Bellringer

Which of the following does NOT belong in a list of similarities in the process of how Islam spread to South Asia, South East Asia, and Africa?

A. Islam arrived with traders and took root first in urban areas.

B. The spread of Islam was mainly peaceful

C. A majority of the population in all three areas converted to Islam

D. Considerable syncretism was involved in the conversion process

APWH Comparison Essay

Before we get started

•Compare = similarities and differences

•Contrast = just differences

•In this essay you are comparing, you must have similarities and differences

Pre-Writing

• Go through these steps before you start writing.• Step 1 = Break down the question• Step 2 = You need to know both items you are comparing• Step 3 = Figure out what classification applies to both items,

because you can not use it as a similarity.• Step 4 = Create a list of characteristics of both items (T

chart)• Step 5 = Identify the categories your characteristics fall into• Step 6 = Pick your 3 (at least) strongest bases of

comparison for your thesis statement. The characteristics become your supporting evidence in the body of your essay.

• If you are not given specific areas to compare in the question/prompt (since you should definitely address those) you might want to consider these areas to focus on:  Political, Economic, Technology, Cultural, Religious, Intellectual, Social, etc.

Rubric

• Comparison means to say what is the same and what is different

• This says at LEAST one – you need THREE – Rule of 3!!!

• Analyze means to say why – why is there a difference or similarity

Introduction

•Should not be longer than 2-3 sentences

Thesis

•Thesis must be clear, analytical (i.e., complex - arguable, tenable and comprehensive (i.e., thesis must incorporate all parts of the prompt question) A good thesis “lights the way” and provides a travel direction for the rest of the essay.

Body Paragraphs

• Body paragraphs must include the following:• Essay must address all parts of the question

EVENLY.• Essay must include appropriate historical

evidence ( i.e. give significant and compelling examples to substantiate what you say)

• Essay must provide 2 (at least) relevant comparisons between the societies/regions. Your comparisons can be chronological, cause and effect, thematic, etc. etc.)

Conclusion

• Essay must provide a local to global connection. How is this prompt question relevant to other parts of the world at the time? What other things are going on that might be the same and/or different in other parts of the globe. Conclusion is often a good place for this connection.

• Conclusion must restate thesis in an interesting way. Your conclusion paragraph should answer the question: “SO WHAT!” Do not simply regurgitate the essay. In other words, provide implications. A good conclusion is about 3 sentences long:• Sentence 1 Restate thesis • Sentence 2 Provide implications• Sentence 3 Make local to global connection

Organizing your essay

• Categorically – • The best way to organize a comparative

essay is to organize your paragraphs by the categories discussed.

• This essay will require the most organization in advance to plan your thesis and paragraphs. 

• It also almost automatically leads to expanded core points as your thesis is more sophisticated and your structure will include more direct comparisons and often analysis.

• Introduction – Your thesis should list the three categories that you will be discussing when comparing the two regions for example (e.g. political, economic and social)

• Body Paragraph 1 – Discusses the similarities and differences between both societies politically. You might divide this into two or three paragraphs if you have a lot of comparisons or evidence

• Body Paragraph 2 – Discusses the similarities and differences between both societies economically. You might divide this into two or three paragraphs if you have a lot of comparisons or evidence

• Body Paragraph 3 – Discusses the similarities and differences between both societies socially. You might divide this into two or three paragraphs if you have a lot of comparisons or evidence

• Concluding paragraph reiterates the similarities and differences between the societies in these three categories.

Comparative Analysis Transitions

Concession (these can help

with your thesis)

Compare Contrast

AlthoughThoughEven ThoughWhile it may be trueIn spite ofGranted thatnotwithstandingeven ifwhereaswhile

Similarlylikewisein like fashionin like manneranalogous toequally

On the contrarycontrarilynotwithstandingbuthoweverneverthelessin spite ofin contrastyeton one handon the other handconverselyat the same timeinsteadon the other hand