Thesis Statement Worksheet

University of Phoenix Material

Thesis Statement Worksheet

Comparison and Contrast

Step One

In Week 1 you chose a topic and rhetorical mode to use for your final essay. You have chosen to write an essay in which you will compare and contrast two subjects. Take a few moments to prewrite about your topic to identify at least three possible points of comparison. For example:

Topic: Comparing and contrasting owning a house and renting an apartment.

Some possible points of comparison:

· Cost and expenses

· Decorating

· Conveniences

With this topic, the writer might compare advantages and disadvantages instead:

· Homeownership advantages

· Homeownership disadvantages

· Renting advantages

· Renting disadvantages

Use this space for your prewriting activity. Answer the questions using complete sentences.

1. What is the topic your instructor approved in Week 1?

2. What are your possible points of comparison for your topic?

Step Two

As discussed in your reading (The Everyday Writer Plus, “Compare and Contrast”) you must decide on your purpose for comparing your two subjects. Do you want to write an informative paper in which you compare and contrast the subjects to help the reader understand both better? Or do you want to demonstrate to the reader that one subject is superior or preferable to the other?

What is your purpose for writing to compare and contrast your two subjects?

Step Three

Create a thesis statement by using your selected topic and the points of comparison you’ve chosen from Steps One by following one of the patterns offered in “Compare and Contrast” of the text The Everyday Writer Plus:

Subject 1 + Subject 2 + Indication of similarities or differences = Thesis statement.

Owning a house and renting an apartment both offer advantages but differ in cost, decorating options, and conveniences.

Subjects + Main idea + Indication of difference = Thesis statement.

Owning a house and renting an apartment both come with advantages and disadvantages.

If you want to be specific about your preference for one subject in your thesis statement, you could write something like this:

While homeownership offers many advantages, renting an apartment offers short term savings, additional conveniences, and ease of mobility.

Keep in mind, if you address key points in your thesis statement in a specific order, you will want to address them in the same order in your essay.

Choose one of the patterns above (or some variation of your own), and write a thesis statement:

Reference:

Lunsford, A. (2014). The everyday writer plus. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s.