clear. `
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO INCLUDE ALL OF THESE POINTS IN YOUR ANSWER!
Role of Men
Role of Women
The Great Gatsby
The Plough and the Stars
Children of Men

4. STEP TWO: Find key moments from each text to illustrate your points.

5. What is a key moment?
Key moments are pivotal to any text. These moments can be used to explore the core modes of comparison in greater depth.
A key moment is like an open door leading to further exploration of the text.
Concentrate on key moments in each text. [The word 'moment' here can be taken to mean an entire chapter or scene.] A key moment in your text is one which illustrates or helps in the development of one of the chosen modes.
A key moment may be:
 A moment of conflict.
 A moment of resolution.
 A moment which shows the chosen theme very clearly.
 An occurrence or description which gives us an insight into the cultural context.
 A pivotal moment in a friendship.
Key moments can overlap: one may be an illustration of both the cultural context and a pivotal moment in the theme, for example.

6. STEP THREE: Begin to create links between your texts
STEP THREE: Begin to create links between your texts. Remember comparison means similarities and differences.

7. Useful linking phrases
In common with…
The difference between…
This is reflected in …
The worlds of A and B have a number of common features…
The vision of society in C is much more positive than in A.
In all three texts…
However…
Similarly…
Whereas…
Alternatively…
On the contrary…
This is mirrored in…
The social background of A is quite different to B in that…
X in C reminds me of Y in A…
In the same way…
I noticed in both A and B that…
Conversely…
Likewise…
Equally…
C differs from A and B in that…
While both A and C highlight this issue, they treat it in a different manner.
In contrast to B, C …
Only in B do we see…
John in A reminds me of Joe in B because…
The manner in which X is portrayed in A differs from its portrayal in B and C.
In a similar fashion…
Unlike…
On the other hand…
I was struck by the sharp contrast between the protagonists in A and B.
Just as…

8. STEP FOUR: Introduce your answer by naming your texts and making a statement which links to the question.

9. Sample intro
A key factor in allowing a reader to develop an understanding of the world of any given text is the role assigned to men and women within society. The opportunities each is afforded or denied and the possibility for progress and change all impact on the value placed on men and women within society. While there are many similarities in the roles assigned to men and women in ‘The Plough and the Stars’ (PS) written by Sean O’Casey, ‘Children of Men’ (COM) directed by Alfonso Cuaron, and ‘The Great Gatsby’ (GG) written by F. Scott Fitzgerald there are also glaring differences; it is by comparing these worlds that the reader gains a true understanding of the society the main characters inhabit.

10. STEP FIVE: Divide the main body of your answer into two sections: MEN and WOMEN. You still need to use paragraphs! What I mean is discuss men first and then deal with women (or vice versa).

11. STEP SIX: Writing your paragraphs
Begin with a general statement (e.g. comment on the patriarchal nature of all texts)
Look to text 1 – use key moment(s) to convey how your statement applies to text 1 (find evidence to show men are in charge)
Use a linking phrase to transition to text 2 – use key moment(s) to convey how your statement applies to text 2 (find evidence to show men are in charge)
Use a linking phrase to transition to text 3 – use key moment(s) to convey how your statement applies to text 3 (find evidence to show men are in charge)
Explain what we learn about the world of the texts in relation to this statement (Is this role accepted? Is it challenged? What does this tell us about society?)

12. REMEMBER
Select the strongest points for your paragraphs – the ones which link best to the question.
There is no point in writing down everything you know about the topic – be selective and relevant!