How do I structure a compare and contrast question?

When thinking about how to begin a compare and contrast essay for literature, it is key to consider the structure you wish to employ. This choice can be based on your chosen extracts/pieces of literature and how they interlink, as well as your preferences with regards to writing style. The IB handbook suggests two main structures that can be used in these sorts of essays: the linear and the thematic methods. Both have their benefits, and it is worth noting that the way you tend to think through the comparison when planning your essay is probably the structure that most works for you. The linear structure tends to work best for longer pieces, such as when comparing/contrasting entire novels or plays rather than a specific extract. It involves analysing one piece in full followed by the second, drawing on the comparisons throughout with topic and concluding sentences to make clear the connection between the two. An extensive amount of planning is required for this method, as it may be easy to slip into a heavier focus on one of the pieces, rather than an even split between both. I've found that the thematic structure is very effective for comparing poetry, or short extracts from plays. This involves grouping the themes/elements of form etc. between both pieces, allowing for a direct comparison between both in one paragraph or on a paragraph-by-paragraph basis. The thematic approach allows for a close and focused comparison, but may limit the more holistic analysis of the extracts. Overall, it is probably best to try out both of these methods at some point throughout the two years of the IB programme and figure out which one works the best for your style of writing.