Literature Paper 2 — Section B: Poetry comparison

What you need to know (Love & Relationships poetry)

• Build comparison using a clear thesis + integrated paragraphs.
• Memorise short micro-quotes and attach 2–3 AO2 comments to each.
• Use AO3 lightly and only when it sharpens a method point.

Common mistakes

• Writing two separate mini-essays (one poem then the other) instead of comparing throughout.
• Over-quoting: long quotes instead of micro-quotes + analysis.
• Only spotting techniques but not explaining the meaning/effect (AO2).
• Forcing context even when it doesn’t help (AO3).
• Not planning: you end up repeating the same point.

Self-check

• I have a thesis that compares both poems on the theme.
• Each paragraph uses both poems (point + quote from each).
• I zoom in on words/structure and explain how meaning is created.
• I comment on structure (shifts, endings, tone change) at least once.
• I finish by comparing what each poet suggests overall.

Support videos

• Mr Bruff (Love & Relationships poetry) search: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=love+and+relationships+poetry+aqa+mr+bruff
• Stacey Reay (poetry comparison) search: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=aqa+poetry+comparison+stacey+reay

Practice

• Past paper practice + mark scheme: https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/english/gcse