WHAP Compare and Contrast Essay Notes
Body Paragraph format – general (If by PERSIAN category)






Topic Sentence (Should Relate to PERSIAN category)
Fact related to region #1
Fact related to region #2
Include similarities and/or differences
Causes for the similarities and/or differences
Global Context (How does this relate to the overall events that occur in the time period)
Body Paragraph format – general (If by Region)





Topic Sentence (Should relate/mention the region)
Fact(s) related to PERSIAN category
Include similarities and/or differences
Causes for the similarities and/or differences
Global Context (How does this relate to the overall events that occur in the time period)
WHAP Essay checklist/scoring guide
Basic Core
Historical skills and knowledge required to show
competence.
1. Has acceptable thesis.
(addresses comparison of the
issues or themes specified)
1 Point
2. Addresses all parts of the
of the question, though not
necessarily evenly or thoroughly.
2 Points
(Addresses most parts of the
question: for example, deals with
differences but not similarities)
3. Substantiates thesis with
appropriate evidence.
(Partially substantiates thesis with
appropriate evidence.)
(1)
2 Points
(1)
4. Makes at least three relevant,
direct comparisons between or
among societies.
1 Point
5. Analyzes at least three reasons
for a similarity or difference
identified in a direct comparison.
1 Point
Subtotal
7
Expanded Core
Historical skills and knowledge required to show
excellence.
Expands beyond basic core of 1-6 points. The
basic core score of 6 must be achieved before a
student can earn expanded core points.
Examples:
 Has a clear, analytical, and
comprehensive thesis
 Addresses all parts of the question:
comparisons, chronology, causation,
connections, themes, interaction,
content
 Provides ample historical evidence to
substantiate thesis
 Relates comparisons to larger global
context
 Essay shows similarities as well as
differences
 Consistently analyzes the causes and
effects of relevant similarities and
differences
Subtotal
Total 9
2
Prompt: Analyze similarities and differences in political and social structures in TWO of the classical
civilizations.
Name:______________________________________
Date:_______________ Period:______
Comparative Essay Outline Sheet
I. Clear, analytical, and comprehensive thesis:
A._________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
II. Addresses all parts of the question (Topic Sentences/Categories)
A. TOPIC SENTENCE PARAGRAPH 1
B. TOPIC SENTENCE PARAGRAPH 2
C. TOPIC SENTENCE PARAGRAPH 3
III. Substantiates thesis with historical evidence (Concrete Details)
A1. EVIDENCE PARAGRAPH 1
A2.
B1. EVIDENCE PARAGRAPH 2
B2.
C1. EVIDENCE PARAGRAPH 3
C2.
IV. Relates comparisons to larger global context (Bigger Pictures-Connect to time period)
A. EXPLAINS WHAT IS HAPPENING AROUND GLOBE TO EFFECT TOPICS IN PROMPT – Last
sentence of each paragraph!
B.
C.
V. Makes several direct comparison between or among societies (similarities)
A.
B.
C.
VI. Consistently analyzes cause and effects of relevant similarities and differences
(Commentary – Answers Why?)
A. WHY THE SIMILARITY OR DIFFERENCE PARAGRAPH 1
B. WHY THE SIMILARITY OR DIFFERENCE PARAGRAPH 2
C. WHY THE SIMILARITY OR DIFFERENCE PARAGRAPH 3
Phrases that Show
Comparison
Similar to….
Both…
Like…
Compared to…
In the same way…
One connection between…
Phrases that Show Contrast
One difference between…
Unlike… where…
In contrast to…
Whereas…
Though…
Phrases the Show
Causation
One reason that explains…
Why…. Was…
One cause of…was…
One effect of…
Because of…
Consequently…
As a result….