The Writing Process
6
The body of the essay can be organized in one of two ways: by subject or by individual points. The organizing strategy that you choose will depend on, as always, your audience and your purpose. You may also consider your particular approach to the subjects as well as the nature of the subjects themselves; some subjects might better lend themselves to one structure or the other. Make sure to use comparison and contrast phrases to cue the reader to the ways in which you are analyzing the relationship between the subjects.
After you finish analyzing the subjects, write a conclusion that summarizes the main points of the essay and reinforces your thesis. See the student outline and essay in Appendix C, “Batman: A Hero for Any Time,” followed by professional essays in the links to read some examples of the compare-and-contrast essay. Notice the length of these essays and consider what information you will need to write a longer essay. Think beyond the 5-paragraph essay!
EXERCISE 6
Based on the topic assigned by your instructor, write a full compare-and-contrast essay. Be sure to include a summary of the source in your introduction, a clear thesis, well-defined and detailed paragraphs including quotes and paraphrases, and a fitting conclusion that ties everything together. Your essay should be 6-7 paragraphs or more.
- develop an outline based on your working thesis. Include new vocabulary in your outline and thesis!
- write a draft of your essay, including 3-5 new words, following your outline and focusing on your thesis
- get feedback from a tutor on content, organization, and vocabulary.
- revise based on the feedback, making substantive rather than superficial changes
- edit your essay based on grammar structure and vocabulary covered in class
- get feedback from a classmate, a tutor, or your professor on persistent errors
- proofread the final draft before uploading it or turning it in to your professor
