Comparison-Contrast Essay Topic: Learning Styles Worth: 12% Word Count: 500 650 words (title and reference page not included) 1. Read the article Learning Styles by Dr. Alexandra Rolfe & Dr. Brad Cheek, 2012: Available in Weekly Course Content on Blackboard or search on http://leddy.uwindsor.ca/ 2. Compose a four-paragraph essay that compares and/or contrasts two learning styles/approaches (visual/verbal, visual/non-verbal, tactile/kinaesthetic, and auditory/verbal or modality, flexible, and instructional). The essay should be organized as follows: An introductory paragraph that includes: o An opening strategy (p. 235 in textbook) o A thesis statement that states the topic and similarities and/or differences (p. 235 in textbook) Two body paragraphs that each include: o A clear topic sentence o One main point that addresses a similarity and/or difference o At least two details supporting the main point including facts, statistics, quotations, and anecdotes (p. 253 in textbook) o At least one in-text citation from a secondary source (the same source can be used for both paragraphs) A concluding paragraph that includes: o Your thesis restated in new words o An interesting final thought In addition, your essay should have: o A creative title that portrays the assignment topic o A Reference List in MLA format with 2-3 different sources (No Wikipedia, the assigned article may count as one of the sources) o Personal pronouns may be used but should be free of qualifiers (p. 85 in textbook) o Proper grammar, spelling (US and Canadian versions are accepted but must be consistent), and format conventions o Formal language (no slang or contractions) o Active voice o Complete sentences and paragraphs o At least two compound sentences o At least one complex sentence o At least three transitional words or phrases o At least one use of a colon or semi-colon o One of the following methods of development: describing, explaining, analyzing, or defining (p. 62 in textbook)
