Compare And Contrast Instructions, Topic, And Structure

Compare and Contrast Instructions Topic and Structure: Compare/Contrast Essay – Choose one topic provided in these instructions to compare and/or contrast. The table below provides an extensive list of topic options from which you must select, and we recommend that you choose one from below that you are interested in beyond this course. For instance, if you are a Finance or Business major, you might be interested in the Dividends v. Capital Gains topic. If you are a Science major, you might choose Hybrid Seeds v. GMO Seeds. Or perhaps you’re taking StraighterLine’s Survey of World History course, in which case you might opt to research the similarities and differences between the United States and the Roman Empire. You will use at least two credible sources to support your claims, and remember, you must include your sources throughout the body paragraphs of your essay in a mix of cited quotes, paraphrases, and summaries. Both the support and research portions of the rubric will be negatively affected if you do not integrate your researched data. · Rosa Parks vs. Harriett Tubman · Treaties vs. Executive Agreements · Roman Empire vs. United States · Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven” vs. Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” · Verbal vs. Nonverbal Communication · Biblical Old Testament vs. New Testament · Leonardo di Vinci vs. Michelangelo · Apple Ipad vs. Microsoft Surface · Dividends vs. Capital Gains · Marxism vs. Socialism · Chicago Cubs vs. Chicago White Sox · Jazz vs. Blues · String Instruments vs. Wind Instruments · Amphibians vs. Reptiles · Charles Darwin vs. Jean-Baptiste Lamarck · Solar Power vs. Wind Power · Hybrid Seeds vs. GMO Seeds · Public School vs. Home School Write an essay comparing or contrasting the two topics in your selection using EITHER the point-by-point OR the subject-by-subject method to organize the details and specific examples. Consider focusing on three to five subtopics and generate ideas through prewriting. Develop a strong thesis statement for your essay that includes your two topics from the list above; your three to five subtopics; and a claim about how they are similar, different, or both. Sample Thesis Statements: If you will argue that your two topics are mostly similar: Topic A and Topic B share many similar characteristics, including (Supporting point 1), (Supporting point 2), and (Supporting point 3); while they differ in (Additional supporting point), the similarities greatly outweigh the differences. OR If you will argue that your two topics are mostly different: While Topic A and Topic B have (Additional supporting point) in common, they are mostly quite different; in fact, they differ in characteristics such as (Supporting point 1), (Supporting point 2), and (Supporting point 3). OR If you will argue that your two topics have many important/interesting similarities and differences: Analyzing Topic A and Topic B reveals many fascinating similarities as well as differences; for instance, they share (Supporting point 1) and (Supporting point 1), but are vastly different when it comes to (Supporting point 3) and (Supporting point 4). Tips To brainstorm, you might consider using a Venn diagram or a simple list to show what your topics have in common and how they differ. Then you can select the most prominent or interesting characteristics that you want to highlight in your paper. Be sure to avoid beginning your comparisons or contrasts in the introduction. Your thesis is the only place in the introduction where you will include this information. Use the introduction to get your reader’s attention, and consider using a good strategy that leads into the topic. For instance, you might relate a short anecdote to illustrate your topic, an interesting quotation that relates to your topic, or perhaps a surprising statistic that reveals something about your topic. Then, in the body paragraphs remember to support your claim(s) outlined in the thesis. For instance, if one of your points says the city and the country are different in terms of transportation, be sure the topic sentence of one body paragraph presents a similar statement. In addition, spend equal time on each subtopic in each body paragraph, and one way to develop organized body paragraphs is to focus on one topic before moving to the next one so that the paragraph support is split 50/50. In other words, using the example above, you would explain the transportation options in the city in full, and then, you would detail the types of contrasting transportation in the country. End each body paragraph with a strong concluding sentence that synthesizes that paragraph’s discussions. The conclusion should sum up the specific supporting points as well as your overall assessment of why these points are important. Consider what kinds of interesting or new conclusions you can draw from your comparison. In other words, your essay must reveal why your comparison is important. A well-developed paragraph often contains a minimum of five sentences. Note that any of the main sections below labeled with Roman Numerals (I, II, III, IV) could be more than just a single paragraph. Point-by-Point I. Introduction A. Thesis B. Additional information to introduce your topic and gain the reader’s attention II. Supporting point 1 A. Topic 1 B. Topic 2 III. Supporting point 2 A. Topic 1 B. Topic 2 IV. Supporting point 3 A. Topic 1 B. Topic 2 V. Supporting point 4 or Additional point A. Topic 1 B. Topic 2 VI. Conclusion A. Reiterate your thesis (but do not simply restate it from the introduction) B. Give your overall assessment—the “so what” factor—about your topic. For instance, is one topic better than the other for some reason? Is one topic misunderstood? Subject-by-Subject I. Introduction A. Thesis B. Additional information to introduce your topic and gain the reader’s attention II. Topic 1 A. Supporting point 1 B. Supporting point 2 C. Supporting point 3 D. Supporting point 4 or Additional point III. Topic 2 A. Supporting point 1 B. Supporting point 2 C. Supporting point 3 D. Supporting point 4 or Additional point V. Conclusion A. Reiterate your thesis (but do not simply restate it from the introduction) B. Give your overall assessment—the “so what” factor—about your topic. For instance, is one topic better than the other for some reason? Is one topic misunderstood? Here’s an example of how you might organize using these methods for an essay about cats versus dogs as pets (remember, this topic is not one of the options for this essay). Point-by-Point I. Introduction A. Thesis: While cats and dogs are both clear winners when it comes to pet choices, these animals are vastly different when it comes to noise level, exercise needs, and cleanliness. II. Subtopic 1: Noise level A. Topic 1: Cats are quiet B. Topic 2: Dogs can be noisy III. Subtopic 2: Exercise A. Topic 1: Cats do not have to be walked B. Topic 2: Dogs require exercise IV. Subtopic 3: Cleanliness A. Topic 1: Cats groom themselves B. Topic 2: Dogs need to be bathed V. Conclusion Subject-by-Subject I. Introduction A. Thesis: While cats and dogs are both clear winners when it comes to pet choices, these animals are vastly different when it comes to noise level, exercise needs, and cleanliness. II. Topic 1: Cats A. Subtopic 1: Noise level B. Subtopic 2: Exercise C. Subtopic 3: Cleanliness III. Topic 2: Dogs A. Subtopic 1: Noise level B. Subtopic 2: Exercise C. Subtopic 3: Cleanliness IV. Conclusion Format Requirements: Remember to apply the concepts you're learning in the course, including elements of grammar, punctuation, thesis development, and other skills. Length: This assignment should be at least 500 words. Sources: You need a bare minimum of two credible sources for this assignment. Header: Include a header in the upper left-hand corner of your writing assignment with the following information: Your first and last name Course Title (Composition I) Assignment name (Comparison and Contrast) Current Date MLA style documentation (please see the tutorial in the course topic) Last name and page number in upper-right corner of each page Double-spacing throughout Title, centered after heading Standard font (Times New Roman or Calibri) 1" margins on all sides Save the file as .docx or .doc format Underline your thesis statement.

Paper For Above instruction

The assignment requires selecting a compare and contrast topic from a provided list, focusing on at least two credible sources to support the analysis. The essay should be organized using either the point-by-point or subject-by-subject method, focusing on three to five subtopics. A strong thesis statement must clearly articulate the comparison or contrast and include the chosen subtopics. The introduction should engage the reader and present the thesis, while the body paragraphs must support the thesis with balanced discussion of each subtopic. The conclusion should synthesize the main points and articulate why the comparison or contrast is significant. The paper must be at least 500 words, formatted according to MLA guidelines, including a header, double-spacing, standard fonts, and 1-inch margins. The thesis statement should be underlined. Proper citations are essential throughout, integrating quotes, paraphrases, and summaries from credible sources. The assignment emphasizes clarity, coherence, and adherence to academic writing standards.

Introduction

Comparative essays are a vital academic writing form that allows writers to analyze similarities and differences between two distinct topics. The effectiveness of such essays relies heavily on the clarity of the thesis statement, balanced discussion, and organized structure. When properly executed, compare and contrast essays help elucidate nuanced relationships between topics, thereby enhancing critical thinking and analytical skills. In this paper, I will explore the essential elements of writing a successful compare and contrast essay, including choosing an appropriate topic, developing a clear thesis, organizing ideas coherently, and supporting observations with credible evidence.

Choosing a Topic

The first step in crafting a compelling compare and contrast essay is selecting a suitable topic. The provided list offers various options, ranging from historical comparisons such as the Roman Empire versus the United States, to cultural analyses like Jazz versus Blues, or technological contrasts such as Apple iPad versus Microsoft Surface. When choosing a topic, it is crucial to consider personal interest and available resources. A compelling topic should lend itself to clear similarities and differences, allowing for meaningful analysis. Furthermore, selecting a topic within one’s academic or personal passion increases motivation and the quality of research.

Developing a Thesis Statement

A strong thesis statement is the backbone of the compare and contrast essay. It should explicitly state whether the essay will focus on similarities, differences, or both. Moreover, it must outline the key subtopics that will be discussed, providing a roadmap for the essay. For example, a thesis may assert, “While the Roman Empire and the United States differ significantly in government structure and societal organization, they share notable similarities in cultural influence and expansion strategies,” clearly indicating the focus areas and the comparative nature of the analysis.

Organizing the Body Paragraphs

The body of the essay can be organized using either the point-by-point method or the subject-by-subject method. The point-by-point approach compares specific aspects of both topics sequentially, e.g., transportation in the city versus transportation in the countryside. The subject-by-subject approach discusses each topic in its entirety before moving to the next, e.g., a section on cats followed by a section on dogs. Regardless of approach, each paragraph should start with a clear topic sentence, support the claim with evidence, and conclude with a sentence that synthesizes the information. Balancing the discussion ensures reader engagement and clarity.

Supporting Evidence and Research

In any academic comparison or contrast, credible evidence enhances the argument's validity. Including quotes, paraphrases, and summaries from reputable sources demonstrates careful research and helps substantiate observations. Proper citation in MLA format is vital, both to credit original authors and to enable readers to locate sources. Integrating evidence smoothly into the analysis supports analytical points and avoids plagiarism.

Writing the Introduction and Conclusion

The introduction should captivate the reader, perhaps through an anecdote, quotation, or surprising statistic related to the chosen topics. Its main goal is to introduce the context and present a concise thesis. Conversely, the conclusion should revisit the main points, reinforce the thesis, and offer insight into the significance of the comparison. It might address questions like, “Why does this comparison matter?” or “What implications does this have for understanding the topics better?”

Formatting and Final Tips

Adherence to MLA formatting is essential: include a header with your name, course, assignment title, date, and page numbers; double-space the entire document; use a standard font like Times New Roman or Calibri, and set 1-inch margins. Underline your thesis statement, and ensure your paper is at least 500 words with at least two credible sources. Proofreading for grammar, punctuation, cohesion, and clarity is essential for an effective final draft.

Conclusion

Writing a successful compare and contrast essay involves careful topic selection, a clear and focused thesis, organized structure, supportive evidence, and meticulous formatting. Such essays sharpen analytical abilities and deepen understanding of complex relationships between topics. By following these principles, students can produce compelling, well-structured, and insightful essays that contribute meaningfully to academic discourse.

References

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