What is the best way to answer a comparative poetry question?

Usually a student should look to compare 3-4 poems (including a substantial comparison of two), but it is the quality of the response which matters not neccesarily the amount of comparisons. You should look to demonstrate your understanding of the style and concerns of the poetry collection as a whole and make your comparisons under that umbrella. Focus on two texts in depth and then make brief, but analytical references to two further texts, these references should support your essay as a whole. Remember, in comparative essays AO3 (historical, social or cultural context) counts to 50% of the overall grade. The key here is to intergrate your A03 into the essay without letting it dominate your argument; the context should support your reading and not vicae-versa. Finally you have to hit A05 and this means demonstrating you understand that texts can have different interpretations: this can be done using critical material, film adaptations or theoretical interpretations of a text.