Comparative Essay

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Comparative Essay

• The period between World I and World War II
  (1919-1939) was a time of great instability.
  Although initially there were some minor economic
  recoveries in certain countries, the conditions
  brought about by Great Depression ultimately led
  to the rise of dictatorships in several
  countries. Compare and contrast the responses of
  TWO of the following countries to the problems
  they faced during the 1920s and 1930s.
• Italy
• Germany
• Russia (Soviet Union)

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Thesis Statement

• 1. Must state your major points of comparison AND
  be supported by specific historical evidence.
• 2. Answers all parts of the question.
• 3. Makes at least (2) direct and relevant
  comparisons of the given societies.
• 4. Analyze relevant reasons for similarities and
  differences.

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COMPARATIVE RUBRIC-Thesis Statement

• Has an acceptable Thesis Makes direct
  comparisons between regions and identifies
  specific similarities AND differences Explains
  REASONS for the similarities and differences
  identifies time frame.
• Has a thorough and analytical Thesis Has ALL of
  the elements of an acceptable thesis but is done
  with exceptional style and detail.
• Has a weak or faulty Thesis Is missing ONE or
  more the essential elements listed above for an
  acceptable thesis.

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Focus What is the fine art of compare and
contrast?

• What the AP World History will ask you to
  compare
• How different societies responded to events, to
  each other, or to other societies.
• How different societies changedor didntin
  response to an event.
• How different societies developed
• How different societies responded to new
  technologies or new ideas.

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Sample Thesis Format

• Although there were certain (similarities/differen
  ces) between (list the places you are comparing)
  with regard to (name the things/ideas/events,
  etcyou are comparing) during (list time frame)
  they were very (similar/different)with regards to
  (list the SPECIFIC similarities/differences.)
  Despite these (similarities and differences) they
  were (the same or different ) in the following
  ways. (list the ways they were similar/different).
  The following factors (list the factors)
  largely account for these similarities and
  differences.

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Comparative Rubric Body How to Address Parts
of Question

• Addresses ALL parts of the question, in a mostly
  balanced fashion. Must include SEVERAL examples
  of evidence of analysis continuity and change,
  cause and effect relationships, interactions)
• Addresses ALL parts of the question, although not
  thoroughly or in a balanced fashion. Must
  include SOME evidence of analysis continuity and
  change, cause and effect relationships,
  interactions)
• Addresses MOST parts of the questions, but does
  not address BOTH similarities AND differences.
  However, includes SEVERAL examples of evidence of
  analysis continuity and change, cause and effect
  relationships, interactions)
• Addresses MOST parts of the questions, but does
  not address BOTH similarities AND differences.
  However, includes SOME examples of evidence of
  analysis continuity and change, cause and effect
  relationships, interactions)
• Addresses MOST parts of the questions, but does
  not address BOTH similarities AND differences.
  FEW, FAULTY OR NO examples of evidence of
  analysis continuity and change, cause and effect
  relationships, interactions)

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Comparative Rubric Body-Historical Evidence

• Supports your thesis with SEVERAL EXAMPLES of
  appropriate historical evidence (3 or more).
• Supports your thesis with SOME appropriate
  historical evidence (at least 2).
• Does not include at least 2 strong and relevant
  pieces of historical information to support the
  thesis. Examples are overly general or not
  strongly connected to the quesiton or an
  analytical point you are making.

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Compartive Rubric Body-Direct Comparisons

• Makes at least TWO or more direct, specific and
  relevant comparisons between your assigned
  regions.
• Makes at least ONE specific and direct comparison
  between your assigned regions. May state several
  similarities and differences, but does not
  connect the ideas through direct comparisons.
• Attempts to compare but is overly vague perhaps
  simply lists how things were in one area, how
  things were in another area and does not make the
  connections between the information in the form
  of a DIRECT COMPARISON.

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Is this a DIRECT comparison?

• What are the major similarities and differences
  regarding the health benefits of apples and
  oranges?
• Apples are red and include a great deal of pectin
  and fiber which are known to be beneficial to our
  health. Oranges are orange and include a great
  deal of vitamin C as well as abundant fiber.

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Comparative Rubric BodyReason(s) for
similarities and differences

• Explains at least ONE or more reasons for the
  similarities and/or differences between the
  regions.
• Makes no attempt or does not correctly or clearly
  identify the reasons for the similarities and/or
  differences.