1. With a partner or not more than two other students, prepare a list of contrasting elements between two items:
two television programs or two movies of the same type
two brands of the same product (electronics, clothes, sports equipment, etc.)
two coaches in the same sport
two professional athletes in the same sport
two positions in the same sport
two music groups or individual performers of the same type of music
two versions of the same work: book and movie or television program, etc.
two restaurants or restaurant chains (say, Don Pablo's and Rio Bravo)
a topic of your own choosing
2. Once you have generated a list of differences, put the differences into categories.
3. Formulate a thesis statement, with essay map, and compose a formal outline for a possible paper contrasting the two items discussed. (Review contrast outlines.)
4. When you have finished the first three steps, exchange your work with a group of students who have also finished those steps and evaluate one another's outlines.
5. If you also finish step 4 before the end of the period, begin prewriting to prepare for drafting your own contrast paper during the next class period.
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