Initial comments on Owen essay

I've marked two essays from the lot that you guys have handed in. Here are some initial observations:

1) Argument not particularly clear. It's there in the intro, but it gets lost in the subsequent paragraphs. Also, you guys don't explain what you understand of the terms. By breaking down the parts of the question and explaining what they mean to me, you are effectively giving me the boundaries of your argument.

Put in more care into writing your topic sentences, which should state clearly each step of your argument. Do NOT craft your argument by assuming that I know what you mean by saying "Owen's poetry reflects on, and passionately protest against the tragedy of the loss of a generation to WWI". What makes this reflective quality? What is the "tragedy"? What is the "loss of a generation"? What kind of loss is it?

2) Giving me two poems and discussing them one after another. You are using the two poems to illustrate your argument. They should be cross-compared to make your point. (i.e. don't give me complete analysis on one poem, then move on to complete analysis of the other.)