CXC English B - Comparative Essay Writing Tips

 

English B - Comparative Essay Writing Tips

Paper 2 of the English B examination requires you to write your answer in essay form.  This means your response should be presented in well-developed, grammatically sound paragraphs.

The question on the exam paper may be broken up into sections labelled a), b), c) to help you, but you should not write those letters in your response or respond as if you are answering short answer questions.

Remember your essay should have an introduction, body and conclusion. Also, you should have at least five (5) paragraphs in your essay.

Please note that although a word limit is not stated, you should aim to write no fewer than 400 words.

The introduction: 

Use the question to guide how you craft your introduction. It should mention both poems/stories, the poets/writers, shared themes and techniques/devices. Generally, the points to be discussed are included in the introductory paragraph.

Sample Introduction # 1

The short stories “Mom Luby and the Social Worker and “Berry” focus on how those who are less fortunate receive unfair treatment from those who have power and authority. Nevertheless, they display admirable qualities in rising above their challenges.  Both writers also employ particular narrative techniques in presenting the difficulties the protagonists face and the strength they are able to maintain.

Sample Introduction # 2

        There are times in people’s lives when they wish to change specific aspects of their lives they are dissatisfied with.  Two poems that present examples of these wishes are ‘A Contemplation Upon Flowers’ by Henry King and ‘Once Upon a Time’ by Gabriel Okara.  King’s poem deals with a speaker who is dissatisfied with his attitude to death while Okara’s poem focuses on the speaker’s displeasure with how hypocritical adulthood has made him. These concerns are further reinforced by the poet’s use of specific poetic devices.  

The body: 

If the question is structured for you using (a, b, c), you can use one paragraph for each section. Your body should have no less than three paragraphs – one paragraph per section.  Your points must be clearly developed/discussed and supported by appropriate quotes. If you are unable to remember the quotes, you can paraphrase.

Pay attention to question directives like explain, describe, discuss, comment, evaluate, justify etc. as they are intended to guide the quality/length of your responses. Also, you are expected to use link words so that your sentences/paragraphs can flow smoothly.  Link words: firstly, secondly, thirdly, finally, in conclusion, furthermore, moreover, nevertheless, also, additionally, similarly, in contrast, while, on the other hand, for example, for instance or however. Please ensure that you use link words appropriately.

The conclusion: 

 Mention both poems/stories and the theme they share again. The conclusion basically sums up what your essay has covered or the main points of your essay and usually varies based on the question.

Sample Conclusion

In conclusion, both Henry King and Gabriel Okara highlight how disappointed people can be with how they behave and the lengths they will undergo to change. Through the poets’ effective use of poetic devices, the reader can relate to these wishes because the reader, like the speakers in these poems, may have aspects of their lives they wish to change. 

NOTE: Stay tuned to the blog for a sample comparative essay.

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