Writing a Comparative EssayEnglish 11: Periods 4,5,7,9

Understanding the Prompt

Read the assignment thoroughly

Be sure you can answer, “What is this prompt asking me to do?” completely.

Look at the rubric before, during, and after you write your essay

Brainstorming

Do not begin writing until you have completed this step!

Venn Diagram, Concept Map/Web, List, etc.

Most IMPORTANT part of brainstorming is…

Find a Focus

Select the THREE most important comparisons between the texts

While you may find several others, do not include them in your essay

Introduction

Start general

State texts and authors and genre

Finish with a strong, specific thesis statement

Your three points should be included

EXAMPLE: Though Green Eggs and Ham, The Cat in the Hat, and Oh, The Places You’ll Go are three different stories, they each use rhyme, rhythm, and made-up words to add excitement and emphasis, establishing Dr. Seuss’ unique style.

Body ParagraphsPoint-by-Point

Choose one point or aspect per paragraph and write about all three texts

Repeat for three total body paragraphs

Whole-by-Whole

Write about all three points for each text in their own separate paragraph

This is the most difficult method

Make sure you use parallel structure

Conclusion

Do not restate your thesis statement

Summarize briefly (without repeating)

End with a “so what” statement

Revision

Check that each point reflects your thesis statement

Peer editingCheck for repetition, unnecessary points, summary and eliminate; identify grammatical and mechanical errors