Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level – Excellence in English Language and Literature Le Introduction
What is it?
The comparative study question asks you to compare and contrast two texts under one of the three modes of comparison.
The comparative modes for the exam in June 2020 are:
• Hero, Heroine, Villain • Theme • Social Setting
You need to know your comparative text well, but not in the same level of detail as your Single Text.
Concentrate on key moments in each text. (The word ‘moment’ here can be taken to mean an entire chapter or scene.) A key moment in your text is one which illustrates or helps in the development of one of the chosen modes.
Key moments can overlap: one may be an illustration of both the social setting and a pivotal moment in the theme, for example.
When you are reading your comparative text, as well as keeping the modes in mind, you should think about your personal response. The examiners will be looking to see how well you engaged with the text. As you read, ask yourself:
• Did I like the characters? • Would I like to have lived in that time or in that place? Why? Why not?
