COMPARE/CONTRAST

Paper #1 Assignment- Write a compare/contrast essay based on the readings given on Thursday. Two-three typed, double spaced pages.

You have the choice of comparing/contrasting either:

          1- Three stories

          or

          2- Choose two of the stories and compare/contrast with your own life

One direct cited quote per story is required. You do not need a direct quote for the story using your life.

ONE SIDE AT A TIME

I- Introduction

      a-Intro Technique

      b- Thesis

II- Story A

a-Point 1

b-Point 2

c- Point 3

III- Story B

a-Point 1

b-Point 2

c- Point 3

IV- Story C

a- Point 1

b-Point 2

c- Point 3

V- Conclusion

    a- Re-state Thesis

    b- Closing Technique

POINT BY POINT

I- Introduction

      a-Intro Technique

      b- Thesis

II- Point I

a-Story A

b-Story B

c- Story C

III-          Point II

a-Story A

b-Story B

c- Story C

IV-      Point 3

a-Story A

b-Story B

c- Story C

V- Conclusion

    a- Re-state Thesis

    b- Closing Technique

*** The purpose is to make a point by showing the readers that two distinct stories are either similar, different, or both.

Purposes for Compare/Contrast Essays

1-To reveal surprising or frequently overlooked likenesses and differences (adding to knowledge)

2-To show the superiority of one thing over another

3-To explain and evaluate (compare strengths and limitations)

4-To explain the unfamiliar by comparing it to the familiar

5-To support and explore a thesis (Alice Walker used comparison to advance the thesis that animals have emotional lives similar to humans)       

For today, read two student essays and answer questions.

On Thursday, four readings will be made available to you. Read all four- “Shame,” “I Became Her Target,” “Stepping into the Light,” and “The Professor is a Dropout.” These readings are what Paper #1 will be based on. Answer the questions for all four stories.

THE THREE STORIES ARE IN FILES