Best Comparisons

• Students who focused their analysis on ideas rather than methods were often more successful

  In the 2019 exam report
• Students who wrote multiple paragraphs that were quite alike showing the same level of understanding again and again instead of advancing their argument

  Could improve by learning how to develop well-structured arguments
• Comparing poems based on ideas rather than methods

  More successful approach
• Presenting a structured line of argument in the answer

  More important than repeating the same point in different ways
• Ideal comparison

  • Two-part line of argument, e.g. initially humans are presented as thinking they are powerful, but ultimately it is nature that is truly powerful
• Ozymandias and Muistes


  Both explore how humans think they are all powerful, symbolized through art, but this sense of power is revealed to be an illusion
• The Charge of the Light Brigade and Exposure


  Both explore how soldiers are worthy of great honor, but war involves pointless suffering
• Kamikaze and Extract from the Prelude


  Both explore how humans think they are all powerful, but ultimately it is nature that is truly powerful
• War Photographer and Poppies


  Both explore the domestic impact of war, but War Photographer focuses on national indifference whereas Poppies focuses on personal grief
• Storm on the Island and The Emigree


  Both address the power of nature and place, but while Storm on the Island demonstrates the destructive power of nature, The Emigree emphasizes the enduring emotional connection to the speaker's homeland
• Checking Out Me History and London


  Both challenge the institutions that define and confine identity, but Checking Out Me History critiques the education system while London reveals the oppressive nature of government and religion
• Remains and Bayonet Charge


  Both explore the personal impact of conflict, but Remains examines the lingering psychological consequences of a soldier's actions while Bayonet Charge focuses on the immediate struggle experienced by a soldier during battle
• Tissue and Ozymandias


  Both explore how humans try to control and exert power, but ultimately it is nature that is truly powerful