i am doing a compare and contrast essay on philip II of spain and elizabeth I of england. what are some main ideas of their differences? and how would i write a thesis sentence on this? if the paper is 4-5 pages how many paragraphs do you think it should be? sorry for all of the questions and thanks soo much!
Read these, they are short reads.
Both of these were looking to consolidate political power, avoiding foreign and domestic threats.
http://www.luminarium.org/encyclopedia/philip2.htm
http://www.luminarium.org/renlit/elizabio.htm
No problem! Let's break it down step by step.
1. Main ideas of their differences:
To compare and contrast Philip II of Spain and Elizabeth I of England, you could explore differences in their reigns, policies, religious views, and impact on their respective countries. Here are some possible main ideas to consider:
- Leadership style: How did Philip II and Elizabeth I differ in their approach to governing and exercising power?
- Foreign policy: How did Philip II's focus on expanding Spanish influence compare to Elizabeth I's efforts to establish England as a maritime power?
- Religious views: How did Philip II's strong Catholic beliefs contrast with Elizabeth I's establishment of the Protestant Church of England?
- Domestic policies: How did Philip II's centralized control differ from Elizabeth I's emphasis on parliamentary rule and economic policies?
- Legacy and impact: What lasting effects did each monarch have on their nations and the world?
2. Writing a thesis sentence:
A strong thesis statement for your compare and contrast essay could be:
"Although both Philip II of Spain and Elizabeth I of England were influential monarchs in the late 16th century, their differing leadership styles, religious views, and foreign policies shaped their nations in distinct ways."
3. Paragraphs and organization:
For a 4-5 page essay, you can aim for about five to six paragraphs. This allows you to allocate a paragraph to each main idea or difference you want to discuss. Remember to have a clear topic sentence for each paragraph that introduces the main idea, followed by supporting evidence and analysis.
Additionally, you should have a strong introductory paragraph that presents the two monarchs and your thesis statement. A concluding paragraph should summarize the main points, restate your thesis, and offer a final thought.
Remember to use transition words and phrases to guide the reader through your ideas smoothly (e.g., on the other hand, similarly, in contrast, whereas).
Good luck with your essay! Feel free to ask if you have any more questions.