The C/C Essay

Topic – Determine your topic for the C/C essay – choose something you know WELL

“Grant & Lee”

Informative –  1. decide whether your purpose for the c/c is informative or argumentative

2. BRIEFLY establish a common ground between the 2 subjects you’re comparing

                In Catton’s he quickly establishes their arrival at Appomattox courthouse to end the Civil War, in which both men served as generals of their respective armies

3. Once common ground is established, look for specific difference – these will be your POINTS OF COMPARISON – which are thoroughly developed

In “Grant & Lee”   the point of comparison:

                Background – Lee; then Grant (whichever goes first, stays first)

                Basic philosophical difference tied to place of birth – Lee tied to stability & continuity; Grant focused on adaptability & change

4. the conclusion is an inference that can be drawn – ask yourself “What does all this mean?”  Don’t expect everything to fall into place with this writing; this one takes logic, thinking, organization – This is a more difficult essay than the explication essay