Guidelines for comparison essays in Fine Arts

Correa Mayo, Raven S Jones, Kaela Boyd, Shreveport
Originally uploaded by trudeau

The elements that will guide essay writing in Fine Arts class include:

1. Colorful opening. There are 3 recommended ways to create an interest-getting opening: a) use a quote b) ask a question c) write with vivid description.
2. Blend the topics continually in the paper. Do not write a block of material about one topic and then write a separate block about the other topic. Integrate the topics as you offer insight and evidence.
3) Use comparison terms:
* different from,
* the same,
* Both,
* similar to,
* Neither, ... nor,
* like X is (adjective),
* ... than X is (adverb) than.
* both, ...
* either...or
* likewise
* similarly
* although,
* but neither...
* nor
* however
* on the other hand
4. Specific examples must be used to support generalities. An example:
generality - "'The Incredibles' was an awesome movie. Loved it."
specific - "'The Incredibles' appealed to me because the characters, especially the mom and the teen sister, were believable. They sounded like people I know."
5. Grammar counts.
6. Spelling, too, counts. When in doubt, see a dictionary or ask me.
7. Punctuation is paramount. Again, ask me or consult your English class guide.
8. Include documentation via "according to ...". This means include your source - from World Book to your little brother - in the body of your writing. Usually you place it at the end of the first or second sentence, says Grammar For Today.
9. Write a snappy title and an explanatory subtitle. Ways to make a title fun are to tweak a song or movie title or use alliteration.
Example: Dinkas are Incredibles; Many refugees from the Sudanese Dinka tribe have moved from poverty in east Africa to comfort in the US.
10. Finally, please don't put quotation marks around your title - unless you are quoting someone.