Compare and contrast paper about the book “The Other Wes Moore” it has to compare and contrast the two Wes Moores.
It isn’t complicated.
But writing an exceptional compare and contrast paper does take effort and planning. An excellent compare and contrast paper reveals something unique about a topic. It dives into the topic and reflects on the importance of what is compared and contrasted.
So, creating a paper that does this requires preparation and action.
Students need to write in-depth details about the subjects they compare and contrast. They need to analyze and critique the characteristics of the subjects in their papers.
Here are 5 essential steps to help you create a topnotch compare and contrast paper. See how they help you plan and write a paper with great content and critical thinking.
Step 1: Choose a Compare and Contrast Paper Topic
A compare and contrast paper analyzes 2 or more subjects for similarities and differences. These subjects have something in common. For this course, you will write a compare/contrast paper on the two Wes Moores in “The Other Wes Moore.” What do the two Wes Moores have in common? How do the lives of the two Wes Moores differ? What does research say about the specific societal issues that the two Wes Moores encounter? Use the research to support the points that you make in the paper. Make sure that you are citing your sources correctly throughout the paper. Also provide a Reference page at the end of the paper listing all sources used when writing the paper.
Step 2: Select Similarities and Differences
As you read the novel, take diligent notes and mark your text. Think of all the characteristics or points of each Wes Moore. Step 3: Find Supporting Details and Evidence
Next, you need to find evidence that will show how the points for each subject compare and contrast with the elements of the other subject(s). The MATC librarian can assist you in finding these and/or other sources to support the points that you state in your paper. For example, when you are comparing and contrasting the two characters, you then want to find facts about topics related to their day-today lives. Topics such as crime, poverty, the criminal justice system, educational system, and related statitistics to support your points. Also, you should use evidence from the actual novel (direct quotes) that support the points that you make in your paper about each Wes Moore.
As you find evidence ask yourself the question, “So, what?” What is the significance of each piece of evidence? What conclusion can you draw from it? How does this piece of evidence relate to other supporting details or evidence you found?
The “So, what?” question deepens your thinking about the content of your paper. It shows your critical analysis of each subject (character, topic) and point. The analysis makes your paper more meaningful than a paper that only tells the reader what is similar and different. Once you can answer, “So, what?” go on to outline your paper.
Step 4: Outline Your Compare and Contrast Paper
It’s easier to write a compare and contrast paper when you outline your content first. There are 2 common ways to structure a compare and contrast essay or paper: Subject by Subject or Point by Point.
Subject by Subject
This approach is where you write about one subject and its characteristics. Then when you finish describing that subject, you write about the second subject and its characteristics. After you’ve covered both subjects you write a section about the similarities and differences between them. Here is the outline:
I. Introduction—hook, general background information, and thesis statement
II. Body
Subject 1—points and evidence
Subject 2—points and evidence
III. Similarities and Differences
IV. Conclusion–summary of thesis and significance of the paper (“So, what?”)
If you have a third subject add a part C section to the body of your outline. If you have a fourth subject add a part D section to the body of your outline.
Point by Point
This is an approach where you organize your content around the points you want to make. Here you would write the point and then show how it relates to each subject. The outline for Point by Point is:
I. Introduction—hook, general background information and thesis statement
II. Body
Point 1—relationship to Subject 1, and the relationship to Subject 2
Point 2—relationship to Subject 1, and the relationship to Subject 2
Point 3—relationship to Subject 1, and the relationship to Subject 2
III. Conclusion—summary of thesis and significance of your paper (“So, what?”)
If you have more points you want to make, add them to the body of your paper. If you have 3 subjects you can add the third subject to each point.
Both of these outlines help you structure a compare and contrast paper. Select the one that makes sense to you. If you can’t decide, outline your content both ways and see which one looks more logical. Organize your academic paper, so that it is easy for your reader to follow.
Step 5: Write Your Compare and Contrast Paper
The more planning and preparation you do, the easier it is to write your paper. In this phase of the writing process, take the content in your outline and put it into writing.
Write all the parts of your paper, an engaging introduction, a well-developed body and a memorable conclusion. Make sure you include in-text citations. And end with a meaningful statement showing your reader the significance of your paper.
When you finish your paper revise it. For tips on how to revise your writing, check out the post, “Academic Revising 101: The Essential Essay Revision Checklist” https://www.academicwritingsuccess.com/academic-revising-101-the-essential-essay-revision-checklist/.
Conclusion
Do you have to follow every step in this process? Do you have to write an outline? No. But these 5 steps will help you write an in-depth compare and contrast paper. A great paper that shows a high-level of analysis that stands out to your professor.
The critical thinking your paper demonstrates is what makes your writing outstanding. Grammar, writing mechanics and writing style are important, but unless you show a deep understanding of your topic, your paper is fluff. Follow this 5-step process so that you can prepare, plan and write a first-rate compare and contrast paper.
