Comparing Proposals for Undocumented

Youth in the United States

Compare and Contrast

Introduction

Clearly introduces the two items being compared (X and Y)

Explains why the comparison matters

Briefly introduces the criteria used for comparison, focusing on criteria that are appropriate for the purpose, audience and topic

Introduction

In this sentence, the writer introduces the two items being compared. We learn that we will be looking at similarities and differences between two immigration plans: the DREAM Act, and the Rubio plan.

Introduction

The introductory paragraph briefly addresses the comparison criteria that will be expanded later in the essay: requirements for participation, and legal status/pathways to citizenship.

Introduction

The last sentence in this paragraph articulates the audience (stakeholders) and purpose (informing decisions). This sentence explains why the comparison matters. The comparison is also important because of the human rights and fairness issues raised early in the paragraph. Understanding the different policy approaches is important because these policies impact people's lives in a very real way.

First Body Paragraph

Includes a topic sentence that clearly introduces one comparison criterion.

Supporting details discuss similarities and/or differences between X and Y in relation to the criteria.

Transition words connect ideas, and help to signal similarities and differences for the reader.

First Body Paragraph

In the topic sentence, the first comparison criterion is introduced: requirements for eligibility.

First Body Paragraph

The supporting details presented throughout this paragraph discuss how each of the plans approach the requirements for eligibility, and identify the similarities and differences between these approaches.

First Body Paragraph

The signal word "similarly" tells us that the two plans have certain things in common-- in this case, requirements for college or military service.

First Body Paragraph

The use of 'However, in contrast," as a transition notes the difference between the DREAM Act's clear age requirements, and the Rubio plan's lack thereof.

Second Body Paragraph

Includes a topic sentence that clearly introduces one comparison criterion.

Supporting details discuss similarities and/or differences between X and Y in relation to the criteria.

Transition words connect ideas, and help to signal similarities and differences for the reader.

Second Body Paragraph

This topic sentence introduces legal status and pathways to citizenship, the second set of criteria used to compare the two plans.

Second Body Paragraph

The supporting details throughout this paragraph focus on the contrasts between the type of status each plan offers, and the DREAM Act's clear pathway to citizenship vs. the Rubio plan's lack of a clear pathway. They also clarify the implications of these differences.

Second Body Paragraph

The transition words "in contrast" and "unlike" let us know that the author is introducing differences between the two policy proposals.

Conclusion

Makes a simple statement that summarizes the most important similarities and/or differences between X and Y.

(Optional) Include a recommendation, opinion, or argument, based on the evidence and criteria provided.

Conclusion

The final sentence in the concluding paragraph describes the key differences between the two plans.

ConclusionThe author offers an opinion, based on the evidence discussed in the essay, that one policy is stronger than the other.