IGCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE B (9-1) SECTION A: NOTES

Comparison Question (General Points)

General Points about Fictional Text:

 a fictional text
 it is narrative
 it includes the character’s thoughts and feelings
 the contrast with the negative beginning and positive reactions at the end
 the use of negative language at the start is contrasted with the positive description of
Number Six.

General Points about Non-Fictional Text:

 it is an article
 it is advisory
 the use of a slightly informal tone
 the writer’s positivity
 it is aimed at teachers.
 the writer is trying to persuade the reader
 the writer uses a slightly informal style: ‘I’m not living there’ and direct questions: ‘can they
be a permanent solution?’, ‘So what’s it like to actually live in one?’ which makes the reader
feel engaged.
 it includes her personal experiences / beliefs (use of ‘I’).
/first-person account/personal story/first-person account helps to engage the reader
 fairly formal style
 informal/colloquial style/ the colloquial style, ‘Okay’, ‘so there we have it’, is intended to
appeal to the reader/ colloquial style engages reader ‘kids’
 use of slightly informal style: ‘I was ready for action’, ‘Good enough odds for me’, ‘I…went
for it’, ‘would finish me off’, ‘I made it out’ lightens the text
 the use of positive language and examples throughout
 the use of positive language conveys the writer’s enjoyment/optimism
 the reassuring tone / it has a friendly / supportive tone
 the use of positive or reassuring language conveys to the reader that organisation is
achievable
 the use of direct address/ pronouns: ‘you’/‘we’ / engages the reader by the use of inclusive
pronouns: ‘we’, ‘you’ / it directly addresses the audience
 the style is friendly and personal
 the use of the informal tone – ‘pooh-pooh’, ‘chilling’
 the use of a slightly humorous tone throughout / the use of humour lightens the tone.
 the use of the pronoun ‘you’ engages the reader
 the use of sub-headings makes it easier to read.
 engages the reader by using real people
 supportive tone

Points of Comparison:

Similarities:

 both texts aim to persuade the reader that [theme/topic, e.g. art] is important
1
©Muhammad Naimur Rahman
Barrister-at-Law, Lincoln’s Inn
IGCSE ENGLISH LANGUAGE B (9-1) SECTION A: NOTES

 both texts are about [topic, e.g. after-study activities]

 both texts clearly convey the writers’ ideas, experiences (if applicable), and perspectives.
 both texts comment on the positive aspects of [topic, e.g. reading]
 both texts consider the benefits of [topic, e.g. tidiness and organization]
 both texts consider the importance of [topic, e.g. empowering students / young people]
 both texts describe [topic, e.g. houses people live in; thrilling activities, etc.]
 both texts give/offer advice/support
 both texts give information about [topic, e.g. reading]
 both texts have an informal style
 both texts mention individuals’ reactions to [the experiences]
 both texts mention people’s reaction to [the housing]
 both texts stress the importance of [topic, e.g. art]
 both texts stress the positive aspects of [topic, e.g. friendship]
 both texts use positive language and examples

Differences:

 Text One is a personal perspective/Text Two, although also a personal view, is more
detached and analytical
 Text One is a real-life personal experience/Text Two uses description and fictional characters
 Text One is about friendship in general/Text Two is about different types of friendship
 Text One is about one activity / Text Two mentions many
 Text One is about several activities /Text Two is about one activity
 Text One is about the importance of reading; Text Two is critical of teenagers’ reading habits
 Text One is aimed at [audience, e.g. students; young people, etc.]; Text Two is aimed at
[audience, e.g. parents; teachers, etc.]
 Text One is almost autobiographical and persuasive/Text Two is discursive and persuasive
 Text One is colloquial/friendly; Text Two is informative/persuasive
 Text One is enthusiastic / Text Two is encouraging/frightening, etc.
 Text One is fairly formal but with some slight informality / Text Two is colloquial / friendly
 Text One is from an adult perspective/Text Two is from a teenage perspective
 Text One is informative / Text Two is persuasive
 Text One is informative/persuasive; Text Two is narrative
 Text One is informative/Text Two is narrative
 Text One is persuasive/Text Two is informative/educational
 Text One is positive and persuasive; Text Two is negative and persuasive
 Text One is not judgmental/Text Two judges the quality of friendships
 Text One is looking back at experiences of art education/Text Two is about the writer’s
passion for art
 Text One mentions individuals’ reactions / Text Two does not refer to individuals
 Text One mentions places around the world; Text Two is based in India
 Text One offers specific advice / Text Two is more general
 Text One offers straightforward advice; Text Two uses humour to make the point.
 Text One uses real people and facts to present ideas; Text Two uses description and fictional
characters

2
©Muhammad Naimur Rahman
Barrister-at-Law, Lincoln’s Inn