Compare and Contrast Essay Writing
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” – Short Story Unit Final Assignment
English 11 – Mr. Barazzuol
Instructions: To conclude our short story unit, we will attempt our first essay. After reading the short story, “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” make comparisons to the 2013 film directed and staring Ben Stiller. One should focus on three major issues that compare or contrast between the two versions of the story.
Example: The physical setting in the original text was based in 1939, whereas the film is presented with a present-day setting. (Why is this significant? Explain)
Please use the following essay outline to structure your essay:
______
Title of Essay
I. Introduction
1. Hook (first sentence of the essay that grabs the attention of the reader)
2. Introduce the two items you are comparing
3. Thesis statement including the points ofcontrast 1, 2, and 3
II. Topic Sentence: Point of Contrast 1
A. Text Version of Short Story
1. Support
2. Support
B. Film Version of Short Story
1. Support
2. Support
III. Topic Sentence: Point of Contrast 2
A. Text Version of Short Story
1. Support
2. Support
B. Film Version of Short Story
1. Support
2. Support
IV. Topic Sentence: Point of Contrast 3
A. Text Version of Short Story
1. Support
2. Support
B. Film Version of Short Story
3. Support
4. Support
V. Concluding Paragraph
- Re-explain your thesis
- Closing remarks
______
* You will bring this completed outline package in point form to class and complete the essay write throughout the duration of one block in the computer lab. If you do not complete this outline, this assignment will be extremely difficult. Also, if you do not come to class the day of the write, you will have to come in on your own time to do the write in person.
Compare and Contrast Essay
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”
Short Story Unit Final Assignment
English 11 – Mr. Barazzuol
CONTENT and STRUCTURE /
The paper compares and contrasts two items clearly. The paper points to specific examples to illustrate the comparison. Only relevant information is included.
Extremely clear, consistent order/ structure is used when discussing the comparison
/
The paper compares and contrasts the two items clearly, but the supporting information seems rather general. Only relevant information is included.
Order/structure appears clear and consistent when discussing the comparison. /
The paper compares and contrasts the information clearly, but the supporting information is incomplete. The paper may include information that is not relevant to the comparison.
Some details are not in a logical or expected order/ structure, and this may distract the reader /
The paper compares or contrasts, but does not include both. There is no supporting information or support is incomplete.
Details are minimal and do not have a set order/structure. /
The paper neither compares nor contrasts. The paper does not have supporting information.
Details are missing. Order/ structure is not clear.
5 / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1
WRITING / Transition and flow is impeccable
Sentence structure and transition variety is outstanding.
Successfully uses formal writing conventions: proper punctuation, no abbreviations, no contractions, free from spelling and/or grammar mistakes.
Essay contains an extremely well developed: introduction, hook, thesis, body paragraphs, conclusion. /
Transition and flow is well done.
Sentence structure and transition variety is well done.
Good attempt at utilizing formal writing conventions, however, 1-2 errors are present in the following: punctuation, no abbreviations, no contractions, spelling and/or grammar mistakes.
Essay contains a well-done introduction, hook, thesis, body paragraphs, conclusion. /
Transition and flow is somewhat apparent.
Sentence structure and transition variety is somewhat apparent.
Fair attempt at utilizing formal writing conventions, however, 3-4 errors are present in the following: punctuation, no abbreviations, no contractions, spelling and/or grammar mistakes.
Essay makes a decent attempt at all of the following: introduction, hook, thesis, body paragraphs, conclusion. /
Transition and flow is lacking.
Sentence structure and transition variety is lacking..
Minimal attempt at utilizing formal writing conventions, 4-6 errors are present in the following: punctuation, no abbreviations, no contractions, spelling and/or grammar mistakes.
Essay is missing or has underdeveloped one of the following: introduction, hook, thesis, body paragraphs, conclusion. /
Transition and flow is missing.
Sentence structure and transition variety is missing.
Does not meet expectations when using formal writing conventions, 6+ errors are present in the following: punctuation, no abbreviations, no contractions, spelling and/or grammar mistakes.
Essay is missing or has underdeveloped multiple sections: introduction, hook, thesis, body paragraphs, conclusion.
Compare and Contrast Essay Outline
“The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”
Short Story Unit Final Assignment
Title of Essay:
______
I. Introduction
1. Hook (first sentence of the essay that grabs the attention of the reader)
______
2. Introducethe two items you are comparing
______
3. Thesis statement including the points of contrast 1, 2, and 3
______
Point of Compare or Contrast #1 (Paragraph One)
II. Topic Sentence:
______
A. Text Version of Short Story
1. Support
______
2. Support
______
B. Film Version of Short Story
1. Support
______
2. Support
______
Point of Compare or Contrast #2 (Paragraph Two)
II. Topic Sentence:
______
A. Text Version of Short Story
1. Support
______
2. Support
______
B. Film Version of Short Story
1. Support
______
2. Support
______
Point of Compare or Contrast #3 (Paragraph Three)
II. Topic Sentence:
______
A. Text Version of Short Story
1. Support
______
2. Support
______
B. Film Version of Short Story
3. Support
______
4. Support
______
V. Concluding Paragraph
1. Re-explain your thesis
______
2. Closing remarks
______