What This Document Is
This document is a writing checklist specifically designed to support students completing a comparison and contrast essay for Harvard’s Principles of Economics (Microeconomics) course, ECON 10A. It focuses on the structural and stylistic elements crucial for effectively analyzing two texts – in this case, *The Handmaid’s Tale* by Margaret Atwood and *Blade Runner* directed by Ridley Scott.
Why This Document Matters
This checklist is intended for students who are assigned a comparative essay and need a focused guide to ensure they address all key aspects of strong academic writing. It’s most useful during the drafting and revision stages, helping students self-assess their work before submission. The document exists to provide a clear rubric for meeting the expectations of the assignment and achieving a high grade.
Common Limitations or Challenges
This checklist provides guidance on *how* to structure and refine a comparison/contrast essay, but it does not *write* the essay for you. It doesn’t offer pre-written analysis of *The Handmaid’s Tale* or *Blade Runner*, nor does it provide specific arguments or interpretations. Students will still need to develop their own critical thinking and textual evidence.
What This Document Provides
This checklist includes:
* A breakdown of essential essay structure: Introduction, Body Paragraphs, and Conclusion.
* Guidance on sentence-level and word-level stylistic choices for clarity and sophistication.
* A list of transitional words and phrases useful for comparing and contrasting.
* Varied phrasing options for integrating quotes effectively.
* Key terms and concepts related to both *The Handmaid’s Tale* (e.g., misogyny, totalitarian society) and *Blade Runner* (e.g., human/machine, dystopian existence).
This preview does *not* include detailed examples of fully constructed paragraphs, specific textual analysis, or a completed essay. It is a planning and revision tool, not a substitute for original thought and writing.
