just not really sure as to how to make connections between my related and the prescribed text in my essay. does it have to be really in depth ? or just "similarly" and "unlike this text...."
Basically you have to go into the same depth for each related text that you would for your prescribed. The related text must be done in equal depth and you can not have a massive lot of information about the prescribed and a small paragraph on the related as the syllabus states "through a variety of text's."
The best way to do the essay is to have a variety of points about belonging and too have thought about the ideas that Aerath previously posted above.
These points need to be broad and able to be adapted to ANY question.
For eg. Belonging allows humans to feel accepted.
You should then go through and see how each point is shown in each of your texts.
So how belonging allows humans to feel accepted in your prescribed, related and other related.
You should then answer the question in relating to this point with your prescibed text. Once done that you move onto your related text/s and say how this point is too seen in this text in the same or a different way.
Ensure that you are using this point to answer the question and are not just talking about the point and not referencing it!
You should then use another point and repeat this ensuring you answer the question Until you have 3-4 points relating to the question.
Then conclude saying how your prescribed and related show whatever it is you are saying about belonging.
So to sum up, give equal consideration to all texts as it is important to show the marker that you have grasped ideas about belonging through all texts.
