Compare and Contrast
Comparative Rubric
The comparative essay focuses on developments across at least two regions or societies. It relates to one of the five major themes in the course, such as state building, interactions between or among cultures, or economic systems. Comparative questions always require an analysis of the reasons for the identified similarities and differences. As in the previous continuity and change over time essay, students may have the opportunity to choose different cases for comparisons among several options.
The Thesis: The thesis is the most important part of each essay, and the comparative one is no exception. Here are some elements to consider as you plan your response to the comparative essay exam question.
- Although this is called the comparative question, you are expected to compare as well as contrast, identifying similarities and difference. you must always cover both concepts; there are no exceptions.
- Always have a one-sentence thesis that contains an argument (position, premise, or idea) that you can support with a framework (essay map, topic delineation, or slugs).
- If you do not have time for an introduction, just write your thesis and then begin you body paragraphs.
- Your thesis must have some value-added concepts, which means that you must demonstrate some applicable knowledge here.
- Your thesis must deal with all aspects of the question and address similarities and differences.
- (i.e. - A and B are similar, but C is different because.... or Although A and B are different, C is similar because...)
Body Paragraphs:
- Follow your thesis order for your paragraph order.
- Provide strong analysis for both comparing and contrasting the topics.
- Begin each body paragraph with a topic sentence that is a direct comparison or contrast. This means that both subjects must be addressed and specific similarities or difference must be identified.
- Be sure to use historical evidence/prior knowledge to support each part of your topic sentence.
- Close each body paragraph with an explanation of why the similarity or difference exists.
Conclusion: