Sunday, May 8, 2011

How to answer English Comparative Question Paper 2


English Paper 2
Comparative
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When writing your answer, keep the following mind: 
Eight comparisons
Like you have to show evidence of studying six poems in the prescribed poetry answer, you have to make at least eight comparisons in the comparative answer. When using your four paragraph topics (minimum) make sure you compare your three comparative texts in each. Hence: 
Always write on your three texts
If you only write on two texts in a paragraph you will only make one comparison as you comparing them to each other – you would have to write eight paragraphs (each on a different topic) to get the eight comparisons. Writing on three means you will make two comparisons, so you will only have to write on four paragraphs. 
Key moments
In one of your paragraphs, you can make each of your texts focus on key moments. These moments are key because you say so and why you say so: give a line or two about what their significance to the plot, a certain character etc. Nothing too major. 
Use of I
Is not needed here, unless asked of in the question 
Paragraph topics
Writing a paragraph on the introduction of each text, showing how we see general vision and viewpoint in each, then do the same with the middle, the end etc can make your answer appear like a summary of the texts which markers are told not to reward. It may be better to write on specific topics of each genre such as the ones below. 
Quotes
If you write good, detailed examples from each text you will not need quotes. But examples need to be well detailed. If you prefer, you can use quotes – it is not specified to markers that quotes are essential, so you have a choice.
Remember
This is a COMPARATIVE question. Do not dwell too long on the elaboration (why your paragraph topics answer the question). Be concise with these – the bulk of your paragraph should consist of your comparisons. 
Elaborations
Do not have to be anything akin to a PhD standard – just simply an extension of the point you have previously you have said you will talking about, and an indicator to the marker of what this point will feature and why it answer the question.
Example order in your paragraphs
Very straightforward, but needs to be reminded: organisation is imperative throughout the exam. If there is a contrast in your paragraph, leave it until the end. Have the two texts you are comparing mentioned first, then the final text last. Don’t write on one text, contrast it to another and then try to compare the last text to the first text. 
Comparisons means: 
Means compare and/or contrast. You should try to have at least one contrast in your answer, just for variety. 
Do
Presume your marker knows about the texts you are writing about. Don’t summarize; presume they know the incident of the story you are talking about. Obviously talk about it as it is relevant to your answer, but do not summarize the story, how it got to this incident etc. 
Remember

Answering the question and elaborating at the start of the paragraph should be kept to a minimum. The main point of this answer is COMPARING. 

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