1,000-WORD COMPARISON-CONTRAST ESSAY

Write a 900- to 1,100-word, four- or five-paragraph essay analyzing (not just listing) how two
issues or two groups of people compare and contrast. Following are some suggested topics:
1. Two different views of a social or political issue (like gun ownership, animal rights,
or immigration)
2. Men and women, Republicans and Democrats, or two different groups of people
3. Two religions or beliefs, or two types of believers
4. Two types of prejudice or discrimination
5. A book and a movie version, or an original and a remake or a sequel
6. Life with a college degree and life without one
You must use one or more quotes (one per body paragraph is ideal) from expert sources
to support your body paragraphs. You must use a library database. (Opposing Viewpoints in Context
is a good place to start.) Be sure that you quote and cite the source(s) correctly. (Ask me or a tutor!)
Be sure that your thesis statement includes both topics and makes an overall point of
significance. The essay must contain an introduction paragraph that ends with the thesis state-
ment. It must also include two or three body paragraphs making three points (the same for both
topics) and providing specific evidence and details. The body should not just state facts but should
explore and explain the significance of those facts. The essay should end with a concluding
paragraph that returns to the idea of the thesis statement and provides a sense of closure.
Also, be sure you complete and submit all five steps in the writing process:
1. brainstorming/prewriting (bring to class Thursday, March 30),
2. organizing/outline with thesis statement (bring to class Thursday, March 30),
3a. drafting (first draft by April 4 on Canvas; bring one printout and submit to tutor),
4. revising (feedback from 2+ classmates on April 4 and a SmarThinking or ASC tutor),
3b. drafting again (second draft by April 11 on Canvas with TWO printouts, and
5. proofreading (feedback from 2+ classmates on April 11).
The final version of the essay is due on MyHCC / Canvas before class begins April 20. Final
essays will NOT be accepted if you do not participate in and submit all of the steps listed above!