1. Compare and Contrast Essay
A.K.A. Synthesis Essay on “Harrison Bergeron” by kurt Vonnegut and (film adaptation) directed by Chandler Tuttle

2. Compare and Contrast Essay
Involves finding similarities and differences in TWO subjects
Synthesizing – which is more effective/appealing?
Your subjects are “Harrison Bergeron” and 2081

3. Introduction Begin with a hook. What are some hook strategies?
Introduce subjects clearly. It might be helpful to provide a brief summary of both the short story and the film.
Transition into thesis statement at end.

4. Thesis Statement
Develop a Thesis Statement: The thesis statement will evolve from brainstorming.
Ask yourself – is there something important or interesting in the similarities and differences in these stories?
Possible subjects:
Characters
Descriptions
Plot
Themes
Imagery
Satire
What you visualized vs. what was portrayed
Which is more effective? Appealing?

5. Body Paragraphs (similarity)
In both Divergent and The Hunger Games, the act of non-conforming is harshly criticize. In Roth’s novel, Tris laments that “I will be difficult to break the habits of thinking Abnegation instilled in me, like tugging a single thread from a complex work of embroidery. But I will find new habits, new thoughts new rules. I will become soothing else” (Roth 87)…Collins echoes this viewpoint when she describes “…” Both novels…

6. Transitions of Comparison
in the same way
similarly
in like manner
likewise
in a similar fashion
Addition
furthermore
moreover
also
to illustrate
to demonstrate
specifically
for instance
as an illustration
for example
in the second place
again
in addition
even more
next
Further

7. Body Paragraph (Differences)
Both Divergent and The Hunger Games deal with possible future societies, and both take a negative view of the power and control Government take over the individual, but the consequences of Collins’ dystopian society are far more dire. In Roth’s work, the government keeps its people under control “through breaking them into factions”(Roth 122). They do not fraternize with members of other factions, are fed information by those with power and are easily manipulated by the governing powers to believe inaccurate information about other factions. Collins’ work has a similar government control structure; however, her government is more brutal; the Government simply keeps its citizens “poor and desperate” (Collins 5), working like slaves with no chance of escape or advancement, while rulers in Government live like kings off their work.

8. Transitions of Contrast
yet
and yet
nevertheless
nonetheless
after all
but
however
though
otherwise
on the contrary
in contrast
on the other hand

9. Transitions in action!
The Hunger Games is a dystopian novel that combines life and romance to set the scene for an exciting story. In the same way, Divergent also uses life and romance to set a scene, but the author uses a much different setting. However, there are still more drastic differences between the novels. On the one hand, in The Hunger Games, the Games themselves are forced upon the characters. In Divergent, though, the main character chooses to be in a violent situation.

10. Conclusion
Rephrase your thesis statement, summarize your main points, and go back to your hook (full-circle ending)
Leave the reader with something interesting or meaningful to think about. For example:
Divergent and The Hunger Games were written only years apart, and they share common themes that are relevant in today’s society and will continue to be relevant for decades to come.

11. In-class Synthesis Write
5-7 paragraphs
Introduction – hook, summary and thesis
3-5 body paragraphs (highlighting similarity, differences, and most effective/appealing)
Conclusion
Maintain order
1-2 quotes per paragraph from story
Use transitions
Well-developed paragraphs
Academic third person