Write a comparative essay based on the thesis statement, evidence, and explanations you provided in the most recent lesson. First, find the worksheet you submitted for the Supporting a Comparative Claim assignment. Then use your ideas to write a comparative essay. Your essay should include these elements:
an introductory paragraph that includes your thesis as well as the titles of the works you will compare
well-organized body paragraphs that provide support for your claim (reasoning, examples, and explanations)
a concluding paragraph that restates your thesis statement, using different words than your introduction, and summarizes your reasoning
As you organize and write your essay, use some of these strategies:
Decide how you are going to organize your essay to best use the evidence you listed in the worksheet. Think about how many body paragraphs will work best for your essay and how you can best use the structure of the essay to support and prove your claim. Some approaches to consider:
Use two body paragraphs, with each one focused on a different text
Use two body paragraphs—one comparing and one contrasting the works
Use three body paragraphs—one to describe each text and then one to compare and contrast the work
Create a brief outline of your ideas before you begin writing. In your outline, list what will appear in each paragraph, in the order it should appear.
Use your outline as a guide, but feel free to depart from it if you have better ideas as you are writing. Be sure to incorporate the text evidence you listed on your worksheet or outline, though, or to replace that evidence with better evidence. Also check to see that you have connected your evidence and reasons to your thesis statement. Your reader should not have to wonder about the point you are trying to make.
When you edit your essay, before submitting the final draft, make sure you have clearly stated your thesis and supported it with reasons and evidence. Also look for less formal words that you can replace with academic vocabulary words and phrases.