Juggling Multiple Sources of Evidence: Comparative Approaches to Writing

An essay where you “remix” your argumentative essay by adding a comparative element. This assignment is 3-4 pages double spaced in MLA formatting and will cover the writing skills consequences.

Introduction to Comparative Writing: The Genre

The clusters below are the same as themes in Unit Three: Argumentative Essay. Once again, the clusters serve as a vehicle for understanding how writers construct essays that juggle more than one central piece of evidence.

Reading	Guiding Questions
Social Media and Identity “The Warped Self” by Mark Miller and Ben White Sports and Fandom (in honor of the Knicks) “Begin the World Again: The Agony and Ecstasy of College Football” by Steve Larkin The Importance of CUNY “More Austerity Coming? Lessons from 1970s Financial Crisis” by Marc Kagan	What does the author compare? Does the author describe similarities and differences? Does the author use a theoretical framing or lens to understand the object? Why are all units of comparison essential for the argument?

Comparative Essays: Consequences

Reading	Guiding Questions
“Catwoman’s Hyde” by Lisa Syn	What does the author compare? Why are all units of comparison essential for the argument? Identify the sentence(s) where you think the author explains why the comparison matters to a reader.

Writing your own comparative essay

How do you compare apples and oranges? Some people say that you can’t! But, just because two objects appear different—or have a different set of descriptive properties—doesn’t mean that they should not be put in conversation with each other, especially when a consequential point can be made that justifies why the comparison is relevant.

For this essay, revise your argument paper to add a comparative element–whether that’s a second object of comparison, a historical framing, or a theoretical lens. A successful comparative essay will include:

1. A clear and easily identifiable main claim that is specific and goes beyond simply describing the similarities and differences between your objects and explains why the comparison matters. Your main claim should look meaningful different than the original one in the argument essay. In other words, if you removed the comparative element, the main claim would not make sense.
2. A clear and identifiable set of conceptual consequences, typically introduced along with main point and more fully explained in the conclusion. Your consequences should explain why the comparative element matters for your essay.
3. Support your new, comparative main claim through relevant and reasonable evidence and explain how your evidence connects to your claim using reasoning.

A strong comparative essay will also show notable and meaningful revisions between each draft, demonstrating your ability to take feedback from our writing workshops and implement the comments that help you best communicate your story to your readers. For this paper, substantial revision is also expected from the argument essay, including entirely new body paragraphs and argumentation. Please make sure that you proofread your final draft for grammar and spelling mistakes.