How to approach a comparison question?

General Tips:

- If this question regards the three books you had to read, only compare 2 – it is very difficult to get top marks comparing three and most commonly two will get you just a good a grade or even better

- Know your context – find out background information about the authors of each text – EXAMINERS LOVE THIS (but don’t go overboard)

- Most texts you will be given they will be similar in a thematic way – so that is the first thing you should identify – the examiner has given you these texts for a reason – identify that reason

- After that it all about writing about similarities and differences

Structure after introduction

  1. Context

  2. Genre

  3. Audience

  4. Themes (there could be many so focus on ones which you know most about and can really dig into)

  5. Literary devices – e.g. realism, symbolism, irony, foreshadowing, metaphors, repetition

  6. Conclusion 

JR
Answered by Julia R. English Language tutor

5906 Views

See similar English Language IB tutors

Related English Language IB answers

All answers ▸

What's the difference between the Language and Literature parts of the course?


How do you prepare for an oral examination?


It is often said that literature is a voice for social commentary. How is this true of at least two works that you have read?


How would you best approach an oral examination such as an IOC?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences