Essay #3  — English – Compare-Contrast

Goals for this assignment:  Students will —

1)      Compare/Contrast various aspects of an issue.

2)      Continue to develop the ability to write essays unified by a thesis statement.

3)      Develop strategies for effectively incorporating outside material into essays.

Background:   Certain topics present paradoxes in which two contradictory claims may both merit approval.  Being able to consider opposing viewpoints is crucial to writing effective essays; therefore, for this assignment, we will do just that.  (Read chapter 13 “Compare-Contrast” in our text.)

Assignment:  Dead Poets Society explores issues of conformity and nonconformity, of tradition versus being a free thinker.  Write an essay for the following question: Which mentor is more valuable for the students, Mr. Keating or Mr. Nolan?  For your essay, convey clearly the position you are taking in your thesis statement; defend your position in the body paragraphs; strengthen your argument with as much support as you feel necessary to make your case.

Length:  5 paragraphs total: introduction, 3 body, conclusion.

Title:  Give your essay a title; strive for something intriguing.  Employ the two-part strategy discussed in class.

Format:  double space, font 12