EXPOSITION

ANALYTICAL ESSAY Examines the details of a topic in order to better understand the topic. Compare-and-contrast essay the writer explores details that show the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. May contain opinions, like a persuasive essay, but its purpose is to explain rather than persuade.

ANALYTICAL ESSAY: COMPARE-AND- CONTRAST ESSAY An effective analytical essay has these characteristics: Effective introduction and concluding paragraphs. A controlling idea or thesis. An organizing structure appropriate to the purpose, audience, and context. A variety of sentence structures and rhetorical devices, such as analogies and rhetorical questions, that help express ideas effectively. Smooth transitions between paragraphs and ideas. Relevant evidence and well-chosen details in the form of facts, examples, reasons, and valid inferences to support ideas. Distinctions about the value of specific evidence used to support the thesis, such as phrases like most importantly to signal key ideas. Effective sentence structure and correct spelling, grammar, and usage.

ANALYTICAL ESSAY: COMPARE-AND- CONTRAST ESSAY A compare-and-contrast essay also includes: A thesis that identifies the two or more things, people, places, or ideas to be compared and contrasted. A clear analysis of similarities and differences.

OTHER FORMS OF ANALYTICAL ESSAYS Cause-and-effect essays: trace the results of an event or the reasons an event happened. Classification essays: organize a subject into categories or explain the category into which an item falls. Newspaper and magazine articles: supply relevant information about a particular topic by analyzing the topics elements. Problem-solution essays: explore a particular problem and present one or more possible solutions to it. Pro-con essays: examine the arguments for and against a particular action or decision.

MENTOR TEXT READING/DISCUSSION Where Have Ladybugs Gone? P. 148 Discussion

STUDENT MODEL READ/DISCUSSION Read the essay Playing Video Games and Board Games: Different Ways to Have Fun on page 150. On a piece of paper answer the following questions: Find an example of where the writer used effective evidence and state why it’s effective. What evidence does the author present to support the opinion that playing video games can be a social as well as individual activity?

PREWRITING Topics: Smart Shopper Past and Present Middle School vs High School

PREWRITING: NARROW YOUR TOPIC/AUDIENCE If the topic of your compare-and-contrast essay is too broad, your writing will be vague and unmemorable. Using the topic narrow sheet complete the following: Write the main topic of your compare-and-contrast essay in the top box. Move down the chart, narrowing your topic to help focus get your focus on two main subjects. Your last two boxes should hold your two narrowest subjects, which will form the basis of your thesis statement. Example on page 153

PREWRITING: NARROW YOUR TOPIC/AUDIENCE On the bottom of your topic narrow sheet answer the following questions: Who are my various audiences? How familiar are the audiences with the topic? What questions might my audiences have about the topic? How will I explain my purpose in a clear thesis to create an effective introduction? How might I organize my essay’s structure to make the similarities and differences in my topic clear to my audiences?

PLAN YOUR PIECE Develop a Clear Thesis Evaluate your preliminary ideas to help develop a clear thesis. Your thesis should state the subjects of your essay and sets up a comparison and contrast. Develop Your Points of Comparison or Contrast Evaluate the similarities and differences in our subjects, and decide which seem the strongest. Add notes to your graphic organizer that clearly list the points of comparison and contrast you plan to include.

PLAN YOUR PIECE/GATHER DETAILS To provide support for comparisons and contrasts, writer use many types of details. Examples: Fact: A racing bike can weight as little as 15 pounds, while a mountain bike can weigh as much as 45 pounds. Personal Observation: When coasting downhill on my racing bike, I gain a lot more speed than I do when I coast my mountain bike downhill. Valid Inference: Racing bikes have thinner, lighter frames than mountain bikes, so racing bikes are easily damaged when ridden off-road. Logical Reasoning: The straight handlebars on a mountain bike let cyclists sit more upright, which helps them ride more safely.

ACTIVITY: USING A GRAPHIC ORGANIZER Directions: Develop your points of comparison and contrast.

DRAFTING: INTRODUCTION OUTLINE I.Introduction a.An explanation of the topic. b.Clear thesis statement.

DRAFTING: INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH Draft the attention-grabbing opening sentence of your introduction. Ask a question. Provide an anecdote (story). Strong detail about your subject. Present your thesis statement to build an effective introduction paragraph. What you are comparing and contrasting.

ACTIVITY: DRAFTING INTRODUCTION The following steps should all be typed on one word document and should be labelled! Directions: Step 1: Outline your introduction using the guide on page 156 or on slide 14 of notes. Step 2: Write your introduction in paragraph form. Look at slide 15 for help. (Label this step as rough draft) Step 3: Have 5 different people peer review your introduction paragraph. Step 4: Use the 5 peer review sheets to help make changes to your introduction paragraph. Step 5: Use the feedback to write your final draft of your introduction. (Label this step as final draft) Once you have completed steps 1-5 print your outline and the rough/final drafts of your introduction. Staple your 5 peer review sheets behind the printed document and hand in. Please make sure your name is on the assignment. Also, hand in your topic narrowing activity and graphic organizer. This ALL must be handed in by the end of the day.

DRAFTING: BODY OUTLINE I.Body a.Point 1: Topic A and B b.Point 2: Topic A and B c.Point 3: Topic A and B

DRAFTING: BODY PARAGRAPH Shape the body of your compare-and-contrast essay. Think carefully about your audience, purpose, and context when choosing your organizing structure. Use transitions between paragraphs to smoothly connect ideas and clearly convey your meaning. Support each main point with relevant evidence and well-chosen details. Each detail should clearly support your thesis statement. Make distinctions about the relative value of specific data, facts, and ideas to your thesis by using phrases such as most importantly. Include only the information that best supports your thesis. Remember to use a variety of sentence structures, including compound, complex, and compound-complex, to create a pleasing rhythm for the reader. Use phrases or clauses to add detail and make your writing more interesting.

ACTIVITY: DRAFTING BODY The following steps should all be typed and should be labelled. Directions: Step 1: Outline your body using the guide on page 156 or slide 17 of notes. Step 2: Write your body in paragraph form. Look at slide 18 for help. (Label this step as rough draft) Step 3: Have 5 different people peer review your body paragraphs. Step 4: Use the 5 peer review sheets to help make changes to your body paragraphs. Step 5: Use the feedback to write your final draft of your body. (Label this step as final draft) Once you have completed steps 1-5 print your outline and the rough/final drafts of your body. Staple your 5 peer review sheets behind the printed documents and hand in. Please make sure your name is on the assignment.

DRAFTING: RESOLUTION OUTLINE I.Resolution a.Summary of key points. b.A satisfying conclusion.

DRAFTING: RESOLUTION PARAGRAPH End with an effective conclusion that restates your main points. Use rhetorical devices such as: Alliteration: using several words with the same beginning sound – to liven up your writing. Rhetorical questions: help convey your meaning and leave your reader thinking.

ACTIVITY: DRAFTING CONCLUSION The following steps should be typed and should be labelled. Directions Step 1: Outline your resolution using the guide on page 156 or on slide 20 of notes. Step 2: Write your resolution in paragraph form. Look at slide 21 for help. (Label this rough draft) Step 3: Have 5 different people peer review your resolution. Step 4: Use the 5 peer review sheets to help make changes to your resolution. Step 5: Use the feedback to write your final draft of your resolution. (Label tis step as final draft) Once you have completed steps 1-5 print your outline and the rough/final drafts of your resolution. Staple your 5 peer review sheets behind the printed document and hand in. Please make sure your name is on the assignment.

FINAL OUTLINE I.Introduction a.An explanation of the topic b.Clear thesis statement II.Body a.Point 1: Topic A and B b.Point 2: Topic A and B c.Point 3: Topic A and B III.Conclusion a.Summary of key points b.A satisfying conclusion