Comparative Essay Tutorial Prompt Prewrite Thesis Body paragraphs (3); “talking points” “stuff” to be sure of…

1. Prompt Pick it apart Subject? Object? Verb? Key words? Ex: Compare the effect of colonization on Africa and India in the 16th century. Compare the development of Confucianism and Hinduism during the Ancient and Classical periods.

II. Prewrite No longer than 5 minutes Necessary 1. Organize 3 “talking points” which will become 3 paragraphs 2. List 3 facts per talking point 3. Write thesis

III. Thesis Paragraph Use comparative words! “differences”, “similarities”, “effect of”, “caused by”, 1 – 3 sentences long Is this a good thesis? -Egypt and Shang China were similar and different in religion, social structure and politics.

How to write a thesis paragraph: Your thesis statement must:         1) directly address the comparison         2) stay within the parameters of the question         3) take an arguable position on the subject (be bold!!!)         4) make reference to what will be used in the essay.

Prompt: “For several hundred years the Mongols ruled over both Russia and China.  After casting off Mongol domination, both areas began a process of political and cultural recovery. Compare and contrast these processes in Russia and China.” HORRIBLE: Russia and China both gained freedom from Mongol domination. BAD: The recovery of Russia and China after the Mongols had many similarities and differences.  BETTER: When Russia and China recovered from Mongol domination they had similar political goals but different cultural goals. BEST: While both Russia and China built strong centralized governments after breaking free from the Mongols, Russia imitated the culture and technology of Europe while China became isolated and built upon its own foundations.

IV. Body Paragraphs (3!) Most prompts lead to 3 body paragraphs Each paragraph should have a “topic sentence” (use comparative words!) MUST address both objects (ex: Egypt and Shang) of the prompt in every paragraph Analysis sentence at end of each paragraph – “BECAUSE”, “IN ORDER TO”, “DUE TO”

V. Stuff to be sure of MUST write in blue or black pen Use PAST tense NO pronouns (he, she, they, it) Use key words (while, for example, however) Must make DIRECT comparisons

1st paragraph – thesis 2nd paragraph – “talking point” #1 Comparative statement for topic #1 Fact 1 Fact 2 Fact 3 Analysis statement - why 3rd paragraph “talking point” #2 Comparative statement for topic 4th paragraph “talking point” #3 5th paragraph - conclusion