Objective: Demonstrate your understanding of how to effectively use the compare/contrast method of writing to develop a well-rounded view of your argument/idea/topic.

Instructions:

-Minimum 800 words

-Typed in Microsoft Word, 12 point font, 1 margins, double-spaced with MLA headers

Remember: To compare is to point out how two things are similarthe SAME. To contrast is to stress how they are dissimilarthe DIFFERENCE.

– Comparisons are used to clarify or find similarities of abstract or complex ideas.

– Contrasts are used to clarify or point out the differences of concrete or abstract ideas or things that may be very similar, but the bases of contrast chosen will focus on their differences. Compare/Contrast writing technique/tool is often used to present a well-rounded argument.

Written in Omniscient POV, the compare/contrast essay should have an introductory paragraph which will include the thesis sentence wherein you present the subject and your attitude towards it (your stance or your argument; you must choose a side). The essay should also have a number of body paragraphs that prove your main points as they present your bases of comparing/contrasting your topic/idea. And finally, it should have a conclusion paragraph that reflects upon the papers content and brings closure in an original, non-repetitive way. The thesis statement should be restated in the conclusion; it doesnt have to be verbatim, but the idea or concept presented in your thesis statement should be visible.

Furthermore, determine if you will use the alternating or block (See CANVAS for the alternating method example and the block method is the opposite) methods of comparison/contrast and stick with your chosen method throughout the essay. Be open to mapping out the same/differences in a column/table as demonstrated on the example, which is on CANVAS in the Reference_Supporting Info folder. It will make for easy writing.

Remember to include enough description to make the comparison/contrast vivid to the reader, and write a well-developed, grammatically, and mechanically sound essay on one of the topics below:

1. Compare and contrast a big college campus to a small college campus. Include details of which size campus you prefer and explain and whats different and the same. What makes a smaller campus better, and what makes a larger campus more fun? Be creative.

2. Compare and contrast physical beauty to inner beauty. Include what is considered beautiful in detail, develop your argument and include details by also using what you have learned about descriptive writing. Allow your thesis statement to be from the perspective of someone looking over the entire scene, you, the narrator from the O. POV. Be creative.

3. Compare and contrast two professional athletes. Your thesis statement should include what sport and what athlete you prefer and why. What athleticisms do they posses that are the same and the ones that are not the same? Be detailed and tell a story (narrative writing technique); just dont give statistics.

4. Compare and contrast texting while driving vs. drinking and driving. Is one worse than the other? State your thesis statement with your argument of which one is worse or if they both are equally bad. If they are equally bad, state your bases of comparison/contrast in a clear, descriptive way.

5. Describe two places you have visited and compare and contrast the location in detail, and which location you prefer should be stated in your thesis statement. Remember you are to use Omniscient POV. Provide details and tell a story explaining the differences.

6. You can choose your own topic; however, you will receive a deduction if you do not choose a topic where you can efficiently compare or contrast an idea or topic.

Attachments:

english1301-compare-contrastessay.docx