How to Write Comparative Essays Michael D Geoffrion

Compare and Contrast Notice the bullet points are essentially the same as the rubric

Know the Rubric Comparison means to say what is the same and what is different. This says at LEAST on – you need THREE – Rule of 3!!! Analyze means to say why – why is there a difference or similarity This should also be done as much as possible.

Know the Rubric A student MUST earn all of the basic core points in order to be eligible for expanded core points Mo’ Betta’ Essays: by doing the things required in the basic core more often or better than what is required results in expanded core points Suggestion: Make multiple direct comparisons; follow each D.C. with analysis.

Tackle the Question

Brainstorm Quickly

Brainstorm More Quickly China Russia Goals Outcomes

Develop a Thesis The thesis statement is your answer to the prompt Include SPECIFIC similarities AND differences If there are dates in the prompt, include the dates in the thesis statement Earn expanded core points by being analytical (explaining why)

Adequate/ Inadequate / Sophisticated “The goals and outcomes of revolutions in China in 1911, and Russia in 1917 were similar in many ways, however, there were a few differences.” Inadequate

Adequate/ Inadequate / Sophisticated “The goals and outcomes of revolutions in China in 1911, and Russia in 1917 were similar in that both nations were attempting to overthrow a monarchy, and both nations experienced civil war. However, whereas the Russian Revolution was settled quickly, China’s revolution wouldn’t result in a stable government until the 1950s” Adequate

Adequate/ Inadequate / Sophisticated “The Russian Revolution (1917) and the 1911 revolution in China held similar goals and outcomes in attempting and succeeding in abolishing a monarchy and resulting in a communist state, but where as Russia only faced internal pressures, and therefore stabilized quickly, economic interference from the West and invasion by Japan resulted in a long period of uncertainty. The 1911 Revolution in China would not produce a stable government until the 1950s” Sophisticated

Format of Essay Remember you only get points for pointing out the similarities and differences. Consider the following…

If you do the following… Where are you going to compare and contrast???

The following also has some issues Can work, but not always Note: These days you have to be more specific than SPRITE.

Best format to get POINTS This requires a lot of prewriting – if you have time, do this!!! Note: These days you have to be more specific than SPRITE.

Thesis – Same as before – answer question, use groups, and give hints Use Outline Thesis – Same as before – answer question, use groups, and give hints Political Goals and Outcomes Economic Goals and Outcomes Military Goals and Outcomes Evidence Evidence Evidence Conclusion

Each body paragraph should include TASC Topic Sentence Analysis: why a similarity or difference exist Support with 3 pieces of evidence Connect to a larger global context

Example of Analysis Analysis should follow a direct comparison Both the Chinese and Russian revolutions resulted in communist states. This is likely due to the fact that most revolutionaries in both countries were poor, oppressed, peasants and were therefore likely to embrace the communist ideals of an egalitarian society.

Common Problems Describing the two things/events separately (with great evidence) but never comparing and/or contrasting – NO POINTS FOR DESCRIBING Not being SPECIFIC Analysis: Analyzing why a society has an certain attribute rather than why a similarity or difference exists between societies. Confusing dates, people, and places Running out of time and not finishing

3. Analyze similarities and differences between apples and oranges during the period 1997-present.