1. Compare and Contrast Essay

2. Over All Composition
I. Thesis II. Evidentiary paragraph 1 – sims and diffs III. Evidentiary paragraph 2 – sims and diffs IV. Evidentiary paragraph 3 – sims and diffs

3. Evidentiary Paragraph Composition
I. Topic sentence arguing sims versus diffs for the aspect you are comparing in the paragraph II. Evidence 1 III. Evidence 2 IV. Evidence 3 V. Causation commentary

4. Format for Comparative Essays
Thesis. Your thesis should clearly identify similarities versus differences, preferably in two separate sentences or two separate clauses within a sentence divided by a clear “however” or “but”, etc. You should try for three similarities and three differences, preferably related. The differences ideally qualify the similarities.

5. Format for Comparative Essays
Evidentiary paragraphs. Each evidentiary paragraph should start by arguing a similarity qualified by a difference. Follow with evidence. End each evidentiary paragraph with CAUSATION COMMENTARY, where you explain what led to either a similarity or a difference argued in your topic sentence.

6. Overall composition
Evidentiary Paragraph Composition
I. Thesis
II. Evidentiary paragraph 1 – sims and diffs III. Evidentiary paragraph 2 – sims and diffs IV. Evidentiary paragraph 3 – sims and diffs
I. Topic sentence arguing sims versus diffs for the aspect you are comparing in the paragraph II. Evidence 1 III. Evidence 2 IV. Evidence 3 V. Causation commentary

7. Words to Use Compare Contrast Similarly On the contrary likewise
contrarily
in like fashion
notwithstanding
in like manner
but
analogous to
however
equally
nevertheless
in spite of
in contrast
yet
on one hand
on the other hand
at the same time
instead

8. Periodization
Discuss what they want discussed not what you want to discuss.
If they ask about the Roman Empire don’t write about the Roman Republic.

9. Thesis You need to be specific. Bad Example:
Cheese pizza is similar to peperoni pizza but it is also different.
Good Example:
Cheese pizza is similar to peperoni pizza, both are made with cheese, tomato sauce and bread; while they are both different because peperoni pizza also includes thin slices of peperoni while cheese pizza’s don’t.

10. Three Categories in Topic Sentence
You must be explicit about what you plan on talking about in the evidence paragraph.
You need to tell me the topics in the topic sentence not the evidence for the topic.

11. Evidence
Your evidence should be directly linked to the similarity or difference.
Be as specific as possible.

12. Direct Comparison
Make direct comparisons to the categories and your thesis.
Be specific about he information.

13. Causation Analysis Show how things are related.
Explain how an event or thing leads to another event happening.
“Thus we see”

14. Comparative Essay -- Core Points
Has an acceptable thesis.
(must both be correct and go beyond restating the question)
Acceptable earns 1 point ____
Addresses all parts of the question.
(may be unevenly addressed)
All Parts earns 2 points ____
Most parts earns 1 point ____
Substantiates thesis with historical evidence.
(Evidence must be correct)
All appropriate earns 2 points ____
Partial earns 1 point ____
Makes at least one or two relevant, direct comparisons between or among societies.
Earns 1 point ____
Analyses at least one reason for a similarity or difference identified in a direct comparison.

15. Comparative Essay – Extended Core
Reason
Yes
Maybe No
Has a clear, analytical, and comprehensive thesis
Fully addresses all parts of the question (as relevant)
Provides ample historical evidence to substantiate thesis
Relates comparisons to larger global context
Makes several direct comparisons consistently between or among societies
Consistently analyses causes and effects of relevant similarities and differences.