Checklist for Comparison/Contrast Essays

   No 
   Yes 
   Wow!
Does the title suggest a new way of looking at these subjects?
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Does the essay have a clear thesis that draws an analogy between the two subjects?
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Does the essay use the comparison to make a point
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Is the essay well-organized (one-side-at-a-time)?
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Are effective transitional words and phrases used? (See chart of transitions.)
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Does the essay have enough specific details and examples to be well-developed? (Don’t let the essay become a “list” of similarities and differences.)
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Does the essay use specific, effective words instead of vague words and tired phrases?
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Does the conclusion “touch” on a point made in the introduction?
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