Steps to Writing a Comparative Essay 1.Read the question carefully. Underline what the question is asking you to do. These key words must be in the thesis statement. 2.Remember- you have 40 minutes total to write this essay. Take 5 minutes (or more, if necessary) to plan and 35 minutes to write. 3.Take a stand. More similar or different. Remember the 2/1 rule. You must have both similarities and differences. 4.You must give reasons WHY the similar and different (that is the analysis). 5.Must have at least three pieces of evidence per paragraph topic to prove. With no evidence, how will you prove your thesis?

Rubric

Did You? 1.Red – Underline the thesis. Do you have the following words: Methods of political control, Classical period Did you pick two empires? In Green draw a box around your labels/topics of methods of control. 2.Green – Did you address both similarities and difference? Write “Yes or No I did address both.” Did you take a stand? Write “Yes or No, I took a stand.”

Did You? 3.Red – Do you have at least 3 pieces of evidence for each body/topic paragraph? List your evidence. Use phrases. Write in the rubric: 1.Body 1: List evidence 2.Body 2: List evidence 3.Body 3: List evidence 4.Green – Did you discuss both in each topic/body paragraph? Write “Yes or No” in rubric. For which body paragraph? Answer on rubric.

Did You? 5. Red – Underline in the body paragraphs where you analyzed (why/reason similar or different). –Indicate on the rubric: Which paragraph Why/Reason for the similarity or difference

How Will You Answer: Analyze similarities and differences in methods of political control in TWO of the following empires in the Classical period. –Han China (206 B.C.E.–220 C.E.) –Mauryan/Gupta India (320 B.C.E.–550 C.E.) –Imperial Rome (31 B.C.E.–476 C.E.)