When asked to compare two texts, which approach is appropriate?

• A. Focus only on one text.
• B. Identify similarities and differences in themes, purposes, structures, and evidence, citing examples from both texts.
• C. Compare the authors’ biographies to assess quality.
• D. List all vocabulary differences between texts.

Answer: (B)

Comparing two texts means looking at how each one presents ideas and why, then noting what they share and how they differ across several aspects. The best approach is to identify similarities and differences in themes, purposes, structures, and the evidence each text uses, and to support your points with specific examples from both texts. This shows you can read closely and understand how each author builds meaning and persuades or informs the reader through both content and form.

Think about the themes each text explores, the purpose behind each one, how the texts are arranged or organized, and the types of evidence or reasoning used to make their points. Citing examples from both texts demonstrates a thoughtful, well-supported comparison.

Focusing on just one text misses the opportunity to see how the two works relate or contrast, and looking only at an author’s biography or listing vocabulary differences doesn’t engage with how the texts express ideas and arguments. So this approach keeps the focus on meaningful analysis of both texts together.