Structure of a Comp./Contrast
Essay on Heroes:
By Marlene Moore
Essay on Heroes
• The purpose of this essay is to compare and
contrast a hero of your choice with the AngloSaxon hero (Beowulf).
• You will need to come up with your own
definition of a hero by identifying three
characteristics that your hero shares with
Beowulf.
• After brainstorming and choosing your three
characteristics, you will create an essay by
following these requirements…
Thesis statement
• Your thesis must identify Beowulf and your
chosen hero. In addition, you need to explain
what heroic traits these two heroes possess.
• For example:
– Beowulf and _____________ are heroes who
exemplify the traits of ________, ________, and
_________.
– My hero _________, along with Beowulf, embody the
following heroic traits: ______, ______, and ______.
“FLEE” Map – the basic structure for writing
a comparison/contrast essay
Intro.
Trait #1
Trait #2
Trait #3
(Reason #1)
(Reason #2)
(Reason #3)
Example 1A
Example 2A
Example 3A
Example 1B
Example 2B
Example 3B
Elaboration
Elaboration
Elaboration
How they differ
How they differ
How they differ
= Transitions
Concl.
Introduction
• General statement that introduces the
topic.
• Additional statements that lead into the
thesis statement.
• Thesis statement.
Introduction – Think of an introduction as an
upside down triangle.
General
• General statement that
introduces the topic.
• Additional statements that
lead into the thesis
statement.
• Thesis statement.
Specific
Strategies for Introductions
1. An intriguing example
2. A provocative quotation (with a lead-in)
3. A general statement or universal
observation.
4. Other strategies include: vivid and concise
anecdotes, a thought-provoking question, or a
surprising fact/statistic (Although these are
effective strategies, you will not be using any
of these strategies from #4 in your papers).
Example of a General Statement
• Throughout history, heroes have
been defined by great achievements.
After you make a general
statement…
• You need transitional statements or elaborations
that connect your general statement to your
thesis.
• Examples:
– Heroes have saved lives or resisted their
oppressors.
– Some achievements include standing up for
what they believe in or fighting injustices.
– These type of heroes have been around since
the Anglo-Saxon period.
Thesis statement
• Your last sentence is the thesis.
• Example:
– Whether the hero is Beowulf or Martin
Luther King, Jr., a hero is brave, wise,
and helpful.
Example of an Introduction:
• [General statement]: Throughout history,
heroes have been defined by great
achievements.
• [Transitional statement(s)]:
– Heroes have saved lives or resisted their oppressors.
– Some achievements include standing up for what
they believe in or fighting injustices.
– These type of heroes have been around since the
Anglo-Saxon period.
• [Thesis]: Whether the hero is Beowulf or
Martin Luther King, Jr., a hero is brave,
wise, and helpful.
You give it a try…
• General statement:
• Transitional statement(s):
• Thesis statement:
“FLEE” Map – the basic structure for writing
a comparison/contrast essay
Intro.
Trait #1
Trait #2
Trait #3
(Reason #1)
(Reason #2)
(Reason #3)
Example 1A
Example 2A
Example 3A
Example 1B
Example 2B
Example 3B
Elaboration
Elaboration
Elaboration
How they differ
How they differ
How they differ
= Transitions
Concl.
Body paragraphs
• Body Paragraphs:
– Topic sentence
– Example from Beowulf (specific example,
detail, or reason that “proves” the topic
sentence)
– Example from your modern hero.
– Commentary (explanation of how the
examples relate to the topic sentence.)
– How they differ.
– Concluding sentence
A paragraph might look like this…
• Topic sentence: [One of your traits that stems from the
thesis]
• Example of the trait [How Beowulf exhibits this trait - A
quote or descriptive paraphrase/summary of an
example].
• Example of the trait from the second person [how MLK
exhibits this trait]:
• Comment on these examples [Relate to thesis…]
• Explain how they differ.
• Concluding Sentence: Rephrases your main
idea/observation. [Transitional Sentence (may be
combined with the concluding sentence or the next topic
sentence)].
“FLEE” Map – the basic structure for writing
a comparison/contrast essay
Intro.
Live out his
beliefs
Stand up for
injustice
Beowulf…
Example 2A
Example 3A
MLK …
Example 2B
Example 3B
Comment on your
examples
Elaboration
Elaboration
Explain how they
differ
How they differ
How they differ
= Transitions
Help those in
need
Concl.
Example of a body paragraph…
(topic sentence) The first trait of a true hero is bravery.
(example 1A) Beowulf demonstrated his bravery by
tracking down Grendel’s mother all by himself with no
fear. (example 1B) Additionally, Martin Luther King, Jr.
showed bravery when he marched against racism
despite the threat of physical harm.
(elaboration/comment on examples – how they are
similar). Both men faced the possibility of dying for
what they believed in. (how they differ) Although
Beowulf faced one sea-monster of supernatural origins,
MLK’s monster consisted of crowds of angry racists –
more insidious than any sea creature. (concluding
sentence) Regardless of the enemy, a true hero
confronts hostility with courage.
“FLEE” Map – the basic structure for writing
an essay
Introduction
Reason #1
Reason #2
Reason #3
(Evidence #1)
(Evidence #2)
(Evidence #3)
Example
Example
Example
Explanation
Explanation
Explanation
Elaboration
Elaboration
Elaboration
Conclusion
= Transitions
Conclusion
The conclusion needs to wrap up things and
allow the reader to withdraw gracefully.
How do you withdraw gracefully?
• Rephrase the thesis
• Make additional statements about the
topic.
• End with a general statement that leaves
an impression on the reader (a clincher).
Conclusion (specific to general)…
• Rephrasing of the thesis.
• Additional statements
about the topic.
• General statement that
ends the essay (clincher).
Example of a Conclusion
True heroes embody and exceed the
expectations of bravery, wisdom and
helpfulness. Beowulf and MLK are
figures in their cultures who made an
impact in the lives of their people.
Whether white or black, male or female,
or big or small, a hero impacts others for
good, which is something everyone has
the ability to do.
Rubric
• The essay is worth 100 points
• Requirements:
–
–
–
–
Prewriting/Rough Draft:
Typed (with heading):
5 paragraphs (Intro., 3 Body Parag., Concl.):
Comparisons and contrasts made between
Beowulf and modern/chosen hero.
– Specific examples from the epic and life:
– Followed the structure as taught in class:
– Overall effort/neatness: correct spelling,
capitalization, and punctuation.
Total Points:
10 points
10 points
10 points
10 points
20 points
20 points
20 points
_____ out of 100 points