Name:_________________________________

Date:__________________________________

English 9

Essay #8: Compare/Contrast Essay on The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

I. Write a compare/contrast essay based on one of the following ideas.

Topics:

1. Compare/contrast Tom and Huck from the book, Tom Sawyer.

2. Compare/contrast Tom and Injun Joe from the book, Tom Sawyer.

3. Compare/contrast Aunt Polly and the widow Douglas from the book, Tom Sawyer.

4. Compare/contrast superstitions referred to in Tom Sawyer, as compared to modern beliefs and superstitions.

5. Compare/contrast secrets that characters are supposed to keep to themselves in Tom Sawyer.

6. Compare the two times Tom is in church.

7. Compare examples of work versus play in Tom Sawyer.

8. Compare different types of love as defined through O. Henry short stories.

_____ Ideas and Development

20

___ minimum of 300 words.

___ abundant details making the comparison.

___ good judgment in choice of details.

_____ Organization

20

___ appropriate title

___ introduction: use engaging lead, explain the lead, short summary of the story, include the thesis (underline the thesis).

___ paragraphing helped the reader.

___ state each point you are making.

___ explain in detail the point.

___ elaborate about the point with a specific example. Use an anecdote, example, quote from the story, statistics and facts about the point being compared.

___ commentary on each point made about the comparison.

___ effective transitions both within and between paragraphs.

___ clear conclusion that restates the thesis and main points.

___ make a text-to-text, text-to-self, or text-to-world comparison

___ hook back to the lead.

_____ Sentence Fluency, Voice, and Word Choice

5

___ sentences flow and read smoothly.

___ variety in sentence length, structure, and first words.

___2A: include a three-word sentence. (highlight this)

___2B: include a twenty-word sentence. (highlight this)

___ vivid word choice that helps show the reader ideas. (Underline at least five vivid words or phrases)

_____ Conventions

5

___ typed essay, double-spaced, one inch margins, 12pt standard font.

___ proper spelling, punctuation, and usage.

___ complete, proper sentences. (No fragments, run-ons, and comma splices.)

_____ Total

50