Comparative Text Notes for Essay Work

1. Comparative TextNotes for Essay Work 5th Year English

2. Pointers for Comparative Writing • Comparison means both similarities and differences • The comparative questions are mode-based, not text-based. • Be guided by the modes and avoid writing potted summaries.

3. Basic Know-How for The Comparative Study • The Comparative Modes for Examination in 2011 are: • Higher Level • (i) Theme or Issue • (ii) The Cultural Context • (iii) Vision/Viewpoint • You do not need to make close studies of the Comparative texts – this is a waste of time. After you have read the text go back and select KEY MOMENTS. • Use your Lies of Silence Summary

5. Task and Tips • Write paragraphs analysing the following in relation to the cultural background of lies of silence • Use your PEE chain method of answering • Use the summary to find key moments that back up your points • Explore

7. What is the cultural context of a text? • Write paragraphs analysing the following in relation to the cultural background of ‘lies of silence’ • The makeup of the society • Social customs and traditions • Race/class differences • The value system in that society • The position of men and women respectively • Power structures • Use the summary to help you find examples of these • Use a dictionary to look up difficult words • Use these as POINTS • Give examples • Explore the text

8. Example Mind Map for points

9. Example Mind Map for POWER • Use these as POINTS • Give examples • Explore the text

10. Example Mind Map for Society • Use these as POINTS • Give examples • Explore the text

19. Theme or Issue • YOUR TASK IS TO • Examine the main idea/ideas or central concerns in the text. • Compare central themes from different texts.

20. What are the main themes?

21. THE OUTSIDER

22. Each bubble is a paragraph

23. Each bubble is a paragraph within which you compare the 3 texts under the topic.

24. C The Truman Show The Curious Incident of the dog in the nighttime

25. 5th year English • Comparative Studies Module - Assignment • ‘Discuss how a particular theme is treated in the two texts on your comparative course. • Write an essay comparing the treatment of a single theme that is common to the texts you have studied on your comparative course • Leaving Certificate question • Paper 2 2004

26. Example One of the strongest relationships in the three texts is that between mother and son. In both TCD and W, there is a vital and strong loving bond between Rachel and Samuel and Christopher and his mother. In contrast in S, the relationship between Keith and his mother is strained. Keith is a fiercely disciplined and a faintly sinister boy who has a cool relationship with his mother. Add Evidence to support your points Expand ideas vis Paragraphs

27. THE WORLD OF CHRISTOPHER BOONE IS TWOFOLD. • THERE IS THE WORLD HE LIVES IN, THAT OF SWINDON A SMALL TOWN IN SOUTH CENTRAL ENGLAND. • ADDED TO THIS THERE IS THE WORLD HE INHABITS THAT OF HIS OWN PARTICULAR VIEW OF THE WORLD

32. What is Christopher’s world like?

33. Assignment • Write a character sketch on Christopher • Due on Monday