This document provides guidance for editing a comparison/contrast essay. It instructs the peer editor to thoroughly review the essay using various techniques, such as checking the organizational pattern, transitions, word choice level, sentence structure, citations, and numbering. The peer editor is told to both point out problems and provide sincere compliments to help the writer improve the essay. Various editing techniques are described, such as using different colored pencils to mark different elements of the essay, and checking for correct MLA formatting.

1. Editing Your
Comparison/Contrast Essay
English Composition

2. Complete the Peer Editing
Checklist
Remember as the peer editor, the writer is
COUNTING on you, just as I am, to HELP.
Point out what you believe are problem
areas. Sincerely compliment the writer
when you see some unique ideas or
conclusions that have been drawn about
the topic. Don’t just mindlessly complete
the check sheet; anyone can do that and
you are not just anyone, are you?

3. ORGANIZATIONAL PATTERN
Is the organizational pattern crystal clear to
you as the editor of the paper?
Did the writer use the trait by trait or subject
by subject pattern?

4. Look out for TRANSITIONS!
These words are a must!
To compare: also, in the same way,
likewise, similarly, in the same manner,
just as, too
To contrast: although, and yet, but, but at
the same time, despite, even so, even
though, for all that, however, in contrast, in
spite of, nevertheless, notwithstanding, on
the contrary, on the other hand,
regardless, still, though, yet

5. Eight Count
Eight Count is a method used to help you improve your
word choice by making you aware of the level of
your writing. You can’t fix it if you don’t know that it
is broken, right?
1. Select 8 sentences
Divide run-ons; count as individual sentences.
Do not include introductions or conclusions.
2. Count words that have three or more syllables in
those 8 sentences.

6. Eight Count
Do Count:
words with three or
more syllables
“higher level” one/two
syllable words or
mature phrasing
Do Not Count:
 simple two syllable words
+ ing/ed/es
 any word more than twice
 a multi-syllable word
used incorrectly
 a proper noun
 words provided in the
prompt

7. 3. Convert word count to grade level.
0-5 = 3rd
grade vocabulary
5-10 = 5th
grade vocabulary
10-15 = 8th
grade vocabulary
15-20 = high school vocabulary
20 + = pre-college vocabulary
Eight Count

8. Ratiocination
Step 1: Using TWO different colored pencils,
underline every other sentence throughout your
essay with alternating colors.
Step 2: Circle the first word of every sentence in a
new color.
Step 3: With another new color, place a triangle
around any semicolons that you have used.

9. Ratiocination
Step 4: With your fifth color, draw a rectangle
around transitional words and phrases.
Transitions are essential in comparison/contrast
papers. See page 70 of The College Writer if
you are unsure of transitional words.
Step 5: Mark out these words and phrases: very,
a lot, I think, I believe, I feel. Look for errors in
pronoun antecedent agreement.
Step 6: Revise your paper based on findings.

10. Office 2007 Reference Tool
If you have used the reference tool in
Microsoft Word 2007 to create your
citation, it is probably correct. But double
check to make sure that you have
included the DATE YOU ACCESSED the
website. As a researcher, you are
covering yourself by including that date in
case the information changed in the mean
time.

11. Parenthetical Citations
The best rule of thumb for citations is that
everything must be cited if it is numerical
in nature. If it is not general knowledge,
then it should be cited.
Correct citation….. “Fifty percent of the
students live on campus” (Citation).

12. Numbers
Remember that Arabic numerals do not
begin sentences. Write out the number!

13. When is my paper due?
The final copy of your paper is due at the
beginning of the next class period. Your paper
should be typed in 12 pt font and doubled
spaced. Use a standard font that is easy on the
eyes.
BE SURE TO USE SPELL CHECK BEFORE
YOUR PRINT YOUR PAPER!
The heading for your paper should be in MLA
format. If you have written more than one page,
your last name and page number should be in
the upper right hand corner. The Works
Cited page is the last page of your paper.

14. MLA Heading Format
TOP LEFT:
Your first and last name
Mrs. Buche
EC/CR
Today’s date

15. Have you earned the maximum
number of points offered on this
assignment?
Graphic Organizer - 100 points
Peer Editing – 100 points
Ratiocination – 100 points
Parenthetical Citations/Works Cited – 100 points
Final Essay – 300 points