1. Topic Proposal  Thesis Statements
Create an effective thesis statement.
You need to say why the comparison and contrast is worthy of note.
Let’s say you want to compare and contrast the subversive females in two texts we’ve read.
With a partner come up with a thesis statement comparing Julia (1984) and Moira (The Handmaid’s Tale).
What literary devices can you use?

2. Topic Proposal  Thesis Statements
Example Thesis:
“Although Julia in Orwell’s 1984 and Moira in Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale are characterized very differently, their shared values connect them in the doomed fight for women’s rights.”

3. Comparative Thesis Statements:
Excellent comparative thesis statements:
say why the comparison and contrast is worthy of note (SO WHAT).
Outline both a similarity and a difference between the works (WHAT).
Are concise and only one sentence.
Include specifics and a literary device or feature. (HOW)
5 Exceeds Standard
Meets Standard
3.5 Approaches Standard
3 or Below- Below Standard
Thesis
/15
Focused and clear thesis
Comparative argument has depth and complexity
Thesis well-proven in paper
Clear thesis
Comparative argument is present, but lacks depth
Thesis adequately proven in paper
Thesis present, but lack clarity
Attempts to make a comparative argument
Attempts to prove thesis in paper
Thesis undeveloped or unclear
Lacks a comparative argument
Thesis not proven in paper

4. Comparative Thesis Statements:
HOW
(Clear and Specific Details)
WHAT
(Debatable Claim or Argument)
“So What”
Titles of books, authors’ names, literary devices, characters, etc.
Answering the question or prompt, not a fact
Why does this “matter” or universal theme or dystopian warning

5. Comparative Thesis Statements:
HOW
(Clear and Specific Details)
WHAT
(Debatable Claim or Argument)
“So What”
Titles of books, authors’ names, literary devices, characters, etc.
Answering the question or prompt, not a fact
Why does this “matter” or universal theme or dystopian warning

6. Draft your thesis! Excellent comparative thesis statements:
say why the comparison and contrast is worthy of note (SO WHAT).
Outline both a similarity and a difference between the works (WHAT).
Are concise and only one sentence.
Include specifics and a literary device or feature. (HOW)
5 Exceeds Standard
Meets Standard
3.5 Approaches Standard
3 or Below- Below Standard
Thesis
/15
Focused and clear thesis
Comparative argument has depth and complexity
Thesis well-proven in paper
Clear thesis
Comparative argument is present, but lacks depth
Thesis adequately proven in paper
Thesis present, but lack clarity
Attempts to make a comparative argument
Attempts to prove thesis in paper
Thesis undeveloped or unclear
Lacks a comparative argument
Thesis not proven in paper

7. Peer Editing We’re going to pass and peer edit our thesis statements.
Pass your thesis to the right, and then provide written feedback for that person.
Add to the written feedback when you get the next thesis, etc.
Finally, after we’re done, we’ll write a revised thesis statement.

8. Solidish Examples
In Brave New World and Black Mirror: Nosedive, Huxley and Wright both use the experiences of morally relatable characters in opposition against conformist society juxtaposed through different ironic rebellion to ultimately provide commentary on the inescapable hypocrisy in the structure of any utopian society.
 Aldous Huxley and George Orwell, in their respective novels Brave New World and 1984, use the characterization of their main female characters as sexually promiscuous to reveal to their audience their views on female sexuality and femininity, proving how deep misogyny runs in society.
 The novels Super Sad True Love Story and 1984 both explore how relationships founded on sexual desire or the lack thereof create solely surface level connections, ultimately leading to an inevitable sequence of selfish actions and betrayal.