How do I structure my Comparative Study essay?
The comparative study section is challenging. Not only must you compare three texts (a book, a film and a play) but you must do so ultimately in 65-70 minutes in the exam. In order for your answers to be relevant and focussed, a methodical approach is a must! I use the following structure with my students and they find it extremely beneficial when sitting down to write their comparative study answers, both throughout the year and in their LC exam!
Introduction
1. Address the set Q – rephrase it!
2. Define CC
3. Name texts & authors
4. State aspects you will discuss – you can use the wording of the Q here.
Body of 70mQ – 9 Paragraphs
Paragraph 1: Discuss Aspect No.1 in Text No. 1 – Make Point (in light of the set Q), Support this Point with Key Moment or examples, Comment (bring back to Q & society/world/cultural context of the text)
Paragraph 2: LINK WORD (S) Discuss Aspect No. 1 in Text No. 2 – Point, Key Moment or examples. Comment. As you are discussing this point, you must compare with Text No.1 – Make comparisons during each step i.e. one © Point, at least © one during KM, and © during Comment. Don’t forget to bring back to Q & society/world/cultural context of the text in final sentence of paragraph!
Paragraph 3: LINK WORD (S) Discuss Aspect No. 1 in Text No. 3 – Point, KM, Comment. Again, as you are discussing this point, you must compare with Text No.1 & Text 2 – Make comparisons during each step –Point, KM, Comment (don’t forget to bring back to Q &CC)
Paragraph 4: Discuss Aspect No.2 in Text No. 1 – Make Point (in light of the set Q), Support this Point with Key Moment, Comment (bring back to Q & CC of the text)
Paragraph 5: LINK WORD (S) Discuss Aspect No. 2 in Text No. 2 – Point, Key Moment, Comment. As you are discussing this point, you must compare with Text No.1 – Make at comparisons during each step –Point, KM, Comment (don’t forget to bring back to Q&CC)
Paragraph 6: LINK WORD (S) Discuss Aspect No. 2 in Text No. 3 – Point, KM, Comment. Again, as you are discussing this point, you must compare with Text No.1 & Text 2 – Make comparisons during each step –Point, KM, Comment (don’t forget to bring back to Q& CC)
Paragraph 7: Discuss Aspect No.3 in Text No. 1 – Make Point (in light of the set Q), Support this Point with Key Moment, Comment (bring back to Q& CC of the text)
Paragraph 8: LINK WORD (S) Discuss Aspect No. 3 in Text No. 2 – Point, Key Moment, Comment. As you are discussing this point, you must compare with Text No.1 – Make at comparisons during each step –Point, KM, Comment (don’t forget to bring back to Q&CC)
Paragraph 9: LINK WORD (S) Discuss Aspect No. 3 in Text No. 3 – Point, KM, Comment. Again, as you are discussing this point, you must compare with Text No.1 & Text 2 – Make comparisons during each step –Point, KM, Comment (don’t forget to bring back to Q& CC)