Timed Writing

Timed Writing

Read. Prepare. Succeed.

The Assignment

Starting this Thursday, you will be working on a compare and contrast research essay, in which you will compare and contrast two different careers. You will have two class periods to complete this assignment, beginning on Friday and concludes on Friday. Please note that the assignment will close at the end of the period on Friday, and make-up opportunities may not be available.

The Assignment

Over the course of these two days, you will apply the research you have conducted and the infographics you have created to write a well-organized essay that compares and contrasts the chosen careers using the block method. Your essay should include an introduction with a clear thesis statement, body paragraphs that address the main points of comparison and contrast, and a conclusion that summarizes your findings. Additionally, your essay must have proper MLA in-text citations and a works cited page to credit your sources.

The Assignment

Please make the most of the class time provided, as this assignment is designed to assess your ability to analyze, synthesize, and present research findings in a cohesive and well-structured manner. Plan your essay and allocate time for each section accordingly. Focus on the task and write concisely to make the most of the time allotted, and proofread your essay for grammatical and formatting errors before submitting it.

The Assignment

Good luck, and we look forward to reading your insightful comparisons between the two careers you have researched!

Multiple Choice

What is the assignment that you will be working on starting from Thursday?

• A research project on a single career

• A compare and contrast research essay on two different careers

• A creative writing project on your dream career

• A presentation on different job opportunities

Multiple Choice

How many class periods do you have to complete the compare and contrast research essay?

• One class period

• Two class periods

• Three class periods

• Four class periods

Multiple Choice

When does the assignment close?

• At the period of the day on Friday

• At the end of the day on Thursday

• At the end of the day on Saturday

• At the end of the day on Sunday

Multiple Choice

What should be included in the introduction of the essay?

• A clear thesis statement

• A summary of the findings

• A works cited page

• An analysis of the research findings

Multiple Choice

What method should you use to compare and contrast the chosen careers?

• Point-by-point method

• Chronological method

• Block method

• Descriptive method

Multiple Choice

What should be included in the body paragraphs of the essay?

• An introduction with a clear thesis statement

• A conclusion that summarizes the findings

• Proper MLA in-text citations

• Main points of comparison and contrast

Multiple Choice

Why is it important to proofread your essay before submitting it?

• To check for grammatical and formatting errors

• To ensure you have met the word count requirement

• To add more information to your essay

• To extend the deadline for submission

The Block Method

The block method, also known as the subject-by-subject method, is a way to organize a compare and contrast essay by discussing all the points related to one subject first, followed by all the points related to the other subject. In this approach, the writer first presents an introduction with a clear thesis statement, then dedicates one or more paragraphs to the first subject, outlining its characteristics, qualities, or features, and follows this with one or more paragraphs dedicated to the second subject, covering the same aspects. Finally, the writer concludes the essay by summarizing the main points and restating the thesis. This method allows readers to easily understand the comparisons and contrasts being made, as each subject is discussed in its entirety before moving on to the next.

The Block Method Body Paragraphs

• Body Pargraphs

• Using the block method, discuss the first career (Career A) in its entirety, covering the following points:

  • Provide an overview of Career A.

  • Explain the education and training required for Career A.

  • Describe the job responsibilities and work environment for Career A.

  • Discuss the prospects for growth and salary expectations for Career A.

  • Include any other relevant factors for Career A.

The Block Method Body Paragraphs

• Body Pargraphs

• Next, discuss the second career (Career B) in its entirety, covering the following points:

  • Provide an overview of Career B.

  • Explain the education and training required for Career B.

  • Describe the job responsibilities and work environment for Career B.

  • Discuss the prospects for growth and salary expectations for Career B.

  • Include any other relevant factors for Career B.

Multiple Choice

What is the block method in a compare and contrast essay?

• A way to randomly compare and contrast different aspects of two subjects

• A way to compare and contrast two subjects by discussing all the points related to one subject first, followed by all the points related to the other subject

• A way to compare and contrast two subjects by discussing one point at a time

• A way to compare and contrast two subjects by listing their similarities and differences

Multiple Choice

What is the main purpose of discussing the two careers using the block method?

• To compare and contrast the two careers

• To provide an overview of the two careers

• To highlight the similarities of the two careers

• To focus on the differences of the two careers

Your Essay Structure

Introduction

• Begin your essay by introducing the two careers you have chosen to compare and contrast.

• Clearly state your thesis, which should highlight the main points of comparison and contrast between the two careers.

Your Essay Structure

Body Paragraph 1

• Using the block method, discuss the first career (Career A) in its entirety, covering the following points:

  • Provide an overview of Career A.

  • Explain the education and training required for Career A.

  • Describe the job responsibilities and work environment for Career A.

  • Discuss the prospects for growth and salary expectations for Career A.

  • Include any other relevant factors for Career A.

Your Essay Structure

Body Paragraph 2

• Next, discuss the second career (Career B) in its entirety, covering the following points:

  • Provide an overview of Career B.

  • Explain the education and training required for Career B.

  • Describe the job responsibilities and work environment for Career B.

  • Discuss the prospects for growth and salary expectations for Career B.

  • Include any other relevant factors for Career B.

Your Essay Structure

Conclusion

• Restate your thesis statement in different words.

• Summarize the main points of comparison and contrast between the two careers.

• Offer a closing thought, reflecting on the similarities and differences between the two careers and their implications.

Your Essay Structure

Works Cited and Citations

• Make sure to include appropriate MLA in-text citations for any information you reference from your research.

• Create a works cited page, following MLA format, for the sources you used in your essay.

Dropdown

How many paragraphs is your timed writing?

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Dropdown

What needs to be included in your timed writing?

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Tips for Success

• Given the time constraints, plan your essay and allocate time for each section accordingly.

• Use the information from your research and infographic to support your points.

• Stay focused on the task and write concisely to make the most of the time allotted.

• Proofread your essay for grammatical and formatting errors before submitting it.

Multiple Choice

What is the main reason for planning your essay and allocating time for each section accordingly?

• To have more time to complete the essay

• To meet the word count requirement

• To ensure that all necessary points are covered within the given time

• To have enough time for proofreading and editing

Thesis Statement

A compare and contrast essay thesis is a statement that clearly expresses the main points of comparison and contrast between the subjects being analyzed. It serves as a roadmap for the essay, informing the reader of what to expect in the body of the paper. A strong thesis should be specific, concise, and arguable. Here are a few examples of compare and contrast essay thesis statements for different career comparisons:

Thesis Statement Examples

• Comparing a Software Engineer and a Civil Engineer:

"Although both software engineering and civil engineering careers require strong problem-solving and technical skills, they differ significantly in terms of work environment, daily tasks, and education requirements."

• Comparing a Graphic Designer and an Architect:

"While graphic designers and architects both rely on their creativity and design expertise to create aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces or products, they differ in the industries they serve, the tools and software they use, and the scale of their projects."

Thesis Statement Examples

• Comparing a Nurse and a Teacher:

"Nurses and teachers both play vital roles in shaping the lives of individuals, but their professions differ in terms of the working environment, responsibilities, and educational requirements."

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These examples demonstrate how to craft a compare-and-contrast essay thesis statement that highlights the main points of comparison and contrast between the chosen careers. The thesis should serve as a guide for the reader, indicating what to expect in the body paragraphs of the essay.

Multiple Choice

What is the main purpose of a compare and contrast essay thesis statement?

• To inform the reader of what to expect in the body of the paper

• To provide a summary of the essay's main points

• To introduce the subjects being analyzed

• To argue in favor of one subject over the other

Sample Essay

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Multiple Choice

How is the introductory paragraph of the essay structured?

• It presents the differences between apples and oranges first, followed by their similarities.

• It presents a brief background on apples and oranges, and introduces the main argument of the essay.

• It provides an overview of the various varieties of apples and oranges.

• It discusses the health benefits of apples and oranges without mentioning their differences.

Multiple Choice

In the body of the essay, how are the descriptions of apples and oranges organized?

• Apples and oranges are compared side by side in each paragraph.

• The essay first describes apples, followed by a separate description of oranges.

• The essay first describes oranges, followed by a separate description of apples.

• The essay alternates between discussing apples and oranges without a clear structure.

Multiple Choice

Which aspect of the essay's structure helps to maintain a clear focus on the comparison of apples and oranges?

• The essay focuses only on the physical characteristics of the fruits.

• The essay discusses nutritional content and health benefits separately for apples and oranges.

• The essay organizes information about apples and oranges in a way that allows for easy comparison.

• The essay presents an in-depth analysis of the various varieties of apples and oranges.

Multiple Choice

What does the conclusion of the essay primarily emphasize?

• Apples have more antioxidants and nutrients than oranges.

• Apples are more portable and less messy than oranges.

• Oranges have fewer health benefits than apples.

• Oranges are more difficult to incorporate into a balanced diet.

To be prepared, finish your infographic. This resource will make the essay easy to write. Double-check your MLA works cited and in-text citations to ensure accuracy. Finally, use tomorrow's time to outline your essay.

Planning

Copy and Paste will be shut off. This means you cannot copy and paste into the document.

The Writing

The Format and Planning

Resources Provided

During your timed writing, you will have the following resources available:

• Transition List

• MLA Guidelines

• Language Function Tools

• Your Infographic

• Your Reserch Google Doc

Persuasvie CCSS Rubri.pdf - Google Drive

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