Comparative Essay Overview

Comparative Essay Typically involves how two societies responded to a major theme or event Comparing = finding similarities and differences Major themes tested on comparative essay include the following: How different societies responded to events, to each other, or to other societies How different societies changed (or didn’t) in response to an event How different societies developed How different societies responded to new ideas or new technologies

What the Directions Mean Sample comparison essay directions as they appear on the exam: Directions: You are to answer the following question. You should spend 5 minutes organizing or outlining your essay. Write an essay that: Has a relevant thesis and supports that thesis with appropriate historical evidence. Addresses all parts of the question. Makes direct, relevant comparisons. Analyzes relevant reasons for similarities and differences.

What the Directions Mean Here is what your essay should do: Write a thesis that makes your major points of comparison Answers all parts of the question Makes at least two direct, relevant comparisons of the given societies You lose a core point if you don’t include both similarities and differences Analyze relevant reasons for those similarities and differences

Basic Core Points Basic Core Point(s) Possible Is your thesis acceptable? (Do you compare the issues or themes specified?) 1 Have you addressed all parts of the question, even if you have not done so completely or in a balanced fashion? Have you addressed most parts of the question? (For example, do you address similarities but not differences?) 2 (1) Have you substantiated the thesis with appropriate historical evidence? Have you done so partially? Have you shown at least one or two relevant, direct comparisons between or among the societies? Have you identified at least one reason for a similarity or difference identified in a direct comparison? SUBTOTAL 7

Basic Core Points What To Do Point(s) Possible Write a thesis that clearly states your claim. Why do you believe this claim is true? Is your thesis acceptable? Do you compare the issues or themes specified? 1 Address all parts of the question. Have you addressed all parts of the question, even if you have not done so completely or in a balanced fashion? Have you addressed most parts of the question? For example, do you address similarities but no differences? 2 (1) Support your thesis with appropriate historical evidence. Have you substantiated the thesis with appropriate historical evidence? Have you don so partially? Make at least two direct, relevant comparisons Have you shown at least one or two relevant, direct comparisons between or among the societies? Include a similarity or difference in your comparison(s) Have you shown at least one reason for a similarity or difference indentified in direct comparison? SUBTOTAL 7

Thesis Statement A solid comparative thesis must address all parts of the question by discussing both similarities and differences. More specifically, a comparative thesis should make at least two significant and direction comparisons – one should be a similarity and one a difference. It is not acceptable to simply say, “the two civilizations were similar and different.”

Thesis Statement Examples Prompt: Compare and contrast the political and economic effects of Mongol rule on two of the following regions: China Middle East Russia

Thesis Statement Examples: Unacceptable Thesis: “The Mongols affected China and Russia similarly and differently.” Explanation: This merely parrots the question, and is too vague to count for anything. “The Mongols greatly affected China and the Middle East.” Explanation: This doesn’t answer the question. The question doesn’t ask about the degree of Mongol influence. “The Mongols greatly affected the Middle East and Russia in similar ways. They both benefitted from Silk Road trade and both were politically subordinate to Mongol rule.” Explanation: While this thesis does qualify political and economic effects, it doesn’t address differences.

Thesis Statement Examples: Acceptable Thesis: “There were economic similarities but political differences to the Mongol’s effects in the Middle East and Russia.” Explanation: This thesis is weak, but marginally acceptable. “The Mongols had significant political and economic impact on both Russia and China during their rule, but China was affected more, begin ruled directly by Mongols, whereas Russia was largely left to its own devices under independent princedoms [sic] and felt Mongol influence largely via taxes.” Explanation: This thesis isn’t perfectly focused, but it adequately answers the question.

Thesis Statement Examples: Excellent Thesis: “While the Mongols’ political influence in China was more dramatic in the short term, the Mongols actually influenced China less than they did Russia, which labored under a longer (if less obvious) Mongol influence for centuries. Economically though, the Mongols had a far reaching impact on both Russia and China.”

Outline Structure Introductory Paragraph with Thesis Statement Background: Establish reference points for the reader. Define the parameters of the question. Thesis Statement: Answer ALL parts of the question. First Body Paragraph: First comparison Topic Sentence: Direct statement of comparison Evidence: Describe and explain similarity/difference Analysis: Reasons for similarity/difference  Second Body Paragraph: Second comparison  Third Body Paragraph: Third comparison Conclusion (optional) Restate thesis in a new way Summarize evidence and analysis