Comparative essay

Hi ally! When teachers choose two texts to be compared against each other in Year 11 (I assume you're in Year 11), they're usually picked because there are strong similarities in their themes and characters. So think about what your teacher has been talking about in class - what themes have they mentioned? Growing up? Reconciliation? Finding your real self/identity? Loss of innocence?

Use the themes you've noticed as the basis for a practice prompt. Eg, if your teacher mentioned growing up a lot, try: 'Compare the way the two texts' characters grow up through their narrative journeys.' or 'Compare how the texts' protagonists grow up in their relationships with others.'

Good luck!

-Shirlaine from TSE Tuition (Facebook, Youtube, Instagram)

Here is how I go about writing comparative essays:

1. Choose 2 themes that are really prominent in both texts. Brainstorm some quotes/ filmic techniques that relate to these two themes.
2. Introduction will introduce the two texts, maybe give some context (i.e. say why these themes were relevant at the time of writing, also comment of the universality of those themes which is why the appropriated text is also relevant). Introduction should also briefly mention the two themes you will be discussing.
3. Paragraph one will focus on the first theme. Opening sentence should comment on what the authors of the two texts are trying to convey through these themes. Then provide evidence (quote, camera angle, mis en scene etc...) from the main text and discuss what the meaning behind it is. Repeat for the second text. Concluding paragraph should directly answer question, perhaps even using the same words as in the question
4. Repeat step 3 with the second theme
5. Conclusion should summarise what you have said in your essay without introducing any new ideas

hope that helps and let me know if you need clarification on anything i have said.

Nah, u shouldn’t use block anymore. Have to go for weave:

Eg.

1. When an individual is faced with intergenerational trauma, they suffer.
2. text 1: argument
   -Text 2: argument
3. text 1 argument?
4. hence where they both agree that Y, text 1 suggests (X)

And so forth. Thus u are comparing both texts (similarities and differences) in each paragraph. And it’s important you go for ‘arguments’ each author is making about society. (Eg, their Views & Values) not comparing what happens in both texts.

Hope this helps
-G

ally there is a guy on YouTube called JL tutoring who goes through the structure and key parts of a comparative, highly recommend! I’m also struggling with comparative writing at the moment as I’ve never had to do one before this year