u4 writewkshp cc esay se.pdf - Writing Workshop Analytical...

Writing
Workshop
Go to thinkcentral.com .
KEYWORD: HML10-498
Writing
Online
writing prompt
Write a comparison-contrast essay in which you identify the
similarities and differences between two subjects. Make sure
to include a thesis statement that is supported by details,
quotations, and other evidence.
idea starters
• two literary works
• two sports or extracurricular activities
• two brands of a product
the essentials
Here are some common purposes, audiences, and formats for
comparison-contrast writing.
1. focus and coherence
• clearly states subjects being
compared and contrasted
• focuses on controlling idea
2. organization
• includes an effective
introduction and conclusion
• uses block structure or point-by-
point structure
• incorporates transitions
3. development of ideas
• presents a thesis statement
• uses well-chosen details,
quotations, and other evidence
4. voice
• varies sentence structure
• uses parallel structure
• maintains appropriate tone
5. conventions
• uses commas in contrasting
expressions and introductory
phrases
• employs correct grammar,
mechanics, and spelling
purposes audiences genres/formats
• to gain
a deeper
understanding
of two
subjects
• to aid decision
making
• classmates and
teacher
• newspaper
or magazine
readers
• consumers
• essay for class
• newspaper or
magazine review
• consumer Web
site
Analytical Essay:
Comparison and Contrast
Which novel is more exciting? Which political candidate will be a stronger leader?
To answer such questions, you must compare and contrast; doing so can give you a
deeper understanding of each subject and help you make a more informed choice
between them. In this workshop, you will write a comparison-contrast essay—an
essay that identifies the similarities and differences between two subjects.
Complete the workshop activities in your Reader/Writer Notebook.
498 unit 4: theme
write with a purpose texas key traits
1. 1. f
te

Writing Workshop
Planning/Prewriting
Getting Started
choose your subjects
Select two subjects to compare and contrast.
Make sure there is a good reason to compare
and contrast the two subjects. Avoid choosing
subjects that are too similar.
ask yourself:
• How are the two subjects similar?
• How are the two subjects different?
• Why are their similarities and differences
important?
brainstorm similarities and differences
Use a Venn diagram to record similarities and
differences between the two subjects. List
every similarity and difference that occurs to
you. Make sure to consider various aspects or
features of your subjects. For example, if you are
comparing two literary works, consider characters,
theme, setting, conflict, resolution, and author’s
techniques. Then, identify the strength of each
similarity and difference, keeping only the
strongest points and deleting the weaker ones.