1. Comparison Defined
Regular definition: explain the similarities and differences between two things.
AP Definition: the ability to describe, compare, and evaluate multiple historical developments within one society, one or more developments across or between different societies, and in various chronological and geographical contexts.

2. Compare and Contrast
Compare and Contrast the political, economic, and social effects of Mongol rule on TWO of the following regions:
China
Middle East (Persia)
Russia

3. Could you write a five paragraph essay to answer that question in 40 minutes?

4. Know the Rubric
Comparison means to say what is the same and what is different.
This says at LEAST on – you need THREE – Rule of 3!!!
Analyze means to say why – why is there a difference or similarity

5. The Rubric Has acceptable thesis (1 point)
Addresses all parts of the question (2 points)
Substantiates thesis with appropriate historical evidence (2 points)

6. The Rubric
Makes at least one relevant, direct comparison between, among societies (1)
Analyzes at least one reason for a similarity or difference identified in a direct comparison (1)

7. Steps for Writing a Comparative Essay
Read the question. Which societies or regions are you comparing? In what ways are you comparing them? Are specific themes for comparison stated or do you get to choose?

8. Steps for Writing a Comparative Essay
Think about the ways you will compare the societies. What do you know about each society? (GRAPES or other charts separating information)

9. Steps for Writing a Comparative Essay
Write a thesis statement. This is what you will prove in your essay with historical evidence (your argument). It is the main idea of your essay. Your thesis should note the societies you are writing about and also the themes by which you are comparing them. The thesis should also proclaim if the societies are similar or different.

10. Steps for Writing a Comparative Essay
Read the question!!!
Which societies, regions, or religions are you comparing?
In what ways are you comparing them?
Are specific themes for comparison stated or do you get to choose?

11. Tackle the Question

12. Brainstorm Quickly

13. Steps for Writing a Comparative Essay
Make an outline.
Introduction: Thesis Statement and other background/filler information.
Comparison Theme 1
Comparison Theme 2
Comparison Theme 3
Conclusion: Restate thesis in a different way. If the majority of your essay is about similarities, discuss a difference here and vice versa.

14. Thesis – Same as before – answer question, use groups, and give hints
Optional 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

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

16. Steps for Writing a Comparative Essay
Do not make one paragraph about similarities and one about differences!
Write your essay and be sure that you include “The Why”. You have to explain why the societies are similar and/or different.

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

18. The following also has some issues
Can work, but not always

19. Best format to get POINTS
This requires a lot of prewriting – if you have time, do this!!!

20. Steps for Writing a Comparative Essay
Proof read your essay! Have someone else edit it for you.
Do not use first person (no I, you, we)
Do not refer to your essay in your essay; it’s weird. “In this essay I will explain…” “From this essay you will learn…”
Write fact not opinion. No one cares about your opinion! Show historical evidence! No “I think” or “I feel”

21. Common Problems
Describing the two things/events separately (with great evidence) but never comparing and/or contrasting – NO POINTS FOR DESCRIBING
Confusing dates, people, and places
Running out of time and not finishing

22. Comparative Vocabulary
SIMILARITIES
DIFFERENCES
Similar
Similarly
The same as
In comparison
Comparatively
Both
Also
Comparable
Commensurable
of the same order
worthy of comparison
Measure up to
Match up with
Parallel
Analogous
Analogical
Correlative
Like
Equal
CORRESPONDING
In contrast
Differently
On the other hand
Even though
Although
Whereas
But
Incomparable
Incommensurate
Dissimilar
Unlike
Distinct
Distinctive
Oppose
Heterodox
Difference
Distinction
Dissimilarity
Varies
Variation
Divergence
Disparity
Inequality
Contrary
Otherwise
Pecularly