1) Read the question carefully. Be sure to cover each part of the question in your essay.
2) Here's an overview of the structure:
Introduction:
- keep this short and simple; 2-3 sentences are sufficient
- begin with a general statement about the main topic
- be specific - state title and/or author
- write a 1-2 sentence thesis statement at the end of the paragraph; for your thesis, restate the question and answer it
Body:
- organize the essay thoughtfully and smoothly.
1. Text-by-text - write one body paragraph about one text, the next about the other, and the third about both texts; each paragraph should still support the thesis
2. Topic-by-topic - discuss both texts simultaneously in each paragraph based on a topic that supports the thesis
- Use transitions and topic sentences; make sure to repeat key words, the main topics of the texts
Examples: One way that _____ and _____ are similar/different is ... Another way that... Both texts show that...
- Provide textual evidence in the form of quotes or paraphrases.
- Introduce textual evidence. Use phrases such as, for example, for instance, in the text...
- Elaborate on textual evidence; connect it back to the main idea of the paragraph. Use phrases such as: this text shows/indicates, this example reveals that...
Conclusion:
- also keep it short and simple, 2-3 sentences
- connect previous points to the world, your self, or other texts; this is where you need to include some new insight on the main topic
- do not just rewrite your thesis statement because that would be boring and would show lack of creativity
- Here are some possible sentence starters: These texts make me think..., remind me of..., relate to..., teach me that..., are important because...
- A challenge for ye smarty pants: include a meaningful allusion; in other words, refer to another text, film, story, current event, etc.
Examples: Just as in Romeo and Juliet... This connects to Charlotte's Web because... This reminds me of the film "Persepolis" because...
3) Finally, please write a brief outline for your essay before you write the essay. This will help guide you and ensure that you cover each aspect of the question. Here is a sample:
SAMPLE QUESTION AND OUTLINE:
Both Katie in "Kate Lehrer" and Kevin in "Don't Make Me Go in There!" are frightened by a new challenge. Write an essay in which you describe the challenges they faced, how their reactions are similar or different, and explain what they gained form their experiences.
In your essay, be sure to include:
- a description of the challenge each faced
- how Katie's reaction and Kevin's reaction are either similar or different
- an explanation of what both gained from their experiences
- details from both the essay and the story to support your answer
-we all face difficult challenges in life
- both Katie in... and Kevin in ... are frightened about new challenges they face yet realize different things after confronting these challenges.
II. Body
1. Kate -
- had to high dive for last exam in summer physical ed course
- was confident ant first but found herself gripping the ladder rails and freezing at the top of the diving board
- coach was trying to encourage her; at the same time, some guy was calling out "There she is, Ms. America" in a mocking way
- finally bell rang and she walked back down the ladder
2. Kevin
- was hiking with group and leader Mr. Bragenzer and had to go through Wolf Cave
- was afraid he would "become disoriented ... and wander around in hopeless circles..."
- he gripped his friend Salvador's arm for support
- Sal reassured him "It can't be much longer. We're almost there."
3. Both Katie and Kevin learned different things after facing scare, personal challenges
-Katie didn't overcome her fear but learned that all challenges have unexpected and unpredictable outcomes
-Kevin realized that some challenges aren't as bad as they seem and that there are many fearful experiences to overcome in life
III. Conclusion
- in life, we must do things we are afraid of; these experiences enrich our lives and help us gain confidence in ourselves
- these texts connect to me because after getting into a car accident at 16, I was afraid to drive again; I finally got my driving license two years ago - and many years have passed since that accident
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