THESIS

1ST 2nd Analyze one reason why each theme is similar

Analyze one reason why each theme is different

1st ThemeUse PERSIAChart

2nd ThemeUse PERSIA Chart

3rd ThemeUse PERSIAChart

CONCLUSION

3 Parts:

• Introduction

• Body

• Conclusion

1. Introductory Statement:

Introduces what you are going to discuss

Answers the Prompt

2. Explanatory Statement:

Tells the reader why you took the position that you did on this question

Gives the reader a little insight into your thinking

Analyze don’t summarize = Why? How?

It does not give away everything that you are going to write about

Paragraph 2 = A whole paragraph of 3-4 sentences

Strongest Argument + Support

Paragraph 3 = A whole paragraph of 3-4 sentences

2nd Best Argument + Support

Paragraph 4 = A whole paragraph of 3-4 sentences

Weakest Argument + support

+ ++

Analyze BOTH differences & similarities

WhereWhen

What (Topic)

Bull'sEye

Essay

Answering the Prompt: When, Where, What

Comparative Essay:

Compare the roles of women in TWO of the following religions. Consider their roles in society as influenced by their faiths, as well as the teaching of each religion.

• Judaism

• Buddhism

• Islam

• Hinduism

Foundations Review

The thesis

• tells the reader your argument

• addresses all parts of the question

• each of the 3 pts. will be one of the body paragraphs

Society cannot function without both men and women. Yet, since the earliest times, most societies’ religions have given men higher status than women. This is true of Judaism as well as Buddhism. Both religions view women similarly with regard to their social place. Likewise, they both have only minimal regard for the role of women in the practice of faith. However, they differ in terms of their prospects for women in an afterlife. In brief, Judaism and Buddhism have similar outlooks regarding women’s social and clerical roles but differing views on their spiritual status

The thesis

• Argument =

•Direction you are heading = each of the 3 pts.

= one of the body paragraphs

Judaism and Buddhism have similar outlooks on social and clerical roles for women but differing views on their spiritual status.

(Social, clerical, and spiritual status)

Comparison Paragraphs:

• Address all parts of the question = roles in society as influenced by their faiths,

•Roles in society as influenced by their faiths,

• Compare 2 religions, not just one

• Do not discuss them briefly

• Provide specific evidence & proof in your body

(Most societies’ religions have given men higher status than women…both religions view women similarly with regard to their places in society)

(Likewise, they both have only minimal regard for the role of women in the practice of the faith)

• Whenever possible, discuss specific people, places, dates, and events

• Try to use vocabulary words

• The more specific you can be, the better

• Try to include at least 3 or 4 specific points in each of your 3 body paragraphs

Comparison Paragraphs:

Judaism and Buddhism are also similar in their regard for women in the faith. Jewish women cannot become rabbis and aren’t counted in the minimum number of faithful needed to recite certain prayers in synagogue. While there have been important women in Judaism, such as Sarah (wife of the founder of Abraham), Rachel, Rebecca, and Moses’ sister Miriam, in general Judaism is patriarchal (based around men) and doesn’t offer women much of a place in clergy-related affairs. Buddhism doesn’t offer much of a role either. Women can become members of the sangha (monastic community) as nuns, or bhikkunis, but are not regarded as the male monks. And although, as with Judaism, there have been important women in Buddhism, including Buddha’s mother Queen Maya, his wife Yashodhara, and his aunt, and despite generally preaching equality, Buddhism doesn’t offer much of a place for women. The Buddha himself was reluctant to let them become nuns.

Historical substantiation

• Prove the difference/similarity

• Offer specific evidence

Jewish women cannot become rabbis and aren’t counted in the minimum number of faithful needed to recite certain prayers in synagogue... Buddhism doesn’t offer much of a role either. Women can become members of the sangha (monastic community) as nuns, or bhikkunis, but are not regarded as the male monks.

Historical substantiation

• length is not as important as specific evidence• the details provide

- proof to support your argument- the actual comparison of differences and similarities

Conclusion

• Restate the thesis and main points

• Reminds the reader of what you were saying

• Do not include any new information in your concluding paragraph

• All supporting ideas should be included in your body paragraphs

In conclusion, Judaism and Buddhism have similar views regarding women’s social and clerical roles. However, their views differ regarding women’s “cosmic” status. Judaism and Buddhism view women similarly regarding their place in society. Likewise, they both have only minimal roles for women to practice their faith. They differ, however, in terms of their prospects for women in an afterlife. Since earliest times, most societies have favored men and most religions have given men higher status than women, yet a society needs both to survive.

2008 AP Exam Practice Exam Comparative Essay:

Foundations Review

Directions: You are to answer the following question. You should spend 5 minutes organizing or outlining each essay.

Write an essay that:

•Has a relevant thesis and supports that thesis with appropriate historical evidence

• Addresses all parts of the question

• Makes direct, relevant comparisons

• Analyzes relevant reasons for similarities and differences

Compare the diffusion of Buddhism from its origin to the sixth century C.E. with the diffusion of Christianity from its origin to the sixth century C.E. Be sure to include similarities and differences in how each religion gained followers as it diffused.