Making Your List Example: Comparing two seasons Spring: warmer, flowers bloom, trees bloom, before summer, beginnings Autumn: cooler, leaves change, brilliant colors, before winter, endings Similarities: bright colors, temperature changes Differences: plants reviving in spring, plants fading in autumn; warming up in spring, cooling down in autumn Copyright Copyright 2012

Develop a thesis statement from the comparisons Ask yourself these questions: 1. Is there something important, significant, or interesting in the similarities and differences on my list? 2. What have I discovered about the two subjects? Copyright Copyright 2012

Create an initial thesis statement based on your answers Example: "Although there is exquisite beauty in both the seasons of spring and autumn, there are also important distinctions which make each season unique." This thesis statement may change as you learn more. But it gives you a starting point to work from. Copyright Copyright 2012

Two Ways to Organize and Write Your information 1. By Block - Deal with each subject completely on its own, covering major points as they relate to that subject. 2. By Point - Deal with each major point one by one, comparing the two subjects under each point. Copyright Copyright 2012

Block Organization Sample Outline I. Introduction II. Spring A. temperature B. events C. time period III. Autumn A. temperature B. events C. time period IV. Conclusion Copyright Copyright 2012

Point-by-Point Organization Sample Outline I. Introduction II.Temperature A. spring B. autumn III. Events A. spring B. autumn IV. Time Period A. spring B. autumn V. Conclusion Copyright Copyright 2012

Tips for Choosing your Organizational Style Block style works better for shorter essays. Point style works better for longer essays. Two reasons the style is important: 1. It helps you stay organized as you write.2. It helps the reader to follow along. Copyright Copyright 2012

After You Finish the Essay Questions to ask: 1. Can the reader relate to the topic? 2. Will the reader understand what you've written? 3. Will the reader agree with your points? 4. Will the reader think you have good support for your conclusion? Copyright Copyright 2012