Write
a 500-750 word essay about a pair of items in which the similarities and
differences of those items are compared and contrasted in the style described
within Unit III. Purpose: Throughout Unit III, we have discussed the
conventions of the comparative essay. The purpose of this assignment is to
measure your mastery of those conventions by putting your knowledge into
practice. In a larger context, the purpose of writing a comparative essay is to
gain the skills of detecting similarities and differences between at least two
items and then using those similarities and differences to create knowledge
about either one or both of the items. In this way, the comparative essay is a
tool used for both observation and analysis. Process: For the comparative
essay, you will complete the following steps: Choose a pair of topics that
complement one another: See the suggested list of topics in the
"Comparative Essay Topics Handout" below in the supplemental
documents portion of these instructions. Create a list of similarities and
differences: See Unit III, Lesson 2, for more instruction about how to create a
list. Create a thesis statement based on similarities,
differences, or both similarities and differences: See Unit III, Lesson 3, for
more information about how to create a thesis statement. Choose whether to
organize your essay by point or by subject: For an essay organized by point,
see Unit III, Lesson 4, and the "Comparative Essay Example: Essay
Organized by Point" below. For an essay organized by subject, see Unit
III, Lesson 5, and the "Comparative Essay Example: Essay Organized by
Subject" below. Consult the "Comparative Essay: Final Self-Check
List" below before submission. Stylistic details: All essays must meet the
following requirements: Write in Times New Roman, 12-point font. Include
one-inch margins on all sides. Use double spacing (top-to-bottom every page, to
include above and below titles and centered words). Include an APA title page
(for all essays) and reference list (if sources are used). Include page numbers
(upper-right corner only). Adhere to APA convention and documentation style. No
sources are required. However, if sources areused while writing the paper, then
those sources must be cited