Y06W13WR Two Ways to Respond to Feedback

Part 1

How to Write

Comparative – Comparative analysis

A comparative analysis examines two things side by side to reveal what each one shows that the other does not. It is written for a reader who wants considered, evidence-based insights — not a simple list of differences. The tone should be measured and thoughtful, showing that the writer has genuinely engaged with both sources.

  • Ideas & content: Go beyond obvious surface differences. Focus on what each subject suggests, reveals or implies — what choices have been made, and why do they matter?
  • Structure & cohesion: Organise your analysis around ideas, not just features. Use comparative language to link your points across both subjects and connect your observations with analytical phrases.
  • Voice & audience: Write with measured confidence. Avoid strong unsupported opinions — let the evidence support your analysis. Use hedging language such as suggests, implies and appears to where appropriate.
  • Language choices: Use precise analytical vocabulary. Write in the present tense when discussing text or behaviour. Avoid casual phrasing and unsupported generalisations.
  • Conventions: Spell analytical vocabulary accurately. Use commas and semicolons to manage complex comparisons. Check that sentences remain clear even when the ideas are complex.

Common pitfalls: Describing each subject separately without actually comparing them — every point should connect both sides. Moving through features mechanically without building toward a genuine insight or conclusion.

Part 2

Your Task Plan for Today

The brief

Question: Write a comparative piece examining these two responses to feedback. What does each approach suggest about how that student understands improvement? What is each student likely to do well or struggle with as a result of their approach? What does genuinely useful response to feedback actually require? Use specific reasoning to support your comparisons.

Stimulus: Two students have just received feedback on a piece of writing they submitted. The teacher’s comment was the same for both: ‘Your ideas are strong but your piece needs better structure.‘

Student A reads the comment and thinks: ‘I don’t really know what that means. I thought it made sense the way I wrote it. I’ll just change a few things and resubmit.‘

Student B reads the comment and thinks: ‘I need to figure out exactly what the problem is before I change anything. I’m going to re-read my piece, look at where my ideas are and work out whether they’re in the right order.‘

Task Analysis: This task asks you to write a comparative analysis based on the prompt. Your response should demonstrate clear thinking, good organisation and writing appropriate for a Year 6 reader. Focus on showing your understanding through specific examples and thoughtful details.

Quick Plan

Before you write, plan:

  • What each includes and leaves out — note the differences
  • One key difference that shapes how readers understand each
  • Specific evidence from both sides to support comparison
  • Your main insight — what does this comparison reveal?

Central claim

Begin with a clear statement about what the comparison reveals. Don’t just say they’re different—explain what kind of difference it is and why the reader should care.

Evidence selection

Point to specific words, examples or details from both sides. Name what you notice, then explain what it shows. Use concrete proof, not vague claims.

Analysis (how/why)

Push past describing to explaining effect. How does this difference change what the reader understands? Use analytical language: suggests, implies, reveals, shows.

Tone & voice

Write with calm confidence. You’re analysing carefully—the reader should feel you’ve looked closely at both sides. Avoid casual language and unsupported opinions.