Comparative Essay - Day 1
Aim: What are the techniques and strategies for a Comparative Essay?
Do Now: Answer in your notebooks: What is a thesis statement? Can we give it another name?
Lesson Overview:
| Item | Approx Time |
| Do Now | 3-5 Min |
| Mini Lesson | 15-20 Min |
| Activity | 15 Min |
| Discussion | 5-7 Min |
How to Write a Comparative Essay
Compare/Contrast Essay:
Write an essay in which you compare and contrast two of the ancient river valley civilizations across three categories of the Characteristics of a Civilization. You should:
- Have a comprehensive, analytical and explicit thesis
- Include ample historical evidence and detail to support your thesis
- Address all parts of the question
- Make at least two direct, relevant comparisons and relate to a larger global context
- Include both similarities and differences
- Analyze the cause of the similarities and differences (at least for one category, more is better)
How to organize
Introductory paragraph that includes a clearly stated thesis.
Example thesis 1: Ancient Egypt and ancient Mesopotamia had many similarities, but also some differences. (Example of an unacceptable thesis. Why?)
Example thesis 2: Ancient Egypt and ancient Mesopotamia had similar economics and religion, but differed in politics.
Example thesis 3: Ancient Egypt and ancient Mesopotamia had similar economics and religion, but differed in politics because of the power of the pharaohs.
Example thesis 4: Ancient Egypt and ancient Mesopotamia had similar economics and religion due to cultural diffusion in ancient west Asia, but differed in politics because the Nile River served to strengthen the power of the pharaohs.
NOTE: The above thesis is not accurate, so create your own.
Here is a way to do it: ...and...had similar and , but differed in because...
Body Paragraphs
In the above example, the first paragraph would compare economics in Egypt and China, the second would compare religion in Egypt and China, and the third paragraph would contrast Egypt and China in politics. Be sure to explain a specific reason for at least one similarity or differences.
Mixed Paragraphs Method
Address both halves of the comparison in each paragraph. This means that the first paragraph will compare the first aspect of each subject, the second will compare the second, and so on, making sure to always address the subjects in the same order. The advantages of this structure are that it continually keeps the comparison in the mind of the reader and forces you, the writer, to pay equal attention to each side of the argument. This method is especially recommended for lengthy essays or complicated subjects where both the writer and reader can easily become lost. Ex:
Paragraph 1: Engine power of vehicle X / Engine power of vehicle Y
Paragraph 2: Stylishness of vehicle X / Stylishness of vehicle Y
Paragraph 3: Safety rating of vehicle X / Safety rating of vehicle Y
Alternating Paragraphs Method
Devote every other paragraph to one of the subjects. This means that the first paragraph will compare one aspect of a subject and the second, the same aspect of the other subject; the third paragraph will compare a second aspect of a subject and the fourth, the same aspect of the second subject – and so on, making sure to always address each subject in the same order. The advantages of this structure are that it allows you to discuss points in greater detail and makes it less jarring to tackle two topics that radically different. This method is especially recommended for essays where some depth and detail are required. Ex:
Paragraph 1: Engine power of vehicle X
Paragraph 2: Engine power of vehicle Y
Paragraph 3: Stylishness of vehicle X
Paragraph 4: Stylishness of vehicle Y
Paragraph 5: Safety rating of vehicle X
Paragraph 6: Safety rating of vehicle Y
One Subject at a Time Method
Completely cover one subject at a time. This means that the first set of body paragraphs is devoted to addressing every aspect of the first subject and the second set, to addressing every aspect of the second subject, making sure to address each aspect in the same order. This method is by far the most dangerous, as your comparison can become both one-sided and difficult for the reader to follow. This method is only recommended for short essays with simplistic subjects that the reader can easily remember as (s)he goes along. Ex:
Paragraph 1: Engine power of vehicle X
Paragraph 2: Stylishness of vehicle X
Paragraph 3: Safety rating of vehicle X
Paragraph 4: Engine power of vehicle Y
Paragraph 5: Stylishness of vehicle Y
Paragraph 6: Safety rating of vehicle Y
Conclusion
Essay should end with a conclusion paragraph. Restate your thesis and explain how you proved it.
Tips: In your essay, use transition words: but, however, although, though in contrast, alternatively
Classwork & Homework
Lesson Activity:
Homework: Assignments 2012