Comparing two pieces of war literature | Starter Quiz | Oak National Academy

When analysing a piece of war literature (World at war: short stories), we might consider the writer's choice of form, language and structure. Match these key terms to their definitions.

• form

• the type of text a writer uses

• language

• the words a writer has chosen

• structure

• how a text is put together e.g. its beginning, middle and end

Answer explanation

In English, analysis is all about considering the choices a writer makes, and the effect and success of those choices. Broadly, these choices fall under these three categories: choices about form, language and structure.

In World at war: short stories, we have read a number of different text types. Match each text type to its definition.

• short story

• designed to be read in one sitting, written in stanzas

• letter

• an account based on someone's memories

• memoir

• designed to be read in one sitting, written in prose

• extract

• selected moment from a text

• poem

• a written message (often) from one person to another

Answer explanation

Often, the first step for many writers is to consider what type of text they want to write, and how this text type will help them convey their messages or explore particular ideas.

In World at war: short stories, we have come across a number of different writers. Match each writer to a text they have written.

• Vera Brittain

• 'The Fly'

• Wilfred Owen

• 'Propping Up The Line'

• Katherine Mansfield

• 'Mental Cases'

• Ian Beck

• 'Testament of Youth'

Answer explanation

War is a subject of fascination for many writers. All of the authors explore a different aspect of World War One, and bring their own unique methods to present ideas about this conflict.

In World at war: short stories, we have come across a number of different writers. Match each writer to something we know about them.

• Vera Brittain

• the master of the short story, experimental in plot and characters

• Ian Beck

• lost a fiancé, two close friends and her brother in WW1

• Wilfred Owen

• inspired by the experiences of their grandfather

• Katherine Mansfield

• best remembered for poetry about realities of trench warfare

Answer explanation

When writing about a text, bringing in relevant facts about their life can often help develop an understanding of what they wrote, how and why.

Which word best completes this sentence comparing 2 texts (World at war: short stories): "{{ }} Owen and Beck present the brutal reality of trench warfare."

• Whilst

• However

• Both

• Similar

• But

Answer explanation

Comparing two texts can help you understand the choices a writer has made. Often, it is good to start by thinking about what connects the two texts, and then consider what differences the writers have made to explore this connection.

Which word best completes this sentence comparing 2 texts (World at war: short stories): "{{ }} Owen experienced the trenches first hand, Beck was inspired by his grandfather’s time in France."

• Whilst

• However

• Both

• Similar

• But

Answer explanation

Comparing two texts can help you understand the choices a writer has made. Here, the topic is the same: WW1, but the way in which we might consider these texts is impacted by autobiographical detail about the writers themselves.