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Compare and Contrast Essay planning Sheet

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Introductorv Paraqraph :

1. The introductory sentence is a general point as it relates to your thesis; you

may mention the two works and/or authors being used at this pbint.
2. lf you have not yet introduced the works andiuthors, you shoutd do so here.
3. The next sentence or two will summarize your texts as you bring the reader
closer to your thesis.
4. The final or second to last sentence in this paragraph is your thesis. you
must also mention your three points as they relate to your thesis, so the reader
knows what direction you are taking with your essay. " Remember this hetps
your thesis (heaftbeat) to flow throughout your essay. you may mention your
three arguments in the same sentence with your thesis, or...
5. The final sentence is your list of three arguments which will support your
thesis.

Bodv Paraqraohs:

1. Topic Sentence as it relates to everything in this paragraph and to your

thesis.
2. Point 1 or First Statement of argument: as it relates to your thesis and
both texts (sources A and B).
3. Elaborate on the argument: this is your anatysis of your point as it
relates to your thesis and text A,. ln other words you are explaining the first
work you are comparing as it relates to point 1 and your thesis.
4' Evidence from text A. This is where you will cite information (direcly- w1h
quotations or indirectly- paraphrasing) to support your elaboration on the
argument.
5. Explanation/ Colnmentary- analysis of your evidence as it relates to your
thesis and text A. This is done in your own words.
6. Elaboration on the argument and transition to text B. you will discuss
your second source as it compares to or contrasts with source A, point 1,
and
your thesis.
7' Evidence from text B. This is where you will cite information (direcfly- with
quotations or indirectly-paraphrasing) to support your elaboration on the
argument using Text B.
8. Explanation/ Commentary- analysis of your evidence as it relates to Text
B and Text A. This is done in your own words.
I' Point 2 or Second Statement of argument: as it relates to your thesis
and both texts (sources A and B).
10. Elaborate on the argument: this is your analysis of your point as it
relates to your thesis and fexf A.. In other words you are explaining the first
work you are comparing as it relates to point z and your thesis.
11. Evidence from text A. This is where you will cite information (directly- with
quotations or indirectly- paraphrasing) to support your elaboration on the i':d
argument.
12. Explanation/ Commentary- analysis of your evidence as it relates to
your thesis and text A. This is done in your own words.
ig. gtaUoration on the argument and transition to text B. You will discuss
your second source as it compares to or contrasts with Source A, point 2, and
your thesis.
ia. gviOence from text B. This is where you will cite information (directly- with
quotations or indirectly-paraphrasing) to support your elaboration on the
argument using Text B.
1Sl Explanation/ Gommentary- analysis of your evidence as it relates to
Text B and Text A. This is done in your own words.
16. Goncluding Sentence- Tie up your paragraph by concluding argument
(points 1 and 2) as they relate to your thesis.
*Remember to use transitions words throughout the body paragraphs.

Goncludinq ParaqraPh:

1. Repeat thesis by paraphrasing/ summarizing your original thesis.

2. Summarize your three body paragraphs.
3. Conclusion ielating specifically to the texts (plays, novels, etc.)
4. General concluding statement or prediction relating to your topic, history, ,C
geography, philosophy, psychology, sociology, etc.

"Remember to use transition words throughout the body paragraphs.