Compare/Contrast Essay

1
Compare/Contrast Essay

• Body Paragraphs
• Transitions
• Working with quotations

2
Body Paragraphs

• Each body para. must begin with a topic
  sentence
• This is the most general sentence of the
  paragraph, and tells what main point will be
  disscussed

3
Body Paragraphs

• Each body paragraph should include at least three
  examples or supporting details
• This can be thought of as proof that what
  youre saying is true
• Make sure you explain each example- do not expect
  the reader to draw his/her own inferences

4
Body Paragraphs

• Each should end with a clincher statement
• This restates the main point of the paragraph
• This is one sentence that summarizes everything
  explained in the paragraph

5
Transitions

• Each body paragraph should be connected to the
  other through transitions
• Transitional statements
• Whole sentences used to hook one idea from
  previous paragraph to the next paragraph
• Transitional expressions
• First, second, on the other hand, not only/but
  also, finally, therefore, however, in addition
  to, furthermore, etc.
• Usually used within paragraphs

6
Integrating Quotations

• Quotations from research can NOT simply be
  plopped into your body paragraphs.
• They must be seamlessly worked in.
• Mediocre example For example, So-and-so says,
  Quote (Citation 56)
• Better example Wordsworth stated that Romantic
  poetry was marked by a spontaneous overflow of
  powerful feelings (Citation 263).

7
Handling Quotes in Your Text

• Authors last name and page number(s) of quote
  must appear in the text
• Romantic poetry is characterized by the
  spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings
  (Wordsworth 263).

8
Handling Long Quotations

• David becomes identified and defined by James
  Steerforth, a young man with whom David is
  acquainted from his days at Salem House. Before
  meeting Steerforth, David accepts Steerforths
  name as an authoritative power
• There was an old door in this playground, on
  which the boys had a custom of carving their
  names. . . . In my dread of the end of the
  vacation and their coming back, I could not read
  a boys name, without inquiring in what tone and
  with what emphasis he would read, Take care of
  him. He bites. There was one boya certain J.
  Steerforthwho cut his name very deep and very
  often, who I conceived, would read it in a rather
  strong voice, and afterwards pull my hair.
  (Dickens 68)
• For Steerforth, naming becomes an act of
  possession, as well as exploitation. Steerforth
  names David for his fresh look and innocence, but
  also uses the name Daisy to exploit David's
  romantic tendencies (Dyson 122).

9
Handling Long Quotations

• More than 3 lines long
• Indent left side 1
• Single space
• Citation at the end
• No indentation- simply resume paragraph

10
Handling Quotes in Your Text

• There are many different combinations and
  variations within MLA citation format.
• If you run into something unusual, look it up!