How to Write a Comparative Essay

Spring Break Amnesty Assignment 1

Amnesty Assignment:

Replace test and quiz grades below a 75 from January — March with a 75.

DUE on Monday April 21, 2017.

Tasks to complete:

Analysis of Archetypes

Learn about symbolism by identifying archetypes from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Use the chart at the end of the packet to guide your search. Include a Shakespearean citation and a justification of the meaning. Shakespearean Citation: (Act.Scene.Line) i.e. Act II, scene 3, line 125 = (II.III.125)

Read a Dystopian Novel

Select a dystopian novel to read on your own. You will compare your choice novel to one of the dystopian novels we read in class. While reading, keep in mind the characters, plot, and theme. How is this novel similar to Anthem or Fahrenheit 451?

Suggested Dystopian Novels:

The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer Prodigy by Marie Lu

The Uglies by Scott Westerfeld The Selection by Kiera Cass

Divergent by Veronica Roth Maze Runner by James Dashner

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

… There are many more, speak with Ms. Lewis in the Media Center about available books.

***Use your notes about dystopian to determine if a novel is included in the dystopian category.

Step-by-Step Essay Planning

Plan your extended response, also known as an essay, by using the guided worksheet. Each section of the process will need to be handwritten. A final copy will not be accepted without the completion of the step-by-step planning process.

Comparison Essay

In MLA format (Times New Roman, 12 point font, double spaced, one inch margins) you will need to compare your choice dystopian novel to either Anthem or Fahrenheit 451. Your essay will need to include an introduction with a clear thesis sentence, in-text citations throughout the three body paragraphs, partner sentences that answer why/how, and a strong concluding paragraph. You should demonstrate formal tone and standard English grammar.

How to Write a Comparative Essay: Step-by Step Process

Writing Prompt: How is Anthem ORFahrenheit 451 similar or different to _(choice dystopian novel)_?

Step 1: Brainstorm

• Major themes and issues
• Important conflicts
• Essential elements of plot
• The effects of the plot on the meaning of the story
• Parallel plots or concepts in the texts
• Elements that are very different from each other, but still comparable
• Character’s motivation

Step 2: Compare/ Contrast

• Look at all of the elements of the “stuff” you have written down and group them into two categories: similar or different.
• You may think of some more things at this point. Feel free to write them down as well
• Try to write down as many ideas as you possibly can
• Ignore the box to the left for now, which is labeled “Idea #”

Step 3: Grouping

• Go back to the chart you just created and look at all of your ideas.
• Use numbers to group them into similar ideas. What makes them similar?
• Give the grouping a one or two-word name. We will call these arguments to avoid confusion.

• If you end up having more than three groups, try to eliminate one by either manipulating your idea, or dropping one. Consider if there are two that are overlapping.
• Go back and change your number in the chart if you have to in order to account for your three groups

Step 4: Big Idea

• What do your three groups have in common?
• Brainstorm some ideas to come up with the Big Connecting Idea. The result will be your essay topic.
• If you find yourself having trouble. Try looking back at your original brainstorm chart about your two texts. How does this relate to what you have written down now?

My Final Main Topic Is: ______

The topic will become the answer to your thesis statement.

Step 5: Determining Your Stance

• What is your position on your topic?
• How does your topic relate to the meaning of your book? How do you feel about the meaning of your book?
• What is the result of the book? What happens at the end of both texts? How does this relate to your topic?
• How do you feel about your topic in general?
• Keep asking yourself the “So What” question, until you can’t answer it any more. That usually leads you to your position on your topic.

Writing Prompt: How is Anthem ORFahrenheit 451 similar or different to _(choice dystopian novel)_?

Thesis Statement: ______

(Important words from the prompt + title/author of the novels + overall stance on the topic)

Step 6: Creating Argument Outlines

• Use the organizer below to outline your ideas for your paragraphs. Use Steps 2 and 3 for this chart.
• Leave “Proof” empty for now.

Step 7: Format

• There are essentially three ways you can write a Comparative Essay.
• “Arguments” refer to your argument groupings from Step 3.
• “Points” refer to your ideas from your compare contrast chart from Step 2. “Points” are the details that make up the partner sentences.
• You can either choose to write your essay in three bulk paragraphs or six smaller paragraphs. See chart below to help you.

I Am Going to Use Method # ______

Step 8: Proof

• Go back to Step 6 and identify a proof for each point from both texts. Write the page number that you found it on and indicate the appropriate text. You may want to do a larger version of your quotes on a separate sheet of paper.

Step 9: Outline

• Make an essay outline for you to use for your final draft based on the method that you chose. Do this on a sheet of paper or using a graphic organizer of your choice.
• Ensure you have a strong thesis and good topic sentences. Use the Intro Organizer on the next page.

Comparison Essay Outline

I – Introduction Paragraph

Hook: ______

Background Information: ______

Thesis Statement:Use important words from the prompt + the title and author + the literary focus/answer.

______

II – Body Paragraphs

1st Body Idea: ______

Point: ______

Example from text______

Point: ______

Example from text______

Point: ______

Transitional Phrase______

2nd Body Idea: ______

Point: ______

Example from text______

Point: ______

Example from text______

Point: ______

Transitional Phrase______

III – Conclusion Paragraph

Freshly stated thesis: ______

Final thoughts on the topic: ______

What should the audience know?

Step 10: Write!

Go ahead and write your essay. Don’t forget about the stages of writing, and ensure that you leave time for thorough editing and typing in MLA format!

Tutoring is offered on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30-5:00 pm in the Media Center.

Archetypes from The TragedyofRomeo and Juliet

Directions: Identify the archetype in the text and provide an explanation of how the example and the reoccurring symbol are related. Include a Shakespearean citation. (Act.Scene.Line) i.e. Act II, scene 3, line 125 = (II.III.125)

Sun/Light= Light usually suggests hope, renewal, or intellectual illumination.

Moon/Darkness= Darkness implies the unknown, ignorance, or despair.

Star-Crossed Lovers= Two characters engaged in a love affair fated to endtragically for one or both due to the disapproval of society, friends, family, or some tragic situation.

Jester= The trickster is playful, spontaneous, and has a desire to live in the moment with full enjoyment.

Mentor= The Mentor is an older, wiser teacher to the initiates. He often serves as a father or mother figure. He gives the hero gifts, serves as a role model or as hero’s conscience.

Good Mother= Symbolic of abundance and fertility. this character traditionally offers spiritual and emotional nourishment to those with whom she comes in contact.