1. Today you Will: Examine the elements of an AP comparative essay.
Do Now: Imagine that you had to write an essay comparing apples and bananas. Think of some ways that you can compare them!

2. DO NOW:
Using your notes from the APWH Exam Video, explain to a partner the expectations and requirements for the Free Response Question Essay
HW: Complete the Blocking Sheet for the Comparative Fruit Essay…Found on Google Classroom and mshansen.com
Pop your collar, button up a cardigan…Preppy Friday tomorrow!

3. Reason for Similarity or Difference
Apples
Bananas
Direct Comparison (s)
Reason for Similarity or Difference
Nutrition
Skin
Color
Apples and bananas are both nutritious in that both have vitamin C and fiber; however Apples provide 5 grams fiber while Bananas provide only 3 grams of fiber.
5 Grams of Fiber
8 mg of Vitamin C
81 calories
3 Grams of Fiber
9 mg of Vitamin C
Potassium
110 calories
THE REASON that Apples have more fiber is BECAUSE the skin is eaten and not discarded like the banana.
Although both have a protective skin, the apple has a very thin, edible skin while the banana has very thick inedible skin.
THE REASON that the banana has a thicker skin than the apple is BECAUSE it serves to protect the soft pulp of the banana whereas the apple has a firmer pulp
Thin
Edible
Difficult to peel
Thick
Non-edible
easy to peel
The colors differ greatly; however, when they are overripe they are similar in that both get darker over time.
THE REASON that both are brown when overripe is BECAUSE of the oxidation process that occurs with all organic material.
Green when not ripe
Ripe always yellow
Gets darker when over ripe
Red or green
Gets darker when over ripe

4. Long Essay Question (LEQ) Rubric: Comparative
THESIS (1 POINT)
Presents a defensible claim that
responds to all parts of the question ____
ARGUMENT DEVELOPMENT (COMPARISON) (2 POINTS)
1 POINT Describes similarities AND differences ____
1 POINT Explains the reasons for similarities AND differences ____
USING EVIDENCE (2 POINTS)
1 POINT Provides specific, relevant evidence ____
1 POINT Uses evidence to analyze and substantiate thesis ____  
SYNTHESIS (1 POINT) Extends the argument by
Developing a different period, situation or geographical area ____
Connecting with a theme unique to the question ____
Connecting with a different discipline ____
TOTAL POINTS ______

5. The Thesis CREATE A CHECKLIST: CHRONOLOGY – time period
Targeted Skill:
ARGUMENTATION
Makes a historically defensible claim and responds to all parts of the question, located in either intro or conclusion
CREATE A CHECKLIST:
CHRONOLOGY – time period
GEOGRAPHY – place(s)
CHANGE/CONTINUITY OR SIMILARITY/DIFFERENCE
TOPIC POSITION – Be worthy of debate

6. Thesis Statement (Your Argument)
Apples and Bananas are both similar and different.
Duhhhh…So What!??
Not Acceptable!
Apples and bananas are both nutritious fruits grown in present day societies that tend to darken when overripe; however, they differ in their fiber content, skin and region in which they are grown.
Acceptable, but not comprehensive.

7. Apples and bananas are both nutritious snacks with valuable vitamins that darken when overripe and are grown in present day societies, however, they differ in the amount of fiber, skin thickness and edibility as well as in their color consistency and shades. In addition, both are grown in large scale agricultural societies, but apples are grown in temperate climates where bananas are grown in tropical climates.
Comprehensive (expanded on the ideas of nutrition and got more descriptive with differences)
** NOTE: Your thesis statement should not be too narrow and too detailed with specifics. For example: Apples and bananas are both nutritious in that they have more than 3 grams of fiber and are high in vitamin C etc….