The cultural comparison essay will allow students to take a closer look at the topics discussed within the first half of the semester. Students will choose two topics from the book to create a cultural comparison. For example: Ming China and Muslim Empires.
Use the Annotated Bibliography that you previously completed to structure your essay. This essay will help to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the information that we have went over within the course. You are required to develop an argument and apply critical thinking skills to analyze a range of academic sources in support of your argument. An example of this structure is:
Outline
Cover page
3-5 pages of content (Typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 font)
Annotated bibliography
Introduction
Background information on topic
Statement of your position on the topic (thesis)
Overview of arguments to be presented (structure)
Body Paragraphs
paragraph 1
Topic sentence outlining first argument
Sentences giving explanations and providing evidence to support the topic sentence(s)
Concluding sentence – link to next paragraph
paragraph 2
Topic sentence outlining second argument
Sentences giving explanations and providing evidence to back topic sentence
Concluding sentence – link to next paragraph
Following body paragraphs
These follow the same structure for as many arguments as you wish to put forward in support of the topic.
Conclusion
Summary of the main points of the body
Restatement of the position
THESIS
Every paper you write should have a main point, a main idea, or central message. The argument(s) you make in your paper should reflect this main idea. The sentence that captures your position on this main idea is what we call a thesis statement.
How long does it need to be: A thesis statement focuses your ideas into one or two sentences. It should present the topic of your paper and also make a comment about your position in relation to the topic. Your thesis statement should tell your reader what the paper is about and also help guide your writing and keep your argument focused.
Where is your thesis statement: You should provide a thesis early in your essay — in the introduction, or in longer essays in the second paragraph — in order to establish your position and give your reader a sense of direction.
Tip: In order to write a successful thesis statement:
Avoid burying a great thesis statement in the middle of a paragraph or late in the paper.
Be as clear and as specific as possible; avoid vague words.
Indicate the point of your paper but avoid sentence structures like, “The point of my paper is…”
CITATIONS
A bibliography is a list of all of the sources you have used (whether referenced or not) in the process of researching your work. In general, a bibliography should include:
the authors’ names
the titles of the works
the names and locations of the companies that published your copies of the sources
the dates your copies were published
the page numbers of your sources (if they are part of multi-source volumes)
Guidelines:
Writing format should follow the guidelines of the APA writing format.
Paper should be typed, double-spaced using 12 point font.
Times New Roman Font.
Cover page and bibliography are NOT included in page number count.
NO Plagiarism!
Plagiarism includes:
Directly quoting the words of others without using quotation marks or indented format to identify them;
Using sources of information (published or unpublished) without identifying them;
Paraphrasing materials or ideas of others without identifying the sources;
Submitting themes, essays, term papers, tests and other similar requirements that are not the work of the student; and
Failing to appropriately acknowledge direct quotations and the idea of another when incorporated in papers.
APA Format: https://www.easybib.com/guides/citation-guides/apa-format/
