How to compare fiction texts

Have you ever played ‘spot the difference’ by looking at pictures?

This can be a useful way to look at texts too. Although, with texts we are interested in both what’s different and what is similar – this is called making a comparison.

Fiction texts are pieces of writing usually based on the writer’s imagination. They include novels, short stories, scripts and poetry.

Comparing fiction texts helps you to focus on their similarities and differences. It is an effective way to help you gain more of an understanding of each text and think more deeply about the writers’ ideas.

Comparing similarities and differences can really make you notice aspects of the text you might otherwise overlook. One text can help to shine a spotlight on another, enabling you to extend your understanding and analysis.

Features that can be compared might include:

• Setting
• Genre
• Characterisation
• Narrative perspective
• Language choices

When comparing fiction texts look at the similarities between the texts – things those texts have in common. You can also contrast texts and focus on the differences between them – things that set the texts apart from each other.

Structuring your comparison

It's helpful to have some sentence starters and linking words that can be used to show similarity, for example:

• similarly
• likewise
• equally

There are also helpful sentence starters and linking words that contrast, such as:

• in comparison
• however
• whereas

A comparison response still follows the basic essay structure:

• introduction
• main body – ideas separated into paragraphs, including details and evidence
• conclusion – this must link back to the question, and mention both texts

When you compare texts, it’s important to talk about both texts all the way through. Don’t write all about one text, then all about the other. In each paragraph, make sure you mention both, even if a point is mostly about one of them.

These also apply to comparing non-fiction texts.

One way to think about texts is why the writers have chosen to write about particular ideas in their texts and then explore how they have written it.

You could start by comparing and contrasting features, such as genre, setting, language, plot, character, themes and perspective. Click on the interactive graphic below to learn more:

To make effective comparisons, it is important to use evidence from the texts you are comparing.

What counts as evidence?

• Quotations – the actual words and phrases used by the writers.

  • For example, in Chapter 2 of The Hunger Games Katniss becomes her District’s representative in the Games:
    ‘“I volunteer!” I gasp. “I volunteer as tribute!”’
    This shows how desperate she is to protect her sister.
  • In Chapter 18 of The Maze Runner, Thomas makes the decision to risk himself to protect Alby:
    ‘He couldn’t leave a friend to die.’

• Examples that refer to what happens in the texts. For example, you could refer to this same moment in your own words.

  • When Katniss takes the place of her sister to protect her from the Hunger Games, we understand that she is willing to risk herself to protect the people she loves.
  • When Thomas makes the decision to save Alby we realise that he is prepared to sacrifice himself for others.

Remember

Comparing fiction texts can often help you notice things that you might not have considered about a piece of writing. You may compare texts which offer a different way of looking at the same theme, or handle narrative in very different ways. Comparison can help to extend and deepen your understanding and analysis of texts.