Compare/Contrast Essay
Directions:
After reading and analyzing the Iroquois myth, “The World on the Turtle’s Back,” and “Genesis”
Chapters 1-4, you will write an expository essay comparing and contrasting one or more of the
following elements:
A. The cause and effect relationships
B. The balance of opposites
C. The symbolism presented in the two creation stories
Reading:
 Take notes on your graphic organizer as we read both Genesis and “The World on the
Turtle’s Back.”
 You may choose to focus on one, two, or all of the elements listed above.
Prewriting:
 Brainstorm: Are the stories mostly similar, or mostly different? Which choice do you
have more proof for in your notes?
 Plan Evidence: Look over your compare/contrast graphic organizer and choose the
information you will use to discuss the similarities or differences in the stories.
 Plan Structure: Think about how you will organize your information (will you use block
or point-by-point structure for your body paragraphs?).
 Plan Claims: What does your evidence prove? Figure out the main point of your essay
(the thesis), and write out the main point of each paragraph (the topic sentences). Put this
information into a rough outline.
Planning:
 Most people find it easiest to write their body paragraphs first, but it’s up to you.
 Make sure that your hook and your “So what?” sections are creative and interesting!
 When you’re working on adding evidence to your body paragraphs, be sure to include
specific references to each of the two creation stories. You should use a mix of direct
quotes from the story and paraphrased details. (Make sure you use parenthetical citations
for ALL information you took from the story!).
Typing and Editing:
 After you type your paper, read over your draft aloud. This makes it easier to find
awkward wording and typos.
 Make sure that you gave your essay an original and intriguing title.
 Check over your PARENTHETICAL citations and WORKS CITED page.
 Have one friend or adult read your paper as well: ask your reader to make your writing is
clear and easy to follow. Also, ask for help fixing any errors in grammar and mechanics.
Grading: See the Essay Writing Expectations and Proofreading Expectations rubrics on the
blog
Compare/Contrast READING NOTES
“The World on the Turtle’s Back”
Genesis 1-3
Major cause/effect relationships:
Major cause/effect relationships:
Examples of balancing opposites
Examples of balancing opposites
Symbols
Symbols
Compare/Contrast BRAINSTORMING NOTES
1. Are the stories mostly similar, or mostly different?
2. List at least three details that prove your point.
3. Will you use block or point-by-point structure for your body paragraphs?
4.
Thesis: “The World on the Turtle’s Back” and Genesis 1-4 are mostly similar/different
despite the fact that…
(circle one),
o
Main Idea One:
o
Main Idea Two:
o
Main Idea Three:
Compare/Contrast PLANNING SHEETS
Introduction Paragraph
Hook
Ask, “What is my general topic?” Then come up with something clever,
funny, or creative to write about for a few sentences to give the reader a clue
about the subject of the paper and to grab the reader’s attention.
Introduction of
subject
How will you transition into the main point of the essay? Think about
transition words and phrases.
Thesis
Make an arguable, interesting claim: Are these two stories mostly similar, or
are they mostly different? Why is this interesting or surprising?
Body Paragraphs: Planning Grid
What claims will you make to
prove your thesis? Write them
in the main idea spaces!
Main Idea One
Main Idea Two
Main Idea Three
Genesis 1-4
What evidence from Genesis 1-4
will you use?
“The World on the Turtle’s Back”
What evidence from “The World
on the Turtle’s Back” will you use?
Conclusion Paragraph
Re-cap!
In one short sentence, find a new way to state the main point of the paper.
So What?
Broaden out and show that this topic is relevant in the real world! Make sure
the reader doesn’t have to ask, “Why does this matter? Why should I be
interested?” Try linking back to your hook.