English A Lang & Lit

Paper 1 gives you two unseen texts and 90 minutes to write a full comparative essay. The single biggest time-waster is starting to write before you know what you're actually comparing. The fix is a 3-point bullet plan you sketch in the first 10–15 minutes, repeated for each point of comparison you plan to make (aim for 3–4 points total across the essay).

Each bullet-plan 'unit' has exactly three parts:

1. Point of comparison — the shared category (tone, structure, audience appeal, use of imagery, etc.)
2. Text A evidence + effect — a specific quote/device from Text A, and what it does
3. Text B evidence + effect — a specific quote/device from Text B, and what it does

This structure forces you to think in pairs from the very start, which is exactly what Criterion B (Analysis) and Criterion C (Organisation) reward — sustained, linked comparison rather than two separate mini-essays glued together.