English Composition I

Comparative Essay Draft

Write a 750-1000 word essay about a pair of items in which the similarities and differences of those items are compared and contrasted in the style described within Unit III. Please note that the Comparative Essay Final will be due in Unit IV of this course. However, you should complete the entire paper in this draft and do your best work as you will have more applicable feedback from which to make changes to your essay for the final draft.

Purpose: Throughout Unit III, we have discussed the conventions of the comparative essay. The purpose of this assignment is to measure your mastery of those conventions by putting your knowledge into practice. In a larger context, the purpose of writing a comparative essay is to gain the skills of detecting similarities and differences between at least two items and then using those similarities and differences to create knowledge about either one or both of the items. In this way, the comparative essay is a tool used for both observation and analysis.

Process: For the comparative essay, you will complete the following steps:

1. Choose a pair of topics that complement one another: See the suggested list of topics in the "Comparative Essay Topics Handout" below (SEE ATTACHED)in the supplemental documents portion of these instructions.


2. Create a list of similarities and differences: See Unit III, Lesson 2, for more instruction about how to create a list.


3. Create a thesis statement based on similarities, differences, or both similarities and differences: See Unit III, Lesson 3, for more information about how to create a thesis statement.


4. Choose whether to organize your essay by point or by subject: For an essay organized by point, see Unit III, Lesson 4, and the "Comparative Essay Example: Essay Organized by Point" below. For an essay organized by subject, see Unit III, Lesson 5, and the "Comparative Essay Example: Essay Organized by Subject" below.


5. Consult the "Comparative Essay: Final Self-Check List" below before submission.

Stylistic details: All essays must meet the following requirements:

• 750-1000 words.


• Write in Times New Roman, 12 pt. font.


• Include one-inch margins on all sides.


• Use double spacing (top-to-bottom every page, to include above and below titles and centered words).


• Include an APA title page (for all essays) and reference list that includes all of the sources used in the essay.


• Include page numbers (upper-right corner only).


• Adhere to APA convention and documentation style (See the CSU citation guide for assistance.).


• At least one source is required. All sources used must be cited.