Getting Started: The Art of Comparison
Welcome! In this chapter, we are looking at a core skill for your Unit 1 exam: Section A: Post-2000 Poetry. For this task, you won't just be talking about one poem; you’ll be acting as a "literary matchmaker." You will take one poem that the examiner has chosen for you and pair it with another poem of your choice from the 21 poems you’ve studied in the Poems of the Decade anthology. The goal is to show how these two poems "talk" to each other. Do they share the same message? Do they use similar imagery? Or do they approach the same topic from completely different angles?1. Understanding the Exam Format
Before you start writing, you need to know exactly what the paper will ask of you. In Unit 1 Section A:- You get a choice of two questions. You only answer one.
- Each question will name one specific poem (which will be printed in your Source Booklet).
- You must choose one other poem from the prescribed list of 21 poems to compare it with.
- The total marks available are 25.
2. The "Big Three" Assessment Objectives (AOs)
To get top marks, you need to satisfy three specific criteria. Think of these as the ingredients for a perfect essay:AO1: Clear Expression and Terminology
This is about how you write. Use a formal tone and clear, accurate English. Most importantly, use "literary labels." Instead of saying "the poet uses a lot of 's' sounds," say "the poet employs sibilance."AO2: Analyzing the Writer's Craft
This is the "how" and "why." How does the poet use language, structure, and form to create meaning? If there is a metaphor, what does it make the reader feel? If the poem has irregular stanzas, does that reflect a sense of chaos?AO4: Making Connections (The "Comparison" Objective)
This is the "meat" of this specific chapter. You are rewarded for exploring links between the two poems. You aren't just writing two separate mini-essays; you are weaving them together. Note: You might notice AO3 (Context) is missing here. That’s because, for Unit 1 Section A, context is NOT assessed. You don’t need to talk about the poet’s life or history—just focus on the poems themselves!3. How to Find Connections (AO4)
When you see the named poem on the exam paper, you need to quickly scan your "mental library" of the other 20 poems to find a partner. Here are three ways to find a link:A. Thematic Links (The "What")
What is the poem about? Example: If the named poem is 'Eat Me' (about power and food), you might pair it with 'The Gun' (about power and violence) or 'Giuseppe' (about cruelty and what it means to be human).B. Stylistic Links (The "How")
Do they use similar techniques? Example: If the named poem uses a strong, distinct voice (like the narrator in 'The Lammas Hireling'), you could pair it with another poem with a unique persona, like 'Out of the Bag'.C. Structural Links (The "Shape")
How are they built on the page? Example: If the named poem uses enjambment (lines running over) to show excitement or confusion (like in 'The Furthest Distances I've Travelled'), look for another poem where structure reflects the theme.4. Structuring Your Comparative Essay
Don't worry if this seems tricky at first; a solid structure will keep you on track. The best way to compare is the "Interwoven Method." Instead of writing all about Poem A and then all about Poem B, you talk about both in every paragraph.The Introduction
Directly address the question. Identify both poems and state the main link between them. "Both 'Material' and 'Effects' explore the theme of grief and the way physical objects can represent our lost loved ones."The Main Body (3-4 Paragraphs)
Each paragraph should focus on a specific point of comparison.- Point: Make a comparative statement (e.g., "Both poets use imagery of the body to show fragility.")
- Evidence (Poem A): Use a quote from the named poem.
- Analysis (Poem A): Explain the effect of the language/structure.
- Link/Transition: Use a comparative word (e.g., "Similarly," or "In contrast,").
- Evidence (Poem B): Use a quote from your chosen poem.
- Analysis (Poem B): Explain the effect.
- Conclusion of Paragraph: Relate back to the question.
The Conclusion
Summarize the main similarities and differences. End with a final thought on how both poems contribute to the reader's understanding of the central theme.5. Top Tips for Success
Use Comparative Connectives
These are the "glue" that holds your essay together. Use them at the start of paragraphs and when switching between poems:- For similarities: Likewise, similarly, in the same way, parallel to this, echoing this.
- For differences: Conversely, on the other hand, however, whereas, in contrast.
Stay Balanced
Try to give roughly equal time to both poems. If you write three pages on the named poem and only half a page on your chosen poem, your AO4 (Connections) mark will suffer.Focus on "Meaning and Effect"
Don't just list techniques (this is called "feature spotting"). Instead of saying "Poem A has a rhyme scheme," say "The strict rhyme scheme in Poem A creates a sense of control which mirrors the speaker's emotions."6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Ignoring the "Named" Poem: You must use the poem they give you. You cannot swap it for two others.
- Writing two separate essays: If you don't link the poems together, you aren't "comparing."
- Adding Context: Remember, for Unit 1 Section A, historical context is not required. Stay focused on the text!
- Using outside poems: You can only use poems from the prescribed list of 21 (e.g., 'An Easy Passage', 'Look We Have Coming to Dover', 'History', etc.).
Quick Review: Key Takeaways
1. The Task: Compare the poem provided in the booklet with one you choose from the studied list.
2. The Focus: AO1 (Style), AO2 (Analysis), and AO4 (Connections).
3. No Context: Do not spend time on historical or biographical facts (AO3).
4. Interweave: Compare the poems side-by-side in every paragraph rather than treating them separately.
For more help on essay writing, see the chapter on "Responding to a statement-led essay question." For help with techniques, see "Literary terminology and essay conventions."