In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Most compare and contrast essays bring one or both subjects into sharper focus, lead to a new way of viewing something, or show that one subject is better than the other. To compare and contrast effectively, your essay should make new connections or distinctions between two subjects. If your instructor has already given you your topic, you may be contrasting two things that could go into the same category, but are different from each other. For example, cats and dogs are both animals, but they are different from each other in many ways. The pro-life view on abortion, and the pro-choice view on abortion could both fit under the category of a human rights issue, but they are two very distinct views or positions. Take out a piece of paper or start a new document on a word processor. Create two columns for each subject for the similarities and and two columns for each subject for the differences between each subject. For example: Two separate lists for the similarities between cats and dogs, and the differences between cats and dogs.  Try to write as many similarities and differences you can think of. For example: cats and dogs are both domesticated animals. But cats have different temperaments than dogs, and cats are known to be indoor pets, while dogs tend to need to be walked and played with outside on a constant basis. Think about at least one or two meaningful differences and similarities between the two subjects. For example, a compare and contrast between abortion rights could lead to meaningful notes like: The pro-life stance views fetuses are full formed humans and are often based in religious beliefs, while the pro-choice stance views fetuses as undeveloped eggs and are often based in scientific beliefs. To focus your list, choose categories (or possible supporting points for your paper) to classify the similarities and differences between the two subjects. For example, for the abortion rights topic, you may choose categories like: legal details, women's rights, scientific stance, and religious beliefs. You can then separate each item on the list into these categories. Take out a piece of paper and draw two large overlapping circles, one for each subject or item. In the center area where the two circles overlap, list the traits the two items have in common. Assign each of the areas that do not overlap. In these areas, you can list the traits that make the subjects different. Be specific when listing words or phrases for each subject or each perspective on the same subject.  Once you are done listing 10-15 differences and 5-7 similarities, circle the most important items in each list. Then, match at least three opposites from one circle to the other circle. Review the list and look for three different categories that describe these traits. For example, for the abortion rights topic, you may have “scientific studies of the fetus” on the pro-choice side, and “belief in life of the fetus” on the pro-life side. One possible category could then be the debate of the life of a fetus. Try to answer the questions journalists traditionally ask: Who? What? Where? When? Why? and How? Apply these basic questions to your topic to get a sense of each topic or perspective.  If you're compare and contrasting two historical periods or events, you may ask: When did they occur (the dates and the duration)? What happened or changed during each event? Why are they significant? Who were the important people involved? How did the events occur, and what consequences did they have later in history? If you're compare and contrasting two ideas or theories, you may ask: What were they about? How did they originate? Who created them? What is the central focus, claim, or goal of each theory? How do the theories apply to situations/people/things, etc.? What kind of evidence is used to support each theory? If you're compare and contrasting two pieces of art, you may ask: What does each piece of art describe or depict? What is their tone or mood? What themes do they address? Who created them? When were they created? How do the creators of the artworks describe their own work? Why do you think the artworks were created as they were? If you're compare and contrasting two people, you may ask: Where is each person from? How old are they? What, if anything, are they known for? How do they identify themselves in terms of gender, race, class, etc? Do the two people have any relationship to each other? What does each person do? Why is each person interesting? What are the defining features of each person? Your instructor may require you to do in depth research on a complex topic, like abortion rights, or you may be writing from a purely opinion based perspective, such as why you love cats more than dogs. Once you complete your brainstorm, you should be able to identify aspects of the essay that you may need to do more reading or research on if your topic is academic and/or based in current events and social issues. Your instructor may also ask for a discussion of more than one similarity and difference between the two topics or two perspectives. Identify any gaps in your knowledge and prepare to do research so you can better compare and contrast the two topics in your essay.
Summary: Understand the structure of a compare and contrast essay. Make a list of similarities and differences. Create a Venn diagram of your topic. Answer the 5 W's and H questions. Note any gaps in your knowledge or research.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Fire has three principle uses in a survival situation:  Cooking Signaling Warmth   Wood used for a fire can be broken into the following categories:  Tinder - Dry and fluffy wood shavings, cedar bark, or even dryer lint. Kindling - Small twigs and splinters of wood. Fuel wood - Branches smaller than your wrist. Logs - Not used in any survival scenarios but nice for cabins.
Summary: Have a high knowledge about fire, the uses of it, and firewood types.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: A great way to showcase a larger collection of hand selected cards is by organizing them in a binder. Purchase a binder and pocket protection pages. You will be able to find the pocket protectors online or at your local hobby store. Organize your baseball cards by brand and year. Start with the oldest, most valuable cards, and move to the newer, less valuable cards. Decide what the collection is worth as a whole. You may find it helpful to look for similar collections online, to see what they're charging. Take a moment to jot down every card in the collection in the order you are presenting them in. This will help you understand the worth, and inform the buyers of what exactly they are purchasing. Always ask for a price a little higher than what they are really worth. This will open up a negotiation and barter between you and the buyer. Negotiate the best deal you can for your collection. Collect payment before sending your card collection out or having it collected if completing the transaction online. A secure way of paying and receiving payment online is a service like PayPal.
Summary:
Purchase presentation supplies. Present your cards. Research similar collections. Determine a starting price.