Notes for Comparative Analysis Part 1 - IB | RevisionDojo
Comparative Analysis Part 1 Notes
The Goal of Paper 2: Comparison, Not Just Analysis
The biggest misconception about Paper 2 is thinking it's about analyzing each text in isolation. It’s not.
Paper 2 is about putting two texts in conversation. You are being assessed on how well you compare and contrast, not how well you can write two separate mini-essays.
A weak approach looks like this:
Paragraph on Text A
Paragraph on Text B
One or two sentences comparing them at the end
This is more like two Paper 1s stuck together. It does not score well.
A strong Paper 2 essay:
Makes comparison the central focus from the topic sentence onward
Moves between the two texts purposefully and analytically
Weaves similarities and differences throughout each point
Step-by-Step: How to Write a Comparative Body Paragraph
Step 1: Write a Comparative Topic Sentence
Your topic sentence should:
Introduce the analytical focus (your main point)
Refer to both texts
Make the relationship between them clear (similar or contrasting)
Example
While Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns presents silence as a form of survival under patriarchal oppression, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible portrays silence as a dangerous complicity in injustice.
This topic sentence:
Introduces a clear focus: the function of silence
Refers to both texts and authors
Sets up a contrast: survival vs. complicity
Step 2: Analyse a Key Moment in Text A
Begin by analyzing a key moment or quote from the first text that supports your point.
Example
In A Thousand Splendid Suns, Mariam’s silence in the courtroom after killing Rasheed is deeply symbolic. Rather than defend herself, she accepts her execution. Through understated narration and sparse dialogue, Hosseini presents this silence not as passivity but as an active choice, highlighting Mariam’s final assertion of agency in a life where her voice was consistently denied.
Key features:
One focused quote or moment
Specific techniques (narration, dialogue)
Links clearly to the umbrella point: silence as self-empowerment
Step 3: Transition into Text B Thoughtfully
Now bring in Text B.
Unlock the rest of this chapter with aFreeaccount
Nice try, unfortunately this paywall isn't as easy to bypass as you think. Want to help devleop the site? Join the team at https://revisiondojo.com/join-us. exercitation voluptate cillum ullamco excepteur sint officia do tempor Lorem irure minim Lorem elit id voluptate reprehenderit voluptate laboris in nostrud qui non Lorem nostrud laborum culpa sit occaecat reprehenderit
Definition
Paywall
(on a website) an arrangement whereby access is restricted to users who have paid to subscribe to the site.
anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit
Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Note
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam quis nostrud exercitation.
Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident
Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit.
Tip
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris.
Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum.
Questions
Recap questions
1 of 5
Question 1
Recap question
What is the primary function of a comparative topic sentence in a body paragraph?
End of article
Want a cheatsheet?
View a summary cheatsheet for Writing Your English Lit Paper 2 Essay
