Comparing Documents

Today we will look at how to compare documents.

You will get at least one question where you have to compare two or more documents. The comparative question is  worth 3 or 4 marks and in order to gain all four marks it needs to be answered in a very specific way.

For example:

Compare the views in Document 1 with the views expressed in Document 2, and how these views are conveyed. [3 marks]

To gain full marks:

Students should clearly and explicitly compare the views of each text with examples from all the resources. Answers should also clearly explain how the writers’ convey their views, and make a comparison of these methods.

Just how do you do that?

1. Use comparative phrases/word to link your comments on both texts.

Phrases to explain things are different:

This differs from… OR This is different from …	Text A is supportive of the NHS. This differs from/This is different from Text B, which claims
But	Jeremiah likes football but Olu likes netball
On the other hand	Molly thinks Wimbledon is boring. On the other hand, Jenny loves it!
Whereas	( Amna is going to university whereas Rhoda is starting work)
Whereas	Amna is going to university whereas Rhoda is starting work.
in contrast	The writer of Text A hates modern life as it is too fast-paced. In contrast, the writer of Text B says she is lucky she was born in the 21st century because she can access so many facilities to make her life better such as the internet, washing machines, cars and planes.
however	Texts A and B both promote the importance of healthy eating. However, the writer of Text A says a healthy diet must be exclusively vegetarian.

Phrases to use when comparing similarities:

Also	John likes pears and  Jenny also likes pears.
Both	both John and Jenny like pears
And	John likes pears and so does Jenny
Similarly	John likes pears. Jenny is  similarly fond of pears
This is the same as	Tesco is offering two 2 for 1 on apples. This is the same as other supermarkets.
At the same time	Marco expressed his desire to own his own house. At the same time, Margaret claimed she was saving money for a deposit for her own home.

2. Support your answer with examples from the text.

It is not sufficient to simply summarize the views expressed in the two documents in a single sentence, you need to take specific examples from the texts.

3. For the third mark , compare the language techniques used to express views.