comparison papers - need ideas - drawing a COMPLETE blank!

[Hoggirl]

Ds is using Put That in Writing Level 1 - Mastering the Paragraph. We are on week 21 in which he is to prepare for a timed write for a comparison paragraph. Last week he did a comparison (not a timed write) to inform, so this week I would like him do to a comparison to persuade - thus choosing one thing over the other. It is something he should do some limited research on.

 

One of the things that bugs me about this program is that something like this should be more than one paragraph, IMO! But, I can live with it as I usually change the assignment and make it more than one paragraph. For last week's comparison "to inform" I had him compare two colleges of interest. What can I have him write about??? Maybe this one should also be informative. I am just not able to come up with anything. The suggested topics are two related animals, two presidents, two historical figures, two planets, two geographic regions, the US Presidency v. a monarchy. These just seem FAR too broad to me! Especially for a 30-minute timed write and only one paragraph!

 

Would someone pretty please through some ideas at me.

 

Many thanks!

[Brigid in NC]

For a timed response, it seems to me that a student will be most successful writing about something accessible -- something that he has been involved with, has read recently, or is reading now.

 

I assigned a compare/contrast paper in my little English co-op class recently (it was not a timed paper though), asking the kids to compare/contrast something between the Iliad and the Odyssey (which they had just read). One of the papers compared the admirable/objectionable qualities of Achilles and Odysseus. There was a persuasive slant to this, because the student had a strong opinion about which one was more worthy of praise and admiration than the other. He established that in his thesis statement, and then used the compare/contrast structure to defend his opinion.

 

The student who wrote on this comparison of two "heros" or "protagonists" seemed to have a lot more material to write about and a much easier time organizing his paper than some of the other students who chose other comparison topics.

 

Just an idea for you. Good luck!

~Brigid

p.s. And I agree that a compare/contrast paper should be more than a single paragraph. :001_smile:

[Julie in MN]

I assigned a compare/contrast paper in my little English co-op class recently (it was not a timed paper though), asking the kids to compare/contrast something between the Iliad and the Odyssey (which they had just read). One of the papers compared the admirable/objectionable qualities of Achilles and Odysseus. There was a persuasive slant to this, because the student had a strong opinion about which one was more worthy of praise and admiration than the other. He established that in his thesis statement, and then used the compare/contrast structure to defend his opinion.

 

Oooh, I like these ideas. Comparing literary figures would also work -- Tom Sawyer & Huck Finn, or figures from two different books he's read (like Brigid described).

 

I also thought maybe two presidential candidates, rather than two presidents. Or even more simple, two desserts or two restaurants? Two competing gyms like the YMCA and a fancy fitness center?

 

Julie

[Hoggirl]

Love the idea of two literary characters, but we are doing a poetry unit right now, and ds's reading time is on the lighter side.

 

I think I am going to have him compare two types of roller coasters and state which one is "better." He is really into this, and will enjoy it much more than something "historical.

 

I was drawing a total blank earlier. Thanks for the ideas.

[Nan in Mass]

Some things that my sons would like that would have a small research componant:

Which is cheaper - taking the train or the car to the science museum

Which is better - a Ford pickup or a Chevrolet

Which would be a better spring break destination - Rockies to snowboard or Florida to surf (dream on GRIN)

 

I would make sure I pointed out that they would need to make a short list of attributes that made something "better" in this case before they began.

 

So far this year, my son has done a few comparison paragraphs on history topics that could be whole books, but I limited the scope by telling him to use only the information in his history book.

 

-Nan

[Valerie in MI]

My son just got this assignment. I don't like it but he is insisting on a comparison of apples and oranges! He always chooses his own topics. I often think I can come up with better ones which might involve learning something useful but we are using outside teachers and they never say "let your mom pick your topic".

[Hoggirl]

My son just got this assignment. I don't like it but he is insisting on a comparison of apples and oranges! He always chooses his own topics. I often think I can come up with better ones which might involve learning something useful but we are using outside teachers and they never say "let your mom pick your topic".

 

I have TOG Writing Aids and it suggests oranges and bananas! :D

[TXMary2]

My son just did a compare and contrast for a pencil and a pen. Easily accessible and has enough similarities and differences to get at least a paragraph.

[Hoggirl]

My son just did a compare and contrast for a pencil and a pen. Easily accessible and has enough similarities and differences to get at least a paragraph.

 

That is a good idea as well. Unfortunately, it is supposed to be something that he can research.