Compare-Contrast Argument Synthesis Essay (1200 words/4 pages minimum)
FORMAT: Typed and double-spaced in MLA format. !
OBJECTIVE: Comparing and contrasting is a form of synthesis. You compare different criteria
in order to make a larger point about the subject under consideration. Thus, comparing and
contrasting is more than laying out similarities and differences in a paper side-by-side, but is
about pointing out those points of comparison and contrast and then analyzing their significance
to help support a thesis.
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Your task is this paper is to research a single topic related to American Gods. You will use
your comparison and contrast of the articles to help support your analysis of your topic. It
is through comparison and contrast that you both synthesize and analyze in order to
support your claim (thesis). The research you conduct will culminate in your analysis
paragraphs. In it, you will synthesize all your sources to make explicit the topic you are
focusing on from within the novel.
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Your essay should be structured thusly:
Two part title: _______broad____:_____specific with author and title_____
1. Introduction- begin with a broad summative sentence with a specific mention of the
author and novel. Provide context to help the reader understand your topic. End with
an argumentative X as a means to Y thesis that clearly reflects the focus of your essay.
Make it clear from the beginning what you are writing about.
2. Summary of article 1 (summarize with particular awareness to your topic)
3. Summary of article 2 (summarize with particular awareness to your topic)
4. Comparison-and-contrast of the two articles, which culminates in the inclusion of your
topic into the ongoing discussion.
5. (3 paragraph) Analysis of your topic, which is supported by a synthesis of all three
sources. To be clear—include (synthesize) direct content from all three sources. You
will use multiple “Big Mac quote sandwich” paragraphs. *This will be your longest
section
6. Conclusion
Works Cited !
WRITING TASKS:
A key part of the assignment is your synthesis of your sources. Select and carefully read your
sources, according to your purpose. Re-read the sources, mentally summarizing each. Identify
those aspects or parts of your sources that will help you in fulfilling your purpose. When
rereading, label or underline the passages for main ideas, key terms, and any details you want to
use in the synthesis.
• Your synthesis and explanation/discussion should utilize specific examples from the text.
• Develop each main idea thoroughly. Use specific examples and source materials
appropriately as support. Be sure to integrate source materials smoothly into your own
writing using attribution phrases and transitions.
• Utilize literary present tense.
• Your conclusion should expand on your evaluation and explain the significance of your
topic.
• The essay should use proper Modern Language Association (MLA) formatting – this
means one-inch margins on all sides and twelve point Times New Roman font. If you are
unsure of format, consult the many online MLA sources available.
• Quadruple check your MLA documentation. Are your parenthetical citations correct? Is
your Works Cited list correct according to MLA style, and does it include all sources cited
in your essay?
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ASSESSMENT: Grades will be on the following rubric. Each of the domains is described in
terms of specific indicator of achievement level. Additionally, proper quoting, paraphrasing,
summary, proper MLA format, heading, in-text citations and work cited page are required and
will also be considered as part of the grade.