In one line: A comparative paragraph makes one shared point about BOTH works: a comparative topic sentence, then the works woven together with connectives, and a link back to the comparative thesis.
The paragraph is where two mini-essays either merge into a comparison — or don't.
Open with a topic sentence that already names both works and their relationship. Then move BETWEEN the works — a detail from A, ‘whereas’ a detail from B — not a big block on A followed by a big block on B. Close by linking the comparison back to your thesis. Weave, don't stack.
The comparative paragraph shape
Comparative topic sentence
Name both works and the shared point: ‘Both present X, but…’.
Weave, don't stack
Alternate: A's choice + effect, ‘whereas’ B's choice + effect — in the same breath.
Analyse choices in each
For both works, name the technique and its effect (Criterion B).
Link to the thesis
End by tying the comparison back to your overall argument.
The key move: Open with a comparative topic sentence, then weave both works together with connectives (‘whereas’, ‘similarly’), and link back to the thesis. Never a block on A then a block on B.
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Why it matters in the exam: This is where comparison (Criteria A and B) is won or lost.
Stacked paragraph
- All of A, then all of B
- Reads as two reviews
- Caps your A and B marks
Woven paragraph
- Shows genuine comparison in every sentence
Write a comparative paragraph on this shared point: both works use WEATHER to mirror emotion — but Work A's storm mirrors rage, Work B's fog mirrors confusion.
Model answer plan
See the mark-by-mark plan — for / against / judgement, with marking guidance — in study mode.
Watch out: The stacked paragraph is the trap: three sentences on Work A, then three on Work B, joined by ‘similarly’. Move between the works within the paragraph — ideally within sentences.