Comparing texts about World War One in comparative analytical paragraphs
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can write comparative analytical paragraphs exploring the presentation of World War One across two texts.
Key learning points
- The opening of comparative paragraphs could start with a topic sentence which states the paragraph’s main idea.
- The next sentences of a comparative paragraph could focus on the differences between the two texts you wish to compare.
- Including multiple quotations from both texts is key to a comparative paragraph.
- Comparing the methods writers have used can help to develop the comparison.
- The final sentence of a comparative paragraph should link to the topic sentence.
Keywords
Generation - refers to people of about the same age: grandparents, parents and children are all different generations
Vacuous - empty, having no thought or intelligence
Complacent - smug, self-satisfied, uncritical of yourself
Criticism - expressing disapproval or disappointment with someone or something
Methods - the tools a writer uses to create their work; structure and language choices are the most significant examples
Common misconception
You should select one quotation from each text in a comparative paragraph.
Like in a powerful analytical paragraph, selecting multiple quotations from each text will help strengthen your argument. Selecting these quotations in the planning stage is key.
Teacher tip
Consider the models. Do they focus on particular skills your pupils need to focus on? Would you prefer to focus on different texts that your pupils are more comfortable with?
Equipment
Pupils who wish to compare Ian Beck's 'Propping Up The Line' to another text need a copy of the 2014 edition of 'Stories of WW1' edited by Tony Bradman. Other texts are found in additional materials.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.When given an analytical essay question about a text or texts, you should the question, making short notes about its key words and your initial ideas.
Q2.When analysing a text from the unit World at war: short stories, you will focus on a writer's methods. Match each of these selected methods to their meanings.
describing something by comparing it directly to something else
action words: doing or being words
a repeated image throughout a text
using something tangible to represent intangible ideas
Q3.Which word best completes this sentence comparing 2 texts (World at war: short stories): " Mansfield and Beck choose a third person narrative voice for their short stories."
Q4.Which words could best complete this sentence comparing texts: "Mansfield's story takes place over a matter of moments. , Beck presents the whole of Alfred's life."
Q5.Which word, all important to Katherine Mansfield's 'The Fly' (Literary perspectives from the First World War) best describes someone who is shallow, empty and thoughtless?
Q6.Which word, all important to Katherine Mansfield's 'The Fly' (Literary perspectives from the First World War), best describes someone who is self-satisfied?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.When given an analytical essay question about a text or texts, knowledge of key terms will help you plan and write your essay. Match each term to its definition.
the first sentence of a paragraph stating its main idea
considering a text carefully and commenting on it
tools a writer uses to create their work e.g. language and structure
the final sentence of a paragraph summarising its argument
Q2.Starting with the first, put these sentences in order for a paragraph which starts by comparing two texts (Literary perspectives from the First World War).
Q3.Which word best completes this sentence comparing 2 texts: " Mansfield's and Beck's short stories were inspired by events in their own lives."
Q4.Which words best complete this sentence comparing texts: "Mansfield's story is perhaps motivated by the loss of her brother, Beck was inspired by his grandfather."
Q5.Which of these words, all important to Katherine Mansfield's 'The Fly' (Literary perspectives from the First World War) best describes someone who is childish?
Q6.When analysing texts from the unit 'Literary perspectives from the First World War', you will use quotations. What is true of the way you could include quotations?
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Comparing texts about World War One in comparative analytical paragraphs, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 English lesson on: Comparing texts about World War One in comparative analytical paragraphs, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the Literary perspectives from the First World War unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.