Formal Essay 2: Comparison and Contrast English 0950 Bodelson 100 pts.

Formal Essay 2: Comparison and Contrast English 0950 Bodelson 100 pts.

100 pts. “Comparison points out similarities; contrast points out differences; comparison-contrast points out similarities and differences. Because comparison-contrast allows us to examine the features of two or more subjects, it is an important component of decision-making” (Clouse 347). 1) For this essay, you will be asked to compare and/or contrast two things or ideas that have some interesting differences and/or similarities. When creating your essay, consider the following: Choosing Subjects:  The subjects you choose for comparison-contrast should allow you to cite comparisons and contrasts that go beyond trivial points. Do not compare and contrast the bicycle and automobile, for example, if you can note only the number of wheels and speed of travel. [This is trivial, unimportant, already known by the general reader; you want to incorporate only important points of comparison or contrast.]  However, you can use these subjects [the bicycle and automobile] if you have a fresh approach, perhaps comparing and contrasting the lifestyles inherent in using each vehicle as a principle mode of transportation. Highlighting differences in subjects that most readers would normally consider similar or similarities in subjects most readers would consider different can be very fresh and effective. Supporting Details: Remember to “select details with regard to your purpose in writing. Say, for instance, that you are comparing and contrasting public and private schools. If your purpose is to convince your reader that public schools are better, then you might mention that the ethnic diversity often found in these schools can teach students more about people and their cultural heritage. . . . If your purpose is to inform, you might discuss the academic programs in each kind of school so parents can make up their own minds about which kind is better for their children” (Clouse 349). Organization:  The thesis statement should indicate what two subjects are being discussed and whether they will be compared, contrasted, or both. o Thesis showing contrast: Neat people are lazier and meaner than sloppy people. o Thesis showing comparison: Islam and Christianity have more in common than most people realize. o Thesis showing both comparison and contrast: Smith and Jones have different political philosophies, but they implement those philosophies with similar styles, so the differences between the men are not readily apparent.  Each body paragraph should focus on ONE subject. Do not jump back and forth between your two major points of comparison/contrast in the body paragraphs.  You must cover the same points when discussing each major point of comparison/contrast so that the reader can see the similarities/differences. Topics you need to avoid: 1. Comparing siblings/friends/parents/children/grandparents/aunts/uncles 2. Comparing high school to college 3. Comparing pets (unless it is a very unique case) 4. Comparing two different vacations 5. Comparing two different sports Requirements: a) Label the assignment with the following information in the upper left hand corner (double space)  Name  Instructor’s name  Class name/number/section  Date  Assignment name/draft (first, second, or third)  Creative title (should be in the center of the paper) b) Number the pages in the upper right hand corner with your last name coming before the number (ex. Bodelson 1) c) 3-4 pages, double spaced, 12 (Times New Roman) font Due Dates: First draft due (peer review): Second draft due (required): Third draft due (optional): Essay 2: Comparison and Contrast Evaluation English 0950 Reviewer____________________ Writer____________________ Draft_______________________ 1) The Topic: The topic chosen is relevant and allows the writer to go beyond trivial points. 1 2 3 4 5 2) Formatting/Title: All formatting requirements have been met: Labels, font, page numbers, double spaced etc. There is a creative and original title that the author clearly thought about. It relates to the topic of the paper. 1 2 3 4 5 3) Introduction: There is a clear, well developed, creative introduction that grabs the reader’s attention using only 1 or 2 of the attentions grabbing techniques. The introduction introduces the reader to the main topic (comparison/contrasting) of the paper by providing a clear and coherent thesis statement. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 4) Similarities and/or differences: The writer offers clear similarities and/or differences between the thing or idea he/she chose to discuss. The points discussed are covered for each subject to show the similarities/differences. The statements made are backed up with clear examples. The points being made go beyond the trivial/obvious. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 5) Development/Examples: The central ideas of the paper are well developed and expanded upon. The writer offers supporting details (examples) to back up statements that are made. The author expands upon major points and major statements. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 6) Organization/Coherence: The paper is organized in a way that makes it easy for the reader to follow. Paragraphs focus on one main idea. Each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that indicates to the reader the main idea of the paragraph. There are clear transitions between ideas in paragraphs as well as between paragraphs. The paragraphs also offer clear wrap up sentences that tie the ideas of the paragraph together. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 7) Grammar: The paper is free of run-ons, fragments and other awkward wording. It is clear that the writer proofread the paper. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 8) Conclusion: The writer wraps the paper up in a clear and concise manner. The writer revisits the main points of the paper. The reader is left to ponder the analysis that he/she just read about (clincher). There is no new information introduced in the conclusion. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15

 

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