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Exam skills: comparing anthology poems
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In Paper 2 Section B Part 1, you compare a named poem (printed on the paper) with one other poem of your choice from the collection you studied.
What is assessed
20 marks: AO2 (15 marks) for analysing language, form and structure, and AO3 (5 marks) for context.
The named poem is printed, but your second poem is not, so you need to know key quotations from your collection.
The named poem is printed, but your second poem is not, so you need to know key quotations from your collection.
Choosing your second poem
Pick a poem that links clearly to the theme in the question but offers interesting differences.
Prepare in advance: for each poem, know its theme, three or four key quotations or details, its form, and one piece of context.
Prepare in advance: for each poem, know its theme, three or four key quotations or details, its form, and one piece of context.
Structuring a comparison
Open with a comparative thesis.
In each paragraph, compare a method or idea in both poems using connectives (similarly, whereas, in contrast).
End with a judgement about the most important similarity or difference.
In each paragraph, compare a method or idea in both poems using connectives (similarly, whereas, in contrast).
End with a judgement about the most important similarity or difference.
The question names Neutral Tones and asks about love that has ended. Which second poem might you choose, and why?
- A Complaint also shows love that has faded.
- Both use nature imagery: a winter pond and a dried-up fountain or well.
- Hardy's bitterness can contrast with Wordsworth's sorrow.
Answer: A Complaint, because it also presents faded love through water and nature imagery, allowing clear comparison of tone and method.
Named poem printed, second poem from memory, 20 marks: AO2 (15) and AO3 (5). Prepare key quotations, form and context for every poem. Compare throughout.
Check you have got it
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