How to approach the comparative question

• This essay typically asks you to analyze a broad historical issue(s) for two areas of the world– Tip#1: Read the question and

pick the areas you know the most about (facts, details, and important concepts)

• What is the same and what is different (duh)– Tip#2: Organize your essay

before you begin (our SPRITE organizer already did this for us)

Do you have a thesis?• Examine the following

sample question:

• Compare and contrast the use of technology and the dynamics of trade in TWO of the following regions for the periods mentioned…

• Are the following acceptable thesis statements?

Thesis/Not a Thesis?• In Maya culture the elites used a form of hieroglyphics to keep

records while elites in the Inca society used a complex method of knot tying called quipu to keep records.

• Not a thesis-does not mention trade• The greatest similarity between the Han and Roman Empires

involved trade since both were linked by the Silk Road and both used the structures of empire to support transportation projects. The greatest difference was in the area of technology since the Roman advances were in architectural technology and the Chinese advances were in aspects such as paper that would appeal to the new scholarly officials.

• Thesis-Covers similarities and differences AND reasons behind each (long-but may be needed for a complex question)

Thesis/Not a Thesis?

• In both the Maya and Inca societies, trade occurred mostly within their empire by land. For the Chinese and Roman societies trade occurred by land with the Silk Road, but also by water.

• Not a thesis-Does not follow directions (tries to address four regions); also does not technology

Questions to ask yourself…• Do I address all parts of the

question?– Make a checklist– Two column chart/other

organizer• Am I using enough facts to

support my thesis?– Make sure the facts fit the time

period– Example: Gunpowder in China-

happened in 10th century (later than the time period mentioned in this question)

• Am I making a solid comparison between the societies?– Be direct– Weave comparisons within

each paragraph– Use logical connections

• Also• As well as• Furthermore• Likewise• On the other hand• However• To the contrary

Questions to ask yourself…

• Am I analyzing the reasons for the similarities and differences?– Analysis-explain how or

why the differences matter

– Relate to larger global processes/movements • Connect to why it matters

Your question…

• Compare the social, political, and religious impact of writing systems (cuneiform and hieroglyphics) and beer on early civilizations– Hint: that would be Egypt

and Mesopotamia• Write your thesis

statement for tomorrow (9/16)

AP Reading assignment (due 9/18)• Read Wood pp. 74-98 (ed.2); 71-93 (ed. 1)• Vocab terms

– Include ALL of the five W questions.– 5-6 sentences MINIMUM

• Political forms in ancient Greece– monarchy,– Oligarchy– Aristocracy– Democracy

• Hoplites• Secularism and natural law• Hellenic synthesis• Structure/function of Roman republic• Pax Romana

Let’s try it• Write a thesis statement for the

following question:• Compare/contrast the social and

religious dynamics of two of the following early civilizations:– Mesopotamia– Egypt– Indus River– China– Mesoamerica

• After your thesis, outline how you would support the rest of this essay– Bullet point the comparisons/facts

you would use if you were actually writing the essay