Assignment

This essay will focus on how to compare and contrast ideas and items that are similar enough to draw a meaningful comparison. You will pick two advertisements or two songs to compare for this paper. You will need to explain the need for this comparison and contrast in your thesis, arguing not just that they are similar and different, but what it means and why it matters.

Instructions: Select two items to compare and contrast. Compose a thesis explaining why the comparison and contrast is needed and what the audience will gain by understanding it. You must describe the items in question in enough detail so that the audience will understand the comparison that you make. You must also argue for why this matters. Why does your audience need to understand this? What benefit is gained through this understanding? Do not spend time telling me which version is better. That is not useful or interesting!

Format: 3+ pages. Your paper must follow proper MLA format, with the proper information in the first five lines (Your name, Instructor, Class, Date (Day Month Year), and Title (Centered). The paper must have 1" margins, and be written in 12pt Times New Roman font (what you are reading right now) double spaced. The essay must have a strong thesis which does as the instructions describe, and the comparison and contrast must be clearly defined and explained to the audience. You will also be expected to follow MLA format exactly, and spelling, grammar, and punctuation rules all must be adhered to.

Audience: Your suggested audience is a general academic audience, which means that you will have varying levels of interest in your topic. It is your job to draw the audience in to your topic, regardless of their interest level. Your introduction must contain a helpful attention getting device that makes the topic appealing.