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1. Structure of a Comp./Contrast Essay on Heroes:
2. Essay on Heroes The purpose of this essay is to compare and contrast a hero of your choice with the Anglo-Saxon 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…
3. Brainstorm / Prewrite Choose a modern hero (a real hero)
Compare your hero to Beowulf. What do they have in common? [List the traits that are similar.]
4. Comparisons
5. “FLEE” Map – the basic structure for writing a comparison/contrast essay
6. Introduction: The Structure General statement that introduces the topic.
Additional statements that lead into the thesis statement.
Thesis statement.
7. Introduction – Think of an introduction as an upside down triangle. General statement that introduces the topic.
Additional statements that lead into the thesis statement.
Thesis statement.
8. In the past, you were taught the following strategies for Introductions… An intriguing example
A provocative quotation (with a lead-in)
A general statement or observation about the literature.
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).
9. Example of a General Statement Heroes have been defined by great achievements.
OR
History often defines heroes, but some people define history.
10. After you make a general statement… You need transitional statements or elaborations that connect your general statement to your thesis.
Some of your transitional sentences must introduce your heroes.
Sample transitional statements…
Heroes have been known to save lives or resist their oppressors.
The brave actions/choices of certain individuals change the course of history and thrust them to immortal status.
In the Anglo-Saxon era, Beowulf was praised for rescuing people from evil.
Likewise, in the 20th century, Martin Luther King’s opposition to prejudice radically changed the future for many African-Americans.
Some actions include standing up for what they believe in or fighting injustices.
These type of heroes have been around since the Anglo-Saxon period all the way to the twenty-first century.
11. 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. [This is the list thesis, where you list the main points of your essay – effective, but formulaic and bland.]
Whether Beowulf from the Anglo-Saxon period or Martin Luther King, Jr. in the 20th century, these men transcended their circumstances by obtaining immortal, heroic status. [Introduces the topic and the comparisons between the two heroes without listing. More effective.]
12. Thesis statement Your thesis must identify Beowulf and your chosen hero.
If you are stuck, then follow the formula below. This type of thesis is not very strong (it’s boring), but it serves its purpose: identifying the heroic traits that 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 ______.
13. Example of an Introduction: [General statement]: Heroes have been defined by great achievements.
[Transitional statement(s)]:
Heroes have saved lives or resisted their oppressors.
Heroes, like Beowulf, in the Anglo-Saxon era saved people from evil.
In the 20th century, heroes like Martin Luther King, Jr. stood up for what they believed in or fought injustices.
[Thesis]: Whether the hero is Beowulf or Martin Luther King, Jr., a hero is brave, wise, and helpful.
14. Another Sample Introduction… History often defines heroes, but some people define history. The brave actions/choices of certain individuals change the course of history and thrust them to immortal status. One such man, Martin Luther King, Jr., opposed prejudice and radically changed the future for many African-Americans. Beowulf was to his people what Martin Luther King, Jr. was to his. Whether Beowulf from the Anglo-Saxon period or Martin Luther King, Jr. in the 20th century, these men transcended their circumstances by obtaining immortal, heroic status.
15. You give it a try… General statement:
Transitional statement(s):
Thesis statement:
16. “FLEE” Map – the basic structure for writing a comparison/contrast essay
17. “FLEE” Map – the basic structure for writing a comparison/contrast essay
18. Body paragraphs Body Paragraphs:
Topic sentence [controlling idea]
Example from Beowulf [supporting detail – specific example(s), detail(s), or reason(s) that “proves” the topic sentence - Specific Textual Reference in the form of a quotation from the text]
Commentary (explain the connection between the reference and the trait)
[Transition] Example from your modern hero.
Commentary (explanation of how both examples relate to the topic sentence.)
[Transition] How they differ.
Concluding sentence
19. A paragraph might look like this… (topic sentence) The first trait of a true hero is bravery.
(example 1A) Beowulf demonstrates his bravery by tracking down Grendel’s mother all by himself with no fear.
(textual citation w/ some comment or lead-in) He boldly pledges to Hrothgar that “she will not get away” (line 1392), and then with a magical sword, he “took a firm hold of the hilt and swung the blade in an arc, a resolute blow that bit deep into her neck-bone and severed it” (lines 1564-1567). His promise and fulfillment of the promise display a courageous spirit.
(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.
Note the transitions (transitional devices).
20. A word about transitions … Standard devices are best used within a body paragraph (see prior example).
When transitioning from one paragraph to another, the best type of transition is a paragraph hook or an idea hook…
21. Transitions cont’d. 2nd type:
Paragraph hooks – more sophisticated form of transition. The last word/phrase of the preceding paragraph is hooked into the first sentence of the paragraph and used as a point of departure for another idea. Should not exceed 3-4 words. The repetition hooks the paragraphs together.
Ex. Both heroes embody the very spirit of loving-kindness.
This loving-kindness manifests in other ways, especially in its ultimate expression, when the heroes exhibit self-sacrifice.
22. Transitions cont’d. 3rd type:
Idea hook – hook into the preceding paragraph, but instead of repeating the exact word/phrase, you refer to an idea just expressed, compressing it into a single phrase.
Ex. Both heroes embody the very spirit of loving-kindness.
This trait manifests itself in other ways, especially in its ultimate expression, when the heroes exhibit self-sacrifice.
23. Transitions cont’d. 4th type:
Combination of several types – Combine standard devices with idea/paragraph hook.
Ex. Both heroes embody the very spirit of loving-kindness.
In addition to loving-kindness, the heroes exhibit self-sacrifice..
24. A word about Quotes & Lead-ins … Quotes must be cited (lines #-##), and they must have a lead-in. What is a lead-in?
All quotes should have signal phrases (lead-ins). These serve as the introduction to the quote and should provide the context needed to interpret the quote. Do not depend on the quote to make the point for you.
You MUST:
1) lead-in to quote
2) give the quote
3) cite the line(s) numbers
4) give commentary (explain why you used this quote)
25. Example of quotes and lead-ins… The first trait of a true hero is bravery. Beowulf demonstrates his bravery by tracking down Grendel’s mother all by himself with no fear. He boldly pledges to Hrothgar and says, “she will not get away” (line 1392), and then with a magical sword, he “took a firm hold of the hilt and swung the blade in an arc, a resolute blow that bit deep into her neck-bone and severed it” (lines 1564-1567). His promise and fulfillment of the promise display a courageous spirit. Additionally, Martin Luther King, Jr. shows bravery when he marches against racism despite the threat of physical harm. Both men face the possibility of dying for what they believe in. Although Beowulf faces only one sea-monster of supernatural origins, MLK’s monster consists of crowds of angry racists – much more insidious than any sea creature. Regardless of the enemy, a true hero confronts hostility with courage.
* Quotes with their citation are highlighted yellow.
** Lead-ins are highlighted red.
26. Types of Lead-ins The “somebody said” lead-in:
Ex. He boldly pledges to Hrothgar and says, “she will not get away” (line 1392).
The “blended” lead-in:
Some of the quoted material is left out . What is retained is blended right into the sentence.
Ex. then with a magical sword, he “took a firm hold of the hilt and swung the blade in an arc, a resolute blow that bit deep into her neck-bone and severed it” (lines 1564-1567).
3. The “sentence” lead-in:
This lead-in is followed by a colon.
Ex. Then with a magical sword, he killed her: “he took a firm hold of the hilt and swung the blade in an arc, a resolute blow that bit deep into her neck-bone and severed it” (lines 1564-1567).
27. A Quick Grammar Lesson… This year we will be learning about and correcting the most common writing mistakes.
See list of the “Top 20 Grammar mistakes made in Writing”
Let’s begin with number 1. “Missing comma after an introductory element.”
28. 1. Missing comma after an introductory element. Rule: Use a comma after an introductory clause (a group of words that contains a subject and a verb) or phrase (a group of words that have no subject and verb). A comma tells readers that the introductory word group has come to a close and that the main part of the sentence is about to begin. The most common introductory word groups are adverb clauses, prepositional phrases, and participial phrases.
Adverb clauses: When Strom Thurmond ran for president in 1948 he was a staunch segregationist.
Prepositional phrases: Near a small stream at the bottom of the canyon we discovered an abandoned shelter.
Participial phrases: Buried under layers of younger rocks the earth’s oldest rocks contain no fossils.
Exception: The comma may be omitted after a short clause or phrase if there is no danger of misreading: In no time we were at 2,800 feet.
29. “FLEE” Map – the basic structure for writing an essay
30. 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).
31. Conclusion (specific to general)…
32. 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.
33. Rubric The essay is worth 60 points
Requirements:
Prewriting & Rough Draft (Intro, body par.): 10 points
Typed (with heading & title): 5 points
5 paragraphs (Intro., 3 Body Parag., Concl.): 5 points
Comparisons and contrasts made between 10 points
Beowulf and modern/chosen hero.
3 quotations used from the epic with textual
citations and proper lead-ins 10 points
Followed the paragraph structure as taught in class 10 points
Used a variety of transitions (devices & hooks) 5 points
Implemented the grammar concept 5 points
Overall effort/neatness: correct spelling,
capitalization, and punctuation. 10 points
Total Points: _____ out of 70 points
