Keys to the Comparison Essay

What is the Comparison essay? THE BASICS  An essay discussing the similarities and differences between two given regions

What is the Comparison essay? What are the characteristics of any good comparison?

What is the comparison essay? REQUIRED ELEMENTS  Addressing both similarities & differences  Thesis statement  Supporting the thesis  Utilizing direct comparison  Analyzing the reason similarity or difference exists

Required Element: Sim/Dif  Identify at least 1 accurate similarity & 1 accurate difference (thesis does not count) –Remember differences, not just similarities: “compare” implies both  Remember comparison is a type of analysis, which requires higher order thinking –Comparing people, places, or things are NOT sufficient; instead consider ideas, categories, & trends

Required Element: Thesis  Restate location & time period boundaries  Write a strong statement of 1-3 sentences in your intro that lays out your central argument & 2-3 controlling ideas –Should directly answer the question asked  Should find a balance b/t overly broad generalizations vs specific supporting details –Stating the categories of comparison from your planning is not sufficient; you must elaborate on these –Review your plan; use your extensive vocabulary - look for words or trends that categorize as much information as possible

Required Element: Support –Give multiple, specific examples to support thesis claims (requires that you know history)

Required Element: Direct Comp  At least once, a direct concrete similarity or difference must be discussed using both societies in the same sentence –Rather than simply listing parallel facts and expecting the reader to see the comparisons, consistently illustrate the specific similarities and differences.

Required Element: Reason  Identify at least 1 reason that the similarities or differences you identify exist –Works well to clinch a body paragraph –Common Reasons: Geography Interaction with each other or others

What is the comparison essay? Steps to Answering the Question 1. Know how the essay is graded 2. Break down the question 3. Remember the Rule of 3 4. Use solid paragraph structure

Step: #1 Know Rubric Notice:  Split rubric= must get all 7 core points before earning expanded points –Focus on 7 core points  Scored based on value-added= points are not deducted, they are only awarded for positive contributions

Step: #2 Understand Question  Read the question accurately & plan –Underline directive word= describe v. compare v. analyze v. evaluate v. to what extent –Establish boundaries for writing= time period & region –Recall prior knowledge= note any info that you remember within the boundaries  Analysis? –do not simply look at a situation simply at face value but look for connections between information –the recognition of patterns, relationships, or hidden meaning

Step: #3 Rule of 3  3 controlling ideas in thesis  3 body paragraphs  3 facts per paragraph  3 direct comparisons – 1 per paragraph  3 reasons – 1 per paragraph

Step: #4 Paragraph Org  Topic sentence  Fact, direct comparison, analysis  Reason similarity or difference exists

Finished Product – Formal Essay –There are requirements specific to AP, but keep in mind this is about becoming a good writer  Proper Organization & Accuracy –Introduction, 3 body ¶‘s, Conclusion –Use topic sentences –Restates thesis in conclusion  Proper Style & Conventions –Don’t use I, me, you, or abbreviations –Aim for proper spelling and punctuation because errors can cloud your argument

Example Questions  Compare two of the following early civilizations’ economic, political and social structures: –Mesopotamia Egypt Indus Valley Shang China  Compare the spread of Buddhism & Christianity during the classical age.  Compare the role of two of the following civilizations in the development of enduring cultural traditions and institutions: –Han China Gupta India Mediterranean  Compare the role of technology in Chinese and Mediterranean civilization.  Compare the social structures of two of the following societies: –China India Mediterranean

Example Questions  Compare the administration of government in Han China and the Roman Empire.  Compare the decline of two of the following civilizations: –Han ChinaGupta India Roman Mediterranean  Compare two of the following labor Systems: –Slavery Caste system Free peasantry Serfdom  Compare the role of women in two of the following civilizations: –Han ChinaGupta India Roman Mediterranean

Example Questions  Compare how the First World War and its outcomes affected TWO of the following regions in the period from the war through the 1930’s. –East Asia –Middle East –South Asia

Sample Thesis - WWI  In East Asia and South Asia, countries of those geographical areas changed internally and also had to suffer the blows of the Great Depression.

Sample Thesis - WWI  WWI instigated nationalistic movements and political changes in both the Middle East and South Asia.

Sample Thesis - WWI  Outcomes of the First World War affected the Middle East and South Asia through politics and economy as forms of nationalism arose in both regions, while the Middle East struggled against each other and South Asia struggled with each other against the British. Although nationalism was a the forefront of both regions, in economics the Middle East was affected more so than South Asia.