How can I effectively structure a comparative essay for an English Literature A Level examination?

For English Literature examinations, being able to effectively structure a comparative essay is an important, but sometimes challenging, skill. Thankfully, there are some really simple yet effective techniques that you can employ to ensure that you write your best response! As an example, you could be presented with a question asking you about the importance of female power in Thomas Hardy’s ‘Tess of the D’Urbervilles’ and Charlotte Brontë's ‘Jane Eyre’. Firstly comes the planning of the essay. There are a couple of approaches that you can take, and I would advise experimenting before the exam. For any option, planning an introduction that references the essay title, notes both texts and sets out a clear line of argument is key. You can then either decide to plan to compare both texts in the same paragraphs or to have paragraphs that focus solely on one writer. Either choice can be effective, but if you find that you are struggling for time, including both texts in the first paragraph will ensure that the examiner is guaranteed to see some evidence of comparison. What is essential is that your paragraphs build a linked up argument and move between the larger and smaller aspects of the texts. You can achieve this by using a popular technique known as PEEL (point, evidence, explain, link). Your point is your main theme/idea for the paragraph and your evidence will usually be a primary quotation. Your explanation should involve analysis of your primary quotation, e.g. similes, metaphors or narrative viewpoint used. You can then develop this detailed analysis into wider issues such as context or critical opinions. This will take you away from your close evidence and enable you to link to wider ideas for your next paragraph. Remember to keep referring to your plan, to check that you are providing an equal focus on both texts and that you are answering the question. Importantly, build in time to look over your introduction and the essay title before writing your conclusion, to again ensure that you have answered the question and have fulfilled your original goals.