A Brief Overview to Writing A ComparisonContrast Essay

A Brief Overview to Writing A Comparison/Contrast Essay Similarities and Differences

�This powerpoint is designed to guide you through the writing of your compare contrast essay. �You will compare and contrast the ideologies of Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. Du. Bois based on your readings of the books Up From Slavery and The Souls of Black Folk. �Start by downloading the note-taking handout from the course website. Be sure to keep this handout handy as you work your way through this powerpoint. DIRECTIONS

�This powerpoint will provided examples of each of the stages of the writing process. It will use the topic autumn vs. spring in its examples along the way. �Now let’s get started. Before switching to the next slide. Jot down the stages of the writing process from memory on your note-taking guide. �Move to the next slide to check your work. DIRECTIONS

�Prewrite: �Draft: Organize ideas Jot down ideas in paragraph form �Revise: Review writing to make it sound better. The focus is on organization, word choice, and ideas. �Edit: Review writing to make it look better. The focus is on spelling, grammar, and mechanics. �Publish: Share your writing with your audience A QUICK REVIEW

GET READY: JOURNAL #2 On your note-taking handout, do this: What does Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. Du. Bois believe about Blacks and upward mobility. Try to capture each of their perspectives in one to two sentence.

�Writing a comparison/contrast paper involves comparing and contrasting two subjects. �A comparison shows how two things are alike. �A contrast shows how two things are different. Definition

�When you choose a topic, be sure not to choose two totally unrelated subjects. �You must start with subjects that have some basic similarities. �Two movies �Two short stories �Book and movie �Two ideologies Choosing a Topic

�For this paper, you will explore the following topic: �Compare and contrast the ideologies of Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. Du. Bois. Specifically discuss the differences and similarities in their views of Blacks in America during the period of Black Reconstruction. Include several examples from each text to support your claims. YOUR TOPIC

PREWRITING This is the stage where you organize your thoughts. It usually helps to use some sort of graphic organizer. With a compare contrast paper, you might choose to use a Venn Diagram or trait chart.

�Brainstorm everything you know about each subjects and then go back and look for connections that show similarities and differences. Brainstorm

�Assignment: Jot down your ideas in the chart on your note-taking sheet. Then, use these notes along with the Inspiration Software to create a Venn Diagram or some other graphic organizer that compares and contrast the ideologies (beliefs) of Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. Du. Bois. Once you have created your graphic using your notes; use inspiration to turn the graphic into outline notes. �Send your prewrite graphics to me via email at tonyawallsworks@yahoo. com. Your Turn to Pre. Write

YOUR TURN Use your notes to jot down your initial ideas about the topic. Type your ideas onto the note-taking handout.

DRAFTING Drafting is when you use your prewrite notes to write down your initial thoughts about the essay topic. You should write without worrying about the content, at this point, your goal is simply to get your ideas down. This is called ideation.

DRAFT & REVISING THE DRAFT When you revise, you think about the organization of your ideas, as well as how your ideas sound. Word choice, transitions, and vocabulary used to present your ideas are all important. It is also important to develop your ideas around a great thesis or claim.

�The thesis statement or claim will evolve from the prewrite and intial draft. Look at your list and ask yourself some questions. �Is there something important, significant, or interesting in the similarities and differences on my list? �What have I discovered about my two topics? Develop a Thesis/Claim

�After looking at the list from our example, a thesis statement or claim might be: �“Although there is exquisite beauty in the seasons of autumn and spring, there also distinctions which allow each season to stand on its own. ” Develop a Thesis

�The introduction of your essay should mention both subjects in a strong and clearly defined thesis statement or claim: ◦ “Although there is exquisite beauty in the seasons of autumn and spring, there also distinctions which allow each season to stand on its own. ” Organizing The Essay

YOUR TURN Develop a thesis statement or claim and introduction for your essay. Jot down your introduction, which should include your thesis/claim on the note-taking handout.

�There are two primary ways to organize the body of your paper: ◦ The divided pattern ◦ The alternating pattern Organizing The Essay

� The Divided Pattern � Give all supporting details for one subject and then give all supporting details for the other subject. Organizing The Essay � Paragraph 1: Introduction and Thesis Statement � Paragraph 2: Discuss and give supporting details for subject 1 (autumn) � Paragraph 3: Discuss and give supporting details for subject 2 (spring) � Paragraph 4: Concluding Statement

� The Alternating Pattern � Alternate the details from one side of the comparison or contrast to the other. Organizing The Essay � Paragraph 1: Introduction and Thesis Statement � Paragraph 2: Discuss and give all the details of the similarities between both subjects (spring and autumn) � Paragraph 3: Discuss and give all the details of the differences between both subjects (spring and autumn) � Paragraph 4: Concluding Statement

�Concluding Statement �The Conclusion of your paper should include final connections about the two subjects and then a restatement of your thesis. Organizing The Essay

� Drafting Assignment: Now it’s your turn to work. Select an organizational structure for your essay. Use the structure to draft your essay. Be sure to include the introduction that you developed. � Revising Assignment: After you have completed the full draft of your essay. Go back and reread your work. Make sure that it sounds good. Pay close attention to organization, transitions, and word choice. You will also need to make sure that your ideas are stated clearly and that you have supported all ideas with details from the text(s). � Send your completed draft to me via email: tonyawallsworks@yahoo. com YOUR TURN TO DRAFT AND REVISE

YOUR TURN TO EDIT This is when you check your paper for spelling, grammar, and minor mistakes. Reread your paper and edit all mistakes. Run a spelling and grammar check.

� Assignment: Make sure that your paper is ready to turn in for a grade. Include a cover page and reference page. Use APA style for references. � Complete the editing rubric in your notes. � Answer the reflection questions in your notes. � Email your notes and completed essay to me via tonyawallsworks@yahoo. com. � Congratulations, you are done!!!!! YOUR TURN TO PUBLISH