Comparison Defined
• Regular definition: explain the similarities and differences between two things.
AP Definition: the ability to describe,
compare, and evaluate multiple historical
developments within one society, one or
more developments across or between
different societies, and in various
chronological and geographical contexts.
Compare and Contrast the political, economic, and
social effects of Mongol rule on TWO of the following
regions:
- China
- Middle East (Persia)
- Russia
Could you write a
five paragraph essay
to answer that
question in 40
minutes?
• Comparison means to say
what is the same and
what is different.
• This says at LEAST on –
you need THREE – Rule of
3!!!
• Analyze means to say
why – why is there a
difference or similarity
The Rubric
• Has acceptable thesis (1 point)
• Addresses all parts of the question (2
points)
• Substantiates thesis with appropriate
historical evidence (2 points)
The Rubric
• Makes at least one relevant, direct
comparison between, among societies (1)
• Analyzes at least one reason for a similarity or
difference identified in a direct comparison (1)
Steps for Writing a Comparative
Essay
• Read the question. Which societies or
regions are you comparing? In what ways
are you comparing them? Are specific
themes for comparison stated or do you
get to choose?
Steps for Writing a Comparative
Essay
• Think about the ways you will
compare the societies. What do you
know about each society? (GRAPES
or other charts separating
information)
Steps for Writing a Comparative
Essay
• Write a thesis statement. This is what you will
prove in your essay with historical evidence
(your argument). It is the main idea of your
essay. Your thesis should note the societies
you are writing about and also the themes by
which you are comparing them. The thesis
should also proclaim if the societies are similar
or different.
Steps for Writing a Comparative
Essay
• Read the question!!!
• Which societies, regions, or religions are
you comparing?
• In what ways are you comparing them?
• Are specific themes for comparison
stated or do you get to choose?
Steps for Writing a Comparative
Essay
• Make an outline.
–Introduction: Thesis Statement and other
background/filler information.
–Comparison Theme 1
–Comparison Theme 2
–Comparison Theme 3
–Conclusion: Restate thesis in a different
way. If the majority of your essay is about
similarities, discuss a difference here and
vice versa.
Thesis – Same as before – answer question, use groups,
and give hints
Political Goals
and Outcomes
Evidence
Economic Goals
and Outcomes
Evidence
Conclusion
Military
Goals and
Outcomes
Evidence
• Remember you only get points for
pointing out the similarities and
differences.
• Consider the following…
Steps for Writing a Comparative
Essay
• Do not make one paragraph about
similarities and one about differences!
• Write your essay and be sure that you
include “The Why”. You have to explain
why the societies are similar and/or
different.
Where are you going to
compare and contrast???
Can work, but not always
This requires a lot of prewriting –
if you have time, do this!!!
Steps for Writing a Comparative
Essay
• Proof read your essay! Have someone else
edit it for you.
• Do not use first person (no I, you, we)
• Do not refer to your essay in your essay; it’s
weird. “In this essay I will explain…” “From
this essay you will learn…”
• Write fact not opinion. No one cares about
your opinion! Show historical evidence! No “I
think” or “I feel”
• Describing the two things/events separately (with
great evidence) but never comparing and/or
contrasting – NO POINTS FOR DESCRIBING
• Confusing dates, people, and places
• Running out of time and not finishing
Comparative Vocabulary
SIMILARITIES
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SIMILAR
SIMILARLY
THE SAME AS
IN COMPARISON
COMPARATIVELY
BOTH
ALSO
COMPARABLE
COMMENSURABLE
OF THE SAME ORDER
WORTHY OF COMPARISON
MEASURE UP TO
MATCH UP WITH
PARALLEL
ANALOGOUS
ANALOGICAL
CORRELATIVE
LIKE
EQUAL
CORRESPONDING
DIFFERENCES
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IN CONTRAST
DIFFERENTLY
ON THE OTHER HAND
EVEN THOUGH
ALTHOUGH
WHEREAS
BUT
INCOMPARABLE
INCOMMENSURATE
DISSIMILAR
UNLIKE
DISTINCT
DISTINCTIVE
OPPOSE
HETERODOX
DIFFERENCE
DISTINCTION
DISSIMILARITY
VARIES
VARIATION
DIVERGENCE
DISPARITY
INEQUALITY
CONTRARY
OTHERWISE
DISTINCT
PECULARLY