How to write a coherent comparative paragraph.

First I would encourage a student to consider the historical/literary/autobiographical context or literary form and techniques, among other areas of comparison, pertaining to each text. I would then ask them to think of similarities and differences between the two texts along these lines. Avoiding generalisations by providing specific examples plays a significant role in the writing of a succesful piece of literary analysis therefore I would then prompt a student to find relevant passages from each text with enough material to support their comparison. These stages all precede planning a paragraph, which is a skill in itself that i would help a student develop. I would then help a student create a model paragraph which they can refer back to when writing independantly. Throughout this process I would encourage a student to refer to their exam board specification for what is required of their comparative writing as well as using it myself to make advice relevant to their programme of study.

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