Introduction
A compare and contrast essay analyzes the similarities and differences between two subjects by comparing their characteristics. This type of essay is commonly assigned in high school and college to assess a student’s ability to critically examine two or more topics. Many schools have writing centers that offer assistance to students writing compare and contrast essays. This article will explore how writing centers help with these essays and provide advice for students.
Assistance with the Brainstorming and Planning Process
One of the primary ways that writing centers assist with compare and contrast essays is by helping students in the brainstorming and planning stages. Staff at the center will sit down with a student and have them verbally explain the two subjects they plan to compare. This talking-through process helps students better identify the key characteristics of each subject.
The writing center staff will then guide a discussion about how the subjects are similar and different. They may prompt students with questions like “What common attributes do they share?” and “How do they vary in this aspect?” Brainstorming out loud in this fashion gets ideas flowing and helps organize the student’s thoughts.
Once potential similarities and differences have emerged from the discussion, the writing center staff will help the student map out a plan for their essay. They may suggest an outline format where the introduction presents the subjects and thesis, followed by body paragraphs on specific points of comparison. Mapping this structure provides a framework to hang ideas on.
Assistance with Framing the Essay
Another area where writing centers assist is with framing the overall essay. This involves helping students determine the purpose, scope, and rhetorical stance they want to take. For the introduction, centers help workshop thesis statements to ensure they set up an analytical argument about similarities and differences.
Staff may also provide guidance on whether a block or point-by-point organizational structure best suits the chosen topics and purpose. Defining the framework at the start allows for a cohesive essay that clearly communicates the criteria and evaluation methods. This framing support at the center establishes a solid introductory foundation.
Refining Body Paragraph Development
The meat of any compare and contrast essay lies in the body paragraphs that delve into points of analysis. Writing centers dedicate significant time to assisting with developing robust, evidence-driven body paragraphs. Staff will read paragraph drafts and provide feedback on structure, analytical depth, and inclusion of examples.
They can help identify if paragraphs need a transition sentence to contextualize the shift between similarities and differences. Staff may also prompt for more concrete examples, details, or explanation of inconsistencies between topics. This refinement process elevates descriptions to insightful analysis. The end goal is body paragraphs with clear topic sentences, ample supporting evidence, and logical flow.
Revising with a Fresh Perspective
Even after a full draft is complete, writing centers continue supporting students through the revision process. Staff can perform a comprehensive review and evaluate aspects like organization, clarity, consistency of style, grammar/mechanics, and persuasive impact. Their “fresh eyes” often spot issues that authors, close to their own work, may miss.
The one-on-one review incorporates targeted feedback and suggestions. Questions may focus revision, such as “How might you strengthen this claim with counterarguments?” or “What data could you include to add credibility?” Students leave with written comments and an agenda to tighten analysis and expression. This revision support from the center helps ensure polished, error-free final essays.
Additional Guidance Strategies
Beyond direct assistance during visits, many writing centers offer additional complementary guidance. Workshops teach compare/contrast techniques, citation styles, and common paper structures. Online handouts provide tips, templates, and checklists for each stage. Consultations provide reference support for scholarship-style writing.
Some centers coach time management strategies like starting early drafts. Peer tutoring and professor writing groups offer camaraderie and accountability. Appointments let students book dedicated aid, while walk-ins accommodate quick questions. Recording consultations creates study resources. Collectively, these extra features bolster student skills and confidence for academic writing.
Conclusion
Writing center support is instrumental for students tackling compare and contrast essays. From initial brainstorming through final revisions, centers guide an iterative process of planning, analyzing, refining, and polishing. Their expertise develops critical thinking while strengthening expression. Students gain strategies to thoughtfully examine topics and structure analytical arguments. With focused drafting assistance, these essays can demonstrate the highest levels of synthesis and insight. Overall, campus writing centers serve a vital role for student writing development and success.