after reading key traits writing workshop comparison-contrast essay...continued 1.ideas 2....

After Reading

KEY TRAITS

Writing Workshop

Comparison-Contrast Essay

. . .continued

1. IDEAS

2. ORGANIZATION

• Clearly identifies the works being compared and/or contrasted

• Includes a thesis statement that identifies the similarities and/or differences

• Uses specific examples to support key ideas

• Includes a strong introduction, and a satisfying conclusion

• Follows a consistent organizational pattern

• Uses transitional words and phrases


After ReadingWriting Workshop


. . .continued

3. VOICE

4. WORD CHOICE

• Uses appropriate language for the audience and purpose

• Uses precise words to explain similarities and differences

KEY TRAITS




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5. SENTENCE FLUENCY

6. CONVENTIONS

• Uses many different sentence beginnings for pacing and variety

• Employs correct grammar and usage

KEY TRAITS



Apply the Writing Process: Prewriting

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What Should I Do?

1. Analyze the prompt.

TIP: If the prompt does not specify your audience, write for your teacher and classmates.

What Does It Look Like?


Review the writing prompt you selected. Circle the words that tell you the format that your writing will take. Underline words that include the topics you should compare and contrast and the audience and purpose of your writing.


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What Should I Do?

2. Focus on similarities and differences.


Reread (or re-view) the works you’re comparing, looking for elements that are alike and different. Use a graphic organizer, such as a Venn diagram, to record your findings.




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What Should I Do?

3. Write a working thesis statement.


Summarize the similarities and differences between the works in a working thesis statement. You might need to refine this statement as you draft your essay.




What Should I Do?

4. Collect evidence.


Use a chart to record details and quotations that support the key ideas of your thesis.


TIP: When you use quotations from the works, copy the words precisely. Use ellipses (. . .) to show omitted material and brackets ([ ]) to add words or phrases for clarification.


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What Should I Do?

1. Choose an organizational pattern.


You can organize your comparison-contrast essay in two ways:

Point by point—Compare and contrast the works by discussing one element at a time.

Subject by subject—Discuss all the elements of one work first, then all the elements of the other.


TIP: Try each pattern to see which works better.

Apply the Writing Process: Drafting

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What Should I Do?

2. Include specific details to show your key ideas.


Refer to the details you collected in step 4 on page 467. Incorporate these into your draft to make your writing stronger and more convincing.



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What Should I Do?

3. Use transitions to clarify relationships between ideas.


Use words such as both and like to indicate similarity. Words and phrases such as however, in contrast, and on the other hand show difference.



See page 470: Add Transitions . . .continued


What Should I Do?

1. Make sure your introduction engages the reader.



Apply the Writing Process: Revising & Editing

• Read your introduction aloud. Circle sentences that seem obvious or boring. • Add an interesting observation, a question, or some dialogue to catch the reader’s attention.

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What Should I Do?

2. Replace imprecise vocabulary with strong, specific words.


• Underline vague words and phrases, such as really, kind of, sort of, lots, and things. • Use precise terms to make your essay more accurate and sophisticated.



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What Should I Do?

3. Clearly connect your ideas.




• Draw a box around each transition that you used. • If your essay lacks boxes, add transitions that clarify how ideas compare or contrast.

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What Should I Do?

4. Fine-tune your conclusion to leave a powerful impression.


• Ask a peer reader to highlight parts of your conclusion that are confusing or that need more elaboration. • Include details or explanations to clarify your ideas and show your reader a new way of thinking about the works.



See page 470: Ask a Peer Reader

after reading key traits writing workshop comparison-contrast essay...continued 1.ideas 2....

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