Comparative Essay: Protest Poets

Analyze protest poets! Compare their use of poetic devices to influence audiences in this essay worksheet.

TitleFill in the blanks below with the names of your two poets, followed by the titles of your two poems.The first poem title should match the first poet, and the second poem title should match the second poet. Compare and contrast the ways that [Poet 1] and [Poet 2]use poetic devices to voice their protests and influence their audiences in [title of poem 1] and [title of poem 2], respectively. IntroductionIn your first paragraph, introduce the texts you’re comparing and present your essay’s thesis. Helpful Tips and Tricks when writing your introductionIn your introduction, be sure to include the titles and authors of the texts you’re writing about.Use the authors’ full names once, and then use just their last names for the rest of your essay to keep your writing concise.Having trouble deciding what to compare in the texts? Ask yourself these questions as you brainstorm your thesis:What themes or central ideas do the two texts have in common?Do the authors communicate their ideas in similar or different ways?What unique or surprising difference between the texts stands out?Here are some sentence frames that you can use to write your thesis:While [author A] _, [author B] _.In both [text A] and [text B], _.Although both authors _, [author A] _, whereas [author B] _.To make sure your thesis is an interpretation of the texts, ask yourself: “Have I introduced my own idea about how the texts are similar or different?”Your essay will be stronger if you write about an interesting insight you gained from comparing the texts, not just an obvious fact about them.Specific language strengthens a thesis statement. Here are some examples of vague words to avoid:thingsstuffothersgoodsort of Body Paragraph 1In each of your body paragraphs, develop your thesis with a supporting idea, evidence, and explanation.In each paragraph, explain one way that the texts are similar or different. Helpful Tips and Tricks when writing your body paragraphs.Here are some sentence frames you can use to write your topic sentences:In both texts, _.While [author A] _, [author B] _.Unlike [author A], [author B] _.Make sure your explanation is more than just a summary of your evidence! Ask yourself: “How does this textual evidence help readers understand my comparison of the texts?”Your explanation should help readers see how your evidence supports the point you make in your topic sentence.Every time you use textual evidence, ask yourself: “Do I need to quote from the text?”Quote directly if an author’s specific word choice supports your topic sentence.Paraphrase or summarize when the ideas of the evidence—not the specific words—support your topic sentence.In your explanation, use strong analysis verbs to show readers how your evidence connects to your supporting idea. Here are some examples:revealsportrayshighlightsillustratesdemonstratesWhen you introduce quotes or examples as evidence, make sure you give readers context to understand:which text the evidence comes fromwherethe evidence occurs in the text (such as a plot point or part of the author’s argument)who is speaking (if you are quoting dialogue)Here are some transitions you can use to show readers when you’re switching between texts or ideas:howeveron the other handlikewisealsoin additionIn addition to explaining how each piece of evidence supports your topic sentence, try wrapping up the ideas of your body paragraph.In the final sentence of the paragraph, sum up how all your evidence, taken together, connects to your supporting idea. Body Paragraph 2See above for further tips and tricks! Body Paragraph 3See above for further tips and tricks! ConclusionIn your final paragraph, summarize your main points in new words and help readers understand why your comparison of the texts matters. Helpful Tips and Tricks when writing your body paragraphs.Here are some phrases you can use to tie together the ideas from your essay:UltimatelyOverallIn shortIn sumAs you write your restatement, avoid simply repeating your thesis statement and topic sentences. Instead, summarize the main points of your essay in new words to keep your readers engaged.In your “so what?” statement, leave readers with a bigger idea they can take away from your essay. Ask yourself:Does my comparison of the texts suggest a life lesson?Are there themes or ideas in both texts that connect to the broader human experience?Your conclusion should bring a satisfying sense of closure to your analysis. Try ending with a short, punchy sentence that readers will remember after they finish your essay. Finished writing? Now it's time to Proof Read! Read your work aloud to hear whether it sounds clear. If not, go back and edit your writing until it sounds clear.Check spelling and grammar.Read the tips and tricks to make sure you have addressed these in your essay.