Comparative Commentary

How to Write a Comparative Commentary
July 11, 2008 by LaLa   http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/861825/how_to_write_a_comparative_commentary_pg2.html?cat=4
How to Write aPoem  |  Commentary

Some people find it weighty to be able to write a commentary on two pieces at once, but if you follow the guidelines below it'll be much easier. Tip #1: Read the two pieces several times till youknow what each is about quite well. Make notes on what you will write in each of the
 following paragraphs as you read.

Paragraph 1:
The introduction. State what your two pieces of text are, theirthemes, and their genre (article, poem, etc). Give one difference or one similarity between them e.g. "While both pieces concern themselves with global warming, one is a newspaper article and the otheris an interview." Then state your topic sentence that defines what you will be analyzing throughout your commentary. For instance "I will analyze the two pieces in terms of content and purpose, pointof view, tone, diction, imagery, and syntax."
Tip #2: The introduction should be succinct; try for no more than 100 words.

Paragraph 2:
Content and Purpose. Talk about the themes and meanings inthe two pieces. Are they implicit (hidden) or explicit (clear)? It is important to state the purpose of each piece, such as to entertain, to inform, or they could have a commercial purpose in thecase of advertisements or travel logs or such. Who is the intended audience? Also, say whether they are objective or subjective, with justification such as a quote showing that the writer includes herpersonal opinions.
Tip #3: You need to use quotes from the two texts, but not excessively. Including about 2 or 3 in each paragraph is good.

Paragraph 3:
Point of view. It is necessary to determinewhether the writer is the narrator of the piece, then determine their relationship to the reader (that's you). They could take up a superior, distance stance or a more intimate relationship,...