English 12-Comparison-Contrast Essay-Beowulf
Name/Period: ________________________________________________________________
COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY RUBRIC
Exceeds the Standard
Meets the Standard (B-/CCATEGORY
(A+/B+)
)
Purpose &
The paper compares and
The paper compares and
Supporting
contrasts ideas clearly, points
contrasts ideas clearly, but the
Details
to specific examples to
supporting information is
illustrate the comparisons and
general. The paper includes
contrast, and includes only the only the information relevant
information relevant to the
to the comparison and
comparison and contrast.
contrast. Beowulf is compared
Beowulf is compared and
and contrasted to one modern
contrasted to one modern day
day hero: real or fictional.
hero, real or fictional.
Organization &
The paper breaks the
The paper breaks the
Structure
information into block-by-block information into point-by-point
structure. It follows a
structure or block-by-block,
consistent order when
but may not follow a
discussing the comparison and consistent order when
contrast
discussing the comparison.
Transitions
The paper moves smoothly
The paper moves from one
from one idea to the next and
idea to the next, but may lack
uses transition words and
or misuse transition words to
subtle transitions to show
show relationships between
relationships between ideas.
ideas.
Grammar &
Writer makes no errors in
Writer makes 2-3 errors in
Spelling
grammar or spelling.
grammar or spelling that
(Conventions)
distract.
Does Not Meet the Standard
(D+/F)
The paper compares and
contrasts items clearly, but the
supporting information is
incomplete, and may include
information that is not relevant
to the comparison and contrast.
(The thesis statement is not
supported in the body.)
Organizational pattern not
identifiable. Some details are not
in a logical or expected order,
and this distracts the reader.
Transitions may be missing;
connections between ideas are
fuzzy or illogical.
Writer makes several errors in
grammar or spelling.
COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY ASSIGNMENT
Using what you have learned about Beowulf as a hero, write an essay of at least seven
paragraphs in which you effectively compare and contrast him to another hero, real or
fictional.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The essay must be clearly organized, block-by-block. (See below outline as reviewed in
our writing workshops.)
Include a minimum of three points of comparison/contrast. (Minimums: 2 points of
comparison and 1 point of contrast.)
Focus on smooth transitions that help illuminate the analysis between the character
types: first, second, next, also, furthermore, in comparison, in contrast, etc.
Include at least one direct quote to support each analysis and paragraph.
Turn in any notes, brainstorming, or rough draft, along with the final draft.
Helpful Notes: Check off the following points
Paragraph I: Introductory Paragraph
Θ Hook
Θ Thesis Statement
Θ Transitional Statement
Paragraph 2: Body I
Θ Analysis and descriptions of Beowulf character: first thesis point
Θ At least 1 direct quote to support the analysis
Paragraph 3: Body 2
Θ Analysis and description of second character
Θ At least 1 direct quote to support the analysis
Paragraph 4: Body 3
Θ Analysis and description of third character (from the current novel you are reading).
Θ At least 1 direct quote to support the analysis
Paragraph 5: Body 4
Θ Analysis of comparison-How are these 3 characters similar?
Θ At least 1 direct quote to support the analysis
Paragraph 6: Body 5
Θ Analysis of contrast-How are these 3 characters different?
Θ At least 1 direct quote to support the analysis
Paragraph 7: Conclusion
Θ Reshape the thesis statement
Θ One final statement that closes this paragraph and will be memorable to the reader.
Final Points as Reviewed and Required:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Write in 3rd person
You may turn-in any notes, brainstorming, venn-diagrams; all work must be
electronically completed or handwritten no later than the day of your scheduled 2nd
semester exam. No late work will be accepted past the final exam date unless an
excused note is presented via the main office.
Analysis comes from 2nd semester short stories, 2 characters, and 1 character of choice
from your current novel, Wish You Well, or Picture Bride.
All final drafts must be legible, printed, or very neatly handwritten on the day of the final exam.
All information must be uniquely composed and not copied from the internet.
Work that is plagiarized will receive zero credit. No opportunity will be provided to
rewrite plagiarized work!
Remember that this final essay is your final exam grade and valued as 1/5 of your 2 nd
semester final comprehensive score.