Comparison and Contrast
Essay Assignment Sheet
Purpose
To learn the development and structure of a comparison and contrast essay including, but not limited to:
creating a thesis statement
writing introduction, supporting, and conclusion paragraphs
critical thinking
recognizing rhetorical devices and patterns
integrating quotes and paraphrases
using/properly formatting MLA citations and Works Cited page
The comparison and contrast essay is used in many classes throughout the college, so it is an important mode to learn. This type of essay is also very structured, so youll want to follow the outline provided. Plug in the information, but also focus your energy on expanding the information and making connections between ideas.
Task
For this assignment, you will write a formal essay in the comparison and contrast mode. Choose ONE of the topic angles to discuss:
Compare and contrast the impact of evolving technology on communication between generations:
Topic:
voice vs. written communication
2. In order for your intended reader to understand your examination of the article, you must briefly summarize the assigned article (“Closer Together or Further Apart: Digital Devices in the New Generation Gap” by Weiss) in your introductory paragraph(s). The bulk of the essay, though, should be your critical examination of the similarities and differences of the two chosen aspects of the topic, but it will be your choice as to where you focus your essay, thesis, and points of comparison/contrast: consider the potential angles offered above.
Your essay must follow this required structure:
Argument (choose ONE) to evaluate:
Is one thing better (or worse) than the other?
Do these things seem different but are actually alike?
Do these things seem alike but are actually different?
Thesis: Create one sentence containing the following information: name the subjects being compared and contrasted, the argument (see above), and main point(s) of comparison or contrast.
Organization: Although your textbook lists two types (point by point and subject by subject), it is much easier to maintain an argument over the length of an essay if you use the point-by-point structure.
Important Note: Often students want to write an essay with one paragraph about subject A, then a paragraph about subject B, and then a paragraph about how A and B are alike and/or different. That format will NOT achieve a well-developed comparison/contrast argument.
Order of Subjects: Subjects are always listed in the same order in each paragraph. If you are showing that the subjects seem alike but are different, or are different but seem alike, then you can choose what order works best, as long as you are consistent. If you want to show that one of the subjects has a better viewpoint, then you would place that article/author last in every paragraph (emphatic order).
Transitions: As always, your choice of transition words is on page 56 of your textbook, as well as page 373 (avoid using on the other hand because its conversational).
Criteria
The essay must have a defined thesis, introduction, conclusion, and body paragraphs. Three points of comparison/contrast (or more) need to be evident within the essay, and, as a whole, the essay needs to be organized using the point-by-point pattern.
The purpose of the comparison and contrast essay, an argumentative element, must be present in the thesis and throughout the entire essay.
The thesis must give an idea of the purpose of the essay, the reason for the comparison-contrast, and it needs to state the argumentative element. (see the file About the Comparison Contrast Essay in the course content).
The paragraphs must be well-developed with details that support the thesis and topic sentences. The sentences must be connected as a cohesive unit within the paragraphs, as well as the essay as a whole.
The essay should be typed and in standard MLA format (including heading, in-text citations, and Works Cited page).
Standard rules of English grammar, punctuation, and spelling apply.
Writing should be in third person (avoid first and second person pronouns as well as referring to vague groupings of people – e.g. I, me, you, we, us, etc.).
Finished essay should be a minimum of 600 words (not including the heading or Works Cited page). Remember, there is no upper limit, but make sure the essay is focused and concise.
There needs to be a minimum of TWO direct references to the article assigned (Weiss), but you may use more as long as the source material does not constitute more than about 20% of your essay.
There should be support for each side of your comparison and contrast argument. You may additionally use material from/cite ONE credible web source.
