Comparative text responses share many features with analytical text responses on a single text. Each response: •
is a coherent essay, with an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion
•
takes a position on a given essay topic
•
presents a line of argument about, and a consistent interpretation of, the texts
•
includes detailed textual evidence, including brief quotations, to support the argument and reasoning.
On the other hand, comparing two texts requires a balancing act – a balance between the two texts, and between writing about an individual text and writing about two texts together. Some of your analysis will focus on a single text, showing your indepth understanding of characters, plot, narrative and language. Other paragraphs will compare and contrast both texts. This will be particularly important in your final paragraph or two.
The following sections show you ways to structure your comparative essays, appropriate language for comparing and contrasting texts, and strategies for analysing the main types of topics.
There are two main models for writing a comparative essay‌
You might find that one approach works better for you than the other, or that a particular structure works best for a given essay topic/prompt.
Whichever approach you use, aim to write at least five body paragraphs.
This will ensure you have space to: • develop your argument in relation to each text • using textual evidence to support your assertions • as well as to directly compare the two texts.
This is the most straightforward structure. It ensures that you deal with both texts in detail, and that your response focuses on the ideas, issues or themes identified in the introduction. It does restrict your comparison of the two texts to the final paragraph or two, so remember to make this part of the response just as detailed and thorough as the rest.
Using the block approach, you initially discuss the two texts separately, then compare them towards the end of the essay.
The important thing is not to spend too much time discussing the texts separately remember that the task is to compare the texts and identify connections between them.
INTRODUCTION BODY PARAGRAPH ON TEXT #1 BODY PARAGRAPH ON TEXT #2 BODY PARAGRAPH COMPARING TEXT #1 & TEXT #2 BODY PARAGRAPH COMPARING TEXT #1 & TEXT #2 CONCLUSION
Let’s have a look at what information to include‌
INTRODUCTION • key details of both texts (title, author, genre, etc.) • a clear line of argument in response to the topic • the main points to be developed in the body paragraphs
BODY PARAGRAPH ON TEXT #1 • main points, evidence and explanation in relation to text 1 • clear links to the topic, especially in topic sentences and at the end of each paragraph • can include brief connections to text 2
BODY PARAGRAPH: COMPARING TEXT #1 & TEXT #2 • direct comparison of the two texts • strong points of connection between the texts • explanations of differences as well as similarities • clear links to the topic
CONCLUSION • one or two big-picture messages presented by the texts • summary of the main points and central argument • direct comparison of the two texts
In an integrated essay structure, the comparison of the two texts occurs in each paragraph throughout the essay.
Each body paragraph focuses on a particular aspect of the main theme or issue in the given topic.
INTRODUCTION BODY PARAGRAPH ON 1st IDEA BODY PARAGRAPH ON 2nd IDEA
BODY PARAGRAPH ON 3rd IDEA
CONCLUSION
This paragraph is supposed to represent an extension of one of the 3 ides.
INTRODUCTION • key details of both texts (title, author, genre, etc.) • a clear line of argument in response to the topic • the main points to be developed in the body paragraphs
Introduction does not need to be any different than Block method.
BODY PARAGRAPH ON TEXT #1 • first main idea: argument, evidence and explanation in relation to text 1 and text • points of connection between the texts, with discussion of similarities and differences • links to the topic, especially in topic sentences and at the end of each paragraph