Compare/Contrast - GW5 - Unit 5

Reading Activities - GW5 pages 103-08

                                                                                                                         

Read Essay 5.1, page 103

Read the Essay page 103-05, "Online and Face-to-Face Learning in the Digital Age.                

Notice it's a Compare/Contrast essay on the topic of online classes versus face-to-face classes. During the past year as students, you have had the experience of both kinds of classes now, so you should probably recognize and identify some of the points brought up contrasting both classroom styles.

                                                                

 

TAKE NOTES on the ESSAY:

• Notice the "hook" at the beginning of the Introduction.
• Thesis Statement is the last line of the Introduction.
• Body paragraphs are organized as point by point (not block style - see page 99).
• Notice the clear Topic Sentences of each body paragraph stating each "point" to be discussed.
• Also notice the use of Transitions within the paragraph examples (see list on page 108).
• What are the major points of both sides? (Online class has two advantages; face-to-face has three advantages).
• Read Conclusion for final thoughts on the topic.

ORGANIZATIONAL SCHEME OF AN ESSAY

                                                                                                                             

Look at the essay's overall Organizational Scheme (like a hamburger)

Take note of the good Introduction and the Thesis Statement.

Notice the effective Topic Sentences of each body paragraph. Make note of the Transitions that are used for each point. ("as opposed to" although" "another difference" "despite some..." "also" "while" "for example" "finally" etc. [see also page 108 list of transitions]. Practice using a couple of these in your essay #2.

Look at the number of details provided that clearly explain each supporting point.

Read the Conclusion and make note of how well the essay is wrapped up and a design for the future is suggested.

PLEASE NOTE: The essay in the book is longer than what I expect you to write. Your essay is a simple, five-paragraph essay containing an Introduction, Three body paragraphs, and Conclusion (total 600-800 words).

 

Thesis Statements for Comparison Essays (page 107)

Read how a good compare/contrast Thesis Statement is written. Look at the various examples given on top of page 107. They are a little different than what you wrote before.

                                                                 

 

Your own Thesis for Essay #2 could be as simple as one of these:

Sample Thesis examples (with Transitions)

"Although Mary Jackson had different situations than I did going through school and getting work, we both share similarities in the challenges we faced." OR

"I have a lot in common with Dorothy Vaughan, especially in the areas of family, school, and work." OR

"While Dorothy Vaughan and I have striking differences in our situations in life, there are many similarities in how we faced challenges with discrimination at home, in school, and at work." OR

"Even though Katherine Goble and I appear to be exact opposites in relation to our family life, we share important qualities that enabled us to get through challenges at school and at work." OR

Both Mary Jackson and I experienced similar situations in life, yet there was a great difference in the way we faced the challenges."

See how your own thesis could be written? 

Please study this page of Thesis Statements for compare/contrast essay. Use them as models.

Transitions for Compare/Contrast (Page 108)

Make note of the various Transitions you can use in your Topic Sentences. Please do not feel you have to load your paper with transitions. They should primarily appear in your:

• Topic Sentences
• Thesis Statement
• In between some major details in body paragraphs

NEXT you will start to Brainstorm for ideas comparing/contrasting one Hidden Figures character and yourself.