English gcse comparison essay power and conflict

Hi everyone,

I’m in Year 9 and for our end-of-year exams, we’ve been asked to write a comparison essay. It’s my first time doing this kind of essay, and we haven’t had much guidance on how to structure it.

I was wondering if there are any helpful acronyms or methods (preferably better than PEEL — I’ve never found it that useful) that work well specifically for comparison essays?

Thanks!

Reply 1

princesschip

Hi! Just sat iGCSE english lit this year and we also have a poetry comparison. On my mocks I got full marks on this question, so hopefully I can help you out. My favourite method to use is one my teacher calls purple sentences, and then I like to use a sort of sandwich-y method. Essentially just imagine that one poem is red and the other is blue. Start with a little introduction if it's a long question, briefly introduce each poem, mention the big ideas (what is the poet trying to tell the audience?) and the tones of the two poems. If you struggle to integrate structure points then this is also a good place to mention the form or rhyme scheme and its effect. That sounds like a long intro but try to keep it brief if possible. You want to start each body paragraph with at least one purple sentence which covers and compares the the two poems (red+blue). The best comparisons are going to be difference within a similarity, e.g. both poets show the abuse of power, but where poet A explores the misuse of political power, poet B shows a more personal kind of power. Then write a few red sentences analysing a quote or two, using lots of specific language like simile metaphor etc. Add another purple sentence. Then write a few blue sentences and conclude the paragraph with another purple. Like a little purple-red-purple-blue-purple sandwich. If you can sprinkle a little comparison into your red and blue sections then go for it but don't overdo that. Hope this was helpful and not too wordy- best of luck in your end of years!

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