How To Do the CAC Essay

1. How To Do the CAC Essay Compare and Contrast Essay

2. Compare and Contrast Essay • Not only what is the same… • But also what is different • Following the following steps….

3. Step One • Read the question • What is the question asking you to do? • General you will be asked to analyze a broad historical issue or issues for two areas of the world

4. Step Two • Make your selection • You will often be given choices • Usually 3 to 4 different • Pick the areas you know the most facts about

5. Example Compare and contrast the use of technology and the dynamics of trade in TWO of the following regions for the periods mention • China during the Qin and Han Dynasties ( 3rd Century BCE to 3rd Century CE) • The Mediterranean during the Roman Empire (1st Century BCE to 4th Century CE) • Mesoamerica during Maya Empire (4th Century CE to 11th Century CE) • South America during the Inca Empire (13th Century CE to 16th Century CE)

6. Step Three • Choose categories • In the example, the categories are provided • Other possible include: Social, Political, Interactions, Cultural, Economic • If categories are not provide, select 3

7. Step Four – The Thesis • Usually one sentence, what is the essay about ? • Make sure to address ALL parts of the questions • Example • Compare and contrast • Technology and trade • 2 areas

8. Step Four – Intro/Thesis • If complex question • It is okay to have more than 1 sentence thesis • 2 = okay • 4 = too much • Use complex sentences • Tell me what you are going to tell me, prove it, and tell me what you told me

9. Step Five – The Body • Address all parts of the question in the essay • Address technology for both • Address trade for both • Provide accurate similarities and differences between the two areas • If you include 2 of the above = 1 pt • If you include all 3 of the above = 2 pts

10. Step Six – Body Paragraphs and Organization • Technology for #1 • Technology for #2 • Trade for #1 • Trade for #2 • Similarities for trade • Differences for trade • Similarities for technology • Differences for technology How many body paragraphs?

11. Step Five • Make sure to include direct comparison • Use a checklist • For example • Technology for #1 • Technology for #2 • Trade for #1 • Trade for #2 • Similarities for trade • Differences for trade • Similarities for technology • Differences for technology

12. Step Seven • Use comparative words to link areas: • Also • As well as • Furthermore • Likewise • On the other hand • However • To / on the contrary

13. Step Eight – Provide Analysis • Go beyond listing commonalities and differences • Use specific factual evidence • Address • HOW???? • WHY????

14. Final Notes • Take time to plan and organize yourself • Provide analysis not just facts • Address all aspects of the question • Write paragraphs in which both areas are discussed • Stick to the time period

15. And Your Essay Question is… Compare and Contrast the role of geography in TWO of the following early river valley civilizations • Mesopotamia • Egypt • Indus • China during the Shang Dynasty