Love & Relationships — Comparison method (AQA)

What examiners reward (in practice)

• A clear, arguable thesis that answers the question.
• Integrated comparison (don’t do Poem A then Poem B separately).
• Short quotes + AO2 zoom (word choice + structural choice).
• A little AO3 only when it makes an interpretation sharper.

Best paragraph shape (repeat 3 times)

1. Point answering the question (theme/relationship dynamic)
2. Poem A: short quote → method → meaning
3. Poem B: short quote → method → meaning
4. Compare: what’s similar / what’s different (viewpoint/method)
5. Link back to question

Sentence starters (useful, not cringe)

• Both poets present… however…
• Whereas [poet] uses… to suggest…, [poet] instead…
• The shift/ending implies… which contrasts with…

Quick comparison checklist

• Theme (love, loss, power, memory)
• Speaker / viewpoint
• Tone (bitter, tender, nostalgic, controlling)
• Structure (shift/volta, stanza movement, ending)
• Key methods (imagery, diction, sound)

AO3 (light)

Use 1–2 lines max, and tie it to a method:

• Context → writer’s viewpoint → why that method is used