ENGL 1711 03

Compare or Contrast Essay

 

Draft is due on the discussion board for peer review and the assignment folder on Wednesday, June 23rd.

 

Your compare or contrast draft should be at least two pages in length. (The final paper for grading is three pages.)  The draft should be typed and double spaced. 

 

Revisions are due for grading on D2L Sunday, July 4th—100 Points  

 

Develop your ideas according to the subject by subject or point-by-point pattern as explained on pages 364-365 of the textbook.  If you are using the subject-by-subject pattern, your draft should have a minimum of four paragraphs.  If you are using the point-by-point pattern, a minimum of five paragraphs should be developed.

 

Introduction

Paragraph one should be an introduction of what is being compared or contrasted with a thesis statement.  Consider the most interesting way you can introduce your topics to engage the interest of the reader.  You can write in a person first person or second person voice in the introduction.  However, unless you are comparing two personal experiences, your thesis should be written in an objective third person voice.  Additionally, avoid direct references to what you are going to show in the paper or what the paper itself is going to show.  Below are just a few examples of thesis statements in an objective tone.  Because none of them list the exact points being compared, they are all examples of an umbrella thesis.

·       Other than the obvious size difference, there are several more significant distinctions between a toy poodle and a standard poodle. 

·       Despite the perceived differences, there are several important similarities between Democrats and Republicans. 

·       Although both systems give a vehicle improved road stability, there are meaningful differences between All Wheel Drive and Four Wheel Drive. 

 

Content—Body Paragraphs

Three points of similarity or difference are developed within the body of the essay.  Paragraphs should each be introduced by a topic sentence and should end with a concluding statement.  Each of the points has to be backed up using examples and illustrations.  See chapter fourteen and the student examples you read last week for examples of body paragraphs. 

 

 

Concluding Paragraph

Your final paragraph should be a conclusion.

 

Editing

Grammar and Punctuation—Edit for sentence structure trying to eliminate sentence fragments and run ons.  Watch for comma placement, subject/verb agreement and verb tense.  Avoid all references to the second person, “you” in this essay.  When writing lists, be aware of parallel structure. 

 

Style—Use formal English, eliminating slang and overly conversational language.  Even though you are allowed to use the first person, try to rewrite sentence to avoid overuse of the personal pronoun “I, me, myself.”  Avoid the “you” voice entirely. 

 

Format

Typed and double spaced

Times New Roman 12 point font

Title centered at the top and correctly punctuated

Name and course name at the upper left corner

Tab the first line of a paragraph

One inch margins that are left hand aligned