Semester Essay: Dystopian Fiction
2015
For your biggest grade this semester, you will write a 4-6 page analytical paper comparing
and/or contrasting specific ideas in two texts we’ve explored this semester.
One of these texts must be a novel we’ve read: Zamyatin’s We, Huxley’s Brave New World, and
Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale.
The other can be another novel, or one of the films or short stories we’ve analyzed: “In Time,”
“The Matrix,” “Inception,” “Children of Men,” “2081,” or Vonnegut’s “Harrison Bergeron.”
Details:



4-6 double-spaced pages
MLA format and citations, as well as a works cited list
Scored on the senior comparative rubric on my website.
Calendar of Due Dates:
12/7 1304 Lab
12/8 1304 Lab
12/9 1304 Lab
12/10 1304 Lab
12/11 1304 Lab
Paper Introduction
& Topic Proposal
Work Time
Due: Topic
Proposal Due to
turnitin.com by
7:20 AM
Due: Initial thesis
statement on
paper for peer
editing in class
Due: Nothing
Due: Nothing
In Class:
Dystopian Film:
In Class: Select
evidence from
both texts and
write an initial
thesis statement
In Class: Peer
edit thesis
statements and
submit a revised
thesis to Matheny.
Then, continue
with evidence
selection.
12/16 1304 Lab
In Class: Draft a
formal outline of
your comparative
essay.
12/17
12/18 1304 Lab
Due: Nothing
Due: Final paper
due to
turnitin.com by
3:00 P.M.
12/14
Small Lab-2215
Due: MLA formal
outline to
turnitin.com by
7:20 AM
In Class: Peer
edit formal
outlines
12/15 1304 Lab
Due: Nothing
In Class:
Writing tips for
seniors; draft your
essay
Due: Full essay
draft to
turnitin.com by
7:20 AM
In Class:
Peer Editing Drafts
In Class:
We’re attending
the Holiday
Concert so there is
no paper work
time.
“The Giver”
In Class:
Dystopian Film:
“The Giver”
Semester Essay: Dystopian Fiction
2015
Dystopian Comparative Essay Topic Proposal (10 pts.)
Written Assignment Topic Proposal: submit to turnitin.com by Tuesday, 12/8 by 7:20 AM.
Name:
Works featured: (MLA Citations)


Topic: Ideas the authors present that I will write about –3-5 sentences. Be specific
and use details.
Techniques: Literary conventions the authors use to communicate ideas--2-3
sentences. Be specific and use details.
Proposed Title [the title should clearly state what essay is about]:
Semester Essay: Dystopian Fiction
2015
COMPARATIVE ESSAY FORMATS: BLOCK OR POINT-BY-POINT
Comparative essays typically follow one of these structures. Make sure you
cover both similarities AND differences.
INTRO/THESIS
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
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A thesis for a comparative essay focuses the paper on the concept being addressed and makes
an argument about HOW both texts address the concept.
Clearly state your argument / answer to the prompt or question
In the thesis, include your argument about both the similarities AND differences between
the texts that you will examine in the body of the paper.


BLOCK STYLE BODY ¶s
POINT-BY-POINT BODY ¶s
 BT making point (similarity or difference) about BOTH
works.
 BT making point(s) about ONE of your two texts.
 Support from one of the pair: Transition + context +
quoted support (or a series of short quoted supports) +
(citation).
 Transition + context + quoted support (or a series of
short quoted supports) + (citation).
 commentary explaining how the support proves your
BT
 commentary explaining how the support proves your BT
 Support from the other of the pair with commentary
hearkening back to points made after previous support.
Thus, this commentary will always be more developed
than those in previous section.
 More support and commentary until you are through
 Wrap up your point &/or transition into your next BT.
 Wrap up your point &/or transition into your next BT.


 BT making point(s) about THE OTHER of your two
works compared to point(s) made in previous ¶.
 BT making a different point (similarity or difference)
about BOTH works.
 Transition + context + quoted support (or a series of
short quoted supports) + (citation).
 commentary explaining how the support illustrates
your point, with additional observations hearkening
back to similarities &/or differences to points made in
previous section ¶. Thus, this commentary will
always be more developed than in the last section ¶.
 More support and commentary until you are through
 Support from one of the pair: Transition + context +
quoted support (or a series of short quoted supports) +
(citation).
 commentary explaining how the support proves your BT
 Support from the other of the pair with commentary
hearkening back to points made after previous support.
 Wrap up your point &/or transition into your next BT.
 Wrap up your point &/or transition into your next BT.


CONCLUSION
Semester Essay: Dystopian Fiction
2015
Your Name
Mrs. Matheny
Dystopian Fiction
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Compare/Contrast Formal Essay Outline
Thesis: (answer the prompt in one unique and original full sentence that is specific,
supportable, and debatable.)
I.
BTS (body thesis statement) #1 (Written as a complete sentence)
a. First Quote (use as many quotes as you need per paragraph to prove your
BTS/Thesis)
i. Analysis of evidence
ii. Elaboration of your analysis
b. Second Quote
i. Analysis of evidence
ii. Elaboration of your analysis
II.
BTS (body thesis statement) #2: (Written as a complete sentence)
a. First Quote (use as many quotes as you need per paragraph to prove your
BTS/Thesis)
i. Analysis of evidence
ii. Elaboration of your analysis
b. Second Quote
i. Analysis of evidence
ii. Elaboration of your analysis
III.
BTS (body thesis statement) #3: (Written as a complete sentence)
a. First Quote (use as many quotes as you need per paragraph to prove your
BTS/Thesis)
i. Analysis of evidence
ii. Elaboration of your analysis
b. Second Quote
i. Analysis of evidence
ii. Elaboration of your analysis
Semester Essay: Dystopian Fiction
2015