In class practice: Make two compare-contrast statements concerning the differences in
between Athens and Sparta. Below are sample sentences we worked upon in class:
-Use transition words. -Always contrast one point for one point on the same idea.
Category-Education:
Ex.: Athenian education stressed that boys become good citizens in mind, however Spartans
believed boys and girls should become only strong in body.
Academic education was not considered as important in Sparta.
Category-Government:
1. In Athenian government, every citizen in the assembly could take part in decision-making,
however Sparta’s government only allowed the Council of the Elders to make decisions. Then
go on to add facts about these ideas. See your text.
2. While Athens was a democracy, Sparta was an oligarchy. Then go on to add facts about
these ideas. See your text.
3. Unlike Athens, women had more rights in Sparta. Explain the fact: give an example.
The explanatory essay needs to be three paragraphs with an introduction, body, and
conclusion. You are to pick on only one category from government, economy, education, or
women and slaves to discuss. Sample essay started below:
Introduction with topic sentence and thesis (main idea to prove
Athens and Sparta were ancient city-states. They had two different types of
government. Athens had a democracy, but Sparta had an oligarchy. Both these governments
used the power for decision-making in different ways.
(Prove this main idea or thesis by explaining how in the body paragraph.)
Body: Use transition words. Contrast point for point. Add facts from text to further explain
your points. Try to contrast 3 key points. Should contain 8-10 sentences.
First, Athens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., however Sparta . . . . . . . . . .
Conclusion: (2-3 sentences)
Sum up your overall point and purpose. Do not mention any new points, just sum up
overall.
Sample pre-write Chart
Education in Athens and Sparta: Compare and Contrast
Category
Learning
stressed
Type of Training
Who could
participate?
Athens
Physical and academic
education
Believed in strong mind and
healthy body
Stress school training and
military for citizens=boys
who would eventually vote
Girls trained in
homemaking
Boys who were free citizens
Women stayed home.
Sparta
Stressed physical training
for strong body
strict/harsh rules
Military training stressed for
boys and girls to be prepared for
war
weak babies left to die
Boys and girls