Writing excellent comparative essays | Exit Quiz | Oak National Academy

Which of the following is not a comparative connective?

• furthermore

• however

• similarly

• whilst

Answer explanation

'Furthermore' is not a comparative connective because it does not imply any sort of comparison - it implies that you are continuing the same idea.

What does the word 'insightful' mean?

• using as few words as possible to express as much meaning as possible

• showing a deep and personal understanding of something

• being deliberately vague about your opinion

Answer explanation

You want your essays to be insightful so that you can demonstrate your knowledge of your subject.

Being (a)   means using as few words as possible to express as much meaning as possible.

Answer explanation

Being concise is very important - it makes your essay easier to understand. It is also important to be concise if you are writing in timed conditions.

Which of these sentences is most concise?

• Ben did not speak to his mother and he only saw his Dad once a week - sometimes.

• Ben had a complicated relationship with his parents.

• Ben's relationship with his parents was confusing to other people.

• Ben rarely saw his parents.

Answer explanation

This sentence summarises the contents of all the other sentences in the least words possible.

How can you make your introduction in an analytical piece clear and engaging?

• Open with a thesis statement.

• Introduce yourself and explain why you are writing.

• Explain who the speakers are in both poems and how this links to the poems.

• Use comparative connectives to show connections between poems.

Answer explanation

Here is an example of a thesis statement: Both Owen and Brooke present the experience of war (or the imagined experience of war) as a life-altering one, however the poets have (understandably) different perspectives.

How should context be included in an analytical response?

• It should be attached to the end of your paragraph.

• It should be used to support an argument.

• It should be accurate and specific.

• You should give as much contextual information as possible.

Answer explanation

Context can be used to support your interpretations of the poem. We can use context to try to understand the writer's perspective or aims.