1. Writers: Underline your thesis Make sure your essay # is in the heading next to class/period

2. Introduction Paragraph Editing Write “CB__________”(your name) on the top of your partner’s paper Know your partner’s essay question #--make sure it is written in the heading!!!

3. Check for…  MLA format : Times Font 12 pt (heading on the left and last name page number at top right)  An original hook…did they look at my suggestions?  A pertinent, interesting background that incorporates the ideas from the prompt and the literature from their chosen question with title and author of the book (ex: they don’t just talk about the novel)  Book title italicized Ex: The Great Gatsby  A thesis statement that alludes to comparing/contrasting two things—is it in parallel structure? (all items are in the same tense and/or part of speech)  Present tense  NO contractions  Varied sentence structure (commas and semicolons)

4. Using compare/contrast terms… Here are some examples, using compare/contrast terms: Topic Sentence: (#1)The alienation of both Myrtle and Gatsby reveal the superficial aspect of society that causes people to not care enough to get to know a person. Transitional Sentence: (#1) Tom got away with horrible things, and was still accepted by people; on the contrary, Gatsby was at first fascinating, then quickly lost his appeal in the eyes of others.

5. Using compare/contrast terms… Topic sentences: (#4) The American dream of today and the past are similar in that they include the desire of one to be the most they can be. (#3) Even though it does not seem that one that has experienced racial prejudice could be compared to one of upper class society, both individuals experience some kind of loss of individuality.

6. For your body paragraph… Add compare/contrast terms Avoid contractions Maintain present tense Vary your sentence structure For citations: Mention title and author in lead-in, with JUST the page number in parentheses, OR cite last name of author and page number in parentheses (Fitzgerald 101).