2. 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.
3. 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 in-
depth 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. INTRODUCTION
BODY PARAGRAPH ON TEXT #2
BODY PARAGRAPH COMPARING
TEXT #1 & TEXT #2
BODY PARAGRAPH ON TEXT #1
BODY PARAGRAPH COMPARING
TEXT #1 & TEXT #2
CONCLUSION
10. Let’s have a look at what information to include…
11. INTRODUCTION
• the main points to be developed in the body paragraphs
• key details of both texts (title, author, genre, etc.)
• a clear line of argument in response to the topic
12. 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
13. 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
14. 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
15. Each body paragraph focuses on a
particular aspect of the main theme or
issue in the given topic.
In an integrated essay structure, the
comparison of the two texts occurs in
each paragraph throughout the essay.
16. INTRODUCTION
BODY PARAGRAPH ON 3rd IDEA
BODY PARAGRAPH ON 2nd IDEA
BODY PARAGRAPH ON 1st IDEA
CONCLUSION
This paragraph
is supposed to
represent an
extension of
one of the 3
ides.
17. INTRODUCTION
• the main points to be developed in the body paragraphs
• key details of both texts (title, author, genre, etc.)
• a clear line of argument in response to the topic
Introduction does not need to be
any different than Block method.
18. 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
