ENG 111 Essay 2 Comparison with Sources The purpose of this essay is to use comparison techniques in conjunction with what you have learned reading The Hunger Games. The essay will be graded on effort and technical expertise. Essays should be thorough and demonstrate competence with appropriate use of characteristics for comparison, unity, coherence, transitions, Standard English grammar, and academic writing style. Research: This is a paper that will use research, so at least four sources will be required. You may, of course, have more sources if you need more information to support the points. At least two sources must be print-based. Remember, this includes electronically transmitted journal articles, but not home pages, websites, etc. Sources such as Wikipedia, other students’ essays, or material from un-credentialed websites are NOT valid. You will need to include the The Hunger Games, which can count as one of your print sources if you would like, though you are welcome to include more. Support: Please note that your essay must be based on academic principles, reasons, reputable sources, and credible evidence. If you are in doubt about the validity of a source, ask your instructor before using it. While you may use first person to support points with personal examples if absolutely necessary, you will need strong outside sources to back up your points. Format: This paper will be in MLA format, with a works cited page and in-text documentation. Essays must demonstrate unity, coherence, transitions, Standard English grammar, and academic writing style. First person is acceptable for examples from personal experience, but second person must be avoided. Required elements: Students must submit required drafts by the syllabus due date. Length: 750-1000 words (but it’s fine to go over if you need to in order to support your points. Quality will yield quantity. If you develop your points adequately, the essay will be plenty long enough!). Grading: Essays will be evaluated with a rubric and will be graded on effort and technical expertise. Essays should be thorough and demonstrate competence with comparison Topic: You will be comparing and contrasting two books, characters, or other elements based on the topic you select. Remember to use shared characteristics to organize your comparison (NOT similar versus different!): Compare two of the characters in the novel. Example thesis: “Haymitch and Katniss are both complex characters who struggle with relating to others, use their skills to survive and protect others, and rebel in subtle, but powerful ways.” You may also choose characters from later in the trilogy, or use material from all three books. Compare a character in this novel to his/her character later in the trilogy. Sample thesis: “Primrose Everdeen at the beginning of the series and at the end of the series has transformed in terms of her skills, confidence, and relationship with her sister.” Compare one of the book’s characters to another person, real or fictional. Sample thesis: “Katniss and Jyn Erso are both rebellious figures with issues of trust and complex relationships with their fathers.” Compare two of the novel’s settings or compare the novel’s setting to that of another text. Sample thesis: “Both District 12 and the arena of the Seventy-fourth Hunger Games serve as prisons where the inhabitants may be surveilled at any time, though they do vary in their plant and animal life.” Compare one of the novel’s fictional settings or elements to its real-life counterpart. Sample: “Though reality television competition shows do not (yet) promote the murder of cast members, these programs and the Hunger Games share a number characteristics, including their choices in casting, their structure of “spontaneous” actions, and their complicating of circumstances in order to create greater drama. Compare the novel to another work of literature, film, or TV show. Sample thesis: “Although they vary in their treatment of these elements, both The Hunger Games and Matched feature strong female protagonists, repressive governments, and complex romantic relationships.” Compare the book to its film adaptation. Sample thesis: “Books and movies often present the same story in varying ways, as in the book and film of The Hunger Games and their treatment of settings, character appearance, and symbols relevant to the trilogy.” You may also bring in the other two books and films. Additional topics, which use comparison and which compare something in the novel to something else, may also be approved by the instructor. Remember that although the thesis is part of the introduction, it is not the only component of the introduction. In the body, you should devote one paragraph each to the characteristics you are comparing. Make sure each paragraph has a clear topic sentence. (i.e. “District 12 and the arena both serve as prisons, though the reasons for and means of confinement differ.”). You will want a side-by-side, or alternating, organization, rather than one side at a time or block. Use details, like examples from the book or books and material from your sources, to support your points. Remember to avoid merely summarizing events from the novel. If one of your characteristics is stronger or more important than the other two, it should be your last body paragraph. Build up to it. Besides, if you tell us the most important bit first, what reason do we have to keep reading? In the conclusion, summarize your findings. Remember not to introduce new points! Post your complete topic to the message board before the due date. Submit your thesis and outline by the due date. Use the instructor draft appointment and your peer draft review feedback to create the final draft. You are encouraged to use the Writing Lab and/or see your instructor for assistance. I have already chosen my topic for Essay 2 .