I. Block Format
Introduction
Begin with a sentence that will catch the reader's interest. This might be a question, a reason people find the topic interesting or important, or something the two subjects have in common. Then name the two subjects and say they are very similar, very different or have many important (or interesting) similarities and differences.
For this paragraph, you will want to introduce what your perception is of the racial “situation” (attitudes, discrimination, prejudice) TODAY based on the five articles, your experiences, and your overall perception. You can decide if you want to introduce the compare and contrast aspects this early or wait to transition to that later.
Paragraphs 2 - ?
The next paragraph(s) describe features of the first subject. Be sure to include examples proving the similarities and/or differences exist. Do not mention the second subject.
Make new paragraphs to avoid very long paragraphs.
Continue to use your articles and quotes from them as a way of discussing the race issue. I am not looking for deep, deep analysis, nor asking you to change the world. I just want you to use the articles to have a relevant discussion. It is difficult and I am asking you to tackle a hard topic, but you can do it. Read the articles and think about what you’ve seen on the news, in your own life, and in others’ conversations.
Paragraphs ? - ?
The next section must begin with a transition showing you are comparing the second subject to the first.
For each comparison, use compare/contrast cue words such as like, similar to, also, unlike, on the other hand.
Be sure to include examples proving the similarities and/or differences exist.
Make new paragraphs to avoid very long paragraphs.
This is where you especially compare and contrast. Now, using To Kill a Mockingbird as your guide, mention similarities and differences between race relations and discrimination in the past and now.
If it were me, I would use a final paragraph to talk about your own experiences with prejudice, if they are not race related. You might also choose to just have those in the conclusion.
Conclusion
In the final paragraph, give a brief, general summary of the most important similarities and differences. End with a personal statement, a prediction, or another snappy clincher.
Summarize very briefly. Add any final thoughts. Now might be a good time to bring up related experiences if you haven’t already. Your final line should give your audience something strong and intriguing to think about.
II. Feature by Feature (or Point by Point) Format
Introduction
Begin with a sentence that will catch the reader's interest. This might be a reason people find the topic interesting or important, or it might be statement about something the two subjects have in common. Review opening sentences in your English text for additional ideas.
Then name the two subjects and say that they are very similar, very different or have many important (or interesting) similarities and differences.
Paragraph 2
Transitions beginning each paragraph are made by repeating ideas, phrases or words. Without transitions, the essay will sound choppy and disjointed.
Discuss how both subjects compare on feature one.
For each comparison, use compare/contrast cue words such as like, similar to, also, unlike, on the other hand.
Be sure to include examples proving the similarities and/or differences exist.
Paragraphs 3 - ?
Transitions beginning each paragraph are made by repeating ideas, phrases or words. Without transitions, the essay will sound choppy and disjointed.
Continue the pattern set in paragraph 2 discussing a new feature in each new paragraph.
For each comparison, use compare/contrast cue words such as like, similar to, also, unlike, on the other hand.
Be sure to include examples proving the similarities and/or differences exist.
Conclusion
In this paragraph, give a brief, general summary of the most important similarities and differences.
End with a personal statement, a prediction or another snappy clincher.
SAMPLE OUTLINE
I. Introduction
A. Racial attitudes today – often discussed.
B. Lots of finger pointing
1. Article quote about dialogue
C. Thesis: It seems that we, as a world, like to pretend that we have moved past racial prejudice, when the truth is that we have become much better at ignoring it. Without confronting the problems head on and learning from our past mistakes, we will never get to the enlightened place that we want to be.
II. Discuss Article Quote #2
A. Why it’s intriguing
B. How the nation could learn from it
C. (OR: Why I can’t fully agree with this man or woman)
III. Compare and Contrast Past with Today
A. TKAM Quote and Plot Versus Article #3 Quote
1. What the book told me about prejudice in the 1930’s
2. What I know about prejudice from the 60’s
3. Article Quote
4. What we should learn
IV. My Experiences and How they Relate
V. Conclusion
A. Brief overview
B. We are doing much better than in the past, of course
1. But we can’t improve without acknowledging flaws and not ignoring issues.
2. Closing Statement:
