How do I approach a comparative question?

When you're asked to compare two or more different texts in an exam question the focus is crucially on the comparison. Throughout the essay, whatever topic or theme you are exploring, you must constantly be comparing one text against the other. You should avoid writing one point on one text and then jumping to the other text in a separate paragraph or point. Instead, what examiners are really looking for, and what will gain higher marks, is an essay which integrates the two texts and is formed of paragraphs which directly compare them in light of each point being made. For example, if you were writing an essay on the treatment of women in two different texts you might make a point concerning how one of the texts presents women as mothers. You must then directly compare this with the other text: are women also presented as mothers in the second text? If so how? How does this differ from the presentation in the first text? If they're not presented as mothers in the second text does this significantly change their overall portrayal in comparison to the first text? What else is significant in their portrayal? You can talk about both similarities and differences between the texts, in fact it is best to include both. Your essay will have a certain focus depending on the topic/theme, you just have to make sure that throughout you are constantly comparing and contrasting the two texts. Use elements of one to illuminate those of the other and vice versa.In terms of meeting other assessment objectives within a comparative essay, make sure you compare how language is used similarly or differently in the two texts and think about how each has been received critically - have people had different reactions to the two texts, if so why? In your conclusion think about the points you have made and the similarities and differences you have highlighted between the texts. Conclude by evaluating the significance of the overall similarity or difference in how each text treats/presents the topic your essay is exploring. Do they differ greatly in the effect they have or do they use different means to reach the same end? Throughout the essay, even in the conclusion, the focus should be on comparison.