Close Reading Workshop The Question on both Passages

Close Reading Workshop: “The Question on both Passages” (a. k. a “Comparison question”)

We are Learning. . . To be able to effectively answer the Higher Comparison Question

The Comparison Question is the final question in the Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation paper (close reading). It is worth five marks. You are required to compare the ideas from Passage 1 and Passage 2.

What are you asked to do?

The focus is on the main ideas of both passages. You will be asked to identify: The similarities between the two passages; or The differences between the two passages; or Similarities and differences between the two passages.

How do you answer?

You must aim to identify and explain in your own words the key areas in which the two passages agree and/or disagree. and Provide evidence to support your answer.

1. Write in extended bullet points.

2. You must support your answers with evidence from the passage. Evidence: You must refer closely to the text, but you do not have to quote. If you do use quotes, keep them short. Furthermore, your quotes should only be used to support your answer, and should not be used on their own.

3. Use your own words in your answer.

How are marks awarded?

The number of marks that you are awarded will depend upon how well you identify and explain the key areas of similarity/difference and the quality of your supporting evidence.

5 marks You must identify and explain at least 3 key areas of similarity/difference, with detailed and insightful use of supporting evidence.

4 marks You must identify and explain at least 3 key areas of similarity/difference, with appropriate use of supporting evidence.

3 marks You must identify and explain at least 3 key areas of similarity/difference, with supporting evidence.

2 marks You must identify and explain 2 key areas of similarity/difference, with supporting evidence.

1 mark You must identify one key area of similarity/difference with supporting evidence.

Practice questions

SQA May 2015 RUAE Look at both passages. Both writers express their views about intensive farming. Identify three key areas on which they agree. You should support the points you make by referring to important ideas in both passages. 5 marks

Example answer (5 marks) Area of agreement 1 Both passages agree that intensive farming damages the environment. For example, passage 1 explains how bee and bird populations are in decline in Central Valley due to the farm built there. Likewise, passage 2 explains that intensive farms lead to the pollution of rivers and streams nearby.

Area of agreement 2 Both passages agree that intensive farming causes animals to suffer. For example, passage 1 explains that the animals have to endure very poor conditions and their life-spans are much shorter. Likewise, passage 2 explains that the growth rates of the animals is unnatural and that it is not natural for them to be confined indoors.

Area of agreement 3 Both passages agree that intensive farming can have a negative effect on human health. For example, passage 1 explains that the cheap meat produced contains more fat and is contaminated with drugs. Likewise, passage 2 explains that there a number of conditions and diseases that result from a diet that is high in fat.

Area of agreement 4 (for insurance, if you have time) Both passages agree that people who live beside intensive farms can be adversely affected. For example, passage 1 explains that due to the farms property values are lower and people can become ill due to pollution. Likewise, in passage 2 the author explains that intensive farming has had a negative impact on the livelihood of many local farmers.

Area of agreement Evidence from passage 1 Evidence from passage 2 Both passages agree that intensive farming damages the environment. explains how bee and bird explains that intensive farms populations are in decline in lead to the pollution of rivers Central Valley due to the farm and streams nearby. built there. Both passages agree that intensive farming causes animals to suffer. explains that the animals have to endure very poor conditions and their life-spans are much shorter. explains that the growth rates of the animals is unnatural and that it is not natural for them to be confined indoors. Both passages agree that intensive farming can have a negative effect on human health. explains that the cheap meat produced contains more fat and is contaminated with drugs. explains that there a number of conditions and diseases that result from a diet that is high in fat. Both passages agree that people who live beside intensive farms can be adversely affected. explains that due to the farms property values are lower and people can become ill due to pollution. explains that intensive farming has had a negative impact on the livelihood of many local farmers.

SQA Specimen paper- “Trees” 7. Both writers express their views about the importance of trees. Identify key areas on which they agree. In your answer, you should refer in detail to both passages. You may answer this question in continuous prose or in a series of developed bullet points. 5 marks

Example answer- 5 marks.

Area of agreement Evidence from passage 1 Evidence from passage 2 Both passages agree that trees can be educational and teach us important lessons. Explains how people should not assume that humans are superior to trees and that they have nothing to offer us. Explains how humans can learn from and be guided by trees. Both passages agree that trees are wonderful and majestic. Explains how trees should be compared to animals such as whales and elephants and that trees have spiritual significance. Explains the magnificence and splendour of the Kauri found in New Zealand. Both passages agree that trees are mistreated by humans. Explains how trees are cut down brutally and are not respected by government and businesses. Explains how hacking and racking of trees is continuing, approved by the authorities. Both passages agree that Explains how everyday people trees are seen as being have taken part in protests at important by ordinary people. Hastings to prevent trees being cut down. Explains the conservation efforts in New Zealand Kenya to protect and re-grow trees.