What is the best way to structure my comparative essay in an exam?

Once the question is in front of you, write down straight away the things you think are relevant from the two texts. For example, if it asks you to compare the treatment of women in the two texts, note down all the important women characters and think about how they are presented.

You can then structure your answer in a few ways. One way is to analyse the texts separately, discussing all of the representations in the first text and then the second. Or you can integrate the texts and alternate the two texts each paragraph. The second option may be a better way to structure if you have to write in an exam under pressure as it is easier to make sure you maintain a sustained comparison throughout.