Espinosa-10th Grade English
Compare/Contrast
10th Grade Response to Literature Essay
In a well-thought essay you will compare and contrast two short stories that we have read as a
class thus far. You will choose element(s) of a short story as the basis for your comparison. For
example: characterization, plot development, narrative choice, tone, diction, and use of literary
devices (symbolism, irony, etc.).
Short Stories
“The Pedestrian”
“Contents of a Dead Man’s Pocket”
“Powder”
“Everyday Use”
Kite Runner
”Escape from Afghanistan”
“The Storyteller”
“The Possibility of Evil”
“The Masque of Red Death”
Your essay should answer the following:
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What is similar about the two stories?
What is different about the two stories?
**Why is this connection/disconnect important?
Your essay should maintain focus upon elements of short stories and use the text to support your
argument. Your Strategy:
1. Find three or four elements from the texts upon which to base your comparison.
2. Examine possible connections and determine a thesis.
3. Base your outline around the elements you’ve chosen, remembering to give equal
coverage to each side
4. Complete your essay in MLA format
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12 pt. font
Times New Roman font
Double-spaced
1-inch margins
Create a header that numbers all pages consecutively in the upper right-hand
corner, one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin.
Follow parenthetical in-text citations (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl)
Total Points Possible: 100 (Summative)
Due Date: Oct. 12, 2012
Espinosa-10th Grade English