Write 750-1000 Word essay about a pair of items in which the similarities and differences of those items are compared and contrast it in the styles described. Please note that the comparative essay final will be due in unit four of this course. However, you should complete the entire paper in this draft and do your best work, as you will have more applicable feedback from which to make changes to your essay for the final draft.
Purpose: The purpose of this assignment is to measure your mastery of those conventions by putting your knowledge into practice. In a larger context, the purpose of writing a comparative essay is to gain the skills of detecting similarities and differences between at least two items and then using those similarities and differences to create knowledge about either one or both of the items. In this way, the comparative essay is both a tool of observation and analysis.
Process: For the comparative essay, you will complete the following steps:
1. Choose a pair topics that complement one another: See the suggested list of topics below
Cash vs. Credit
Recycling vs. Landfill
Renting vs. Owning
Friends vs. Family
Talking vs. Texting
Infatuation vs. Love
Marriage vs. Civil union
2. Create a list of similarities and differences.
3. Create a thesis statement based on similarities, differences, or both similarity and differences.
4. Choose whether to organize your essay by point or by subject.
5. Consult the comparative essay final self check list below before submission.
Introduction: Begin with an introduction of general topics. Follows with the introductions of topic A and Topic B. Includes a thesis statement: Thesis statement focuses on (1) similarities between topics, (2) differences between topics, or (3) both similarities and differences.
Body: Is organized by either point or subject. Each body paragraph begins with the topic sentence that summarizes the paragraph. Each point is supported by the details. Details are examples, illustrations, or pieces of evidence. Each body paragraph includes a transition at the end. At least three (3) points are discussed for each topic in the essay.
Conclusion: The conclusion begins with A rephrasing of the thesis statement. Includes a summary of the main points of the essay. Provides an explanation or suggestion of the relevance of the essays findings. Leaves the readers with the final thought.
The comparative essay final is due after the draft is turned in where there will be revisions and refinement of the work.