Compare and Contrast Essay

 

JANE EYRE: COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY

WORLD LITERATURE HONORS

DUE DATE: NOVEMBER 20, 2015

 

WHAT IS A COMPARISON/CONTRAST ESSAY?

 

A comparison shows how two subjects are similar; a contrast shows how two subjects are different. In writing, you must first decide whether you will compare, contrast, or do both.

 

FOLLOW THESE STEPS WHEN WRITING A COMPARISON/CONTRAST ESSAY:

 

  1. IDENTIFY SIMILARITEIS AND DIFFERENCES

Use your venn diagrams to determine how they are similar and how they are different. You should find at least three points for comparison and contrast. Then write the detailed characteristics for each point.

 

  1. STATE YOUR PURPOSE IN THE THESIS SENTENCE.

Identify the two subjects that you will compare/contrast (CONTENT FROM JANE EYRE and your second choice) and state whether you will focus on similarities, difference, or both. The thesis may also indicate with points you will compare and contrast.

 

  1. CHOOSE A PATTERN TO ORGANIZE YOUR ESSAY.

The two major patterns for organizing a comparison/contrast essay are:

 

SUBJECT BY SUBJECT: Write first about one of your subjects, covering it completely, and then you write about the other, covering it completely. Each subject is addressed in a separate paragraph. The points of comparison or contrast should be the same for each subject and should be presented in the same order.

 

FEATURE BY FEATURE: Each point is addressed in a separate paragraph. Discuss both of your subjects together for each point of comparison and contrast. Maintain consistency by discussing the same subject first for each point.

 

  1. USE APPROPRAITE TRANSITIONS.

Transitions are important in comparison/contrast writing, especially with the feature by feature organization, to avoid confusion. Without transitions, the points you are comparing/contrasting may blur into one another. Also, a variety of transitions prevent monotony.

 

A LIST OF TRANSITIONS FOLLOWS:

 

            FOR COMPARISON:

Like, same, both, the same as, similar, in the same way, most important, similarly, as too, have in common, as well as.

FOR CONTRAST:

Although, however, differ, unlike, yet, but, instead, on the contrary, on the other hand, whereas, while, too, the reverse

TO EVALUTE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A COMPARISON/CONTRAST ESSAY, ASK THE FOLLOWING QUESTION:

Is the essay balanced?

The most common error in a comparison/contrast essay is spending too much time on one subject and too little on the other. Make sure the essay equally and thoroughly covers both subjects.

REQUIREMENTS: A CHECK LIST

 

THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS ESSAY ARE AS FOLLOWS:

  • The essay must be no longer than five (5) pages, with at least four (4) FULL pages. Those who do not meet this requirement will automatically lose one letter grade.

 

  • You must write an essay that includes at least one character/item from Jane Eyre.

 

  • You must write an essay comparing and contrasting two similar items.

 

  • As always, chose a topic that is interesting to you. Also, always try to write about something you know.

 

  • This essay requires little to no research.

 

  • ALL TOPICS MUST BE APPROVED BY MISS LOOCK, BY THE END OF CLASS ON NOVEMBER 4 *** ONLY ONE TOPIC PER CLASS.*** Topic Approval will be on the Fine Print.

 

  • This is a formal, academic essay. The use of first person pronouns is NOT allowed.

 

  • Only five dead words will be allowed throughout the entire essay. Use them wisely. Usage in excessive dead words, will result in deduction of points in Word Choice.

 

  • Use evidence to back up any statements—concrete details are a must.

 

  • Essay is due at the beginning of class on November 20th to TurnItIn. No exceptions. Failure to turn in a Compare and Contrast essay will result in immediate failure of Honors World Literature.