Paper # 3: Compare and Contrast

Paper Schedule:

T 10/7: Paper Assigned

R 10/9: Prewriting / Plan / Working Thesis

T: 10/14: Draft (bring 2 clean, typed copies; one for me and one for peer review)

T: 10/21: Revised Paper due

What I’m looking for:

Introduction stating your main point (thesis)

Body Paragraphs with strong topic sentences that relate back to the thesis

Body Paragraphs presenting evidence that supports, illustrates, and explains your main point

Conclusion that restates your main point and reflects on your evidence

Backing up your ideas with examples rather than summarizing

Specifics – not generalizations

Consideration of the issues covered in your PH

Attention to language, grammar, and mechanics

Original thought / Independent intellectual effort

Essay Title

Choose one of the following topics:

1.) In “Mother Tongue,” Amy Tan considers “different Englishes.” In her exploration of the topic, Tan identifies the type of English she speaks with her mother and compares and contrasts it with the English she speaks when she is giving a lecture. She analyzes the role these different Englishes have in her life and writes, “I began to write stories using all the Englishes I grew up with.” Compare and contrast two different types of language that you use. You may compare and contrast the language you use with one group or audience with the language you use with a different audience or group. You may also compare and contrast the language that you use at different times. What are the characteristics of these languages? Be sure to address the significance of these similarities and difference.

2.) In “Public and Private Language,” Richard Rodriguez explores the difference between public and private individuality and how it creates a sense of “two worlds.” He writes: “…I noted the incongruity – the clash of the two worlds, the faces and voices of school intruding upon the familiar setting of home.” Compare and contrast two “worlds” that you know well. Why do you spend time in these different worlds? What are the characteristics of these worlds? Be sure to address the significance of the similarities and differences.

3.) Compare and contrast the work of two artists, musicians, athletes, or filmmakers. What are the characteristics of their work? What makes their work distinctive? Be sure to address the significance of the similarities and differences.

4.) Choose your own adventure! Be sure to check your topic with me before you begin.