Follow the steps below in order to help you write your essay.
Paper Two is all about answering the question. This is our task. It makes sense, then, that the first order of business is to really understand what the question is asking us to do. We offer two ways that you can tackle the question and start to hone in on what you are asked to do.
One method of unpacking the question is to identify the key words and instructions in the question and then define exactly what the question wants you to examine and explore.
For example:
“Literature brings into the open important issues of the time.” How have authors presented “important issues” in works you have studied?
Identify the key words and instructions in the question:
‘brings into the open’: makes public, suggests that literature can examine difficult topics, reveals what is hidden; taboos?
‘important issues’: things that matter to society, themes and messages conveyed to an audience
‘of the time’: issues that were important at the time the play was written that may or may not still be important now OR WHEN the play takes place.
‘presented’: how do we see these issues explored in the play? – characters, actions, events, dramatic techniques etc
After we break down and understand the question, we need to brainstorm or make a mind map for our paper. This is a critical step as we think carefully about what comes to mind regarding the two works we have chosen to answer the question. Here we offer two ways you can do this to get the brain working and make a plan for success!
T-Chart:
Using a T-Chart is one way to just brainstorm some similarities and differences that come to mind. This can be a way to unlock the question and find ways to organize ideas.
Mind mapping:
We can also spend some time mind mapping and exploring the question that way.
List:
Come up with a list of examples of what the question asks for.
List how the author shows these examples
Explain to what effect these examples are used. (In other words, so what? Why are these important?)
The Alternating Method: This is where you discuss one comparative point for Text A and B and then move on to your next comparative point for Text A and B and so on. You have clear comparisons running through all paragraphs.
The Block Method: This is where you discuss your key comparative points for Text A in subsequent paragraphs (see diagram on next page) Then you discuss the same comparative points in Text B in several paragraphs with clear comparisons to Text B.
A good thesis statement offers a clear direction for your paper. Here are a few critical elements of a thesis statement:
1. Identifying the two works and authors being used
2. Using the wording of the question
3. Acknowledging the similarities and differences
4. Making an argument and sharing a rich idea.
Components of the introduction:
1. Hook where you explore the TOPIC of the question (microcosm, violence, power, humor)
2. Brief summary statements of both works with an eye on the topic.
3. Clear comparative thesis statement
Comparative Paragraphs
When we write body paragraphs we need to remember key components of paragraphs.
1. A clear topic sentence with the wording of the question and a rich idea
2. Clear textual references that are embedded in our sentences.
3. Labeling of literary or stylistic features and a discussion of their effects.
4. Discussion of the author/audience (reader) relationship.
5. Transition words and phrases.
6. Comparative language
These elements will allow us to explore both works in terms of the question and explore both similarities and differences. Note that we need to do much more than just have a comparative link in the topic sentence. Comparison needs to be woven into our writing. If we do this, we are doing our job. Here are some very useful comparative transitions:
Comparative Language
Comparison
In the same way
By the same token
Similarly
Likewise
In similar fashion
Just as
Like
Contrast
While
However
Though
In contrast to
On the other hand
At the same time
Although
When we write conclusions we need to remember key components:
1. Restatement of your thesis
2. Synthesis of the paper without rehashing your main ideas. AVOID summarizing main ideas.
3. Extension beyond the texts to a wider context. Answer the question, “So What?” End with a flourish!
These elements will allow us to leave our readers with a clear idea of our argument AND leave the readers with something to think about. We’re not here to rehash our paper. We’re here to remind the reader of our main claim and answer the question, “So what?” How does this topic relate to the human condition somehow?