How to write a compare/contrast essay for Mr. B’s final exam

Essay Format Length – Four Paragraphs Length – Four Paragraphs Short Intro (3 sentences) Short Intro (3 sentences) Hook / Preview / Thesis Hook / Preview / Thesis Body Paragraph #1 Body Paragraph #1 Body Paragraph #2 Body Paragraph #2 Short Conclusion (3 sentences) Short Conclusion (3 sentences) You can use your outline when writing this paper. You can use your outline when writing this paper.

Step One Brainstorm Brainstorm Possible Topics Possible Topics Noting similarities/differences in the acting or characterization of characters. Noting similarities/differences in the acting or characterization of characters. Discussing the similarities/differences in the way that symbols and/or themes presented. Discussing the similarities/differences in the way that symbols and/or themes presented. Obvious differences between the two works and how the differences strengthened/weakened the meaning of the work. Obvious differences between the two works and how the differences strengthened/weakened the meaning of the work. Added scenes, changes in structure, etc. Added scenes, changes in structure, etc.

Compose a Thesis Make sure your thesis clearly reflects the topic you will discuss and what you have to say about the topic. Make sure your thesis clearly reflects the topic you will discuss and what you have to say about the topic. Examples – Examples – Due to the performances of the actors and the enhanced characterization, the film version of A Separate Peace is a more complex, entertaining work than the novel. Due to the performances of the actors and the enhanced characterization, the film version of A Separate Peace is a more complex, entertaining work than the novel. By clearly establishing major themes and symbols, the film version of A Separate Peace is ultimately more meaningful than the novel. By clearly establishing major themes and symbols, the film version of A Separate Peace is ultimately more meaningful than the novel. The film version of A Separate Peace becomes more meaningful than the text by incorporating new, interesting scenes that enhance the message of the work. The film version of A Separate Peace becomes more meaningful than the text by incorporating new, interesting scenes that enhance the message of the work.

Outline Paper See sample outline (worksheet) See sample outline (worksheet) Take your thesis Take your thesis Find two distinct points/subjects to discuss Find two distinct points/subjects to discuss Topic Sentences Topic Sentences Be sure that you can discuss both the film and the novel. Be sure that you can discuss both the film and the novel. Think about it this way… Think about it this way… Each paragraph will make one key point/claim about the film and one key point/claim about the book. Each paragraph will make one key point/claim about the film and one key point/claim about the book. For each point made about the film, you compare/contrast it with something from the book. For each point made about the film, you compare/contrast it with something from the book.

Body Paragraphs See handout See handout Typical Structure Typical Structure Topic Sentence Topic Sentence Claim Claim Support/Details (2-3 sentences) Support/Details (2-3 sentences) Be sure to say why these details are important (analysis) Be sure to say why these details are important (analysis) Transition Transition Claim Claim Support/Details (2-3 sentences) Support/Details (2-3 sentences) Conclusion Conclusion