Pre-writing:
In two columns, marked"Men" and"Women," list the ways the two genders react differently to the pressures of college life. Be specific. For each item in one column, write a contrasting item in the other column.
Next, do it again, this time listing the ways the two genders react differently to domestic situations. Be specific. For each item in one column, write a contrasting item in the other column.
Downdraft:
Write a humorous essay that contrasts the ways in which men and women deal differently with the stresses of college life. Narrow your topic down to one aspect of college life: writing papers, social life, commuting, taking math tests, and so on. (You may come up with your own narrowed topic.)
OR you may choose a different venue--e.g., going through the airport, or shopping--to display how men and women deal with stress differently. Just be sure you narrow your topic down to one aspect of the situation, for example, going through security at the airport, or shopping for groceries.
- Begin with a "quiz" that highlights the difference you are going to discuss.
- Next, phrase your thesis statement in anironicfashion at the end of your HOW TO SCORE paragraph.
- Develop your contrast by offering at least three differences.
- Illustrate your contrast by providing examples in quick succession.
- Emphasize the differences by usinghyperbole.
- Conclude your essay with a paragraph that sums up the major points you have made.
- End with a sentence that recalls a joke from the beginning of your essay.
Note 1:Look up the definitions ofironyandhyperbolein a handbook, or dictionary.
*A model essay is attached