Compare/Contrast Essay
Family History Project: Compare/Contrast Essay
50 points
Pre-Writing/Brainstorming Phase:
· Using the “Compare or Contrast Diagram” brainstorm 5 or more subjects (themes) for the body paragraphs of your essay. (Some examples: school, home, fashion, entertainment, activities, interests, technology, jobs, etc.) These subjects will be the focus for your similarities and differences.
· Using the “Compare or Contrast Diagram” list similarities and differences for each of your subjects. Select at least two subjects for your body paragraphs. Make sure you have similarities and differences for the subjects you choose!
Composing/Drafting Phase:
Purpose: write a two-part expository essay comparing and contrasting your life as an adolescent with the adolescence of the family member you interviewed.
Audience: teacher and family
The following suggestions will help you organize your information into a well-written essay:
§ The purpose of an expository essay is to explain what you know using facts and examples.
§ Use “Elements of an Excellent Essay” to springboard more ideas for your introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
§ The focus is on organization, so make sure your paragraphs have topic sentences, supporting details and closing/transition sentences! Connect your ideas within each paragraph too!
§ The specific details in the opening paragraph, the introduction, should grab the reader’s attention. (Examples and suggestions given in class.)
§ You should create a smooth transition at the beginning of each paragraph (from the previous paragraph) that details the similarities and differences between yourself and the family member you interviewed.
§ The use of details and examples should add life to your writing.
§ The conclusion should tie everything together and show the writer’s reflection upon the subject, drawing the essay to a close. (Examples and suggestions given in class.)
§ After you’ve finished your first draft, revise and edit your essay using peers, parents, and the rubric provided for this essay. Don’t assume it’s perfect the first time you write it! Set it aside for a day or two and look at it with fresh eyes to catch errors and add new ideas. Read it aloud to catch errors too. Double check your paragraphs for topic sentence, pertinent details, concluding and transition statements, as well as grammatical errors. I strongly encourage you to use a dictionary and thesaurus to enhance your writing.
§ Enjoy your writing! You may use some information from this essay as part of your Family History Oral Presentation.
Essay Requirements:
ë Typed 4-6 paragraphs, comparing AND contrasting adolescences
ë Final draft typed in black ink
ë Size 12
ë Times New Roman or Comic Sans or Arial
ë 1 inch margins (file/page setup)
ë Double spaced (format/paragraph)
ë Name, period, and date in top right hand corner or as a header (View/header and footer)
ë Title for essay centered without any underlining or quotes (bold or up to size 16 okay)
ë Rubric for essay should be handed in on top of the final essay
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