AP WORLD: AP WORLD: WRITING WRITING

TIPSTIPSThe Comparative Essay

The The Comparative EssayComparative Essay usually asks usually asks you to analyze broad historical issues you to analyze broad historical issues

for two areas of the world.for two areas of the world.• Pick the areas (or revolutions) you know the most

about!• Be sure to read and underline any of the

important components of the prompt (e.g. discussing the causes of the revolution when it asks you to discuss the consequences).

ThesisThesis•Make sure you address the PROMPT!•Thesis must compare similarities and differences!•Provide organization categories that will be used in the essay.•Example Prompt:

o Compare the major political developments of two of the following Classical Civilizations: India, China, or Mediterranean.

Example Responses Example Responses (Thesis)(Thesis)

1. Classical India and Classical China have both similarities and differences in their political developments. (What is missing??--this is 3rd grade level)

2. There are similarities and differences in the ways India and China expanded, controlled their territory, and approached religious differences. (BETTER—but still missing??--this is 8th grade stuff)

3. The governments of India and China were similar in how they expanded their territory, but were different in the ways they governed territories and in their attitude toward religious freedom. BEST

Is it a Is it a thesisthesis? Why or why ? Why or why not?not?

• Prompt: Compare the dynamics of trade in TWO of the following regions:o China during the Qin and Han dynastieso The Mediterranean during the Roman Empireo Mesoamerica during the Maya Empires.o South America during the Inca Empire

• In Maya culture the elites used a form of hieroglyphic writing to keep records while elites in the Inca society used a complex method of knot tying called quipu to keep records.

• NO: Good facts, but it addresses technology not trade. Doesn’t address similarities, only differences!!!

Is it a Is it a thesisthesis? Why or why ? Why or why not?not?

• Trade dynamics in the Roman Empire centered around the Mediterranean Sea. In China, however; they used rivers for trade. Both societies used water routes to transport goods.

• YES: Not sophisticated, but addresses similarities and differences.

• The greatest similarity between the Han and the Roman Empires involved trade since both were linked by the Silk Road and both used the structures of empire to support transportation projects. The greatest difference was in the types of items traded by each civilization.

• YES: Much more sophisticated thesis.

Essay StructuresEssay Structures

** “Political, Economic, Social” are not required categorical choices. You may choose others that fit.**

Similarities & Differences Similarities & Differences StructureStructure

• Thesis from the aforementioned prompt: The governments of India and China were similar in how they expanded their territory, but were different in the ways they governed territories and in their attitude toward religious freedom.

• Body Paragraph 1 –similarities in the ways India and China expanded

• Body Paragraph 2 – differences in the ways they controlled their territory

• Body Paragraph 3 – differences in the ways they approached religious freedom

Body Paragraph StructureBody Paragraph Structure1) TOPIC SENTENCE that connects to the thesis statement (the ways India and China expanded). 2) Evidence (details) and analysis (why).Example:

Both Classical Indian and Chinese Civilizations began with expansion through military conquests. The Mauryans more than the Guptas used their massive war machine to forcefully unify regions of India after defeating Alexander’s Generals. Han expansion included military conquests of not only Chinese territories but also regions along the Silk Roads. In both China and India, the dynasties were founded by generals. The desire to expand their territory was important because this was the means by which both empires increased their resources and power.

Did You Provide Enough Did You Provide Enough Historical Evidence (Facts)?Historical Evidence (Facts)?

• Need to know facts about the topic to get the points on this essay.

• Incorrect facts do NOT take points away.• Essays should have at least 3 pieces of specific

evidence in each paragraph. • Examples: - The Inca road system facilitated trade from one

region of the empire to another. - Roman ships carried wheat, wine, and olive oil

throughout the Mediterranean Sea. - Chinese trade expanded dramatically through the

Silk Roads during the Han dynasty.

Did you make a Did you make a “direct “direct comparison”comparison” between the between the

societies/regions?societies/regions?• Cannot be found in the thesis.• Using the “categorical split” essay form makes

this easier.• Use comparative words to link the 2 regions

o Examples: also, as well as, furthermore, on the other hand, however, etc…

Did you Did you analyze the reasonsanalyze the reasons for the similarities and for the similarities and

differences?differences?• Do this by answering the question…Why? • Why did these similarities and/or differences exist?• Examples: - The Romans and Incans had elaborate road systems

because both had empires that stretched across vast territories.

- Rome was located on the Mediterranean Sea, consequently its trade was water-based to a great extent. The Aztec Empire differed since its location within Mesoamerica meant that its trade was not as focused on water travel.

Go for the “Expanded Core” Go for the “Expanded Core” pointspoints

• Must receive all of the 7 core points first of all. Below are some possible areas that readers are looking for while scoring essays:o Clear and analytical thesiso Abundance of evidenceo Frequent and consistent direct comparisons

between areaso Comparisons related to larger global

processes.

DODOS S and Don’tand Don’tSS

Do:Do:• Select regions for which you have the most

information.• Make sure your thesis addresses all parts of the

question.• Include similarities and differences between the

two areas.• Use your comparative words and phrases

(see next slide).• Mention plenty of facts (evidence).• Offer analysis!

Comparison/Contrast PhrasesComparison/Contrast Phrases

Phrases that Show Comparison

Phrases that Show Contrast Phrases that Show Causation

Similar to…, Both…, Like…, Compared to…, In the same way…, Analogous to…, One connection between…,

One difference between… Unlike…where…, In contrast to…, Whereas…, Though…,

One reason that explains why…was… One cause of…was… One effect of… Because of… Consequently… As a result…

Don’tDon’t• Favor one area/region and exclude the other.• Use facts that are off topic. You won’t have

points deducted, but it will make your essay more difficult to read and you will be wasting time.

• Discuss each area in isolation. Remember the “categorical split” essay form!

Atlantic Revolutions Atlantic Revolutions Similarities/DifferenceSimilarities/Difference

ss

Comparative Revolutions Comparative Revolutions EssayEssay

• Today’s Prompt:o For the period 1700-1830, compare the

political revolutions and their effects for TWO of the following regions:

 France Haiti Latin America

• Written in class tomorrow, Friday 2/5.