• Write a 750-1000 word essay about a pair of items in which the similarities and differences of those items are compared and contrasted. The purpose of this assignment is to measure your mastery of those conventions by putting your knowledge into practice. In a larger context, the purpose of writing a comparative essay is to gain the skills of detecting similarities and differences between at least two items and then using those similarities and differences to create knowledge about either one or both of the items. In this way, the comparative essay is a tool used for both observation and analysis.Process: For the comparative essay, you will complete the following steps:
    1. Choose a pair of topics that complement one another:
    2. Create a list of similarities and differences:
    3. Create a thesis statement based on similarities, differences, or both similarities and differences:
    4. Choose whether to organize your essay by point or by subject:
    5. Consult the “Comparative Essay: