Comparison Technique (Section C)

Section C of the AQA Paper 2 unseen poetry question asks you to compare the first poem (from Section B) with a second unseen poem. This is worth 8 marks and should take approximately 15–20 minutes. Many students find this the most challenging part of the exam, but with the right method, it becomes straightforward. This lesson teaches you how to compare poems effectively and efficiently.

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The Section C Question

The question will always follow this pattern:

"In both [Poem 1 title] and [Poem 2 title], the speakers describe [shared subject]. What are the similarities and/or differences between the ways the poets present [subject/feeling/idea]?"

Key points

• You must compare both poems — not just write about one.
• You are being assessed on methods (how the poets present), not just content (what they say).
• Both similarities and differences are valid — you do not need to find both, but the best responses usually do.
• You are still assessed on AO2 (analysing language, form, and structure).

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Mark Allocation