1. How to Write Comparative Essays

2. Compare and Contrast
Notice the bullet points are essentially the same as the rubric

3. Know the Rubric
Comparison means to say what is the same and what is different.
Rule of 3!!!
Analyze means to say why:
Why is there a difference or similarity? This should also be done as much as possible.

4. Know the Rubric
A student MUST earn all of the basic core points in order to be eligible for expanded core points
Better Essays?: by doing the things required in the basic core more often or better than what is required results in expanded core points
Suggestion: Make multiple direct comparisons; follow each D.C. with analysis.

5. Tackle the Question

6. Brainstorm Quickly

7. Brainstorm More Quickly
China
Russia
Goals
Outcomes

8. Develop a Thesis The thesis statement is your answer to the prompt
Include SPECIFIC similarities AND differences
If there are dates in the prompt, include the dates in the thesis statement
Earn expanded core points by being analytical (explaining why)

9. Adequate/ Inadequate / Sophisticated
“The goals and outcomes of revolutions in China in 1911, and Russia in 1917 were similar in many ways, however, there were a few differences.”
Inadequate

10. Adequate/ Inadequate / Sophisticated
“The goals and outcomes of revolutions in China in 1911, and Russia in 1917 were similar in that both nations were attempting to overthrow a monarchy, and both nations experienced civil war. However, whereas the Russian Revolution was settled quickly, China’s revolution wouldn’t result in a stable government until the 1950s”
Adequate

11. Adequate/ Inadequate / Sophisticated
“The Russian Revolution (1917) and the 1911 revolution in China held similar goals and outcomes in attempting and succeeding in abolishing a monarchy and resulting in a communist state, but where as Russia only faced internal pressures, and therefore stabilized quickly, economic interference from the West and invasion by Japan resulted in a long period of uncertainty. The 1911 Revolution in China would not produce a stable government until the 1950s”
Sophisticated

12. Format of Essay
Remember you only get points for pointing out the similarities and differences.
Consider the following…

13. If you do the following…
Where are you going to compare and contrast???

14. The following also has some issues
Can work, but not always
Note: These days you have to be more specific than SPRITE.

15. Best format to get POINTS
This requires a lot of prewriting – if you have time, do this!!!
Note: These days you have to be more specific than SPRITE.

16. Thesis – Same as before – answer question, use groups, and give hints
Use Outline
Thesis – Same as before – answer question, use groups, and give hints
Political Goals and Outcomes
Economic Goals and Outcomes
Military Goals and Outcomes
Evidence
Evidence
Evidence
Conclusion

17. Each body paragraph should include TASC
Topic Sentence
Analysis: why a similarity or difference exist
Support with 3 pieces of evidence
Connect to a larger global context

18. Example of Analysis Analysis should follow a direct comparison
Both the Chinese and Russian revolutions resulted in communist states. This is likely due to the fact that most revolutionaries in both countries were poor, oppressed, peasants and were therefore likely to embrace the communist ideals of an egalitarian society.

19. Common Problems
Describing the two things/events separately (with great evidence) but never comparing and/or contrasting – NO POINTS FOR DESCRIBING
Not being SPECIFIC
Analysis: Analyzing why a society has an certain attribute rather than why a similarity or difference exists between societies.
Confusing dates, people, and places
Running out of time and not finishing

20. 3. Analyze similarities and differences between apples and oranges during the period 1997-present.