Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay

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1 Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay The compare/contrast essay on the AP Exam usually addresses how two societies responded to a major development or theme. Besides knowing specific similarities and differences between the societies given in the topic, it is also very important to keep in mind big-picture ideas in history. The major themes tested on the essay include the following: How different societies responded to each other, other societies, or events How different societies changed - or didn t in response to some event How different societies developed How different societies responded to new technologies or new ideas DIRECTIONS Directions: You are to answer the following question. You should spend 5 minutes organizing or outlining an essay that: Has a relevant thesis and supports that thesis with appropriate historical evidence Addresses all parts of the question Makes direct, relevant comparisons RUBRIC BASIC CORE Point(s) Possible: 1. Has acceptable thesis Do you compare and contrast the issues or themes specified? 1 2. Addresses all parts of the question though not necessarily evenly or thoroughly. Addresses most parts of the question (for example, deals with differences but not similarities). 3. Substantiates thesis with appropriate historical evidence (this means: do you have specific examples to prove your thesis and/or your topic sentences) Partially substantiates thesis with appropriate historical evidence 2 (1) 2 (1) 4. Makes at least one or two relevant, direct comparisons between or among the societies Analyzes at least one reason for a similarity or difference identified in a direct comparison. This is where your knowledge of larger historic processes comes in handy 1 SUBTOTAL: 7

2 EXPANDED CORE A student must earn all 7 points in the basic core area before earning points in the expanded core area Examples: Has a clear, analytical, and comprehensive thesis Addresses all parts of the question (as relevant): comparisons, chronology, causation, connections, themes, interactions, content Provides ample historical evidence to substantiate thesis Relates comparisons to larger global context Makes several direct comparisons consistently between or among societies Consistently analyzes the causes and effects of relevant similarities and differences Point(s) Possible: 0-2 SUBTOTAL: 2 TOTAL: 9 STEPS TO TAKE Step 1: Process the Question Prompt: Compare and contrast the political, social, and cultural impacts of two of the following belief systems on the societies they emerged in Hinduism Confucianism Buddhism You must understand what you need to address in your thesis. Circle or underline key words or phrases in the question. The phrase that you should underline in this case is: political, social, and cultural impacts. Do not forget that your essay (your thesis) must include comparisons as well as contrasts.

3 Step 2: Build the Framework Belief System: Political: Hinduism Buddhism Social: Cultural: Similarities: Differences: Step 3: Provide Evidence Belief System: Political: Social: Cultural: Similarities: Differences: Hinduism State religion Caste system from Aryans to impose social order on Dravidians Buddhism State religion Did not believe in the caste system Patriarchy Not strict patriarchy Lawbook of Manu Sons and daughters sent to Sati religious service Religion of salvation Religion of salvation through through dharma following the Eightfold Noble Promised eternal life Path Promised eternal life State religions Both had rulers that used the religion to impose it on society (Buddhism: Ashoka, Hinduism: Gupta Dynasty) Religions of salvation different paths, however Patriarchy supported by Hinduism, opposed by Buddhism Caste system supported by Hinduism, opposed by Buddhism

4 Step 4: Write the Essay Paragraph 1. While Hinduism is a much older belief system than Buddhism, they both greatly impacted the social, political and religious life of their respective founding countries, as well as the countries to which they spread. While both belief systems were very important to the cultural and social life of their respective countries as religions of salvation, and both served as state religions, Hinduism had significant long term political impact, while Buddhism would ultimately remain purely a religion of salvation with minimal long term political impact. What do you notice about the first paragraph? 1. Intro is just 2 sentences 2. Thesis is arguable & complex ( i.e., it shows similarities Hinduism and Buddhism have significant social and cultural impacts impact on their societies in terms of impacting culture and providing salvation AND it shows differences Buddhism would ultimately be religious in nature and was not as easily co-opted by the state for political purposes, whereas Hinduism would alter India through the caste system) Paragraph 2 Arriving Aryans brought some elements of what would become Hindu beliefs with them, but quickly segregated indigenous Dravidians according to varna or color of skin. Early Aryan rulers used this caste system to impose social order. This social order provided the basis for a stratified society where everyone followed their dharma. Buddhist practitioners, on the other hand, did not believe in the caste system, so it did not become implemented or co-opted by the state during Buddhist rule, since it did not serve a political purpose. (This is the analysis part of the answer) Paragraph 3 Socially, Hinduism supported a patriarchal society where women were seen as subservient. According to the Lawbook of Manu, women were to be obedient to husbands, fathers, even sons. Wealthy women were encouraged to practice sati on the death of their husband. Buddhism, however, did not endorse a patriarchal society. Buddhism encouraged families to offer their sons and daughters to religious service. While the great Ashoka became a Buddhist, other classical period Indian rulers reverted to Hinduism as a state religion. Both philosophies/religions were state supported and therefore impacted life to a significant degree. (This is the analysis part of the answer) Paragraph 4 Both religions were culturally important in their founding countries, as Hinduism and Buddhism could be viewed as religions of salvation. Both Hinduism and Buddhism promised eternal life in some form of a hereafter if dharma (Hinduism) or the Eightfold Noble Path (Buddhism) were followed. Proper attention to dharma could eventually lead to Nirvana. Each had a temple structure with priests and religious services. (This is the analysis part of the answer)

5 Paragraph 5 Restate thesis in an interesting but different way. Provide implications: did one belief system spread more easily than the others; did any encourage innovation, create chaos or disorder (another place to note similarities and differences)? And finally, if possible but not required, provide a local to global connection. Did these religions have an impact in other areas of the globe? What was the impact there? What about the role of Christianity in maintaining order? What about the role of Greek gods and goddesses? Egyptian pharaohs? TIPS Does your thesis address all parts of the question? The thesis cannot be split and must be located in either the introductory paragraph or the conclusion (however, it is not recommended to wait until the end). It cannot simply repeat the question. It must address the issues or themes specified. It must be more specific than there are similarities and differences The thesis must address BOTH a similarity and a difference. The thesis statement cannot be counted for credit in any other category. Did you use enough facts to support your thesis? You should use about 10 or more facts if you can. Did you make a solid comparison between the societies? This basic core point should be easy to earn. In writing a compare/contrast essay, you should be making plenty of direct comparisons. Essays that make at least one relevant and substantial direct comparison between the two societies earn this basic core point. To earn the point, the comparison cannot be found in the thesis. Many students however write essays in which the comparisons are indirect. Their essays start with an introductory thesis paragraph, are followed by paragraphs about the first region, and are followed by entirely separate paragraphs about the second region. Perhaps these essays have plenty of facts and even address most parts of the question, but they never get around to making a substantial direct comparison. The way to avoid that kind of organizational problem is to weave comparisons within each paragraph. When both areas are addressed simultaneously, the essay is more likely to make direct comparisons similarities and differences.

6 Did you analyze the reasons for the similarities and differences? Analysis is crucial for building a sophisticated compare/contrast essay. One basic core point is awarded to essays which state clear reasons why the similarities or differences existed. This analysis must go beyond simply listing the items in common or the differences. Example: Rome was located on the Mediterranean Sea; consequently its trade was water-based to a great extent. The Aztec Empire differed since its location within Mesoamerica meant that its trade was not as focused on water travel. For your conclusion and to earn possible expanded core points, can you relate the comparison to a larger global context? Comparisons to other regions Example: The Aztecs and the Incas were polytheistic like the Hindus of India. Connection to global processes Example: Although the Aztecs and Incas were not part of the global trade network in the early 15 th century, they still developed significant empires. Interaction among regions Example: The Aztecs, like the earlier group the Maya, practiced human sacrifice. Remember that AP World History essays are asset-graded, meaning you only get points for what is right and do not lose points for what is not