The Comparative Study
This is the second most 'valuable' question on the exam, worth 70 marks.
Higher Level candidates are required to discuss three texts in the light of a particular statment (given to you in the question), making contrasts and comparisons between the three texts.
Ordinary Level candidates prepare three texts, but so far have only ever been asked to write on two of them, using the same general format as at higher level.
Texts are chosen from a list issued by the Department of Education. One of the texts may be a film. It is common for teachers to choose one film, one play and one novel, but this is not required.
Higher Level candidates who are not doing a Shakespearean play as their Single Text must include one in their Comparative Study.
There are four 'modes' in the Comparative Study. These are essentially the headings under which you compare your three texts. Of the four, three will be assigned in any given year, and only two of those three will appear on the paper in June. The modes for Higher Level are:
Higher Level candidates are required to discuss three texts in the light of a particular statment (given to you in the question), making contrasts and comparisons between the three texts.
Ordinary Level candidates prepare three texts, but so far have only ever been asked to write on two of them, using the same general format as at higher level.
Texts are chosen from a list issued by the Department of Education. One of the texts may be a film. It is common for teachers to choose one film, one play and one novel, but this is not required.
Higher Level candidates who are not doing a Shakespearean play as their Single Text must include one in their Comparative Study.
There are four 'modes' in the Comparative Study. These are essentially the headings under which you compare your three texts. Of the four, three will be assigned in any given year, and only two of those three will appear on the paper in June. The modes for Higher Level are:
- The Cultural Context
- Theme or Issue
- Literary Genre
- The General Vision and Viewpoint
- Social Setting
- Theme
- Aspects of Story - Tension or Climax or Resolution
- Relationships
