Keys to the
Comparison Essay
What is the Comparison essay?
THE BASICS
 An essay discussing the similarities and
differences between two given regions
What is the Comparison essay?
What are the characteristics
of any good comparison?
What is the comparison essay?
REQUIRED ELEMENTS
 Addressing both similarities & differences
 Thesis statement
 Supporting the thesis
 Utilizing direct comparison
 Analyzing the reason similarity or difference
exists
Required Element: Sim/Dif
 Identify at least 1 accurate similarity & 1
accurate difference (thesis does not count)
– Remember differences, not just similarities:
“compare” implies both
 Remember comparison is a type of analysis,
which requires higher order thinking
– Comparing people, places, or things are NOT
sufficient; instead consider ideas, categories, &
trends
Required Element: Thesis
 Restate location & time period boundaries
 Write a strong statement of 1-3 sentences in your
intro that lays out your central argument & 2-3
controlling ideas
– Should directly answer the question asked
 Should find a balance b/t overly broad
generalizations vs specific supporting details
– Stating the categories of comparison from your planning
is not sufficient; you must elaborate on these
– Review your plan; use your extensive vocabulary - look
for words or trends that categorize as much information
as possible
Required Element: Support
– Give multiple, specific examples to support
thesis claims (requires that you know history)
Required Element: Direct Comp
 At least once, a direct concrete similarity or
difference must be discussed using both
societies in the same sentence
– Rather than simply listing parallel facts and
expecting the reader to see the comparisons,
consistently illustrate the specific similarities
and differences.
Required Element: Reason
 Identify at least 1 reason that the similarities
or differences you identify exist
– Works well to clinch a body paragraph
– Common Reasons:
• Geography
• Interaction with each other or others
What is the comparison essay?
Steps to Answering the Question
1. Know how the essay is graded
2. Break down the question
3. Remember the Rule of 3
4. Use solid paragraph structure
Step: #1 Know Rubric
Notice:
 Split rubric= must get all 7 core points
before earning expanded points
– Focus on 7 core points
 Scored based on value-added= points are
not deducted, they are only awarded for
positive contributions
Step: #2 Understand Question
 Read the question accurately & plan
– Underline directive word= describe v. compare v.
analyze v. evaluate v. to what extent
– Establish boundaries for writing= time period & region
– Recall prior knowledge= note any info that you
remember within the boundaries
 Analysis?
– do not simply look at a situation simply at face
value but look for connections between
information
– the recognition of patterns, relationships, or
hidden meaning
Step: #3 Rule of 3
 3 controlling ideas in thesis
 3 body paragraphs
 3 facts per paragraph
 3 direct comparisons – 1 per paragraph
 3 reasons – 1 per paragraph
Step: #4 Paragraph Org
 Topic sentence
 Fact, direct comparison, analysis
 Fact, direct comparison, analysis
 Fact, direct comparison, analysis
 Reason similarity or difference exists
Finished Product – Formal Essay
– There are requirements specific to AP, but keep
in mind this is about becoming a good writer
 Proper Organization & Accuracy
– Introduction, 3 body ¶‘s, Conclusion
– Use topic sentences
– Restates thesis in conclusion
 Proper Style & Conventions
– Don’t use I, me, you, or abbreviations
– Aim for proper spelling and punctuation
because errors can cloud your argument
Example Questions
 Compare two of the following early civilizations’ economic,
political and social structures:
– Mesopotamia
Egypt
Indus Valley
Shang China
 Compare the spread of Buddhism & Christianity during the
classical age.
 Compare the role of two of the following civilizations in the
development of enduring cultural traditions and institutions:
– Han China
Gupta India
Mediterranean
 Compare the role of technology in Chinese and
Mediterranean civilization.
 Compare the social structures of two of the following
societies:
– China
India
Mediterranean
Example Questions
 Compare the administration of government in Han
China and the Roman Empire.
 Compare the decline of two of the following
civilizations:
– Han China
Gupta India
Mediterranean
Roman
 Compare two of the following labor Systems:
– Slavery
Caste system Free peasantry
Serfdom
 Compare the role of women in two of the following
civilizations:
– Han China
Gupta India
Roman Mediterranean
Example Questions
 Compare how the First World War and its
outcomes affected TWO of the following
regions in the period from the war through
the 1930’s.
– East Asia
– Middle East
– South Asia
Sample Thesis - WWI
 In East Asia and South Asia, countries of
those geographical areas changed internally
and also had to suffer the blows of the Great
Depression.
Sample Thesis - WWI
 WWI instigated nationalistic movements and
political changes in both the Middle East and
South Asia.
Sample Thesis - WWI
 Outcomes of the First World War affected the
Middle East and South Asia through politics
and economy as forms of nationalism arose
in both regions, while the Middle East
struggled against each other and South Asia
struggled with each other against the British.
Although nationalism was a the forefront of
both regions, in economics the Middle East
was affected more so than South Asia.