The first place to start in writing an essay is to research. You will need the internet or your local library to research the above material on the speeches. You will find that sites like the Miller Center and Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library can help you in your research. Once you have found the speeches, take notes on them. Review each speech and find several key sentences vital to the speech at large. You will notice that each hopes to change the thinking about government policies. However, they take a different approach. Your notes should include:
the central claim of each speech
specific words that support the central claims
the tone of the speech
any word or idea that is repeated (it may help for you to define it)
After you have a clear understanding of the prompt and have completed the majority of your research, you are ready to formulate a thesis. It should be one sentence that answers the question and states your stance. Make sure that your thesis not only directly answers the questions asked within the prompt, but also presents the subject of your body paragraphs.
After you have completed your research and written your thesis, it’s time to begin an outline of your essay. An outline helps you organize your ideas into a logical flow. Because this essay is a compare and contrast essay, you may find it easier to have a paragraph or two for each speech. Each body paragraph must support your sentence with details from your research. Use your notes and pick at least 4 pieces of information that will support your answer in the most logical way. Remember, transitions and linking phrases will help.