comparative essay leaving cert english

How do I structure my Comparative Study essay?

How do I structure my Comparative Study essay?

The comparative study section is challenging. Not only must you compare three texts (a book, a film and a play) but you must do so ultimately in 65-70 minutes in the exam. In order for your answers to be relevant and focussed, a methodical approach is a must! I use the following structure with my students and they find it extremely beneficial when sitting down to write their comparative study answers, both throughout the year and in their LC exam!

Introduction 1. Address the set Q – rephrase it! 2. Define CC 3. Name texts & authors 4. State aspects you will discuss – you can use the wording of the Q here.

Body of 70mQ – 9 Paragraphs

Paragraph 1: Discuss Aspect No.1 in Text No. 1 – Make Point (in light of the set Q), Support this Point with Key Moment or examples, Comment (bring back to Q & society/world/cultural context of the text)

Paragraph 2: LINK WORD (S) Discuss Aspect No. 1 in Text No. 2 – Point, Key Moment or examples. Comment. As you are discussing this point, you must compare with Text No.1 – Make comparisons during each step i.e. one © Point, at least © one during KM, and © during Comment. Don’t forget to bring back to Q & society/world/cultural context of the text in final sentence of paragraph!

Paragraph 3: LINK WORD (S) Discuss Aspect No. 1 in Text No. 3 – Point, KM, Comment. Again, as you are discussing this point, you must compare with Text No.1 & Text 2 – Make comparisons during each step –Point, KM, Comment (don’t forget to bring back to Q &CC)

Paragraph 4: Discuss Aspect No.2 in Text No. 1 – Make Point (in light of the set Q), Support this Point with Key Moment, Comment (bring back to Q & CC of the text)

Paragraph 5: LINK WORD (S) Discuss Aspect No. 2 in Text No. 2 – Point, Key Moment, Comment. As you are discussing this point, you must compare with Text No.1 – Make at comparisons during each step –Point, KM, Comment (don’t forget to bring back to Q&CC)

Paragraph 6: LINK WORD (S) Discuss Aspect No. 2 in Text No. 3 – Point, KM, Comment. Again, as you are discussing this point, you must compare with Text No.1 & Text 2 – Make comparisons during each step –Point, KM, Comment (don’t forget to bring back to Q& CC)

Paragraph 7: Discuss Aspect No.3 in Text No. 1 – Make Point (in light of the set Q), Support this Point with Key Moment, Comment (bring back to Q& CC of the text)

Paragraph 8: LINK WORD (S) Discuss Aspect No. 3 in Text No. 2 – Point, Key Moment, Comment. As you are discussing this point, you must compare with Text No.1 – Make at comparisons during each step –Point, KM, Comment (don’t forget to bring back to Q&CC)

Paragraph 9: LINK WORD (S) Discuss Aspect No. 3 in Text No. 3 – Point, KM, Comment. Again, as you are discussing this point, you must compare with Text No.1 & Text 2 – Make comparisons during each step –Point, KM, Comment (don’t forget to bring back to Q& CC)

comparative essay leaving cert english

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The Comparative - Out of the Shadows, PHIC, Shawshank Redemption

The Comparative - Out of the Shadows, PHIC, Shawshank Redemption

Subject: English

Age range: 16+

Resource type: Lesson (complete)

Rescue Resources

Last updated

18 October 2023

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Comparative Analysis of “Out of Shadows,” “Philadelphia, Here I Come,” and “The Shawshank Redemption” - Leaving Certificate Resource

Description: This comprehensive resource is designed for Leaving Certificate students and English teachers seeking an in-depth understanding of three literary works: “Out of Shadows” by Jason Wallace, “Philadelphia, Here I Come” by Brian Friel, and “The Shawshank Redemption” by Stephen King (adapted into a film by Frank Darabont). The resource offers revision notes, a comparative overview, and sample answers, providing a valuable aid in preparing for the Leaving Certificate English exams.

Key Features:

Revision Notes for Each Text:

  • Detailed notes for “Out of Shadows,” “Philadelphia, Here I Come,” and “The Shawshank Redemption,” including character analysis, plot summaries, and thematic exploration.

Comparative Overview:

  • An in-depth comparative analysis of the three texts, highlighting similarities and differences in themes, characters, and literary techniques.

Comparative Notes on Themes:

  • Comprehensive notes discussing common themes across the texts, such as identity, freedom, and redemption, providing a deeper understanding of how these themes are presented in each work.

Comparative Notes on Cultural Context:

  • Exploring the cultural and historical contexts in which the texts are set, allowing students to appreciate how the societal backdrop influences the narratives.

Sample Answers:

  • Sample answers to Leaving Certificate-style questions, giving students insights into structuring their responses and scoring well in their exams.

Preparation for Comparative Study:

  • This resource equips students to excel in the comparative study section of the Leaving Certificate English exam, enabling them to draw connections between different texts effectively.

Whether you are a Leaving Certificate student preparing for your English exams or a teacher guiding your students through these literary works, this resource is a valuable tool for enhancing your understanding of the chosen texts and achieving success in your exams. It provides a comprehensive and comparative approach to three engaging and thought-provoking pieces of literature.

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comparative essay leaving cert english

Leaving Cert English - Juggling the Comparative Texts

Get ready for the comparative texts!

The Comparative Text question is worth 70 marks. This means that it is the only question on the paper which is worth more than the essay. How can you ensure that you achieve the maximum amount of those marks?

In the Comparative Text question, you will have to write an answer that compares and contrasts three different texts. It’s no mean feat, but it is very possible. We look at the actions of past A grade pupils, and at the guidelines set out by the Chief examiner in order to see where marks are being awarded in this question. If you follow this guideline to answering the question on the comparative texts, it will help you iron out the common difficulties students have, and will also give you an edge when it comes to getting your hands on every one of those 70 marks.

Firstly, as with all questions, study and planning is key. The good news here is that the areas of Theme or Issue, Literary Genre and General Vision and Viewpoint are already determined for you. The only unpredictable element will be the approach of the questions that fall under these headings. This means that you can have quite a large part of your answer well rehearsed before entering the exam hall. Study and planning for the Comparative Question:   Comparative answers are simply multitasking by another name. Comparative answers are unlike anything you would have experienced in the Junior Cert, but can very easily be mastered. The first step is accepting that you do not need the in-depth knowledge that is required for the single text. The second step is to familiarise yourself with exactly what the examiner is looking for in a high grade answer. Of all the questions on the English paper, I always feel that this question takes the most discipline when answering it. However, contrary to popular belief, it is actually the easiest to prepare for. 1.    How well do I need to know each text? Students often panic when it comes to answering the comparative question, because they feel they have to know each of the texts as well as they know their single text. This is not the case.    All you need to have is a clear understanding (main events and key issues for characters) of each of the texts along with good notes on each under the headings of Theme or Issue, Cultural Context and General Vision and Viewpoint.

Check out the website  here  for these headings, and you can apply them to your texts. 

The essential ingredient is for students to personalise their answer and form their own opinions. These clever individuals are well rewarded with a high grade, so use these notes to develop an opinion in the light of your chosen texts.  You must also ensure that you have a strong knowledge of a number of key moments for each text. I would recommend four from each text to reflect the Comparative studies headings. That means 4 for Cultural Context, 4 for Theme or issue and 4 for General Vision and Viewpoint. Some of these will overlap - happy days, because juggling three texts is enough to deal with!

2.    “I never know what to say for the comparative answer! It’s just so complicated!”   Be confident with your opinions and structure your answer around the following key elements. 

There are key elements that must be present in your answer:

i.)     The name and authors of each of your texts. (This might sound obvious, but you would be amazed at the mistakes nervous students make!)

ii.)     A very clear understanding of the heading you are discussing, whether it is Cultural Context, Theme or Issue. I always get my students to write a brief introduction explaining their understanding of their chosen heading.  This results in a tighter answer with focused areas that they can discuss further in their answers. See our notes for an explanation of each of these headings and how to analyse them.

iii.)     Regular reference to the question.

iv.)     Regular comparisons of the texts – you should develop a grid of key similarities and differences, but also your opinion about them.

v.)     Well-formed personal opinions in light of the question asked.

vi.)     Regular use of key moments to support your opinions – 4 detailed key moments for each comparative heading in each text. (There will be overlap here)

vii.)     ANALYSIS. This is the bottom line for every student. Your answer is actually an analysis of each text, not a summary or a list of similarities and differences. In order to analyse the texts, consider why these similarities and differences exist within them.

viii.)     Comparative link words. These words show the examiner that you are comparing the texts. E.g. Likewise, on the other hand, similarly (don’t over use this one!) however, in the same way. Your answer must have a smooth structure that reads coherently and cohesively. 3.    “I find that I always end up writing the same thing and can’t seem to improve my grade!” We want you to speak your mind, but make sure it is well informed first. Every student can cover the key elements for an answer; it is your informed opinion that will ensure that it reads like an analysis of the texts rather than a checklist or formulaic response. This is what gives you the edge, and will help you pick up those extra marks. English is all about having a well thought out opinion that you are able to support with the knowledge of the texts. It is vital that you use that here. Use our  notes  and guidelines to develop your own opinions. This will be rewarded by the examiner and will be reflected in your grade.

Remember the examiner will have a large number of exams to correct, so your opinion must reflect your thoughts, which will obviously be different to everyone else’s!

Make your answer individual to you, and this will make your question stand out. If you listen to the Chief Examiners comments about previous candidate’s performances, it is quite clear that this is vital if you want to attain a high grade. Students who scored well in this section always ensure that their answers are strongly focused with clear, good use of the key elements. What did the Chief say? At the end of the day the Chief is the boss who decides what to reward in your answers. The Chief examiner stated that the lowest scoring questions were the  “….. superficial responses, which simply outlined broad similarities/differences between texts.” 

The Chief Examiner clearly states that the best answers were written in an “analytical fashion”. You need to really understand that analysis means you first present your point, and then you discuss why this similarity or difference between the two texts exists. After that, you then link your point to a third text while supporting it with reference to a key moment. What did the examiners say? 

Remember, the Chief listens to them so it’s important to listen to them as well. “In the Comparative Section, examiners were impressed by evidence of strong textual knowledge and also the variety of approaches to the analysis of texts. Weaker responses tended to be characterised by an over-rehearsed formulaic approach”  

And again the Chief says

“Students might be reminded that a personal response to a literary text should be central and that it can take many forms”  

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How much to write?

Lots of you wonder how much you should write for each of the sections and most teachers will say it depends on the student, on the question etc..

I’ll give you some general guidelines courtesy of my mate Benny who corrects Leaving Cert Hons English every year (those doing ordinary level will probably write less for some sections).

Comprehension answers :

10 marks = half page

15 marks = three quarters to one page

20 marks = one to one and a half pages

Question B = one and a half to two pages.

Depends on task. Language of information asks to you be direct, succinct and get to the point so a report, set of guidelines, leaflet might be a page or just over. However, a general guideline suggests two pages – and when you’re counting, don’t include the addresses in a letter. They don’t count as half a page!

Composition = 4 to 6 pages. Quality is more important than quantity. Don’t write so much that the reader gets bored and wishes it was over.

Single Text = 4 – 5 pages. Beyond 6 and you’re probably just waffling.

Comparative = 5 – 7.  Anything less is flimsy. You do have 3 texts after all.

Unseen poetry = Page and a half maximum.

Studied poetry = 4 pages.

Obviously some people write slow, some fast, some big, some small. The important thing is that the examiner sees you are focused on the question and organised in your approach. Don’t waffle.

Oh and one more thing! Bear in mind that the average number of words per line is 10-12. Now grab a copy, any copy and count your words – how many do you usually have per line?

If it’s 8 or less your writing is very big

so you may need to write a bit more.

17 responses to “ How much to write? ”

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IMAGES

  1. Leaving Cert Higher Level English: Constructing the Comparative Essay

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  2. Analytical essay: Comparative essay sample

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  3. Leaving Cert English Personal Essay Sample

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  4. English Comparative Essay

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  5. Leaving Cert English

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  6. Student Submitted Essay Sylvia Plath

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VIDEO

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  3. Leaving Cert English, Comparative Study, General Vision and Viewpoint

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COMMENTS

  1. Comparative Archives

    The Leaving Cert Higher Level English Comparative is worth 70 marks: that's a big chunk of the English Paper 2 (200 marks in total). Lots of students find it very difficult to get their heads arounds the Comparative. There are lots of combinations of texts, but have a look at these sample essays to understand what is being asked of you in the ...

  2. Comparative essay structure

    Here's some general advice on how you might structure your comparative essay, but I repeat, adapt, adapt adapt to the question asked. Introduction: Theme or Issue: Address the Q, introduce your theme, then your texts - genre, name, author and mention the central character who you will focus on in your discussion of this theme.

  3. Comparative

    3. " A theme or issue explored in a group of narrative texts can offer us valuable insights into life ". 4. " The comparative study of a theme or issue allows the reader to gain a variety of viewpoints on that theme or issue ". (a) Describe the viewpoint on your chosen theme in one text you have studied.

  4. Studyclix

    Comparative - Theme or Issue (2023/24) The LC English course broken down into topics from essays to Yeats. For each topic find study notes, sample essays as well as past exam questions with marking schemes.

  5. How do I structure my Comparative Study essay?

    Body of 70mQ - 9 Paragraphs. Paragraph 1: Discuss Aspect No.1 in Text No. 1 - Make Point (in light of the set Q), Support this Point with Key Moment or examples, Comment (bring back to Q & society/world/cultural context of the text) Paragraph 2: LINK WORD (S) Discuss Aspect No. 1 in Text No. 2 - Point, Key Moment or examples. Comment. As ...

  6. Leaving Cert English Comparative Study

    1984 Chapter One - Cultural Context. Casablanca - Sequence 10. Casablanca - Sequence 11. Casablanca - Sequence 7. Casablanca - Sequence 8. Casablanca - Sequence 9. Casablanca - Sequence One. Comparative study - An Introduction OL. Cultural Context Poverty in Home Before Night, The Plough and the Stars and The Kings Speech.

  7. Leaving Cert English

    Generally, the Comparative section on the English paper is something all Leaving Cert students need to undertake. And despite it being worth 70 marks, it is ...

  8. LC HL English: Comparative

    Our expert examiner Ciara breaks down this sample essay to show you how to get full marks. For more Leaving Cert HL essay breakdowns, check out https://study...

  9. Complete H1 Standard Comparative notes

    110 Pages • Complete Study Notes • Year Uploaded: 2022. H1 Standard notes for Comparative (Paper2). Comprising of WINTER'S BONE, AND NEVER LET ME GO. Includes: plot summaries , character analysis, theme sample answers, General Vision and Viewpoint sample answers and summary notes.

  10. The Comparative

    Comparative Analysis of "Out of Shadows," "Philadelphia, Here I Come," and "The Shawshank Redemption" - Leaving Certificate Resource. Description: This comprehensive resource is designed for Leaving Certificate students and English teachers seeking an in-depth understanding of three literary works: "Out of Shadows" by Jason ...

  11. Leaving Cert English 'The Comparative Study'

    In this video Mr Tobin teaches you how to improve your marks in the Comparative Study section of the Leaving CertMake sure to download the free notes sheet t...

  12. Tackling the Comparative

    This article first appeared in the Irish Independent Written Word supplement on Tuesday 27th January 2015. Knowing your individual texts is a vital starting point, but there's more to comparative than knowing your texts. You also need to be clear what your modes of comparison are so you can draw connections between texts, analysing ...

  13. Leaving Cert English

    Leaving Cert English - Juggling the Comparative Texts Leaving Cert English - Juggling the Comparative Texts. The Comparative Text question is worth 70 marks. This means that it is the only question on the paper which is worth more than the essay. How can you ensure that you achieve the maximum amount of those marks?

  14. Linking Phrases

    ← Essay Writing (Othello) ... This entry was posted in Comparative and tagged comparative, comparisons, leaving cert english, linking phrases. Bookmark the permalink. ← Essay Writing (Othello) My Hero Charity Single →. 3 responses to " Linking Phrases " Pingback: Comparative Studies In Leaving Cert English - Ms Woods's Blog.

  15. Studyclix

    A sample comparative study essay on Literary Genre in response to the statement: "The use of a distinctive style can make a text particularly enjoyable" with reference to the texts "Foster", "I'm Not Scared" and "The Great Gatsby". A really great guide written by the Studyclix team on how to best prepare for the Leaving Cert Higher Level ...

  16. PDF Layout and Timing Leaving Cert English

    Layout and Timing - Leaving Cert English Paper 1 Language Paper Total marks: 200 Time allowed: 2 hours and 50 minutes Question Marks Time Length Comp. Question A 50 40/45 minutes 3 pages Comp. Question B 50 40/45 minutes 1 ½ /2 pages Composition (Essay) 100 75/80 minutes 4 pages Paper 2 Literature Paper Total marks: 200

  17. Cultural Context Archives

    Cultural Context - I'm Not Scared, The Great Gatsby, All My Sons for Leaving Cert English #625Lab. "The world of a text, and how it affects the behaviour of central characters, can influence a reader's response to the events that take place". With the Comparative, you will….

  18. Comparative Modes

    Comparative Modes. Cultural context looks at the society the characters live in - the unique world mirrored/created in the text. It also looks at how your culture can affect your behaviour and your opportunities. Think about where and when each text is set. Think about the values and attitudes that matter to these characters and about how ...

  19. Leaving Cert English

    For more great study notes from The Institute of Education, please visit www.instituteofeducation.ie/studynotes

  20. How much to write?

    Paper 2. Single Text = 4 - 5 pages. Beyond 6 and you're probably just waffling. Comparative = 5 - 7. Anything less is flimsy. You do have 3 texts after all. Unseen poetry = Page and a half maximum. Studied poetry = 4 pages. Obviously some people write slow, some fast, some big, some small.

  21. Comparative Archives

    Cultural Context - Stop at Nothing: The Lance Armstrong Story, Macbeth, The Fault in Our Stars for Leaving Cert English #625Lab. "The cultural context within a text often dictates the crises or difficulties faced by characters and their responses to these difficulties.". (a) Discuss to what extent this statement applies to….