Comparative essay structure
A structured method for comparing texts that integrates analysis rather than listing similarities and differences separately. Effective comparative essays use thematic, formal, or contextual frameworks to explore relationships between texts.
Real World
An essay comparing 'The Handmaid's Tale' and '1984' that moves thematically — exploring how both texts construct surveillance — produces stronger AO4 marks than one that analyses Atwood for three paragraphs then switches to Orwell.
Exam Focus
Use comparative discourse markers ('whereas', 'similarly', 'by contrast') in every paragraph to make AO4 connections explicit rather than implied.
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