Comparison-Contrast Essay (100 points)
Important Dates/Notes: 5/1 Rough draft peer review, outline review by professor; bring ONE copy of each; No extensions
granted for the rough draft or outline! You may earn up to 2 points of extra credit if you go to the Reading and Writing
Center for help with the rough draft.
5/6: Final draft due with rough draft and outline. You will turn in, in this order, (top to bottom), stapled: Final outline,
final draft, draft outline, draft rough draft, and Writing Center documentation (as applicable). Points will be deducted for
missing components or stapling in the wrong order or not stapling at all! You may earn up to 2 points of extra credit if you
go to the Reading and Writing Center for help with the final draft.
Objectives:
To use compare or contrast the similarities/differences as they relate to the assignment prompt
To analyze and synthesize the selected reading and the movie The Stoning of Soraya M.
To further develop critical thinking skills by using point-by-point or subject-by-subject comparison
To further develop writing skills by proposing and supporting a thesis based on readings and organizing ideas into
a coherent and fluent essay
To practice using MLA guidelines as indicated below
Assignment:
Both Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” and The Stoning of Soraya M. address tradition in their respective stories. In a 3-
page essay answer the following: Are there similarities or differences in how the society in each story responds to their
“tradition” of stoning a person to death?
NOTE: You are not being asked to compare the story and film. Instead, your task is to focus on specific characters
(or the entire society) from both the story and the film and discuss whether they (it) respond(s) similarly or
differently toward the stoning. DO NOT Write about how Tessie Hutchison and Soraya M are similar or different.
Your paragraph must be a maximum of three pages.
Grading Criteria:
Clear thesis statement sentence that directly answers the prompt
Clear use of either the point-by-point pattern of organization or the subject-by-subject pattern
Reference to the story/movie, — properly cited — throughout the essay
Use of two-three quotations (as applicable) or examples from the story & film to support your points
Development of a strong conclusion that does more than simply summarize what’s already been addressed in
the essay
Correct grammar & punctuation usage
Use of coordination (FAN BOYS & HOT SHOT CAT), and subordination (BAT WAS UP)
Eliminate fragments, comma splices and run-on sentences
Use carefully thought-out transitions that help your reader understand the logical relationships between your
ideas, sentences, and paragraphs
Use a creative title; don’t title it “Comparison and Contrast Essay.”
