#20
Comparing poems effectively (Paper 2 Section B)
AQA English · Skills
Key steps (method)
- Read the question carefully: identify the theme/focus you must compare.
- Write a one-sentence comparison thesis (both similarity + difference).
- Plan 2–3 comparison points (each point compares both poems).
- For each point: choose one short quote from each poem.
- Compare methods + meanings (AO2): imagery, tone, structure shifts, perspective.
- Use comparative connectors naturally: whereas, similarly, in contrast, both, however.
Common mistakes
- Writing two separate mini-essays (Poem A then Poem B) with little comparison.
- Only comparing ‘themes’ and ignoring language/structure.
- Using lots of quotes but analysing none of them.
- Forgetting to link back to the question focus throughout.
Support videos
- Comparing poems GCSE English search: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=gcse+english+how+to+compare+poems