Compare/Contrast Essay
MLA Guidelines Final draft criteria: (-3 point/each)
___ Last name and page number in header
___ Correct heading ( your name, the professor’s name, course, and date)
___ Paper is double spaced
___ Times New Roman @ 12 Font
___ 1 inch margins
___ Paragraphs are indented five spaces (use “tab” key)
___ Outside sources are properly documented in essay and properly cited on Works Cited Page (if
applicable)
___ Interesting and original title, centered
___ Word Count Introduction & Conclusion (-5 points/each)
___ Paper begins with a hook, an interesting claim or statement, that captures the reader’s attention and
interest.
___ The introduction expresses a clear purpose.
___ Paper has a specific and clearly stated thesis in the introduction that has all components.
___ Conclusion reflects on the thesis and the significance of the subjects you are
comparing/contrasting.Paragraphs (-3 points each)
___ Paragraphs are arranged in a logical order and organized in either block pattern or alternating pattern
.___ Each similarity and difference is important and significant
.___ Concrete and specific details, examples, and/or facts are used to make contrast/comparison interesting.
___ Each comparison/contrast supports the thesis.
___ Paper has two prepositional phrase openers.
___ Paper has two clausal (subordinating conjunctions) openers.
___ Paper has two “ly” openers.
___ Transitions are used to smoothly and logically move from one point of discussion to another.Grammar
and Mechanics (1-2 points each error)
___ Spelling errors
___ Grammar errors
___ Sentence structure problems
___ Verb tense is consistent throughout the entire paper
___ Third person point of view
___ No “you”/ No “I”Additional Comments: (+1-5 points each)
___ Very good organization
___ Very good thesis
___ Very good and specific compare/contrast points
___ Good discussion of compare/contrast points
___ Very good introduction
___ Very good conclusion