HOW TO WRITE A
COMPARATIVE RESPONSE IN
ENGLISH
Learning goal
To create a response comparing and contrasting
information between texts and evaluating
supporting evidence.
How is it different from an extended Text Response?
Similarities Differences
Formalised style of writing You won’t have the time to
TEEL write about a broad theme in
Issues, Ideas, Themes two texts.
Developing a main contention
Narrow the focus e.g. one or
and supporting that with two main characters in each
evidence text. One or two key moments
in each text. Or a particular
Discussion of metalanguage aspect or form of the theme.
A couple more things…
The focus needs to be more thorough and sophisticated than just
comparing characters and themes – you should be able to consider
similarities and differences in structure and the way language (or filmic
techniques) are used to convey meaning – think about the intentions of
the writer and director. What message are they trying to give us?
Responses MUST be integrated in their structure – in a paragraph you
need to talk about both texts – how a theme or issue is treated by the
book and the film in the same paragraph
You need to be balanced in the weight you give to the texts – you cannot
base your essay primarily around one text and make minimal use of the
other; both need thorough consideration and reference
Step 1: Unpacking the prompt
Compare “Night,” and “Hunger Games” using the following quotations
as the basis for your response.
“Listen to me, kid. Don’t forget that you are in a concentration camp. In this place, it is
every man for himself, and you cannot think of others. Not even your father. In this
place, this is no such thing as father, brother, friend. Each of us lives and dies alone.”
“I just keep wishing I could think of a way to show them that they don’t own me. You
know, if I’m gonna die, I wanna still be me.”
What idea/concept links the two quotes?
Step 1: Unpacking the prompt
Brainstorm the role of hope (or lack thereof) in “Night”
Brainstorm the role of hope (or lack thereof) in “Hunger Games”
Do you see more similarities or differences?
Can this prompt be challenged in any way?
What is the author or director saying about hope – what are their intentions?
What message about hope are they giving the audience? How do the film
and book show this?
Step 2: Developing a contention
1. What is the main idea in the topic? Is it stated explicitly?
2. Think about each text separately, then think about similarities and
differences between the texts.
3. If possible, turn the topic into a question.
What role does hope play in “Night” and “Hunger Games”?
4. Write one or two sentences stating your overall view of what the two
texts say about the main idea in the topic. This is your main contention.
Step 3: Writing an Introduction
1. Rephrasing the topic and stating your contention.
2. Body paragraph 1
3. Body paragraph 2
4. Body paragraph 3
5. Linking sentence
Step 4: Writing a Body Paragraph
Topic Sentence (make it clear the level of contrast you’re drawing)
Evidence (quote from text 1)
Explain (discuss text 1 and similarity/difference)
Evidence (quote from text 2)
Explain (discuss text 2 and similarity/difference)
Link (your explanation of how similar or how different 2-3 sentences)
Planning Body Paragraphs
Using the graphic organiser, fill out the main ideas for each body paragraph.
This includes quotes from both texts.
Vocabulary for writing about similarities and differences
To compare two texts you will need a vocabulary that enables you to
explore the connections, as well as the differences, between them.
Refer to ‘Words and phrases expressing similarities and differences’
document.
Step 5: Conclusion
Similar structure to writing an introduction
Be careful not to introduce any new material
Re-state your prompt and contention
Re-state topics of body paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 in separate sentences
A final statement that says how similar or different the two texts are
in response to the topic given (a final linking sentence).
