Basic requirements 
 type of writing expected comparison

1. Basic Requirements :
Type of writing expected: Comparison and/or Contrast Essay
Length requirements – (No more than two pages plus work
cited page) and double-spaced, 12" Times New Roman Font.
Formatting requirements – MLA format (See video-under
tools and resources)
Documentation format – MLA citations necessary (Please
cite to avoid plagiarism.
Amount or type of research expected – Minimal outside
research necessary (Use at least two resources) (See MDC
Library Resources Video)
The focus of this second essay will be on comparison-contrast.
Write a comparison-contrast essay discussing the differences
between two famous historical figures. Focus on specific
similarities and differences. Feel free to use specific examples
from different spheres of influences, like music, film or
literature, but be sure that they are analogous.
Some things you might want to think about:
• What are the backgrounds of the individuals?
• Where are they from?
• Discuss their achievements and accolades.
• What is the public perception of these people?
Objectives:
• Students will practice different types of invention
strategies.
• Students will appeal to the emotions of their audience in
their own essays.
• Students will write effective introductions and conclusions.
• Students will experiment with analytical skills.

2. • Students will practice cause and effect and comparison.
Evaluation Criteria:
• The most important thing is that you fully use you
analytical skills in using the appropriate rhetorical structure.
• I will be looking to see how well you appeal to your
audience and how well you stress the logical and emotional
aspects of your association with the person/place. Also, I will
be looking for the use of opening and concluding strategies.
• The style will be formal, and I want to see how well you
can utilize the standards of American Edited English.
• I will be looking to see how well you incorporate
comparison into your essay.
• I will focus on the quality of your introduction.
• I am not looking for grammatical perfection, but the essay
must be readable and free of mechanical errors that distract
your reader.
• All these criteria will be considered in light of the Gordon
Rule Rubric . (See Rubric with detailed scoring- Writing
Resources)