Hi all,
I'm sorry if this has already been asked, but how should you structure your Argument Analysis essay with comparing a lot?
I've been writing essays and my teacher tells me I've got too much comparison which isn't really necessary for Section C.
How much should you compare within paragraphs? Could someone please suggest a good structure?
Thank you!
Comparing is only required for the argument analysis SAC; for the exam, you can choose whether or not to compare but it's generally advised to analyse the material independently (i.e. no comparison) because it's just easier that way. Personally, only time when I would compare for the exam would be if there's a really significant or interesting point of comparison.
If you want a comparative structure, though, here's what I was taught:
1) Introduction: provide background, and introduce details (title, author, publication and pub. date) and contentions of all material.
2) For however many paragraphs necessary (rule of thumb: let the spread of your analysis reflect the spread of material), analyse article 1. This usually should be the longest article but if they're all the same length, make a judgement to which one should logically go first. No reference to any other article at this point.
3) Analyse article 2 and intersperse your analysis with comparisons to article 1. Again, analyse for how many paragraphs necessary and do remember the time constraints.
4) Analyse article 3, with comparisons to 1 and 2.
5) Repeat 4) with any other material, if there's any and as above - analyse it if you were going to do it independently but then make comparisons to the other material you have talked about inbetween.
5) If time provides, a conclusion that ties everything back together. The statement you're making here should be about the differences/similarities between how the different authors argue their argument.