How to structure a comparison response
A longer comparison response could follow this basic structure:
- A very brief introduction linking the two texts (for example focusing on their The reason for what you are saying. or form).
- Main points contrasting and/or comparing the two texts, supported by details. These could include points on: The overall mood or 'feel' of the text or part of the text; this can be created by the writer or speaker's choice of words, pace, rhythm or imagery., language choices, literary devices, structure and reader’s response.
- A very brief conclusion that uses a key word from the question and mentions both texts.
When you compare texts, it’s important to talk about both texts all the way through. Don’t write all about one text, then all about the other.
In each paragraph, make sure you mention both, even if a point is mostly about one of them.
Sentence starters
Some key phrases can help you to compare texts.
| Similarities | Differences |
| Similarly… | In contrast… |
| Equally… | However… |
| In the same way | On the other hand… |
| Just as... so does.... | Alternatively… |
| Both... and... | In a different way… |
| Similarities | Similarly… |
|---|---|
| Differences | In contrast… |
| Similarities | Equally… |
|---|---|
| Differences | However… |
| Similarities | In the same way |
|---|---|
| Differences | On the other hand… |
| Similarities | Just as... so does.... |
|---|---|
| Differences | Alternatively… |
| Similarities | Both... and... |
|---|---|
| Differences | In a different way… |
When comparing texts, you are making a point about two different texts, backing up ideas with evidence and explaining the idea. Then using a linking statement, you can connect the two ideas together.
Example
Take a look at the structure of the following example, where the writer compares how their mother and father react to poor behaviour:
Both my Mum and Dad lose their temper sometimes when we misbehave, but in completely different ways.
My Mum usually reacts to everything by losing her temper really quickly and screaming in response to make sure everyone knows just how furious she is. The thing that causes her to react strictly is usually leaving lights on. The quotation, ‘If I have to tell you again to turn those lights off, I will take the bulb out of your bedroom!’ This shows that sometimes she can exaggerate in her reactions.
On the other hand, Dad will hardly ever lose his temper, or raise his voice. Instead, he will just stare at you silently, so you know instantly that you are in trouble. "Well" is the single word that he says once he has stared at you for a minute. This shows that while he doesn’t scream and shout like Mum, he gives you a warning of the lecture that he is about to give you.
Analysis
Notice how the writer makes a point about how each parent loses their temper, backs it up with evidence and then explains their idea. The linking sentence starting with ‘on the other hand’ shows how the two ideas are similar or different.