Compare and Contrast Essays

In General … Good titles; formal  To Act or Abide: Complying and Rebelling with Traditional Standards in LWFC and Chronicle of a Death Foretold Good MLA formatting (all papers should use this format for the rest of the year and ALL of next year!!! And in college!!!! ) Excellent quote choice: almost all directly relating to thesis and topic sentence Excellent organization (point by point/block) Pretty good use of transitions within paragraphs

Writing in Present Tense Incorrect: Tita was experiencing a great longing for Pedro, and Mama Elena was in her way. So when she finally got fed up and told Mama Elena how she felt. Correct: Tita experiences a deep longing for Pedro, and with Mama Elena standing in her way she is unable to withstand the abuse any longer, Tita says, “….

Thesis Statement Thesis statements should involve the three points of comparison plus specific conclusions that will be proven. Example: Esquivel and Marquez reveal the complexity of virginity in their novels through the exploration of traditional morals of virginity, societal reactions, and the juxtaposition of the whore figure. Through the novels the author’s reveal that the virgin figures struggles with emotional fulfillment while the characters who follow the whore archetype are self empowered and ultimately happy.

Topic Sentence Alignment Topic sentences must be indicative of the novel and must support the thesis; likewise, they should use language from the thesis. Incorrect: The virgin figure is evident in literature Correct: The traditional expectations of the virgin figure are clearly depicted in the novel’s characters Tita and Angela.

Punctuation Tips Semi Colon use  Use a semicolon to join two independent clauses with a transition word (sentences that could stand alone but relate to one another)  Antonia is an immigrant; likewise, she is faced with a myriad of struggles. Contractions  It’s vs it is  They’re vs they are

Quotes No quote shall be air dropped or stand alone Ensure quotes contain context Ensure quotes are ALWAYS followed with analysis tying back to the topic sentence or thesis. A paragraph should never end with a quote.

Citations Know that if the source does not alternate within the paragraph you only have to mention the last name once…after the page number is fine. This must restart with each paragraph. You can also introduce the author thereby omitting the authors name in the citation.  Esquivel writes of a strict Mama Elena, “You know perfectly well…” (10).

Rewrites If you want to make changes for up to 10 points back on your essay:  You must me to make an appointment  You must show up on time to the appointment  NO points will be given for just simple edits inspired by my comments; I want to see thorough revisions and a thoughtful rewrite.  New draft should have all new additions and changes highlighted; in addition, the old packet should be attached.