Comparing and contrasting texts

Look at the example of a typical 7a question in the image opposite. What should comments in response to this question focus on?

In response to part a of question 7 you will need to provide three separate paragraphs. Make sure you start each one with a different comparative connective and avoid starting all three paragraphs with the word 'Both'

Look at the two text extracts in the image opposite then complete the 7a style response by choosing from the drop-down menus. Both the writers are [blank_start]faced with a dangerous situation[blank_end]. In the first text the writer states that it was 'by far the most dangerous part' and in text 2 the writer refers to being alert to 'the first sign of trouble' Both writers are [blank_start]very aware of the passing of time[blank_end] with Ellen McArthur telling us that it 'only took half-an-hour' and Simon Yates saying that it was 'about ten minutes' until the rope went slack. Both writers are [blank_start]very careful in their actions[blank_end]. In text 1 we are told that there was 'no time for complacency' and in text 2 the writer tells us that he moved 'cautiously'

It is acceptable to simply provide a bullet-point or numbered list of similarities and quotes in response to part a of question 7 with the similarity stated as a subheading followed by the textual evidence as bullet-points or numbered items. for example: The three main similarities between the texts are Both writers are in a dangerous situation: Text 1 evidence: It was the most dangerous part Text 2 evidence: trouble. Both writers are cautious in their actions: Text 1 evidence: no time for complacency now Text 2 evidence: move . . . cautiously. Both writers have to deal with bad weather conditions: Text 1 evidence: References to he swell of the ocean. Text 2 evidence: He tells us he is in a snowy location.

Look at the example of a typical 7b question in the image opposite. Now identify what you would need to comment on in response to his question

One of the two texts will always be slightly longer than the other and the expectation is that you will write more about the longer text than the shorter one, using more quotes from the longer text and just paraphrasing and referencing relevant details in the shorter text.

Look at the PEED responses to a 7b question below and see if you can match the examiner's comments to the correct PEED paragraph.