Compare and Contrast Essay AP World History

Compare and Contrast

Rubric Comparison means to say what is the same and what is different. This says at LEAST one, you need THREE. Rule of 3! Analyze means to say why. Why is there a difference or similarity?

The Question

Formatting the Essay You only get points for pointing out the similarities and differences. Organization is very important! Consider the following examples……

Example #1 This is not a good idea. What is bad about this example? ANSWER: Where are you going to compare and contrast?

Example #2 This can work, but not always. Why would this not always work?

Example #3 This requires a lot of prewriting. If you have time, do this, but do not use the broad social, economic or political categories. Narrow the categories to themes and concepts. Why would you want to narrow them?

Organize Your Essay Before Writing example Thesis Address question, use groups, include time period if noted and give defining categories. Political (in a more defining category) Goals and Outcomes Political (in a more defining category) Goals and Outcomes Political (in a more defining category) Goals and Outcomes Evidence Evidence Evidence Conclusion with some historical context

Common Problems Describing the two things or events separately (with a lot of evidence) but never comparing and/or contrasting. You will not earn any points for describing. Confusing dates, people, and places Running out of time and not finishing

General Problems for all essays Not addressing the prompt. Similar but not different. Losing focus. Giving up. Never, never, never give up!

Comparative Statements AP World History

What are Comparative Statements? Think about it….its very simple, but not always easy to spot. It’s a comparison of two things in statement form. So what is so hard?

How are Comparative Statements written? Example A: “The British ruled their empire through local intermediaries. France created a bureaucracy staffed by French soldiers and civilian servants.” Example B: “The British ruled their empire through local intermediaries. Where as France created a bureaucracy staffed by French soldiers and civilian servants.” Do you notice the difference?

Why do you think Comparative Statements are important in world history?

What is analysis? Definition: So, what does that mean to you? The separating of any material or abstract entity into its constituent elements. So, what does that mean to you? How do Comparative Statements enhance analytical thinking?