Now that we’ve listed the characteristics of each bird, let’s note down the similarities and differences between the two:
If you are more of a visual learner, you can also make use of a Venn diagram. You can simply draw two circles with an overlapping portion. Note down the characteristics unique to each subject in the portion that does not overlap, and note down the similarities in the overlapping portion. Here’s an example:
A thesis statement explains the reason why two subjects need to be compared. It establishes the significance of their comparison. Although developing a meaningful thesis statement can be tricky, you can figure it out by asking yourself “So what?”.
For instance, if you’re comparing the lifestyle of the royal families in the Eastern and Western civilizations, you must have a reason to choose those particular subjects. One reason could be to study the impact of these civilizations on modern-day society. Here’s an example thesis statement based on this premise:
The contrasting lifestyles of royal families in Eastern and Western civilizations, rooted in cultural traditions and historical developments, have shaped their roles as figureheads and influencers, impacting modern-day society through ceremonial symbolism, media presence, cultural preservation, and fashion trends.
If you’re still contemplating how to start a compare and contrast essay, you can create a flow for all your ideas with the help of an essay structure. This structure or outline divides your essay into three basic sections:
Most school and college essays consist of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. You can certainly extend the number of body paragraphs of your essay depending on the topic and complexity of your essay. However, the number of paragraphs in the introduction and conclusion remains the same.
An essay introduction consists of an opening line, relevant background information, and the thesis statement. The body paragraphs are arranged according to different topic sentences. Relevant explanations, facts, and statistics are provided to substantiate the claims made in these topic sentences. The conclusion, like the introduction, also consists of three facets. It includes an updated version of your thesis statement, a summary of the main points of your essay, and a conclusion.
The outline for your compare and contrast essay serves as a base you can build upon. You can use it as a guide while writing your essay. We will take a closer look at compare and contrast essay outlines in the next section of the article.
After constructing a well-structured outline, you can start building your essay with the help of the key points that you’ve jotted down. The comparisons that you’ve noted down earlier can provide the talking points in your essay. Each paragraph consists of three main aspects:
Since you’ve already created a rough outline, your job becomes much easier. You can elaborate on the main talking points of your essay by data collated from various reputed sources. This can include facts, statistics, experiments/studies conducted, or even expert opinions. To make your argument stronger, you can also include tables, figures, or diagrams.
Here’s an example of how you can build on your basic outline:
Topic sentence : A comparison of the Aztecs and Mayans reveals distinct differences in their social structures shedding light on the unique characteristics of these two Mesoamerican civilizations.
Explanation: The Aztecs and Mayans, two prominent Mesoamerican civilizations, displayed striking disparities in their social structures, religious beliefs, and artistic expressions. The Aztecs established a centralized empire with a powerful government headed by an emperor, wielding supreme authority. This hierarchical society comprised nobles, commoners, and slaves, offering limited social mobility. In contrast, the Mayans organized themselves into independent city-states, each with its own ruler and governing system. Their social structure encompassed rulers, nobles, priests, merchants, farmers, and artisans, allowing for some degree of social mobility.
Translation statement: Along with the social structure, the Mayans and Aztecs also had very different everyday routines.
After completing the first draft of your essay, take a break for a day or two before getting back to it. This not only helps you look at your work from an objective point of view but also makes room for new ideas.
In case you notice an abundance of errors while revising your essay, don’t fret, it’s a part of the process. You may need two or three revisions, but make sure to tweak and revise your essay until it is up to the mark. If required, you can also get help from friends, seniors, or even family members.
Once you’re satisfied with the structure and content of your essay, you can start with the editing process. The editing process involves everything from making major structural adjustments for the sake of clarity to correcting mechanical and typesetting errors for the sake of readability.
If the deadline is drawing closer and there’s not enough time, you can also consider working with an essay editing service . These services help you avoid the convoluted and time-consuming process of editing your essay.
Although the introduction and conclusion paragraphs of a compare and contrast essay format remain the same, there are three main methods by which body paragraphs can be arranged. They are:
Depending on the purpose and topic of your essay, you can make use of any of the three formats. Let’s take a closer look at the outlines of each of these compare and contrast essay formats:
In the block outline, the analysis of the characteristics of one subject is completed before moving on to the next. Although this method discusses a subject in its entirety and creates a flow, it’s often difficult to draw parallels between the two subjects.
Let’s understand this outline with the help of an example. The following comparative essay block outline example analyzes the positive effects of the color green and the drawbacks of the color red on the human mind.
The Impact of Colors on Your State of Mind
I. Introduction
A. Engaging opening statement about the impact of colors on human perception
B. The significance of colors and their effects on emotions
C. Main argument stating that green is more soothing to the eye than red and should be implemented more often
A. Discussion of Green
1. Characteristics of green and its association with nature and tranquility
2. Examples, statistics, or research findings that demonstrate the soothing effects of green on the human eye
3. Positive impact of green on mental well-being and stress reduction
B. Discussion of Red
1. Characteristics of red and its association with intensity and stimulation
2. Examples, statistics, or research findings that show the potentially overwhelming or agitating effects of red on the human eye
3. Negative impact of red on mental state and a potential increase in stress levels as a result
C. Comparison of Green and Red
1. Visual contrast between the calming effect of green and the stimulating effect of red
2. Emotional responses elicited by green and red, that emphasize the soothing nature of green and the potentially disruptive nature of red
3. Surveys or studies that indicate a higher preference for green in various settings
III. Conclusion
A. Updated main argument: Green is more soothing to the eye than red and should be implemented more often
B. Summary of the key points from the body paragraphs: The benefits of green and the drawbacks of red
C. Using green in various environments, such as interior design, healthcare facilities, and urban planning, to promote a soothing visual experience for individuals
D. Impactful ending sentence: The importance of color choices for a harmonious environment
If you want to establish a stronger connection between your different points of comparison, consider using the alternating outline. In this type of outline, the comparison between subjects is much more blatant as both of the subjects are evaluated against a particular metric. However, the alternating outline can result in two disjointed sections.
Each body paragraph consists of a single metric against which both subjects are measured. Let’s better understand the alternating essay outline with the help of the same example:
A. Captivating hook about the influence of colors on human perception
B. Overview of the significance of colors and their impact on emotions
C. Thesis statement stating that green is more soothing to the eye than red and should be implemented more often
II. Body Paragraph 1: Comparison of Green and Red
A. Visual Characteristics
1. Green: Associated with nature, calmness, and tranquility
2. Red: Associated with intensity, excitement, and stimulation
B. Emotional Impact
1. Green: Elicits feelings of relaxation, harmony, and rejuvenation
2. Red: Evokes emotions like passion, energy, and even agitation or stress
C. Effects on Eye Fatigue
1. Green: More restful for the eyes due to its position in the color spectrum
2. Red: Prolonged exposure to red can strain the eyes and potentially lead to eye fatigue
III. Body Paragraph 2: Benefits of Implementing Green
A. Psychological Well-being
1. Green: Promotes a sense of calmness, reduces stress, and improves overall mental well-being
2. Red: Excessive exposure to red can potentially increase stress levels and negatively impact psychological health
B. Environmental Impact
1. Green: Incorporating green elements in urban environments, interior design, and healthcare facilities can create a soothing atmosphere
2. Red: Potential disruptive effects of excessive red usage in certain settings and its contrasting impact on visual comfort
IV. Conclusion
A. Updated thesis statement: Green is more soothing to the eye than red and should be implemented more often
B. Summary of key points in body paragraphs: Difference between green and red, emphasizing the soothing qualities of green and the potential drawbacks of red
C. Implementation of green in various contexts, and its positive impact on well-being and creating visually comfortable environments
D. Impactful concluding statement: The significance of color choices and their influence on our daily lives
If you want the focus to be on the comparison between the two topics, it is a good idea to implement the similarities and differences outline. This format bears a resemblance to the alternating outline.
However, the metrics of comparison are the similarities and differences between the two subjects, as opposed to certain characteristics. A single paragraph lists all the similarities between the two topics, followed by a paragraph that lists all the distinctions.
Here’s an example outline for a compare and contrast essay using the similarities and differences method:
A. Intriguing statement about the impact of colors on visual perception
B. Brief overview of the significance of colors and their effects on emotions
II. Body Paragraph 1: Similarities between Green and Red
1. Green: Visual characteristics of green, such as its association with nature and tranquility
2. Red: Visual characteristics of red, such as its association with intensity and stimulation
1. Green: Both green and red can evoke emotional responses, such as calmness or excitement, albeit to different degrees
2. Red: Both green and red can elicit emotions, but red tends to evoke more intense and stimulating feelings
III. Body Paragraph 2: Differences between Green and Red
A. Soothing Qualities
1. Green: Green is inherently soothing to the eye due to its position in the color spectrum and its association with nature
2. Red: Red, on the other hand, can be visually intense and potentially overwhelming, making it less soothing
B. Psychological Effects
1. Green: Green promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances mental well-being
2. Red: Prolonged exposure to red can potentially increase stress levels and negatively impact psychological health
C. Eye Fatigue
1. Green: Green is considered more restful for the eyes, as it requires less eye strain and can reduce eye fatigue
2. Red: Excessive exposure to red can strain the eyes and potentially lead to eye fatigue
IV. Body Paragraph 3: Benefits of Implementing Green
A. Environmental Impact
1. Incorporating green elements in various environments, such as interior design, urban planning, and healthcare facilities, can create a soothing atmosphere
2. Potential positive effects on mental well-being and overall quality of life
V. Conclusion
B. Summary of key points in body paragraphs: Similarities and differences between green and red, that emphasize the soothing qualities of green and the potential drawbacks of red
C. Need for the implementation of green in different settings, and its positive impact on visual comfort and well-being
D. Thought-provoking statement: Significance of color choices and their influence on our daily lives
Now that we’ve understood the three basic outlines for compare and contrast essays let’s take a look at compare and contrast essay examples for these three formats.
There are three main formats that you can use to write a compare and contrast essay. You can select one of these formats depending on what you’d like to convey to the reader. We will provide example essays for all three formats and pick a topic best suited for each essay format.
Let’s take a look:
The following compare and contrast essay example is based on the comparative analysis of two of Edgar Allan Poe’s greatest works.
A Comparative Analysis of The Raven and The Tell-Tale Heart
Edgar Allan Poe, a master of Gothic literature, created two captivating and chilling tales, The Raven and The Tell-Tale Heart . While both stories delve into the realms of madness, guilt, and obsession, they differ in their narrative structures, character portrayals, and themes. Take a closer look at and uncover the unique elements that make these literary masterpieces enduring classics in the world of dark fiction.
The Raven is a narrative poem composed of eighteen stanzas, employing a rhyming scheme of ABCBBB. It follows a straightforward linear progression, recounting the narrator’s interaction with the mysterious raven, which repeatedly utters the word “nevermore.” The narrator is a grieving man consumed by sorrow and melancholy, haunted by the loss of his beloved Lenore. The raven assumes a symbolic role, representing an otherworldly and ominous presence that fuels the narrator’s descent into madness. The poem primarily explores themes of grief, loss, and the inability to escape from painful memories, while also delving into the supernatural, the macabre, and the fragility of the human mind when faced with the unknown.
On the other hand, The Tell-Tale Heart is a short story narrated in the first person by an unnamed protagonist who is determined to prove their sanity. The story follows a non-linear structure, with the narrator recounting the events leading up to and after the murder of the old man with a “vulture eye.” The protagonist is an unnamed and unreliable narrator whose intense obsession with the old man’s eye leads to murder. The old man, with his “vulture eye,” becomes a symbol of the narrator’s guilt and paranoia, fueling the story’s suspense. The Tell-Tale Heart explores themes of guilt, paranoia, and the dark recesses of the human mind. It delves into the thin line between sanity and insanity, highlighting the overwhelming power of a guilty conscience.
The Raven and The Tell-Tale Heart , both masterpieces by Edgar Allan Poe, showcase his profound understanding of the human psyche. While The Raven takes the form of a narrative poem and focuses on grief, loss, and the supernatural, The Tell-Tale Heart is a short story with an unreliable narrator, delving into guilt, paranoia, and the blurred boundaries of sanity. Despite their structural and thematic differences, both works captivate readers with their exploration of the darkest aspects of the human soul. Through their masterful storytelling, Poe leaves an indelible mark on literature, inviting readers to confront their own fears and delve into the depths of the human psyche.
The following compare and contrast essay example highlights the stark contrast between life during the 1800s and the present day.
Contrasting Life During the 1800s and Life Today
Society during the 1800s and present-day society are characterized by stark differences in technological advancements, societal norms, and overall quality of life. There have been significant developments areas of communication, transportation, healthcare, and social dynamics between the two eras. By examining the contrasting aspects of life during the 1800s and present-day life, we can gain a deeper insight into how society has evolved.
In the 1800s people relied primarily on written letters, which often took weeks or even months to reach their destination. The introduction of the telegraph provided a faster means of long-distance communication but remained limited in accessibility. Today, communication is instant and global, thanks to the widespread use of smartphones, social media platforms, and the internet. People can connect through video calls, messaging apps, and social networking sites, bridging distances and facilitating real-time conversations.
People in the 1800s primarily relied on horse-drawn carriages, ships, and railways as modes of transportation. Long-distance travel was slow and arduous, often taking weeks or even months to complete, while local transportation was limited to walking or horseback riding. In contrast, modern transportation is characterized by the advent of automobiles, airplanes, and high-speed trains. These advancements enable swift and efficient travel across the globe. Air travel has become commonplace, allowing people to reach distant locations in a matter of hours, while cars provide individual mobility and flexibility.
Healthcare in the 1800s was marked by rudimentary medical knowledge and practices. There was often a lack of scientific understanding and proper sanitation measures, resulting in limited and ineffective medical treatments. This led to high mortality rates for common illnesses and diseases. In recent times, advances in medical science, technology, and research have revolutionized healthcare. Cutting-edge treatments, vaccines, and surgical procedures have significantly increased life expectancy and improved overall well-being.
The 1800s were characterized by strict social hierarchies, class divisions, and limited opportunities for social mobility. Gender roles were rigidly defined, with limited rights and opportunities for women. However, contemporary society has made significant strides toward equality and inclusivity. Movements advocating for gender, racial, and LGBTQ+ rights have pushed for social progress. Social mobility and opportunities for personal and professional growth have expanded, promoting a more diverse and inclusive society.
In conclusion, life during the 1800s and life today differ significantly in terms of communication, transportation, healthcare, and social dynamics. Technological advancements, scientific progress, and societal changes have transformed the way we live and interact with the world. While the 1800s were marked by limitations and hardships, the modern era offers unprecedented convenience, connectivity, and opportunities for personal growth. By examining these contrasting aspects, we gain a deeper appreciation for the advancements that have shaped our lives today and a better understanding of the progress humanity has made over time.
The following example of a compare and contrast essay studies the similarities and differences between amphibians and reptiles.
Exploring the Fascinating Worlds of Amphibians and Reptiles
Amphibians and reptiles are two distinct groups of animals that belong to the larger classification of vertebrates. While they share some similarities, they also exhibit significant differences in their physical characteristics, life cycles, habitats, and reproductive strategies. Let’s take a closer look at both these species by highlighting their unique features and adaptations to their respective environments.
Although different species, amphibians, and reptiles share several similarities. Both groups are cold-blooded, or ectothermic, which means their body temperatures are regulated by the environment. This characteristic influences their behavior and activity levels, as they rely on external heat sources to warm their bodies. Both species also lay eggs for reproduction. The eggs of both groups are covered by protective membranes, which provide a suitable environment for development outside the parent’s body. Additionally, amphibians and reptiles have a similar general body plan, characterized by a backbone, four limbs (or remnants of limbs), and a well-developed skull.
Despite these similarities, there are notable differences between the two species. Amphibians have a dual life cycle, which involves an aquatic larval stage and a terrestrial adult stage. They typically lay their eggs in water and undergo metamorphosis from aquatic larvae, into terrestrial adults with lungs. A frog is one classic example of an amphibian. In contrast, reptiles have a direct life cycle, with offspring hatching from eggs that are laid on land. They bypass the aquatic larval stage and are born as miniature versions of the adults, equipped for a terrestrial existence. Alligators and crocodiles are the most commonly known reptiles.
Another significant difference lies in their respective habitats. Amphibians are often associated with moist environments, such as swamps, rivers, and ponds, as they require
water for breeding and maintaining skin moisture. They are highly adapted to live in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Reptiles, on the other hand, have evolved to inhabit a wider range of environments. They can be found in various habitats, including deserts, forests, grasslands, and even oceans. Reptiles have developed strategies to conserve water, such as the ability to excrete uric acid instead of urea, allowing them to thrive in arid conditions.
Physiologically, amphibians and reptiles differ in their skin structure and respiration. Amphibians have moist and permeable skin that serves multiple functions, including gas exchange and water absorption. This unique characteristic allows them to respire through their skin, particularly during their larval stage. In contrast, reptiles have dry and scaly skin that acts as a protective barrier against water loss. They rely on lungs for respiration and have more efficient respiratory systems compared to amphibians.
In conclusion, while amphibians and reptiles share some similarities, such as being ectothermic and laying eggs, they have distinct differences in their life cycles, habitats, and physiological characteristics. Amphibians undergo metamorphosis and have a dual life cycle, adapting to both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Reptiles, on the other hand, have a direct life cycle and are adapted to a wide range of habitats. Understanding these similarities and differences helps us appreciate the diverse adaptations that have allowed these fascinating creatures to thrive in different ecosystems across the world.
We hope that these examples of compare and contrast essays guide you in acing your essay assignment! As editing and proofreading experts, we realize the importance of submitting error-free essays.
To help you minimize errors, we have created detailed resources about several important aspects of essay writing. Go through the following resources to enhance your essay-writing skills!
How to write an introduction paragraph for a compare and contrast essay, how to write a conclusion paragraph for a compare and contrast essay, how to title a compare and contrast essay, what is a good title for a compare and contrast essay, what is a good topic sentence for a compare and contrast essay.
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High school and college students often face challenges when crafting a compare-and-contrast essay. A well-written paper of this kind needs to be structured appropriately to earn you good grades. Knowing how to organize your ideas allows you to present your ideas in a coherent and logical manner
This article by our custom-writing team delves into all the fine details of structuring your compare-and-contrast paper. It also provides practical examples of the two main outlining methods you may use. Keep reading to up your writing game!
👀 compare and contrast essay outline types.
A compare and contrast paper studies similarities and differences between two or more subjects. But how do you present the points of comparison? Well, in this kind of essay, there are two methods of structuring the text: point-by-point and block .
Before composing your essay, it’s crucial to choose the approach that suits your assignment best. Your choice will depend on how you want to approach and present your ideas.
Let’s examine these two methods in more detail.
The point-by-point method implies discussing one point of comparison at a time. For example, if you’re comparing two cities, you may dedicate separate paragraphs to their size, population, and architecture.
The point-by-point arrangement has advantages and disadvantages. Keep them in mind before deciding whether to use it or not.
✔️ | This outline is suitable for comparing items or subjects that are very similar. |
✔️ | It’s ideal when you need to evaluate only a few features or criteria. |
✔️ | It requires you to analyze the points yourself while clarifying similarities and differences. |
❌ | This approach doesn’t work well when comparing entirely different items, situations, or people. |
❌ | It’s also unsuitable when you’re using multiple criteria for comparison. |
The block method, also known as subject-by-subject comparison, is a way of outlining your assignment that involves discussing each subject separately. For example, in an essay about different types of fruit, you will discuss the features of one fruit at a time.
This approach has shortcomings and strengths that may affect how you want to handle your essay.
✔️ | The block method is easier to use because you only need to point out all the details about the objects you’re comparing or contrasting. |
✔️ | It’s the best method for comparing entirely different items, situations, or cases. |
✔️ | This approach is also ideal for handling comparisons or contrasts involving multiple criteria. |
❌ | It leaves too much work for readers who have to make comparisons themselves. |
❌ | It’s pretty hard to read: you’ll need to constantly go back to the essay’s parts that you’ve already read. |
After you’ve chosen a topic (you’re welcome to consult our list of compare-and contrast essay topics for inspiration,) you enter the pre-writing stage. It involves brainstorming, researching, and determining which points are the most important. Here’s how to do it:
It’s important to remember that you can leave some things out of your assignment. There may be so much material to cover that you will never finish the paper in the first place!
So, how do you determine what’s worth including in your paper? Consider the following factors:
❓ | Are these materials relevant to your course? |
❓ | What value does this information add to your argument? |
❓ | Is your research material informative and exciting? |
❓ | Are these details relevant to your compare and contrast paper? |
Useful Tip:
You can draw a Venn diagram and list the similarities and differences to make your comparison easier. Simply draw large intersecting circles and name each one to reflect the traits or subjects you are comparing. Write all the similarities inside the circles’ intersections and differences in the remaining space of each one.
Here’s an example of a Venn diagram comparing the US and Canada with crosses and checkmarks representing what’s different and similar between them, respectively:
Do you need some more guidance in outlining your paper? Well, look no further! Here is a comprehensive coverage of how to write a perfect outline for your compare-and-contrast essay.
Your essay’s introduction is arguably its most important section. It gives readers a solid summary of your paper’s contents and helps them understand what to expect as your comparison essay progresses.
Here’s what a good introduction is made of:
Ways of creating a hook can differ based on your essay’s purpose and overall tone:
😂 | You may grab your readers’ attention using a to appeal to their emotions. |
📊 | Alternatively, you could use relevant about your subject. |
❔ | Asking an interesting to stimulate your readers’ imagination is another way to start your paper. |
💬 | Lastly, using a from a writer, scholar, or public figure is a more poetic way to set the tone. |
Here is a hook example to inspire you. It uses statistics in the form of a question:
Did you know that over 60% of online shoppers prefer using their mobile devices over desktop ones?
Need more ideas on how to start your essay? Check out our article on hooks in writing !
Formulating your paper’s thesis statement is critical to drafting the outline. In most cases, its purpose is to clarify what features make the subjects of comparison different or similar.
Note that your essay’s thesis may vary depending on its function. For instance, it might serve an informational or judgmental purpose:
Check out these examples to understand the difference better:
A judgmental thesis example: | An informational thesis example: |
---|---|
Authoritative and permissive parenting models appear like opposites but have a central similarity: parents practicing these parenting styles encourage their children to make independent decisions. | Women’s roles have changed significantly throughout history; however, comparing various eras proves that women are still oppressed, particularly in their professional expression. |
Body paragraphs in a contrast essay support your thesis about the subjects you are comparing.
Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence that states the passage’s main idea. The rest depends on the type of outline you’re using: you either discuss the features of one subject of comparison or focus on one criterion and describe it in relation to each topic.
Let’s see it in more detail. Say, we’re comparing subjects A and B according to their features 1, 2, and 3:
📌 Point-by-Point Body Paragraphs Arrangement
Analysis of feature 1 | |
Analysis of feature 2 | |
Analysis of feature 3 |
📌 Block Method Body Paragraphs Arrangement
Analysis of A | |
Analysis of B |
A compare and contrast essay features a set of similar and distinct items. To make the comparison easier to understand, you can use words that create a smooth transition between your ideas and thoughts.
Transition words serve 4 essential purposes in a compare and contrast assignment:
Here are transition words you can use to show similarities in your comparison essay:
Similarly, too, just as, also, both, comparatively, same as, like, in the same way.
For contrasting, use appropriate transition words to give your paper a more logical, coherent flow. These include:
However, in contrast to, conversely, while, more than/less than, rather than, unlike, although, compared with.
Finally, it’s time to wrap up your comparison essay. Your conclusion should contain 2 core elements:
Now, let’s sum up everything you’ve learned about different ways to outline your compare-and-contrast essay using the block or point-by-point approaches. Here are the templates you can use for structuring your paper:
📌 Point-by-Point Method Outline Template
📌 Block Method Outline Template
| |
Are you stuck with your paper and need an outline example to inspire you? You’ll find it below!
Here are 2 outline samples done using point-by-point and block methods.
📌 Point by Point Outline Example: Differences between Fresh and Canned Foods
The essay’s purpose: to discuss the differences between fresh and canned foods. | |
While canned and fresh foods serve the same purpose, they have noticeably different flavors, costs, and health benefits. | |
The first difference between fresh and canned foods is their flavor. | |
The second difference between fresh and canned foods is their health benefits. | |
The third difference between fresh and canned foods is cost. | |
The conclusion summarizes the differences between the two foods regarding cost, health benefits, and flavor. |
📌 Block Method Outline Example: Differences between Backpacking and Staying in Hotels
Introduction of the two subjects of comparison. | |
There are three main differences between backpacking and staying in hotels: cost, convenience, and safety. | |
The first point of comparison is cost. | |
The second point of comparison is convenience. | |
The first point of comparison is safety. | |
The conclusion will summarize the key differences between these two accommodation alternatives. These options differ on key fronts worth a traveler’s consideration: overall cost implications, relative convenience levels, and safety. |
We hope these insights and template examples will inspire you to master the structure of the compare-and-contrast essays. Use these ideas to excel in your studies and do your homework quickly!
Further reading:
You can use different approaches to hook your readers from the get-go. Start your paper using an anecdote, a relevant question, or an exciting fact about the subjects you compare. You may also use a related quote from a famous person.
The body paragraphs in a comparative essay provide a detailed and systematic analysis of the similarities and differences between the two or more. Each body paragraph should focus on a specific point of comparison and provide evidence to support the argument.
Subject-by-subject comparison is a method of organizing and presenting a comparison essay in which you first discuss all aspects of one subject, followed by a discussion of all aspects of the next subject. This approach is also sometimes called a point-by-point comparison.
A point-by-point comparison is a method of organizing a compare-and-contrast essay in which you discuss specific points of comparison between the subjects. You select the criteria and discuss each one in a separate paragraph or section.
To end a compare and contrast essay, restate the thesis statement, summarize the main points, and provide a final thought. This creates a clear and concise summary of the essay’s argument and proves its significance to the reader.
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An argumentative essay is a genre of academic writing that investigates different sides of a particular issue. Its central purpose is to inform the readers rather than expressively persuade them. Thus, it is crucial to differentiate between argumentative and persuasive essays. While composing an argumentative essay, the students have to...
Great Ideas for Essays
Compare and contrast essays are taught in school for many reasons. For one thing, they are relatively easy to teach, understand, and format. Students can typically understand the structure with just a short amount of instruction. In addition, these essays allow students develop critical thinking skills to approach a variety of topics.
One fun way to get students started brainstorming their compare and contrast essays is to create a Venn diagram , where the overlapping sections of the circle contain similarities and the non-overlapping areas contain the differing traits.
Following is a list of 101 topics for compare and contrast essays that you are welcome to use in your classroom. As you look through the list you will see that some items are academic in nature while others are included for interest-building and fun writing activities.
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The Ezra Klein Show
By Ezra Klein
The remarkable thing about the past couple of months in politics has been watching the Democratic Party act like something we have not seen for a long time — a political party. A party that makes decisions collectively. A party that does hard things because it wants to win. A party that is more than the vehicle for a single — usually — man’s ambitions.
But parties are made of people. And in this case, the party was in particular made of a person, Nancy Pelosi, one of the longest-serving House speakers, the first female speaker, and — it sometimes feels — one of the last people left in American politics who knows how to wield power and knows why she wants to do so.
The remarkable thing about the past couple of months in politics has been watching the Democratic Party act like something we have not seen for a long time a political party, a party that makes decisions collectively, a party that does hard things because it wants to win. A party that is more than the vehicle for a single, usually man’s ambitions. But parties are made of people. And in this case, the party was in particular made of a person. Nancy Pelosi, one of the longest serving speakers, the first female Speaker of the House, and one of the. It sometimes feels like last people left in American politics. Who knows how to wield power. And knows why she wants to wield power. She’s a new book coming out. The art of power. And she came by the times to talk about what she has learned. Why she does what she does and how she sees this moment in American politics. Nancy Pelosi. Welcome to the show. Pleasure to be here. So we’re talking on the day that Vice President Harris named Tim Walz as her vice presidential pick in the campaign. He served with you in the house. He is the first former member of the house to be on a ticket since Al Gore on a Democratic ticket, at least. What was he like in the house. What can you tell us about him to help us get to know him better. It was remarkable. In the house, he came winning a Republican seat. So he was a red to blue candidate and he came as the longest serving, non-commissioned officer in the military to ever to serve in the Congress. So he was on a path of Veterans Affairs and the rest. He came as a child who had worked in farming as a child. And so that the rural America was a big priority for him. And so when I hear people talking about what a liberal is, I’m like, wait a minute, this is not the same person. He was right down the middle. And just as getting off the elevator, I got a message from his classmates. They’re having a Zoom event for a fundraiser for him, which they were happy to invite me to his house classmates, classmates. He’s very popular in the house, very popular in the house. Members are so excited about him because he’s a wonderful person, just normal, lovely, wonderful guy. But let me just say, he called me right after this, shall we say, opportunity arose. I know how to go out. I know how to make this case. I know how to differentiate. I can get this done. I’m putting myself out there and Who’d thunk it. Here he is, Governor of Minnesota and he’s putting himself out there. And then he comes up with weird, which becomes viral and the rest. And here he is. So I have to give him a lot of credit for not only being a great governor. And values based and visionary. And all that, but being quite an adept politician. Experience is a governor is very prized presidentially. People talk about executive experience. People talk about experience. In the Senate. Joe Biden was partially on the ticket with Obama due to his background in the Senate. What do you learn in the House that you don’t learn from being a governor or being a Senator. The governor is a different story. That’s an administrative management experience that is different. And we’re very proud that we have so many. If you read my book, you don’t see too much, shall we say, patience with a Senator and a Senator and a Senator and a Senator and a Senator, because what they do, they bring their staff, their staff, their staff. And there’s such a Senate centric attitude toward what can pass the Senate. Well, we’re a bandwagon. They’re a convoy. So I’m glad to see somebody with the House experience going into the executive branch. You make the argument in the book that members of the House are more retail oriented than members of Senate. I think that’s. So what do you mean by that. Well, I mean that they are. We have to run every two years, so we’re close. And that has our founders intended that we would be close to the people they employ every six years. It’s a whole different story. Not that not that we don’t value them and what they bring to it and all that, but ours is, shall we say, a little more rough and tumble, a little more impatience to get things done and a little more closeness to the constituents, our bosses, we consider them our bosses. One of the ways Walz has changed the campaign quickly is the injection of the word and the idea of weirdness into it, and that ended up flavoring how I read some of your book because you have a very funny chapter actually on Donald Trump that is largely about him being very weird in conversations with you. So what have you thought about first the bringing of weirdness as an attack into the campaign. And two, how well does it describe your experience of Trump and the Republicans who followed him. I mean, we’re as weird, but wrong is even different. It’s a good word. I mean, it’s on the path. But I think that dangerous is probably. But it’s not, shall we say, appealing a word. It sounds confrontational, but I think they’re very dangerous. It strikes me that one reason it’s connected in the way it has is that it is deflating. I think in many ways, Joe Biden often wanted Trump’s threat to be the center of the campaign. And this feels like an interesting inversion. It’s about making them smaller, pushing them more to the side, grabbing hold of normalcy, not making them into a sort of unstoppable supervillain. Well, to that end. One of the things that my understanding is that Trump does not like to be laughing. Said and this made people laugh at them. The weird thing is they’re dangerous. He’s very weird. People laughed and they don’t like to be laughed at. That’s why he had a thing about me because I was making people laugh at him. So I was struck. So JD Vance, his initial attack on walls was that walls is a San Francisco style liberal. I happen to talk with walls a week ago and he told me that he had actually just been to San Francisco for the first time a few weeks ago. But it got me thinking. So you’re a San Francisco liberal and you were a very, very successful speaker of the House, Kamala Harris, a San Francisco politician, Vice President, now the presumptive nominee, Gavin Newsom, a San Francisco politician. Yeah got himself sort of has become a real national Democrat in a way I wouldn’t even have expected a couple of years ago. San Francisco actually has a pretty strong record right now of training politicians who become national figures, who seem quite adept in power at throwing a punch or taking a punch. And it’s like the list could go on right now. Ro Khanna, who’s outside San Francisco by a bit but has become an important nationalized figure. I think Scott Wiener in San Francisco has become a very influential figure. La politicians haven’t been playing as much at such a national level, and you could look at a lot of different cities across the country that don’t seem to be generating as many national figures. Well, I could name them quite a few other people, even more prominent than us who came out of or anybody you named who came out of San Francisco. We had Liam McCarthy, who was the speaker, Willie Brown, who was the speaker, George Moscone, who was the president pro tem. But Leo then became Lieutenant Governor, but he aspired to be the Senator and Dianne Feinstein, of course. But so why is San Francisco trained so many politicians to be so adept at wielding both power and media. Well, it’s all about the why. Why are you even into this. It’s a place that is an intellectual resource, whether we’re talking about saving the planet, whether you’re talking about LGBTQ rights, whether you’re talking about a woman’s right to choose, you name any subject, and there is a bedrock of support for it. And again, intellectual resource as well as strategic thinking about how to get things done. It’s highly educated in the whole region, a beautiful, beautifully diverse in terms of people who are there. And we have every religion or none. We have every political thought or whatever, and a lot of success, but a lot of need, a lot of need. So it’s again, a challenge to conscience the intellectual resource, the universities, Cal Stanford, University of San Francisco and all of that as a resource to it. So when it comes to the politics, it’s a network of allegiances and it’s not easy. I mean, it’s competitive and their loyalties and their loyalties. And so you have to get through all of that. And look at Kamala. Kamala, she ran against her boss, the incumbent. I was actually for him because he was for me and his family. The Hallinan family was a major, major Democratic Progressive family. And she ran against him. She won. So she had courage. She had courage to go forward. And then when she ran for attorney general, it was a very tough race. It was a massive primary. But she figured out a way. So when people talk about it, I said what, she’s not only a person of deep faith, which I personally admire in her and her commitment to public service. Officially, she’s strong. She knows what she cares about and she fights for it. Most recently, we see with the women’s right to choose and other issues. And politically, she’s astute, but you don’t realize it. But when you see she got to be district attorney, she got to be attorney general which was tough. That was a tough race. Very close. And she got to be vice president. And as soon as there was an opportunity, we thought there could be an open opportunity if people wanted to run and they could have. But she locked it down right away. Tell me about how she did that. She coalesced the party very rapidly. Yeah, well, I think here’s the thing. The thought was that if this were to happen, but it happened fast, we ain’t none of us had any idea he would do it that Sunday. Well, I didn’t have any idea. Most people didn’t. So when he did that and endorsed her, then the thought was everybody wanted an open process. Let’s see the talent, let’s see the bench of the Democrats and let them come. And see what they can attract. But when he endorsed her, then it was. Are you with me or not. And she moved quickly. She really moved quickly. And again, a sign of her adroitness in terms of being politically astute. So every step of the way, except for her race for president, which enabled her to be vice president, that wasn’t a success per se, but it led to it. So it was more the appetite that people had to win. I mean, my whole thing in all of this is our goal is to make sure that Donald Trump never steps foot in the White House because he’s beyond weird. I won’t go into all the adjectives. When you make a decision about your goal, you have to make every decision in favor of reaching that goal. But the most important part of the decision is the candidate and the campaign. And it didn’t seem as if there was a campaign in place and it was discouraging to people. So that decision about the campaign or per se, the person was the critical thing. And when that changed, then people who had been discouraged were overwhelmingly I mean, just overwhelmingly watching the pent up energy express itself has been something amazing. It’s beautiful to behold. And my members see the members, I call them my members still, but the members were so down and then they became not that they were losing. They and our Thanks to Suzan DelBene, our chair and the leadership there, they were in good shape. If Joe Biden lost by 5 points in their district, but not if he lost by 7. And so they weren’t desperate. But when this changed, it made such volunteers small donor contributions, just a whole different thing. Now we have to sustain it. There was a sort of remarkable feel for the timing of different things throughout that process, I want to quote from your book that caught my eye. This is about how you are a speaker and you say that the speaker, quote, you must demonstrate a plan and you must act without hesitation. The minute you hesitate, your options are diminished. The longer you wait, the more your options are diminished. Tell me about that principle. Well, the thing is that if you’re the leader what I make before that, I think or maybe in the course of that, I make the comparison with being a member of Congress. You have you can be deductive, study it, learn it, hearings, constituent meetings, this or this. But sometimes when you’re the leader or the speaker or an executor like the President of the United States or a governor, you have to act intuitively. And the minute you hesitate, you hesitate. I’m going to make get my agenda for red cups and then the other one is going to get their agenda for that thing. And everybody starts acting to protect their interest, which reduces your success. You have to act 9 out of 10 times. You’ll be right. That’s not a bad average. Maybe 9 out of 10 times you’ll be right. I’m not sure we all have that average. Well, you have to know. You have to know yourself. They say trust your gut. Well, what’s your gut. Unless you know what you’re talking about. The appetite of the voters and this or that you have listened. You don’t start listening that day. You might take a quick tally to make sure everybody knows the direction you’re going in. But I completely subscribe to you act, you’ll prevail. And they know you’re going to act so they won’t mess with you. I mean, I should say it in a nicer way than that. They know you’re going to act. They might curb their enthusiasm until another time. But when people believe you’re going to act, it changes their strategy. It does. They want to negotiate for another day. And that’s always the leverage to they have leverage. You have leverage because they may want something another day. You did something over the past couple of weeks, month that I actually found in a way. I don’t usually find strategic movements sort of remarkable and inexplicable. And I’m not going to ask you about anything you did or didn’t do in private. I want to be delicate about this, but July 8, Joe Biden sent a letter to members of Congress and he said the debate about me running is over. I’m running. I was voted for by 14 million people in the Democratic primary. Are you trying to take away their voice. We’re done with this. Two days later, you went on Morning Joe. It’s up to the president to decide if he is going to run. We’re all encouraging him to make that decision because time is running short. I’ve been having House Democrats text me all that day before they said it’s over. It’s a Fait accompli. He’s quelled this. You walked out and reopened the space for deliberation by saying something in a way didn’t make logical sense. He had made his decision. Tell me about that language that how did that then everybody else picked up your template. We’re waiting for him to make that decision. Where did that come from. Well, I wanted to see a campaign that could win because I had made a decision that I stayed in Congress to defeat what’s his name because I think he is a danger to our country. It’s not like a Bob Dole or a George Bush or something like that. We have a difference of opinion. It’s patriotism or. No autocracy or democracy. It’s a different thing. I actually was on that show because I was bringing Svetlana so that people could hear about Belarus. That was our main purpose that morning of. I didn’t accept the letter as anything but a letter. I mean. And there are some people who are unhappy with the letter. Let me say it differently. Some said that some people were unhappy with the letter. Put it in somebody else’s mouth because it was AI mean, it didn’t sound like Joe Biden to me. It really didn’t. But people my main purpose, though, as it was to say, stop saying things because he has NATO here. If you have something to say, save it for later until they’re gone, because this is a big deal. The summit of NATO, which he has strengthened, grown and now is hosting and they’re doing great things and he’s the center of it all. Save your comments for later. But the thing that was happening in that moment was that as time was moving forward, the space for options was diminishing. That’s what it felt like to everybody watching this, covering it to people inside it. And you flip that. Yeah and reopen the question of deliberation, right. I mean, as you said, you said, let’s talk about this again after NATO and that it’s like you put a wedge in a door that somebody was trying to slam closed and every time you slammed it, it just sort of popped back open a little bit. I’ve actually seen you do this a few times. I’ve covered politics with you at the center of it for long enough. I remember watching you do this with the Affordable Care Act a number of times after Scott Brown won that Senate seat, Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat, and it felt like the bill was collapsing. And you have a sort of tendency when a thing is beginning to fall apart, to simply assert that it isn’t, and to reopen people’s imagination about the options. You talk about that in terms of intuition, but how do when something is breaking and how do when it can actually be held together in those two cases, maybe. Well, I see everything as an opportunity. No matter what it is, it’s an opportunity, an opportunity for change, an opportunity to grow whatever it is. So when we did the Affordable Care Act. And they were like, now you’re dead. We are not passing up an opportunity of a generation that people have been trying to do, presidents have been trying to do for hundreds years. So this is after Scott Brown wins in Massachusetts. For people who don’t remember this, Ted Kennedy dies. He dies. Scott Brown wins in Massachusetts. And I covered the Affordable Care Act very, very closely. And it fell to people like it was going to die that the message a lot of Democrats took off of Scott Brown’s win was this is politically lethal. And for many, it ultimately was, at least at that period, and we should abandon it. We’ve gone too far. They were getting yelled at in town halls, and the feeling was that you pulled that back from the brink. Well, let me tell you. So when the Senate Bill, which was a real stinkeroo, I mean, there was no way we were going to vote for it. But finally they passed. At least they had a vehicle and we had our vehicle and we were going to go to conference and we’re all set to go to conference like the next day after the election. you’re dead. But the conference that we were engaged in prepared us for what we would put in reconciliation. So I knew we had reconciliation. So we didn’t need 60, but we needed to have something that our House Democrats would vote for. So the consensus that was built in conference prepared us for something that we could do in reconciliation and pass because there was no way. Yeah, but you needed to stiffen your members to pass even that. A lot of them wanted to flee. No, they didn’t want to pass it at all. I said, it stinks because see what we had to do, which was worse because of reconciliation, which is weird. It’s very weird. It’s weird. It’s the thing is the strangest way to do legislation. The president, they all kept saying to me, just pass the Senate Bill. I said, I wouldn’t even vote for that thing, much less bring it up. And my members are not voting for it. It’s a terrible bill. You have missed an opportunity and you don’t have things in there that you should. But I don’t vote for a bill for what it doesn’t have but I’m not voting for it. If I don’t like what it does have. But then it came to us and this was horrible, horrible. But you roll. They said, the parliamentarian says that you cannot pass your bill, the Senate Bill, and add your amendments until this bill is signed into law. My God. That meant I had to go to the members and say that stinking, lousy, rotten nothing bill from the Senate. We’re going to have to vote for it. So it gets signed into law. Then Harry gets these passed, we stick it here and then we have a victory you can’t make. What I hate the bill. I told the president I have nothing, that it’s a missed opportunity. But President was on the line. Harry Reid was on the line. And I was on the line and they voted for the stinking, lousy bill that I was never going to bring up, that I was never going to vote for, but we had to do it. And then we have the success that we went out there for Mr Speaker, I yield the balance of our time to the gentlewoman from. I yield one minute. The gentlewoman from California, who has led the way in this quest for health care reform, tirelessly, persistently, she has brought us to this moment of decision. The gentlelady from California, the Speaker of the House, Mrs. Pelosi. Thank you, my colleagues. After a year of debate and hearing the calls of millions of Americans, we have come to this historic moment. Today, we have the opportunity to complete the great unfinished business of our society and pass health insurance reform for all Americans. That is a right and not a privilege. I was sorry we never could get because the Senate wouldn’t do it. Public option would have saved us money and but we couldn’t get it. But we put provisions in the bill that compensated for that. So it wasn’t so bad, but it wasn’t as good as it could be. But the reconciliation piece, I guess they just didn’t think we would do. I don’t know what they thought, but we were not going to pass the bill. And President always stuck with us. I’m not saying all these people did, but the president always he was one. There are people in the White House who thought it was time to time to cut bait, go for go for a mini bill. Who are they thinking. Don’t run for office yourself. I mean this. You ain’t going to happen. You got that. It’s not going to happen. Before you were in Congress, you were the state chair of the California Democratic Party. I thought I was the queen of the world, the biggest party in the country, grassroots organizing, owning the ground with your message, developing the candidates. My God, it was heaven. But you’re a party person, which not everybody is these days. One of the most remarkable things to me about watching covering the Democratic Party over the past couple of months has been watching it do something collectively in very difficult, uncertain circumstances. I was sitting with a Republican, a significant sort of experienced Republican, and I was asking him, why were they so surprised by the switch. Why was there so little talk of Kamala Harris at the Republican convention. And he said, we never thought they would do it. The Democrat, the Democratic Party has held together as an organization, an institution in recent years, not just in the past couple of months. And the Republicans haven’t. Look at the speakers on the Republican side. How many of them have been deposed, rendered powerless, their lives made miserable. John Boehner left whisper whistling zip-a-dee-doo-dah. Yeah tell me about how you have kept Democrats thinking and acting like a party, how you’ve empowered them to do that, and maybe how they’ve empowered you to act with power inside the party that they gave me. Well, here’s the thing. As I say, in the book, there are two things. One is I see myself as a Weaver at a loom and we have all these members and the beautiful diversity, 70 percent of our caucus are women, people of color, LGBTQ. That’s not the only diversity. It’s geographic. It’s generational. It’s everything you can think of. It’s philosophical philosophy and the rest. But they all know that why there are Democrats. So you have to know your why. Otherwise, what are you what are you doing that they know why they’re Democrats and some of the ones that might seem the most close to the edge in terms of a vote are the last ones who would become Republicans because they know what the Republicans are or aren’t. And you make everybody know that what I’m weaving here depends on all of you treating each one of you respect. Every thread makes a mosaic, a tapestry that is so beautiful. And we you’re part of that. So if we are not unanimous on something, that’s O.K. Just as long as we have the consensus to proceed. So you may not be part of the unanimity on any given or even part of the consensus, but respect it because tomorrow is another day. And your issue something you’re more interested in regionally, whatever it is, and that tapestry will be there for you. But that should be true for Republicans, right. It should be true for Republicans that the shifting coalitions benefit them over time. It should be true for Republicans that they have interests that weave in and out. It has become less true. The range of motion for Kevin McCarthy. If you don’t believe in governance, that’s what holds it together for Democrats. And you don’t believe in science. If science tells us we have to do this to protect the planet and we need these protections, they don’t want the protections of the science or the governance that goes into doing this. So you’re dealing it’s very hard to find leverage with people who don’t have really any beliefs or any agenda. But it’s hard to negotiate with somebody who wants nothing. We had to leave a week early because they couldn’t do a rule to bring up the Bills their own side, their own side couldn’t come and say, you have to be able to come to the side on some bill. You have no idea. And so it’s respect. It’s listening. It’s building off of the information that people have. It’s not anything coming from the top down. It’s all bubble up from the caucus. And there’s one word that I attribute to my caucus, which is courage. They have the courage to go out and make the vote if they believe that this is what we need to do. And if there’s a path that shows that this can become law and that courage, because I know the other side is going to go out and paint the thing like it’s Pooh, Pooh and kaka when we think it’s chocolate ice cream. Bernie Sanders or AOC, they often argue with where the Democrats end up, but they often vote for the bill in the end. I mean, Sanders was there on the Affordable Care Act and every vote people needed. He wasn’t shutting the government down like Ted Cruz. And there are public. Is the thing, in your view, that broke the Republican Party’s ability in the government to act as a coherent institution. The fact that they just don’t believe in or want enough from the government to have reason to continue being partially connected to the negotiation process. Operational I mean, in other words, one of the things I love is being a legislator. It’s hard work. I mean, I don’t say that as a complaint. I love it. I mean, I love it. I love it. But it’s people are working all the time, developing issues, developing policy, whether they start with a bill and/or take it through the process, take it home, listen to constituents at home, see what the possibilities are on the other side of the aisle or the other side of the Capitol. So it’s a triumph. When you pass a bill. It’s a triumph, especially if it’s going to be signed into law. But you have to have goals. You have to have a why. Let’s come back to the why. And you have to have respect for other people’s views. And who’s going to take the lead on something. You some people want to always be in the lead, but they don’t really produce votes. It’s like yeah, that’s interesting. O.K., see you later. But tomorrow, maybe that’ll be another day. But everybody has to know tomorrow is another day. You told a story I really liked in the book about getting your members to vote for the Defense Authorization bill that included the repeal of Don’t Ask, don’t tell. Yeah do you mind telling that here. Well, it was hard because not all the Democrats were, shall we say, were as fully on board as we would have liked them to be. But we did get the number of votes for an Amendment, for an Amendment to the Defense Authorization bill. And don’t ask, don’t tell comes up. I pass the bill. My God. Even the chair of the committee, the Democratic chair of the committee was against it before we passed it. And I said to them, This is pretty exciting today. Now this is Barney Frank. And as you all, everybody you can think of who was lefty, everybody, all the lefties up, you made history today. Yeah, we made history. We repeal in an accident. I said, no, you’re going to make it twice. Why you’re going to vote for the first time for a Defense Authorization bill. Don’t ask us to do that. We will never, ever do it. I said, well, you like the repeal of Don’t Ask, don’t tell. We don’t have it unless we pass a bill. Well, what makes you think everything. What? the Republicans always vote for the defense Bill I said, I can see it in their eyes. I know them. I know them. They ain’t give my ain’t voting for the bill. Are you wet. I might be. I can read lips and I can see it in their eyes. They ain’t voting for it 9 Republicans voted for the bill, 9 Republicans. That means overwhelmingly voted against it. Now, we had some trouble in the Senate, so we had to split it up. And they said, but we got it passed Thanks to Harry Reid. I said, see made history twice in one day. Don’t ever ask me to do that again. We’ll see. We’ll see. I want to recognize Nancy Pelosi. Steny Hoyer. And Harry Reid. Today, we’re marking a historic milestone, but also the culmination of two of the most productive years in the history of Congress, in no small part because of their leadership. And so we are very grateful. I want to go back for a second to you could see it in their eyes. I see it in their eyes. You talk in the book about what makes a good speaker and you say strategic know how. You say a policy background and then you say, above all else, intuition. People don’t usually admit that a big part of their job. There you go. But you’re known as somebody who does know if the votes are going to be there. A lot of people don’t speakers don’t, minority leaders don’t. And you didn’t say to me there, well, we had done a whip count. You don’t have the Republican whip count in your pocket. You’re not a Republican. You also knew that the liberals would do the thing you were telling them ultimately they need to do. You said people say, are you a witch. Where does that intuition come from for what people are going to do. Because it does make you good at that job or it did make you great at that job. It made you important in what’s been happening, the Democratic Party in recent weeks. There’s something deep there. How do you explain why you have it and what separates the people like you who have it in Congress from those who don’t. How do you develop that, women’s or. Well, there are many who do have it. So it’s not just me, but the my whole thing with the members is they’ve no, I’ve never wanted anything. I didn’t want to be appointed to anything. I didn’t want to run for any other office. I loved being in the House. I loved the House. As I say, in the book. You’re close to your constituents as nothing more thrilling to me than walk on the floor and say, I speak for the people of San Francisco, no matter what other honors may be bestowed upon me at the time. But you just walk in see, you’re always observing and learning and respecting and listening to what you think the other side might do and whatever chairs you might get from them. But I knew they weren’t going to vote for this bill. I mean, they’re terrible when it comes to those kinds of issues. I think you’re I think you’re underselling this a little bit. I know that you as speaker, nobody thought you wanted to leave that job. But there’s AI have asked many times over the years about processes you’ve been at the center of and said, well, how did she get them to vote for that. How did she know where they were going to go. How did she just said people will say to you, are you a witch. There’s some intuitive process here. I always think of intuition as the ability to make quick judgments based on a deep of knowledge, right. Something is behind them. Something is behind it. You were known for being very good at staying in touch with your members. Yeah and having a sense of what they needed, where they really were. I thought it was striking in the book very early in the book, when you’re talking about your work as speaker, you write with a lot of pride about all of the leadership positions you created. I think you took it from 8 to 18, something like that. 2/3 of them are created, but early in a book we end up having long chapters about Donald Trump and the Iraq war. Before a lot of that, you’re talking about how important it was that you created these other positions that let other parts of the caucus have a seat near leadership. There’s something you did institutionally, organizationally, that kept you. They kept your finger on the pulse of it. How do you think about that. How do when you know where they all are. Well, I spent a long time in committee work, appropriations and intelligence, even some time on more time than anybody else on ethics. Not that I wanted to do that, but I was paying my dues to the caucus. So I was dedicated committee member. I had no interest in running for leadership. Why would I want to do that when I could be doing appropriations or intelligence or any of that. So you get to know how the system works and who, what lights, who’s fire and the rest. And then, of course, you listen to them. You’re just always listening. That’s how you would learn as you’re always listening. But also, as you said the word before, you have to have a plan. This is the plan because sometimes people say, well, I’m not voting for that because they ain’t going it ain’t going nowhere and you’re making me walk the Plank. And I’m saying, no, we have to. Again, this is a bandwagon. It’s not a convoy that goes as slow as the slowest ship where we’re on the move and we have to show our constituents action. Your real partisan of the House, you quote John Dingell, the late, great member of the House, saying the Republicans are the opposition, but the Senate is the enemy. If there was no Senate or at least if there was no Senate filibuster, if the House was what governed America. If it was the if we were unicameral, one legislative body had America be different today. Well, I don’t advocating for that. I’m not saying I might advocate for a new country starting. I’m having I’m not advocating for that. But I do think the. Compromise that our beautiful visionary founders had in giving every state two votes, 40 million California, two senators, Idaho, two senators. They don’t even have as many constituents as I have in San Francisco. But nonetheless, that was the Constitution. We take an oath to protect and defend it. That was the compromise that created America. They couldn’t foresee 40,000,001 million as the difference between the states, but any of it. So then they decide that it’s going to be 60 votes. So we’re saying 40 percent wins, 41, 40 percent 0.1 a hair wins. This is ridiculous. And this is what we have to fight. And if they don’t, I’m going to keep my promise and send them 100 powdered wigs because they’re just living in a different era. I mean, immigration woman’s right to choose, raise the minimum wage, all these kinds of things. 51 votes like that. And people get frustrated. Why you why can’t you do what you said you were going to do. But we do it in the House. But they don’t do it in the Senate. Well, what’s that. Yeah I mean, a cynicism creeps in, and I think understandably so. I mean, Democrats will run this year on protecting and reinstating through law the protections of Roe. But if they win, they’re not going to have 60 votes in the Senate, which means that even if they do keep the Senate, which means that they can’t really do it because they have to get rid of the filibuster, the rescue package, 51 votes, Ira, 51 votes. You see even the chipset, because it goes through budget reconciliation. Yeah then the chips are now here’s a chip chipset. All the Republicans want the chips. The business community wants the CHIPS Act. You saw the excitement for the CHIPS Act, right. So they were saying to me, we probably some of the Republicans were saying to me, we probably get like 35 Republican votes because they don’t want Biden have any success. So remember, I said anti-science, anti governance, anti whoever the Democratic president is, they have a trifecta going so they don’t have to do anything right and they don’t want to do anything. So saying they were going to give us 35 votes, some of the Democrats thought that we’re giving money to corporate America or something like that. So we couldn’t count on everybody in the ranking member of the science space and Technology Committee that was the committee of jurisdiction makes a beautiful presentation about the bill and the bipartisanship that helped shape the stem parts of it. And the. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. 10:00 I’m talking to tech on the phone and I get a thing on my phone and it says, McCarthy just told him nobody can vote for the bill. And whatever his name is, the ranking member has to argue against the bill to manage against the bill tomorrow, which was they should at least let somebody else manage the opposition. When this guy had just made this beautiful speech. And so I said, we just lost all the Republican votes. Where do they go to school. I’m calling their University president. I said it’s o’clock at night. I said to I said, let me just tell my staff, tell the Republicans to go to hell. We’re going to pass the bill without them. O.K. that was my message. I don’t usually use foul language, but that was ridiculous. The CHIPS bill. So I said, just tell him. We don’t need them. We don’t need them. We don’t want them. So I didn’t have the votes at that moment, but I figured I’d one way or another I had to leverage to get them. So we get the votes. When we get to 218, something like 24 Republicans came on board, but not until we passed it ourselves. That’s how bad they are. They wouldn’t even vote for the CHIPS Act, the bill to make us independent, self-reliant as a country for all these products that go into everything that we not that but my phone yours that we do. And then one more this I have to tell you this one more because this one just defies everything. They don’t want Roe v Wade, right. I respect that. I come from an Italian Catholic family. But they think I’m a little too exuberant on the subject. But that’s their problem. I’ve had five children in six years and seven days. I know what I’m talking about here. So the I’m not complaining. It’s beautiful for me, but why should I say that’s what other people should do. So we bring a bill to the floor. Kathy Manning of North Carolina. I’m Congresswoman Kathy Manning. I am proud to represent North Carolina’s sixth congressional district. My bill establishes a federal statutory right for individuals to access and use contraceptives and for health care professionals. To provide them. Congress must immediately pass this bill to ensure people can access their birth control without government interference. We are not willing to play defense on this critically important issue. We are playing offense. Women have a right. To contraception. And then have a right to contraception. Remember said to me, you’re letting them off the hook. They’re going to look good voting for themselves for contraception. Eight Republicans voted for it, 195 voted against it. Some of them women. Women said that our country is that freedom is the public know how dangerous they are. You wrote a book about the art of power. Trump wrote a book years ago, one of the foundations of his public reputation, the art of the deal. Still, he runs saying, look, I’m a good deal maker. All these other politicians, these career politicians didn’t know how to make a good deal. America’s always getting ripped off. These Republicans can’t make a good deal in Congress. You need me. You’ve watched Donald Trump working on deals. You’ve made deals with him. You’ve watched deals fall apart with him. What would you tell the American people about what Trump does and doesn’t know about how to make a deal. Well, if he’s going to make a deal, you have to be true to your word. You have to be honest. And he doesn’t have an honest. Thread in his body. I’ll tell you, you hear them now schmoozing with what’s his name, Musk. When we did our last bill, he’s going out as president. We’re finishing in the lame duck. The bill to keep government open and the rest of it. If you put a dollar in the bill for electric cars, I will veto the bill. $1 we had Mary Barra. We had everybody calling him and saying, what is this. You’re tying the hands of American prosperity. This is an industry. This is a company. Nothing we couldn’t do anything on electric cars because he was so in the pocket of the fossil fuel industry. So in the pocket of it, he would shut down government and we couldn’t let that happen. We couldn’t let that get rid of the creep. So I don’t know what kind of a deal that is. That’s not a deal. That’s not. If you do this, I’ll do that. I’m not. I ain’t doing nothing. Some of the other negotiations we had on, he would not face reality like this is one that I it means a lot to me because it’s feeding the children. We wanted to have money for the Children’s programs, school programs during the summer when they were not in school and they still had to eat because that’s where they got their food is when they went to school. But there was no money. There was no money, there was just no money. So he said it was a CR. We came right around. Now it was a CR. A continuing resolution. Yeah has to be absolutely clean. You can’t have anything in it. I’m talking to Steph Curry and all these advocates for feeding the children. So I’m sorry, I can’t do anything has to be clean. So he comes up with, I need $30 billion to pay the farmers. He had ripped off the farmers with his China deal because they couldn’t buy the products and all that stuff the Chinese couldn’t buy. So he was going to give them money to make up for his China stuff. So clean just for people who don’t just continues funding the government at more or less current levels, he says nothing can be in it. And now he wants $30 billion, $30 billion. And he said, this is still clean with that in it. That’s not clean. What are you That’s what I say in the book. Either he’s stupid or he thinks we’re stupid. It ain’t clean, Mr. Now you’re not getting it. Well, then I’m not. You’re not getting it. You understand. You are not getting it. I have to have it. So I need $8 billion for the children’s school program. It can’t do that. That’s not clean. It’s as clean as yours. So we got the $8 billion, but he was trying to pass off $30 billion to cover his stupid whatever you want to call it, on the China thing. So he he’s like he’s the categorical imperative. Whatever he says, that’s what it is. That’s what it is. That’s not a way to make a deal. What’s that. Another bill. They came to me and said, absolutely no, you can’t have any money for global anything. Global health. You can’t have anything. No global. Nothing beyond the regular appropriations. Nothing I’ve told Elton John Bono, Bill Gates, everybody you can think of we ain’t got no money for any vaccines or anything else because the president says no, rah. They said, we forgot. We promised Sudan $700 million to be part of the Abraham Accords. I promised them $700 million. And then they were going to not be at Rogue Nation, which is ridiculous. But nonetheless, this is minutia. I have to have it. I promise. I have to have the money. I have to have $4 billion for the vaccine program. So we got a 700. We got our $4 billion for the vaccine program. So that was O.K. to change the rules for them. But they didn’t know we were not going to do that unless there was something in it for our values. I guess you could hear this and say, well, maybe what Trump does is he comes up with a very harsh starting offer. And then in the end, in these different stories, he got the thing he wanted. He got the money for the farmers, he got the money for Sudan. Is he actually, in a way, a strong dealmaker? Or is your argument here that he could have gotten more of what he wanted if he was willing to treat it. No, he just didn’t want us to get anything. He was not a person of any values. See, when you’re doing the budget, see, I’m an appropriator that’s in my DNA. Really my father was on the Appropriations Committee when he was in. So I love it. And I love every aspect. And when they make presentations in the rooms, I listen to every single word. They’re like, come on, it’s time to go. Everybody else’s leaving. I’m listening. He was like, disgusting. It was holding up money for women, for food, for women, infants and children. They didn’t want to spend that much money because it was going to add to the National debt. If they gave $2 trillion to the richest people in America, they couldn’t feed poor women and infant and children. So no values, no anything. So I don’t think that he was clever in any of it. He didn’t think ahead. He didn’t think ahead or he could have had something better. But to throw his considerable weight around. I saw one the other day. It said him and he sang Kamala is trying to find her color as they’re spraying him with orange. What do you think happens if Donald Trump wins a second term. The race is very close. It’s very close in battleground states. It’s possible you’ve seen him before. You also have a sense of the kinds of Republicans who are now in Congress, which is different. Trump was dealing with a Republican Party that was not fully bought into him in Congress in 2017. It’s a very different Republican Party now. What is possible. What would you predict would be true if him and the Republicans win in 2024? That wasn’t true, then. I can’t envision it. I cannot envision it. The first time, people thought, well, maybe he’ll respect the institution or the presidency. Little did we know he didn’t, but we thought I might. So, O.K., let’s give him the benefit of the doubt. We all want our president to succeed, whoever he may be. But then we saw how vile, how disgusting, how crooked, how everything he was. So now we have to make sure he doesn’t win. And anybody said, well, I didn’t like Hillary because of this or I didn’t like what. Kamala is the person. He’s the other one. That’s the choice. We have to make sure he doesn’t win. I can’t even envision a situation where he would win if he were to win and we didn’t win the House. Imagine how horrible it would be. Imagine how horrible it would be. I can hardly sleep at night as it is, but that would be unspeakable, unthinkable, impossible for our country. We just have to do it all. Own the ground. You own the ground. It’s all over. I’m going to Michigan next week. I might know more after I come back from there. Because until you’re on the ground in each of the United States, you really and I’ve been in Arizona, I’ve been almost every place, but I haven’t been to Michigan. I’ll see what that is. Meantime, Joe Biden, just a remarkable president of the United States. We have to make sure his legend, his legacy, which is our legacy, we pass that. A lot of my members had to take tough votes for it. So we want it to be recognized. But more importantly, we want people to avail themselves of the goodness of it all. And that. Then always our final question what are three books that have influenced you. You’d recommend to me. I don’t know. That influenced me. The Bible, of course. Books I like Norman Lear, used to say, that’s interesting. What’s next. So what book led me to what’s next was one was one of the few Umberto books that I could read with great ease called the Island of the day before the island of David was about the age of wonder, which I love the age of wonder. When all these countries were competing in the world, you could measure, measure latitude by the stars, but longitude, you had to have something else. So it’s about that. And then that took me down the path of studying longitude and where the first clock came that could be on a boat and all that so that open doors, what’s next. Another one is I read over and over again some multi time, some just once of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s books. The one I like the best is love in the time of cholera, and so all about the culture and the almost witchcraft of the region. But I read all this as books. There’s one I’m all of a sudden blanking on the author age of wonder. Have you ever read that. God, it’s the best book it talks about. And I used to give it to everybody. I’ll send it to you. It talks about in that era when Darwin went South, he really couldn’t come home and publish for a long time. But quasi religious. The religious community couldn’t accept that. So it was a couple of decades, or at least before he could. So it’s about that. But it talked about the first use of the word scientist, which was not used until like the 1820s or something like that, because religion and science, it had to find its path, not necessarily together for a while. So those are three. I love what influenced me. I don’t know. I have an insatiable appetite for any books about our country and our founders and Lincoln everything. I’ll just close by telling you this. I’m from Baltimore. Originally national anthem was written there. So when you go to the game and you come to the end land of the free, home of the brave and everybody Cheers. I cheer. Before that. I cheer when it says bombs bursting and all that proof through the night that our flag was still there and our flag was still at. That’s where we are now. We’re in the night and we have to prove through this night that our flag is still there. Nancy Pelosi, Thank you so much. Wonderful to see you. Thank you.
She has a new book, “ The Art of Power: My Story as America’s First Woman Speaker of the House ,” and she came by The Times to talk about what she has learned, why she does what she does, and how she sees this moment in American politics.
This is an edited transcript of our conversation.
We’re talking on the day that Vice President Kamala Harris named Tim Walz as her vice-presidential pick in the campaign. He is the first former House member to be on a Democratic ticket since Al Gore. What was he like in the House?
He was remarkable in the House. He came winning a Republican seat. So he was a red to blue candidate. He came as the longest-serving noncommissioned officer in the military ever to serve in the Congress. So he was on a path of veterans affairs and the rest. He came having worked in farming as a child and so rural America was a big priority for him.
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Learn the essential steps and tips on how to write a compelling comparison essay that effectively compares and contrasts two or more subjects to help you excel in your academic writing.
Learn how to effectively structure and write compare and contrast essays to showcase similarities and differences between two or more subjects, enhancing your analytical skills and essay-writing proficiency.
Basically, a compare and contrast essay involves analysis of similarities and differences between two or more subjects. It typically adheres to the following key components: · Relevant subjects: Select subjects with meaningful connections and relevance to your intended audience. · A clear thesis: Clearly state the two subjects you are ...
An essay hook is the first one or two sentences of your essay that are used to grab the reader's attention and draw them into your discussion.
Comparing and contrasting is also used in all kinds of academic contexts where it's not explicitly prompted. For example, a literature review involves comparing and contrasting different studies on your topic, and an argumentative essay may involve weighing up the pros and cons of different arguments. Prevent plagiarism.
Learn how to write a compare and contrast essay with these examples. Explore topics from education, music, math, and more.
Compare and contrast essays examine topics from multiple viewpoints. This kind of essay, often assigned in middle school and high school, teaches students about the analytical writing process and prepares them for more advanced forms of academic writing. Compare and contrast essays are relatively easy to write if you follow a simple step-by-step approach.
Learn how to write a compare and contrast essay with clear steps and examples. Find out how to analyze two subjects and make a strong argument.
A compare-and-contrast essay analyzes two subjects by either comparing them, contrasting them, or both. The purpose of writing a comparison or contrast essay is not to state the obvious but rather to illuminate subtle differences or unexpected similarities between two subjects.
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Writing a Comparison-and-Contrast Essay. First, choose whether you want to compare seemingly disparate subjects, contrast seemingly similar subjects, or compare and contrast subjects. Once you have decided on a topic, introduce it with an engaging opening paragraph.
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To make your compare and contrast essay interesting, you need to use attention-grabbing hooks. We have compiled a list of popular topics for such essays. If you are looking for an AI assistant to support you in your essay writing process, including hook sentence generation, TextCortex is the way to go. What is a Compare and Contrast Essay?
Here they are explained below: 1. Essay Planning. First, I recommend using my compare and contrast worksheet, which acts like a Venn Diagram, walking you through the steps of comparing the similarities and differences of the concepts or items you're comparing. I recommend selecting 3-5 features that can be compared, as shown in the worksheet:
Compare and contrast essays are often assigned to students because they promote critical thinking, analytical reasoning and organized writing. A compare and contrast essay should look at a subject in a new way, with fresh insight, using the similarities and the differences between two topics or two perspectives on one topic.
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The former speaker of the House discusses the election, Trump and the art of power.