WR098 L1/M1/N1
Yoder / Spring 2015
PAPER 2: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
OF TWO GLOBALIZATION ESSAYS
PURPOSE:
This paper will build upon the skills that you developed in Paper 1 to construct a fair and balanced
argumentative analysis resulting from the engagement of two Globalization essays. By placing two
texts in conversation with one another, you will argue for a greater understanding or insight that
comes out of your analysis of both texts.
TASKS:
For this assignment, you are to write a 4- to 5-page (1000-1200 words) comparative analysis of two
Globalization articles that we have discussed in class so far, which you feel have strong points to
compare and/or contrast, whether ideological or thematic. You will then closely analyze the two texts
in relationship to each other and develop an argument based on the insights that you gain from that
comparison. Your argument will be driven by a claim (your thesis) that you present in the last 1-2
sentences of your introduction and support in the main body paragraphs with reasons and evidence
(examples) from the texts. *NOTE: You are welcome to select one of the essays that you have
already written on for your Analytical Summary or for Paper 1, provided that you do not re-use/copy
the same analysis from a previous paper.
A successful comparative analysis leads to something beyond an illustrated list of ways in which two
texts are similar and/or different. Our goal in writing about the two essays is to use selected details
in the texts to reveal something that was not immediately obvious and that is brought into focus
from examining the two essays together: the two essays lead you to respond to and/or resolve a
question that you have about one or both essays. In other words, by bringing your two essays
together, you have been able to see something more clearly (to understand a concept, to take a
position in a debate, etc.), which you now want to share with a reader. That “something” will be
your thesis.
*IMPORTANT NOTE: Unlike Paper 1, this paper assignment is not requiring you to focus on
how effectively the authors achieve their purposes. You are being given the freedom to establish
the basis for comparison on your own and to come up with a question or problem that you are
trying to resolve.
DUE DATES:
Thurs 3/19:
Planning Worksheet (essays + grounds for comparison + tentative question/problem)
Tues 3/24:
Introduction and general outline (consider the best organizational strategy for your
argument: text-by-text or point-by-point?)
Thurs 3/26:
First draft due in class & to BB (at least 750 words + Works Cited page)
Tues 3/31:
Revision Action Plan
Tues 4/7:
Final version due to BB (bring tutorial report form to class to receive credit)
REQUIREMENTS FOR PAPER 2:
 An original paper title that refers either to the authors’ last names and connects to your
argument
 An introduction containing a hook > brief summaries (including the grounds for comparison)
> “So what?” response > claim
 Effective organization for your argument (either text-by-text or point-by-point structure)
 PED paragraph structure, with each paragraph containing argumentative topic sentences, a
paraphrase/summary introducing your point, evidence from the texts under analysis (quotes),
and your own analysis (avoid personal experience!)
WR098 L1/M1/N1
Yoder / Spring 2015
 MLA style for in-text citations and for your Works Cited page
 A conclusion that briefly summarizes your argument in a new way and then loops back to
expand the larger significance from your intro (the “So what?” response)
 The word count after your conclusion (1000-1200 words) and before the Works Cited page
 Works Cited page beginning at the top of a new page, containing both sources under analysis
in your paper (alphabetical order by author’s last name), with proper MLA formatting
 Careful proofreading of grammar and language
HELPFUL GUIDANCE:
Establishing the grounds for comparison: A comparative analysis explores how two things are
similar and different (though that statement of similarities/differences is not an argument or an
analysis in itself). The two things being compared must share at least one common element; without a
basic similarity, there is no grounds for comparison. When the two subjects are obviously very
similar, it may be more interesting to examine the less obvious but significant differences. When the
subjects seem to have little in common, you can point out the subtle, but important (and perhaps
surprising) similarities between them. It is not, therefore, necessary or desirable to devote equal
attention in a comparative analysis to both similarities and differences. Enlightenment is the purpose
of a comparison, as it is for any kind of analysis.
Establishing your claim: A strong introduction will introduce the essays (brief summary) and their
grounds for comparison, outline the terms of your argument, and conclude with a precise and
engaging claim (your thesis). Your thesis should NOT present a version of “X and Y are similar
because of a, b, and c” or “Although X and Y have many similarities, they also have several
differences.” These examples would only result in a summary of similarities and/or differences rather
than an analysis-driven argument about how the two texts relate on a deeper level. Your job is to offer
the reader an argument that goes beyond the obvious. What new insight do you come to when you
read the two essays together? Does one act as an example of the other’s claim? Does one refute the
other? Is one more effective than the other in arguing/examining the common element? Do you
come to some new understanding when you read them together?
Paper organization: Comparative analyses can be organized either by text-by-text comparison or
point-by-point comparison. The argument that you establish between your two essays will determine
which organization is more effective for you. We will discuss this more in class.