ENG 120 – COMPARISON ESSAY
Due Dates:
Pre-Write/Thesis Statement
Rough Draft
Final Draft
9/22
9/27
9/29
Length:
3-4 pages, MLA format
Essay Prompt:
Compare and/or contrast the theories on writing and language for two of the following authors: Amy
Tan, Toni Morrison, George Orwell, and Ralph Ellison.
The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate your understanding of the authors’ point of view. You
will provide information on their theories of writing and language, showing how they are similar
and/or dissimilar.
The thesis statement identifies the authors and tells whether you will discuss similarities, differences,
or both. The support is a series of important, parallel points of similarity or differences between the
two authors. The organization will be either point-by-point or whole-by-whole.
Pre-Write/ Thesis Statement – Due 9/22
The pre-write should be a visual map, a list, or a free-write of the various points the authors are
making on writing and language. Consider the following questions for each author: What is the
writer’s role in society and/or academia? What should not be the writer’s role? Why does one
write? How can the writer affect the individual, group, culture, society, etc? What kind of
power does language have? Where can you find corrupt language? What are the dangers of
corrupt language? How can you guard against corrupt language?
Please see above for information on the thesis statement. Be prepared to work on your outline in
class on September 22.
Save a copy of the pre-write and thesis statement to reference while you work on your essay. If
you do not turn in the pre-write and thesis statement, your final grade on the paper will be
docked 5%.
Rough Draft / Peer Review – Due 9/27
The complete typed draft must have a working thesis, substantial developmental paragraphs, and
a basic introduction and conclusion. If you do not have a complete typed draft of your essay for
the peer review, your final grade on the paper will be docked 5%. Print two copies for the peer
review in class. Turn in both rough drafts with your final draft.
Final Draft – Due 9/29
Submit your final draft to turnitin.com before the final due date. Failure to submit will result in a
5% deduction.