Compare and Contrast Essay

Over All Composition I. Thesis II. Evidentiary paragraph 1 – sims and diffs III. Evidentiary paragraph 2 – sims and diffs IV. Evidentiary paragraph 3 – sims and diffs

Evidentiary Paragraph Composition I. Topic sentence arguing sims versus diffs for the aspect you are comparing in the paragraph II. Evidence 1 III. Evidence 2 IV. Evidence 3 V. Causation commentary

Format for Comparative Essays Thesis. Your thesis should clearly identify similarities versus differences, preferably in two separate sentences or two separate clauses within a sentence divided by a clear “however” or “but”, etc. You should try for three similarities and three differences, preferably related. The differences ideally qualify the similarities.

Format for Comparative Essays Evidentiary paragraphs. Each evidentiary paragraph should start by arguing a similarity qualified by a difference. Follow with evidence. End each evidentiary paragraph with CAUSATION COMMENTARY, where you explain what led to either a similarity or a difference argued in your topic sentence.

Overall composition Evidentiary Paragraph Composition I. Thesis II. Evidentiary paragraph 1 – sims and diffs III. Evidentiary paragraph 2 – sims and diffs IV. Evidentiary paragraph 3 – sims and diffs I. Topic sentence arguing sims versus diffs for the aspect you are comparing in the paragraph II. Evidence 1 III. Evidence 2 IV. Evidence 3 V. Causation commentary

Words to Use Compare Contrast Similarly On the contrary likewise contrarily in like fashion notwithstanding in like manner but analogous to however equally nevertheless in spite of in contrast yet on one hand on the other hand at the same time instead

Periodization Discuss what they want discussed not what you want to discuss. If they ask about the Roman Empire don’t write about the Roman Republic.

Thesis You need to be specific. Bad Example: Cheese pizza is similar to peperoni pizza but it is also different. Good Example: Cheese pizza is similar to peperoni pizza, both are made with cheese, tomato sauce and bread; while they are both different because peperoni pizza also includes thin slices of peperoni while cheese pizza’s don’t.

Three Categories in Topic Sentence You must be explicit about what you plan on talking about in the evidence paragraph. You need to tell me the topics in the topic sentence not the evidence for the topic.

Evidence Your evidence should be directly linked to the similarity or difference. Be as specific as possible.

Direct Comparison Make direct comparisons to the categories and your thesis. Be specific about he information.

Causation Analysis Show how things are related. Explain how an event or thing leads to another event happening. “Thus we see”

Comparative Essay -- Core Points Has an acceptable thesis. (must both be correct and go beyond restating the question) Acceptable earns 1 point ____ Addresses all parts of the question. (may be unevenly addressed)   All Parts earns 2 points ____ Most parts earns 1 point ____ Substantiates thesis with historical evidence. (Evidence must be correct) All appropriate earns 2 points ____ Partial earns 1 point ____ Makes at least one or two relevant, direct comparisons between or among societies. Earns 1 point ____ Analyses at least one reason for a similarity or difference identified in a direct comparison.

Comparative Essay – Extended Core Reason Yes Maybe No Has a clear, analytical, and comprehensive thesis   Fully addresses all parts of the question (as relevant) Provides ample historical evidence to substantiate thesis Relates comparisons to larger global context Makes several direct comparisons consistently between or among societies Consistently analyses causes and effects of relevant similarities and differences.