Core Poetry Comparison Questions
You'll notice that comparison questions always follow the same pattern - they ask you to compare how two poems present a specific theme. The key instruction "You should make reference to language, form and structure" appears in every single question, so this is absolutely essential for your answers.
The first three questions cover some of the most popular exam themes. Question 1 pairs "If-" with "Do not go gentle into that good night" to explore how poets present advice-giving. This is brilliant practice because both poems feature older speakers offering guidance to younger people.
Question 2 focuses on sadness, comparing "Remember" with "Piano". Both poems deal with loss and melancholy, but in very different ways - one about accepting death, the other about nostalgic childhood memories.
Exam Tip: Notice how the questions give you space for three points - this suggests examiners expect you to make at least three clear comparative points in your answer.
