Comparing two sources means showing how they relate on the same features. The skill is to set both texts side by side and answer point by point, rather than summarising one and then the other.
This lesson is part of general comprehension. It follows making a supported inference, and the next step is developing a relevant KBAT response.
How do I compare two texts?
Choose the features to compare, then fill a grid with a short note for each text. The question usually tells you which features matter.
Good features are the main idea, the purpose, the evidence used, the audience and the tone.
Worked example: two notices
Here are two original notices about a school’s recycling programme.
Notis A: Murid diminta membawa botol plastik ke pusat kitar semula sekolah setiap hari Jumaat. Sila pastikan botol dibasuh.
Notis B: Kempen kitar semula kini bermula! Tunjukkan kepedulian anda dan sertai kami setiap hari Jumaat. Kelas dengan sumbangan tertinggi akan menerima hadiah.
Fill a grid.
| Feature | Notis A | Notis B |
|---|---|---|
| Main idea | Bring plastic bottles on Fridays | Join the recycling campaign on Fridays |
| Purpose | Give an instruction | Encourage participation |
| Evidence or reason | None given | A prize for the top class |
| Tone | Formal, direct | Friendly, persuasive |
The comparison sentence, built from the grid:
Kedua-dua notis meminta murid menyertai aktiviti kitar semula pada hari Jumaat. Walau bagaimanapun, Notis A memberi arahan secara terus, manakala Notis B menggalakkan penyertaan dengan menawarkan hadiah.
The first sentence states what they share. The second states the difference in purpose and backs it up with wording from the texts.
The mistake: two summaries
A weak answer writes: Notis A menyuruh murid membawa botol. Notis B meminta murid menyertai kempen. Each sentence is correct, but the reader must do the comparing.
The fix is to use connectors that join the texts in one sentence: manakala, walau bagaimanapun, kedua-duanya, berbeza dengan. These words force you to compare.
Keeping the grid honest
Fill the same rows for both texts, even if one has nothing to report. “None given” is an answer, and it is what shows that Notis B gives a reason while Notis A does not.
The BM essay plan builder has a two-column layout you can reuse for the grid.
Check yourself
Compare these two short texts on purpose and tone.
Teks 1: Perpustakaan akan ditutup pada hari Isnin kerana kerja baik pulih. Teks 2: Kami mohon maaf kerana perpustakaan terpaksa ditutup pada hari Isnin. Kami akan membukanya semula secepat mungkin.
Answer
Both texts tell readers that the library will be closed on Monday. Text 1 states the reason briefly and in a neutral tone, whereas Text 2 apologises and promises to reopen, so its tone is more polite and reassuring.
Purpose: Text 1 informs. Text 2 informs and also manages the reader’s feelings. The answer names the shared content, then the difference in tone with evidence (“mohon maaf”).
What to study next
Continue with developing a relevant KBAT response from the text, then try the general comprehension practice set.
Record your slips in the mistake log tool. If you want a teacher to review your comparison answers, see online one-to-one SPM Bahasa Melayu tuition.