Write a 750-1000 word essay about a pair of items in which the similarities and differences of those items are compared and contrasted in the style described within Unit III. For this assignment, you will edit and revise your Unit III Comparative Essay Draft. This final essay will be your last opportunity to make adjustments to the essay.
Purpose: Throughout Unit III, we discussed the conventions of the comparative essay. The purpose of this assignment is to measure your mastery of the conventions of the comparative essay. For this assignment, you will practice the skill of careful revision and refinement of your work as sometimes re-envisioning your writing can be more difficult than writing the essay the first time. However, to make your writing the best that it can be, you must practice the skills of editing and revision.
Process: For the comparative essay, you will complete the following steps:
1. Read through your paper looking for structural concerns: See Unit IV, Lesson 5, for more details. Be sure that you are satisfied with your paper as a whole before you do any detailed editing.
2. Read through your paper looking for grammar and stylistics: See Unit IV, Lesson 5, for more details. You may need to read your essay aloud or have someone else look over the essay to find all of your mistakes and awkward phrasings
Stylistic details: All essays must meet the following requirements:
- 750-1000 words.
- Write in Times New Roman, 12 pt. font
- Include one-inch margins on all sides.
- Use double spacing (top-to-bottom every page, to include above and below titles and centered words).
- Include an APA title page (for all essays) and reference list that includes all of the sources used in the essay.
- Include a header.
- Include page numbers (upper-right corner only).
- Adhere to APA convention and documentation style
- At least one source is required. All sources used must be cited.
The following is the comments from my instructor about my Unit III essay the draft version
You have a good start with your essay. Do not rely on subheading as you sole transitional device. I would recommend that you spend some time with your revision. Remember that transforming your first draft into a final draft can be a challenging process. The following questions may guide you as you decide what and how to revise. Questions to Ask Yourself:
THE INTRODUCTION
1. Do I catch the reader's interest, provide relevant background, and narrow the topic into a thesis sentence? Does the thesis encompass all of my key ideas? Can I underline the thesis to make sure that it is clearly stated? Do I need to adjust the thesis--either broaden or narrow it?
THE BODY
2. Have I clearly organized my paragraphs, using one main idea per paragraph?
Have I included a topic sentence to introduce the main idea for each paragraph? Do I need to adjust any topic sentences in any way?
3. Have I used transitions as links back to the thesis and to preceding paragraphs?
4. Does my essay:
- have a clear structure? (Can I easily outline it? Can someone else?)
- develop in the most logical order? Would a different organization be more effective?
- respond in sufficient depth to all aspects of the assignment?
5. Do I have enough evidence, or too much? Does my evidence advance the essay in some way, without repeating the same points? Does each sub-argument have enough explanation and support (quotations, detailed discussion of events or language,...)?
6. Do I explain in my own words the significance of all quotations? Am I using quotations to support my own analysis? Am I using the documentation method my professor requires?
THE CONCLUSION
7. Does my conclusion bring my argument to a close? Does it tie the argument together in such a way that the reader knows my purpose in writing this paper? Does it accomplish more, such as provide a broader context for the topic, propose a course of action, offer a new perspective on the topic, or end with an interesting twist? Do I leave my reader with something to ponder?
Remember, this class is not about "fixing" one paper, but it is instead about giving you the tools to create a solid writing process. You should use these questions to craft a stronger text while crafting a stronger awareness about writing.