How To Do the CAC Essay

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How To Do the CAC Essay

• Compare and Contrast Essay

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Compare and Contrast Essay

• Not only what is the same
• But also what is different
• Following the following steps.

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Step One

• Read the question
• What is the question asking you to do?
• General you will be asked to analyze a broad
  historical issue or issues for two areas of the
  world

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Step Two

• Make your selection
• You will often be given choices
• Usually 3 to 4 different
• Pick the areas you know the most facts about

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Example

• Compare and contrast the use of technology and
  the dynamics of trade in TWO of the following
  regions for the periods mention
• China during the Qin and Han Dynasties
• ( 3rd Century BCE to 3rd Century CE)
• The Mediterranean during the Roman Empire
• (1st Century BCE to 4th Century CE)
• Mesoamerica during Maya Empire
• (4th Century CE to 11th Century CE)
• South America during the Inca Empire
• (13th Century CE to 16th Century CE)

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Step Three

• Choose categories
• In the example, the categories are provided
• Other possible include Social, Political,
  Interactions, Cultural, Economic
• If categories are not provide, select 3

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Step Four The Thesis

• Usually one sentence, what is the essay about ?
• Make sure to address ALL parts of the questions
• Example
• Compare and contrast
• Technology and trade
• 2 areas

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Step Four Intro/Thesis

• If complex question
• It is okay to have more than 1 sentence thesis
• 2 okay
• 4 too much
• Use complex sentences
• Tell me what you are going to tell me, prove it,
  and tell me what you told me

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Step Five The Body

• Address all parts of the question in the essay
• Address technology for both
• Address trade for both
• Provide accurate similarities and differences
  between the two areas
• If you include 2 of the above 1 pt
• If you include all 3 of the above 2 pts

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Step Six Body Paragraphs and Organization

• Technology for 1
• Technology for 2
• Trade for 1
• Trade for 2
• Similarities for trade
• Differences for trade
• Similarities for technology
• Differences for technology

How many body paragraphs?
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Step Five

• Make sure to include direct comparison
• Use a checklist
• For example
• Technology for 1
• Technology for 2
• Trade for 1
• Trade for 2
• Similarities for trade
• Differences for trade
• Similarities for technology
• Differences for technology

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Step Seven

• Use comparative words to link areas
• Also
• As well as
• Furthermore
• Likewise
• On the other hand
• However
• To / on the contrary

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Step Eight Provide Analysis

• Go beyond listing commonalities and differences
• Use specific factual evidence
• Address
• HOW????
• WHY????

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Final Notes

• Take time to plan and organize yourself
• Provide analysis not just facts
• Address all aspects of the question
• Write paragraphs in which both areas are
  discussed
• Stick to the time period

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And Your Essay Question is

• Compare and Contrast the role of geography in TWO
  of the following early river valley civilizations
• Mesopotamia
• Egypt
• Indus
• China during the Shang Dynasty