Two of the three comparative modes will be examined. The key word in this section is compare. Marks are awarded for every comparison that you make. One of the most common mistakes that students make in the Comparative Study essay is to discuss the texts separately instead of comparing them. You are not comparing if you write a full paragraph on 'How Many Miles to Babylon' followed by a paragraph on 'My Left Foot' followed by a paragraph on 'Philadelphia Here I Come'. A much more effective approach is the following: every time you make a point in relation to one text, you should make a comparison with the other texts you have studied immediately. Compare and contrast using comparing words, such as similarly, in the same way, just as in, in contrast, however, yet.

Also remember to prepare your key moments. Some questions invite the candidates to refer to one or more key moments from their texts. Consideration of the key moments in each text helps you to get a better understanding of the text.

Section 3 Poetry

There are two sections to be answered in Poetry:

Unseen Poem
Prescribed Poetry

There are eight prescribed poets on the course: Donne, Frost, Boland, Rich, Plath, Montague, Larkin and Mahon. Of these eight poets, four will appear on the paper, so you must cover at least five poets to be certain of being able to answer one question on the paper. Don't take chances by preparing less than five. The panic you feel the night before an exam when you have prepared only two poets is not worth the time saved by leaving out the other two and it could have a very serious negative impact on your entire exam. You should be able to discuss six poems by each poet and your answer must include detailed reference to at least three poems. There are usually two types of question:

1. Quotation about poet or his/her qualities and discuss;
2. Discuss what you know/admire/enjoy about the work of a particular poet.

Unseen Poetry

The examiner is not looking for an in-depth an analysis of the poem. Trust yourself! You are capable of reading the poem and forming an impression of it.

Consider the following when reading the unseen poem:

1. Title; why did the poet choose this title?
2. Subject matter; what is the poem about?
3. Opening lines/Closing lines: is there any change in mood from beginning to end. If so, where does the change occur?
4. Mood; Is the speaker sad, happy, nostalgic, angry, lonely etc?
5. Sound effects: alliteration, assonance, onomatopoeia;
6. Imagery: use of simile and metaphor.