Comparing Texts

Some questions in the CEM 11+ exam may ask you to compare two or more passages. This means looking at how the texts are similar and how they are different. Comparing texts is a higher-level skill, and mastering it will help you stand out in the exam.

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Why Do Examiners Ask You to Compare?

Comparing texts shows that you can:

• Read and understand more than one text at the same time
• Identify similarities and differences in content, style, and purpose
• Think critically about how different writers approach the same topic
• Use evidence from both texts to support your points

In the CEM exam, you might be given two short passages and asked to answer questions that refer to one or both. The passages might be on a similar topic but written in different styles or from different viewpoints.

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What Can You Compare?

Here are the main areas you can compare between two texts:

1. Content (What they say)

Question to ask	Example
What topic does each text cover?	Both texts are about space exploration.
What facts or ideas does each include?	Text A focuses on the history of space travel; Text B focuses on future missions.
Do the texts agree or disagree?	Text A says space travel is essential; Text B argues it is a waste of money.

2. Purpose (Why they were written)

Question to ask	Example
What is the purpose of each text?	Text A informs; Text B persuades.
Who is the intended audience?	Text A is written for adults; Text B is aimed at children.

3. Tone (How they sound)

Question to ask	Example
What tone does each writer use?	Text A is formal and serious; Text B is chatty and humorous.
How does the tone match the purpose?	Text A's serious tone suits its informative purpose; Text B's humour makes it engaging for younger readers.

4. Language and techniques

Question to ask	Example
What techniques does each writer use?	Text A uses statistics and expert quotes; Text B uses emotive language and personal stories.
How do the writers' word choices differ?	Text A uses scientific vocabulary; Text B uses everyday language.

5. Structure (How they are organised)

Question to ask	Example
How is each text organised?	Text A uses chronological order; Text B uses a question-and-answer format.
How does the structure help the reader?	Text A's chronological structure makes the history easy to follow; Text B's Q&A format makes it accessible.

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Useful Language for Comparing

When writing comparison answers, use these connecting words and phrases:

For similarities

• "Both texts..."
• "Similarly..."
• "In the same way..."
• "Like Text A, Text B also..."
• "Both writers use..."

For differences

• "However..."
• "In contrast..."
• "On the other hand..."
• "While Text A..., Text B..."
• "Unlike Text A, Text B..."
• "Whereas..."

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Worked Example

Text A (from a newspaper article):

The Amazon rainforest, often called "the lungs of the Earth", produces approximately 20% of the world's oxygen. Deforestation has accelerated in recent decades, with an area the size of a football pitch destroyed every minute. Scientists warn that if this continues, the consequences for global climate will be catastrophic.

Text B (from a travel blog):