Working with classmates or independently, respond to the following questions:
What are some characteristics of good subjects for comparison-and-contrast papers? Based on these characteristics, identify some promising subjects.
Name a key strategy for developing a strong thesis for a comparison-and-contrast paper. Examine thesis of a comparison-and-contrast essay—one written by you or a peer, or by a journalist. Did the writer seem to employ this strategy? Why, or why not?
Describe the opposing and alternating patterns for organizing a comparison-and-contrast essay. If you have written or are writing a comparison-and-contrast paper, which pattern did you decide to use, and why?