Jim Paull

The purpose of a compare and contrast essay is to analyze the differences and/or the similarities of two distinct subjects. A good compare/contrast essay doesn’t only point out how the subjects are similar or different (or even both!). It uses those points to make a meaningful argument about the subjects. While it can be a little intimidating to approach this type of essay at first, with a little work and practice, you can write a great compare-and-contrast essay!

EditSteps

EditLaying the Groundwork

1. Read your assignment carefully. A common mistake many students make is to write a compare-and-contrast essay when something else is being asked for. Make sure you understand exactly what your assignment requires. If you aren’t sure, ask your teacher or professor for clarification.
   • There are some common signs that your assignment is asking for a compare-and-contrast essay. The words “compare” and/or “contrast” are obvious clues, but there are other ways your assignment might phrase this, too.
   • For example, an assignment might ask: “Choose a particular theme, such as ambition or death, and consider how it is explored in two Renaissance poems.” This prompt doesn’t use the words “compare” or “contrast” explicitly, but it’s clearly asking you to think about two texts together (compare) and discuss how they approach the same topic (contrast).^[1]
2. Ask questions. If there’s anything in the assignment you aren’t sure you understand, ask your teacher as soon as you can. Don’t be afraid that you’ll look foolish for asking! Most teachers would much rather have students ask genuine questions than plow on with the wrong idea of what they need to do.
   • Asking your friends or classmates can also be a good resource, but ask your teacher to clarify the assignment first.
   • If your assignment involves research, your school or college’s librarian can help you find resources. Don’t be afraid to use the help you have!
3. Start early. Great essays simply aren’t written two hours before they’re due. Get started on your essay as soon as you can. Even if you don’t need to consult any outside sources or research, it takes time to formulate a thoughtful thesis about your subjects. Waiting until the last minute means your work will feel rushed or shallow, and that can ding your grade.
   • Remember to put due dates, etc., in your calendar or planner. This makes it harder for those essays to sneak up on you.

EditFormulating Your Argument

1. Pick two subjects that can be compared and contrasted. The first step to writing a successful compare and contrast essay is to pick two subjects that are different enough to be compared. There are several things to consider when choosing your subjects:^[2]
   • You could pick two subjects that are in the same “category” but have differences that are significant in some way. For example, you could choose “homemade pizza vs. frozen grocery store pizza.”
   • You could pick two subjects that don’t appear to have anything in common but that have a surprising similarity. For example, you could choose to compare bats and whales. (One is tiny and flies, and the other is huge and swims, but they both use sonar to hunt.)
   • You could pick two subjects that might appear to be the same but are actually different. For example, you could choose "The Hunger Games movie vs. the book."
2. Make sure that your subjects can be discussed in a meaningful way. “Meaningful” comparisons and contrasts do more than simply point out that “Topic A and Topic B are both similar and different.” A good compare and contrast essay will help your readers understand why it’s useful or interesting to put these two subjects together.^[3]
   • For example, ask yourself: What can we learn by thinking about “The Hunger Games” and “Battle Royale” together that we would miss out on if we thought about them separately?
   • It can be helpful to consider the “So what?” question when deciding whether your subjects have meaningful comparisons and contrasts to be made. If you say “The Hunger Games and Battle Royale are both similar and different,” and your friend asked you “So what?” what would your answer be? In other words, why bother putting these two things together?
3. Brainstorm your topic. You probably won’t be able to jump straight from deciding on your topic to having a thesis, and that’s okay. Take a little time to brainstorm about how your chosen subjects are similar and different. This will help you see which points are the major ones you want to focus on, and can help guide you when you formulate your thesis.
   • A “Venn diagram” can often be helpful when brainstorming. This set of overlapping circles can help you visualize where your subjects are similar and where they differ. In the outer edges of the circle, you write what is different; in the overlapping middle area, you write what’s similar.^[4]
   • You can also just draw out a list of all of the qualities or characteristics of each subject. Once you’ve done that, start looking through the list for traits that both subjects share. Major points of difference are also good to note.
4. Consider your main points. You won’t be able to provide a list of every single way in which your subjects are similar and/or different in your essay. (And that’s not the goal, anyway.) Instead, choose a few points that seem to be particularly important.
   • For example, if you are comparing and contrasting cats and dogs, you might notice that both are common household pets, fairly easy to adopt, and don’t usually have many special care needs. These are points of comparison (ways they are similar).
   • You might also note that cats are usually more independent than dogs, that dogs may not provoke allergies as much as cats do, and that cats don’t get as big as many dogs do. These are points of contrast (ways they are different).
   • These points of contrast can often be good places to start thinking about your thesis, or argument. Do these differences make one animal a superior type of pet? Or a better pet choice for a specific living situation (e.g., an apartment, a farm, etc.)?
5. Develop your thesis. There are many directions a compare-and-contrast thesis can take, but it should always make an argument that explains why it’s useful to put these two subjects together in the first place. For example:
   
   • Show readers why one subject is more desirable than the other. Example: "Cats are better pets than dogs because they require less maintenance, are more independent, and are more adaptable."
   • Help readers make a meaningful comparison between two subjects. Example: "New York City and San Francisco are both great cities for young professionals, but they differ in terms of their job opportunities, social environment, and living conditions."
   • Show readers how two subjects are similar and different. Example: "While both The Catcher in the Rye and To Kill a Mockingbird explore the themes of loss of innocence and the deep bond between siblings, To Kill a Mockingbird is more concerned with racism while The Catcher in the Rye focuses on the prejudices of class."
   • In middle school and high school, the standard format for essays is often the “5-paragraph form,” with an introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion. If your teacher recommends this form, go for it. However, you should be aware that especially in college, teachers and professors tend to want students to break out of this limited mode. Don’t get so locked into having “three main points” that you forget to fully explore your topic.

EditOrganizing Your Essay

1. Decide on a structure. There are several ways to organize a compare-and-contrast essay. Which one you choose depends on what works best for your ideas. Remember, you can change your organization later if you decide it isn’t working.^[5][6]
   
   • Subject by subject. This organization deals with all of the points about Topic A, then all of the points of Topic B. For example, you could discuss all your points about frozen pizza (in as many paragraphs as necessary), then all your points about homemade pizza. The strength of this form is that you don’t jump back and forth as much between topics, which can help your essay read more smoothly. It can also be helpful if you are using one subject as a “lens” through which to examine the other. The major disadvantage is that the comparisons and contrasts don’t really become evident until much further into the essay, and it can end up reading like a list of “points” rather than a cohesive essay.^[7]
   • Point by point. This type of organization switches back and forth between points. For example, you could first discuss the prices of frozen pizza vs. homemade pizza, then the quality of ingredients, then the convenience factor. The advantage of this form is that it’s very clear what you’re comparing and contrasting. The disadvantage is that you do switch back and forth between topics, so you need to make sure that you use transitions and signposts to lead your reader through your argument.
   • Compare then contrast. This organization presents all the comparisons first, then all the contrasts. It’s a pretty common way of organizing an essay, and it can be helpful if you really want to emphasize how your subjects are different. Putting the contrasts last places the emphasis on them. However, it can be more difficult for your readers to immediately see why these two subjects are being contrasted if all the similarities are first.^[8]
2. Outline your essay. Outlining your essay will help you work out the main organizational structure and will give you a template to follow as you develop your ideas. No matter how you decided to organize your essay, you will still need to have the following types of paragraphs:^[9]
   • Introduction. This paragraph comes first and presents the basic information about the subjects to be compared and contrasted. It should present your thesis and the direction of your essay (i.e., what you will discuss and why your readers should care).
   • Body Paragraphs. These are the meat of your essay, where you provide the details and evidence that support your claims. Each different section or body paragraph should tackle a different division of proof. It should provide and analyze evidence in order to connect those proofs to your thesis and support your thesis. Many middle-school and high-school essays may only require three body paragraphs, but use as many as is necessary to fully convey your argument.
   • Acknowledgement of Competitive Arguments/Concession. This paragraph acknowledges that other counter-arguments exist, but discusses how those arguments are flawed or do not apply.
   • Conclusion. This paragraph summarizes the evidence presented. It will restate the thesis, but usually in a way that offers more information or sophistication than the introduction could. Remember: your audience now has all the information you gave them about why your argument is solid. They don’t need you to just reword your original thesis. Take it to the next level!
3. Outline your body paragraphs based on subject-to-subject comparison. Let's say you're working with the following statement: "When deciding between whether to go camping in the woods or spend a day at the beach, one should consider the following points: the weather, the types of activities each location offers, and the facilities at each location." A subject-by-subject comparison would deal first with the woods, and then with the beach. This method of organization can be unwieldy, so if you choose it, be sure not to let your paragraphs become page-long lists of points about each subject. You can still have a paragraph per point about each subject; you’ll just put all the paragraphs about each subject together. A subject-to-subject body paragraph outline could look like this:^[10]
   • Introduction: state your intent to discuss the differences between camping in the woods or on the beach.
   • Body Paragraph 1 (Woods): Climate/Weather
   • Body Paragraph 2 (Woods): Types of Activities and Facilities
   • Body Paragraph 3 (Beach): Climate/Weather
   • Body Paragraph 4 (Beach): Types of Activities and Facilities
   • Conclusion
4. Outline your body paragraphs based on point-by-point comparison. This is the more common method used in the comparison and contrast essay.^[11] You can write a paragraph about each characteristic of both locations, comparing the locations in the same paragraph. For example, in this case, you could write one paragraph describing the weather in both the woods and the beach, one paragraph describing the activities in each location, and a third describing the facilities in both. Here's how the essay could look:^[12]
   • Introduction
   • Body Paragraph 1: Discuss first difference between woods and beaches: climate/weather.
     • Woods
     • Beach
   • Body Paragraph 2: Discuss second difference between woods and beaches: types of activities.
     • Woods
     • Beach
   • Body Paragraph 3: Discuss third difference between woods and beaches: available facilities.
     • Woods
     • Beach
   • Conclusion
5. Outline your body paragraphs based on compare then contrast. This type of organization works best for when you want to emphasize the contrasts between your subjects. First, you discuss how your subjects are similar. Then, you end with how they’re different (and, usually, how one is superior). Here’s how your essay could look with this organization:
   • Introduction
   • Body Paragraph 1: Similarity between woods and beaches (both are places with a wide variety of things to do)
   • Body Paragraph 2: First difference between woods and beaches (they have different climates)
   • Body Paragraph 3: Second difference between woods and beaches (there are more easily accessible woods than beaches in most parts of the country)
   • Body Paragraph 4: Emphasis on the superiority of the woods to the beach
   • Conclusion
6. Organize your individual body paragraphs. Once you've chosen an organizational method for your body paragraphs, you'll need to have an internal organization for the body paragraphs themselves. Each of your body paragraphs will need to have the three following elements:
   
   • Topic sentence: This sentence introduces the main idea and subject of the paragraph. It can also provide a transition from the ideas in the previous paragraph.
   • Body: These sentences provide concrete evidence that support the topic sentence and main idea.
   • Conclusion: this sentence wraps up the ideas in the paragraph. It may also provide a link to the next paragraph’s ideas.

EditPutting It All Together

1. Use your brainstorming ideas to fill in your outline. Once you’ve outlined your essay, it should be fairly simple to find evidence for your arguments. Look at the lists and diagrams you generated to help you find the evidence for your comparisons and contrasts.
   • If you are having trouble finding evidence to support your argument, go back to your original texts and try the brainstorming process again. It could be that your argument is evolving past where it started, which is good! You just need to go back and look for further evidence.
2. Remember to explain the “why.” A common error many writers make is to let the comparisons and contrasts “speak for themselves,” rather than explaining why it’s helpful or important to put them together. Don’t just provide a list of “ways Topic A and Topic B are similar and different.” In your body paragraphs as well as your conclusion, remind your readers of the significance of your evidence and argument.
   • For example, in a body paragraph about the quality of ingredients in frozen vs. homemade pizza, you could close with an assertion like this: “Because you actively control the quality of the ingredients in pizza you make at home, it can be healthier for you than frozen pizza. It can also let you express your imagination. Pineapple and peanut butter pizza? Go for it! Pickles and parmesan? Do it! Using your own ingredients lets you have fun with your food.” This type of comment helps your reader understand why the ability to choose your own ingredients makes homemade pizza better.
3. Come up with a title. “Essay Number One” may say exactly what the paper is, but it’s not going to win any points for style. A good essay title will preview something about the paper’s argument or topic. Depending on your audience and the situation, you may make a joke or a pun, ask a question, or provide a summary of your main point.
4. Take a break. One of the most common mistakes student writers make is to not give themselves enough time to take a step back from their essays for a day or two. Start early so that you can let your finished draft sit for a day, or at least a few hours. Then, come back to it with fresh eyes. You’ll find it easier to see holes in your logic or organizational flaws if you’ve had time to take a break.
   • Reading your essay aloud can also help you find problem spots. Often, when you’re writing you get so used to what you meant to say that you don’t read what you actually said.
5. Review your essay. Look out for any grammatical errors, confusing phrasing, and repetitive ideas. Look for a balance in your paper: you should provide about the same amount of information about each topic to avoid bias. Here are some things to consider before you turn in your paper:
   
   • Avoid bias. Don't use overly negative or defamatory language to show why a subject is unfavorable; use solid evidence to prove your points instead.
   • Avoid first-person pronouns unless told otherwise. In some cases, your teacher may encourage you to use “I” and “you” in your essay. However, if the assignment or your teacher doesn’t mention it, stick with third-person instead, like “one may see” or “people may enjoy.” This is common practice for formal academic essays.
   • Proofread! Spelling and punctuation errors happen to everyone, but not catching them can make you seem lazy. Go over your essay carefully, and ask a friend to help if you’re not confident in your own proofreading skills.

EditSample Body Paragraphs

1. Write a body paragraph for a point-by-point compare and contrast essay. Here is a sample paragraph for a body paragraph that uses point-by-point comparison:
   
   • "When one is deciding whether to go to the beach or the woods, the type of activities that each location offers are an important point to consider. At the beach, one can enjoy the water by swimming, surfing, or even building a sandcastle with a moat that will fill with water. When one is in the woods, one may be able to go fishing or swimming in a nearby lake, or one may not be near water at all. At the beach, one can keep one's kids entertained by burying them in sand or kicking around a soccer ball; if one is in the woods, one can entertain one's kids by showing them different plans or animals. Both the beach and the woods offer a variety of activities for adults and kids alike."
2. Write a body paragraph for a subject-by-subject compare and contrast essay. Here is a sample paragraph for a body paragraph that uses subject-by-subject comparison:
   
   • "The beach has a wonderful climate, many activities, and great facilities for any visitor's everyday use. If a person goes to the beach during the right day or time of year, he or she can enjoy warm, yet refreshing water, a cool breeze, and a relatively hot climate. At the beach, one can go swimming, sunbathe, or build sandcastles. There are also great facilities at the beach, such as a changing room, umbrellas, and conveniently-located restaurants and changing facilities. The climate, activities, and facilities are important points to consider when deciding between the beach and the woods."

EditSample Essay Outline

Sample Compare and Contrast Outline

EditVideo

EditTips

• Use reputable sources. While Wikipedia may be an easy way to start off, try to go to more specific websites afterwards. Many school refuse to accept Wikipedia as a valid source of information, and prefer sources with more expertise and credibility.
• Collect your sources. Mark page numbers in books, authors, titles, dates, or other applicable information. This will help you cite your sources later on in the writing process.

EditWarnings

• If you have external sources, make sure you always cite them. Otherwise, you may be guilty of plagiarism.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Find a Catchy Title for Your Paper/Essay
• Write a Comparative Essay
• Write an Analytical Essay
• Write an Academic Essay
• Write a Five Paragraph Essay
• Write a Descriptive Essay
• Write an English Essay
• Write a Critical Essay
• Write a Persuasive Essay

EditSources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

GEORGE TOWN: “No Pork” signs should be banned at all eateries as it might confuse Muslims, Umno’s Bertam assemblyman Shariful Azhar Othman told the state assembly today.

He said restaurants should only display “halal” or “non-halal” signs.

“Although certain places display signs that no pork is used, the food preparation might not be halal.

“Ultimately, there are a lot of restaurants displaying these ‘no pork’ signs.

“This might confuse local and foreign Muslims,” Shariful said while debating the motion of thanks to the Yang di-Pertua Negeri’s speech today.

A bewildered A Thanasekaran then told Shariful that the “no pork” sign meant “literally what it meant” and he saw nothing wrong with that.

Shariful then explained that without the halal certification, a Muslim might eat chicken meals which were not halal.

“We do not know if the chicken was slaughtered according to Islamic practices.”

Here are nine of the best photos that readers added to the Consumerist Flickr Pool in the last two weeks, picked for usability in a Consumerist post or for just plain neatness.

Want to see your pictures on our site? Our Flickr pool is the place where Consumerist readers upload photos for possible use in future Consumerist posts. Just be a registered Flickr user, go here, and click “Join Group?” up on the top right. Choose your best photos, then click “send to group” on the individual images you want to add to the pool.

Redditor jamend loves screen real estate, and so do we. He’s rocking four displays in this shot, a 4K display in the center, two 1440p displays on either side, in portrait mode, and a 4K TV just above. Best of all, that’s not all the great gear he uses to get stuff done. Here’s a full rundown.

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Absolutely Fabulous character Edina Monsoon once said, "Instant coffee is just old beans that have been cremated." And while that's not entirely true — instant coffee is actually brewed coffee that's been dehydrated into dry granules that are packaged up ready for you to spoon into a cup — the just-add-hot-water stuff doesn't have an excellent reputation for taste. That is, until now.

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There's something magical that happens when you combine iced tea with lemonade. This refresher, known as an Arnold Palmer, is a classic for good reason. The two drinks bring out the best of each other when combined — the bitterness of black tea counters the sweet, sourness of lemonade.

So, really, how can an Arnold Palmer get any better? By bringing it to the dinner plate.

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It’s another Whine Wednesday and today I want to talk about something we have all experienced way too often: Passengers jumping up immediately after the plane touches down and don’t wait for the gate.

Even worse, many of them start to open the overhead bin and grab their bags or other belongings while the plane is still moving.

The same thing happened yesterday again on my flight from Doha to Cairo where right after touching down and the aircraft was already speeding down the runway a lady got up and opened the bin and then remained standing as pictured until we reached the gate.

This Qatar Airways B777 has the flight attendants seated in a way that they can’t look into the cabin so nobody told plant her behind back on the seat.

Even worse, she left the overhead bin open during the entire time as well.

More then once have I see that a passenger fell pretty badly when the plane came to an abrupt stop. I know it’s a bad thing to say but unfortunately nothing happened yesterday.

Conclusion

Passengers should just remain seated until the plane comes to full stop, in the interest of their own and others safety. Especially the baggage is a danger as it might hit someone sitting in the seat while taxiing. Observe the crews announcement!

Selling books and textbooks you don’t need is a great way to declutter and make some extra cash. There are quite a few good sites to buy and sell books , and BookScouter shows you their offers all in one place.

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A memo is intended to inform a group of people about a specific issue, such as an event, policy, or resource, and encourages them to take action. The word “memorandum” means something that should be remembered or kept in mind. ^[1] Here’s a guide to writing readable, effective memos.

EditSteps

EditSample Memos

Sample Memo to Customers

Sample Memo to Boss

Sample Memo to Coworkers

EditWriting the Memo’s Heading

1. Type “MEMORANDUM” at the top of the page. State that this document is a memorandum at the outset. Label the page “MEMORANDUM” 1.5 inches from the top of the page. Put the word in bold on the first line. You can either center it on this line or left-align it. You might also choose to make the font larger for this word.^[2]
   
   • Double space between this line and the next line of the heading.
2. Address the recipient appropriately. A memo is a formal business communication, and you should address the reader formally as well. Use a full name and title of the person to whom you are sending the memo.^[3]
   
   • If you are sending a memo to the entire staff, you might write: “TO: All Employees.”
3. Add additional recipients in the CC line. The “CC” line indicates who will receive a “Courtesy Copy” of the memo. This is not the person to whom the memo is directed. Rather, this is someone who may need to stay informed about policies or issues that you’re addressing in the memo.
   
4. Write your name in the “From” line. The heading needs to include who is writing and sending the memo. Your full name and job title go in this line.
   
5. Include the date. Write the complete date, spelling out the month and including the date and year. For example, write: “DATE: January 5, 2015” or “DATE: 5 January 2015.”
   
6. Choose a specific phrase for the subject line. The subject line gives the reader an idea of what the memo is about. Be specific but concise.^[4]
   
   • For example, instead of writing, “Ants,” for the subject, be more specific by writing, “Ant Problem in the Office.”
7. Format the heading properly. The heading should be at the top of the page, aligned to the left-hand side of the page. Capitalize the words “TO:”, “FROM:”, “DATE:”, and “SUBJECT:”.
   
   • A sample heading would look like:
     TO: Name and job title of the recipient
     FROM: Your name and job title
     DATE: Complete date when the memo was written
     SUBJECT: (or RE:) What the memo is about (highlighted in some way)
   • When constructing the heading, be sure to double space between sections and align the text.
   • You may choose to add a line below the heading that goes all the way across the page. This will separate the heading from the body of the memo.

EditWriting the Body of the Memo

1. Consider who the audience should be. In order to get people to read and respond to the memo, it’s important to tailor the tone, length, and level of formality of the memo to the audience who will be reading it. Doing this effectively requires that you have a good idea of who the memo is intended for.
   
   • Think about your audience’s priorities and concerns are.
   • Try to anticipate any questions your readers might have. Brainstorm some content for the memo, such as examples, evidence, or other information that will persuade them.
   • Considering the audience also allows you to be sensitive to including any information or sentiments that are inappropriate for your readers.
2. Skip a formal salutation. A memo does not begin with a salutation like “Dear Mr. Edwards.” Instead, dive right into your opening segment that introduces the matter you’re discussing in the memo.^[5]
   
3. Introduce the problem or issue in the first paragraph. Briefly give them the context behind the action you wish them to take. This is somewhat like a thesis statement, which introduces the topic and states why it matters. You might also consider the introduction as an abstract, or a summary of the entire memo.^[6]
   
   • As a general guideline, the opening should take up about one paragraph.^[7]
4. For example, you might write: “As of July 1, 2015, XYZ Corporation will be implementing new policies regarding health coverage. All employees will receive health coverage and will make a minimum of $15 per hour.”
   
5. Give context for the issue at hand. Your reader may need some background information about the issue you’re addressing. Give some context, but be brief and only state what is necessary.^[8]
   
   • If it’s relevant, continue your memo by stating why the policy is being implemented. For example, you might write: “The county government voted to require all employees in the county to receive a $15/hour minimum wage.”
6. Support your course of action in the discussion segment. Give a short summary of the actions that will be implemented. Give evidence and logical reasons for the solutions you propose. Start with the most important information, then move to specific or supporting facts. State how the readers will benefit from taking the action you recommend, or be disadvantaged through lack of action.
   
   • Feel free to include graphics, lists, or charts, especially in longer memos. Just be sure they are truly relevant and persuasive.^[9]
   • For longer memos, consider writing short headings that clarify the content of each category. For example, instead of stating "Policies," write "New policies regarding part-time employees." Be specific and brief in every heading so that the basic point of your memo is apparent to the reader right away.
7. Suggest the actions that the reader should take. A memo is a call for action on a particular issue, whether it is an announcement about a new company product, new policies regarding expense reports, or a statement about how the company is addressing a problem. Restate the action that the reader should take in the closing paragraph or sentence.
   
   • For example, you might write, “All employees must use the new accounting system by June 1, 2015.”
   • This can also include some evidence to back up your recommendations.
8. Close the memo with a positive and warm summary. The memo’s final paragraph should restate the next steps to address the issue at hand. It should also include a warm note that reiterates the solidarity of the organization. ^[10]
   
   • You might write, "I will be glad to discuss these recommendations with you later on and follow through on any decisions you make."
   • You might end with something like, “We are excited about the expansion of this product line. We’re confident that this will grow our business and make this company a more sustainable business.”
   • This should generally be one to two sentences in length.

EditFinalizing the Memo

1. Format your memo properly. Use a standard format for your memo to ensure that it is easy to read. Use a 12-point font such as Times New Roman or Arial. Use one-inch margins on the left, right and bottom sides.
   
   • Use block style paragraphs. Double space between paragraphs. Do not indent each paragraph.
2. Proofread your memo. Review and edit your memo to make sure that it is clear, concise, persuasive, and free of errors. Check that you are consistent in the type of language that you use. Eliminate unnecessary scholarly words or technical jargon.
   
   • Review for spelling, grammar, and content errors. Pay particular attention to names, dates, or numbers.
   • Check that it is not excessively long, and cut out any extraneous material.
3. Handwrite your initials by your name. A memo does not include a signature line. But you should initial the memo with a pen in the header. Write your initials next to your name. This indicates that you have approved the memo.^[11]
   
4. Use memo letterhead. You may have special letterhead designed for memos, or you might use regular business letterhead.
   
   • If you are creating a digital document (to use for emailing, for example), you might want to create your own letterhead in a Word document that has your company logo and basic contact information. Use this as your memo template for every memo you send out.
5. Choose your method of delivery. Determine the best way to distribute your memo. You may want to print out hard copies of the memo and distribute it this way. You may also send it via email.
   
   • If you send your memo via email, you might want to format your email in HTML. Alternately, you can save your memo as a PDF and attach it to your email.

EditUsing Memo Templates

1. Search for memo templates. Consider whether you want to use a template instead of writing a memo from scratch. If so, your first course of action should be to search online for some good memo templates. Microsoft Word also has memo templates. Templates generally all share the same basic formatting, but they may use different fonts, sizes and designs.^[12]
   
   • Download the template that best fits your needs.
   • Be sure to read the terms of use before using any templates from a web source.
2. Open your downloaded template on your computer. After you have pressed the download button, the template will automatically download into your computer or may take few steps to start download. It is downloaded as a zip file, so you need to unzip the file and then open it in Microsoft Word.
   
   • It’s a good idea to use the latest version of Microsoft Word in order to ensure that you will not run into any unforeseen software problems and that the template will operate as it was designed to function. If you are operating on an older version of Microsoft Word, simply update your software before downloading any templates.
3. Set up your header. Keep in mind that everything on the template is changeable. You can customize every part of the memo template to fit your particular needs. For instance, you can add your logo and copyright sign in the header section of the template. Just click on the header section and type in your company’s information.
   
4. Fill in the fields in the template’s header. Be sure to fill in the "TO" and "FROM" fields, as well as "CC" and "SUBJECT” fields. Use caution when filling these fields to ensure that you have not skipped over any field, leaving some of them blank, or that you have not made an error in typing somewhere along the way.
   
5. Type your message. Write the introduction, context, discussion and summary parts of your memo in the body. If you want, you can use bullet points or lists to organize information.
   
   • Maintain the template’s formatting. This will ensure that your paragraph alignment is proper and you have the correct margins and font size.
   • If necessary, you can even customize the memo to use a table. This is sometimes a good idea, especially if using a bullet list or something similar makes the memo look too crowded or difficult to read.
   • Make sure that you have deleted any words that were already in the template. Also, carefully proofread your memo before sending it.
6. Make sure to check the footer. The footer is the space at the bottom of the page that often has additional information. You might include your company information or personal contact information here. It is important that you take the time to ensure that this information is correct. The last thing you want to have happen is to write an excellent memo and then have incorrect contact information or have that information missing altogether.
   
7. Customize your look. One of the most appealing things about the template is that you can even change the color of the document. This allows you to exercise a certain degree of personality and makes the entire document stand out more precisely. It also allows you to choose a color that is appropriate for the situation at hand in order to ensure that the memo is visually striking, yet professional.
   
8. Save your memo as a unique document. Be sure to save a copy of this memo. Then you will have a digital back-up document that provides proof of your business communication.
   
9. Save the template so that you can use it again. Whenever you need to use the memo for a slightly different subject in the future, simply change each field to suit the particular memo subject. This will save you time and will also help you create a consistent memo that is professional and that will get the attention of people so the memo will be read in a prompt manner.
   

EditTips

• Don't give too many whys. It's important to explain why you want something done, but don't overdo it.
• Memos should be always brief.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Use Simple Words in Technical Writing
• Write a Business Memo
• Write a Letter
• Communicate Effectively
• Write Letters to the Editor
• Make a Memo System in Your Room

EditSources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund said Wednesday that bribery sucks up between $1.5 and $2.0 trillion dollars annually around the world, dragging down economies and worsening social services for the poor.

In a new report on the economic impact of corruption, the IMF said that bribery, graft and other cheating common in both rich and poor countries limits economic growth and undermines sound government policies.

In a speech prepared for the global Anti-Corruption Summit in London Thursday, IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said that more and more leaders are openly seeking help to fight the scourge.

“Both poverty and unemployment can be symptoms of chronic corruption,” she said, according to the text of her speech.

“While the direct economic costs of corruption are well known, the indirect costs may be even more substantial and debilitating, leading to low growth and greater income inequality.”

Lagarde dismissed the idea that corruption is a stubborn cultural phenomenon in many countries. In fact, it is common across cultures, and countries with diverse backgrounds have found ways to address it, she said.

The late Singapore leader Lee Kuan Yew “was very effective in both signalling a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and building competent institutions at a time when corruption was pervasive in Singapore,” she noted.

The economic impact of corruption is hard to quantify, according to the IMF report released Wednesday. But despite claims that it helps “grease the wheels” to make economies work, the overall impact is very negative.

The cost of bribery alone tops more than two percent of global gross domestic product — a broad measure of economic output — and because it is tainted, that money is often sucked out of economies to offshore havens, meaning it does not contribute to growth.

Corruption perpetuates economic inefficiency, undermines public policy, and exacerbates inequality, the report says. It also scares off both domestic and foreign investors.

“Investors actually seek out countries that can give them the assurance that, once an investment is made, they will not be blackmailed into providing bribes,” Lagarde said.

The report says that data shows that higher corruption generally correlates with lower social services for the poor. That in part is because government budgets in more corrupt countries get loaded up with the kinds of spending — like big-ticket projects — that offer greater graft opportunities.

Lagarde said that the IMF includes guidance on anti-corruption measures in its support programs for governments, because “pervasive corruption makes it harder to conduct sound fiscal policy.”

Certain approaches have proven effective in a number of countries: paying civil servants more; setting up special anti-corruption courts; punishing companies for corrupt practices in other countries; and creating special offices to collect taxes from the largest taxpayers, to improve compliance.

But Lagarde also stressed the need for rule of law and firm leadership.

“Prosecuting the powerful ‘big fish’ — which is necessary in order to send a clear signal of commitment and change — can only be achieved if a country’s leaders visibly support the process,” she said.

– AFP

Cauliflower is about to become the new kale, according to something I read online. And that’s just fine with me, because I have grown awfully tired of kale. When a vegetable becomes nothing but a raw garnish, as kale has, a limp and lifeless ruffle at the edge of your plate, then you know its star-studded status is truly over and done with.

I suppose kale had its virtues, but there is a reason we all had to be taught to love it, and not only to love it but to contort it into all sorts of iterations, some of which were less than inviting. Raw kale in a salad, for me, is just plain roughage, and as for a kale smoothie, well, the less said the better, I feel.

And now kale is, as they say, so last year.

On to cauliflower, then, which itself offers almost as many possibilities as kale, although plate decoration maybe isn’t one of them. Unlike kale, cauliflower is fully as delicious raw as it is cooked, delightful in a salad or on a tray of crudités (raw vegetables) served with a dipping sauce.

Cauliflower, a versatile vegetable

And once cauliflower is cooked, it can be turned into any number of other dishes, starting with cauliflower on its own, garnished with black olives and capers, perhaps with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top. Take the leftovers of that dish, chop them up and toss over medium heat in a few tablespoons of olive oil, just long enough to brown them, and you’ll have a perfect sauce for a suppertime pasta dish, in the Italian style of just-about-anything-goes-with-pasta. Call it penne al cavolfiore and tell your guests you had it last summer in Sicily.

Or cook the cauliflower a little longer in some chicken stock, along with a small potato cubed, until both vegetables are very tender, stir in a dollop of cream, then purée the whole thing until smooth as velvet and you will have a superbly elegant French soup to serve as a starter – crème velouté au choufleur. And it’s even more impressive with a spoonful of very fine cultured butter, maybe another dribble of cream and a scattering of fresh chives over the top.

Then there’s that old-fashioned English dish called cauliflower cheese, in which the cauliflower, cooked just till you can easily break apart the florets, is arranged in a buttered dish, covered with a sauce Mornay and transferred to a hot oven until the sauce has blistered slightly and browned on top and the florets are tender.

And what is a sauce Mornay? Simple: Make a béchamel sauce with 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of flour, stirring together over medium-low heat until the mixture is thick and has lost its floury smell.

Stir into it, a little at a time, 2 cups of very hot milk, whisking all the while, until you have a thick sauce, then add a couple of handfuls of grated cheese – Parmigiano, cheddar, Gruyère, it almost doesn’t matter as long as it’s a firm cheese that’s easy to grate. (This is a good way to use up leftover bits of cheese in that drawer in the refrigerator where you’ve hidden them all.) You can add salt, pepper, maybe some cayenne if you wish, and that’s all there is to it.

Despite its pale color, cauliflower is actually one of those powerhouse brassica vegetables and a surprisingly good source of vitamin C. When shopping, look for tightly clustered clean, white heads with fresh green leaves. You’ll trim off the leaves and stem for cooking, but don’t discard them. Chopped in smaller pieces, they make a nice addition to a vegetable minestrone. And what about packaged, cut florets in the supermarket produce section? Don’t bother. They are a waste of money, flavor and vitamins.

Cauliflower With Lemon, Capers and Black Olives

• Prep time: About 10 minutes
• Cook time: About 15 minutes
• Total time: About 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings
• Ingredients
• 1 firm head of cauliflower, about 1 pound
• 1/2 cup pitted black olives, coarsely chopped
• 1 heaping tablespoon salt-packed capers, rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
• Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Sea salt
• Pinch of crushed red chili pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed and chopped
• 1/3 cup olive oil, preferably a deep-flavored oil from Italy or Greece
• 2 tablespoons or more of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for garnishing, if desired

Directions

1. Trim the cauliflower and break the head into florets.
2. On a chopping board, combine the olives, capers, parsley and lemon zest and chop together to mix well.
3. Bring a pot of water large enough to hold the cauliflower to a rolling boil. Add a big pinch of salt and, when it returns to a boil, add the cauliflower. Cook until just barely tender, about 6 minutes (less if using very small florets).
4. Meanwhile, in a skillet large enough to hold all the ingredients, warm the chili pepper and garlic in the oil over medium-low heat until hot, 3 or 4 minutes. The chili and garlic should be starting to melt in the oil, rather than sizzling and browning.
5. Stir in the lemon juice and cook for another 2 minutes, then add the olive-caper mix, give it a stir, take it off the heat and set aside.
6. Drain the cauliflower well, shaking the colander. Combine the cauliflower with the olive-caper dressing in the skillet and set the skillet back over medium heat. Warm it up to serving temperature, tasting to make sure the seasoning is right, and serve, garnishing with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds if you wish.

Note: This recipe is equally good with broccoli or with romanesco, the green spiral cauliflower. You can also mix white cauliflower and green romanesco together for a handsome presentation. If you wish to serve this as a pasta sauce, simply chop or break the florets into smaller pieces. Add everything to a skillet and set over low heat to warm while you cook about 1 pound (500 grams) of penne or similar short, stubby pasta according to package directions. As the pasta finishes cooking, add a little pasta water to the cauliflower and raise the heat. Drain the pasta and combine in the skillet with the cauliflower sauce, tossing to mix. Serve immediately, passing grated cheese if you wish.

– Reuters

h/t Jamie, this simulation of a fantasy roller coaster is like a Donald Trump position paper--enough to make you dizzy full screen.

Open Thread below....

BANGKOK: Thailand’s drought-stricken farmers got a rare bit of good news Monday, when a pair of sacred bulls predicted that the heavens would finally open during the upcoming rainy season.

The bovine prophecy came during the kingdom’s much-watched annual royal ploughing ceremony, an ancient rite officially marking the start of the main rice cultivation season.

During the ceremony, the creatures — who must adhere to a strict list of physical attributes and boast a “polite temperament” — are offered bowls containing various foods.

At Monday’s ceremony, presided over by Thailand’s Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, the two animals chose rice seeds, sesame, hay, water and liquor — a combination the country’s livestock department said meant sufficient water, bountiful crops and better foreign trade for the year ahead.

The bulls made a similarly positive prediction last year, but their forecast did not bear fruit.

Instead, like much of the greater Mekong region this year, Thailand has been hit hard by one of the worst droughts in decades.

Unable to plant their crop, rice farmers have lurched deeper into debt.

Thousands of villages in the north east have had to have water trucked to them as the river beds, reservoirs and waterfalls run dry.

Rains usually arrive from May onwards, peaking in August and September.

Thailand’s military junta, which has embarked on a particularly harsh period of repression in recent weeks, will also be hoping the rains come.

The country’s languishing economy remains the army’s weak point, with falling exports and the generals struggling to kickstart growth.

Rice farmers, most of whom are in the north and northeast, broadly support the Shinawatra political family.

They have led two administrations toppled by the military in the last decade and are loathed by the kingdom’s royalist elite.

-AFP

I know we usually keep it highbrow liberal politics here at C&L, but bear with me.

I think we may be headed for end times.

There is nothing in my personal theology that allows for fire and brimstone. The book of Revelation is not the gospel in my world-view.

But just consider a very few of the events of this year.

David Bowie died. Prince died. Donald Trump is heading a major political party.

I mean, come on! They released "Ride Along 2" AND "Zoolander 2" in the same four week period!

via GIPHY

And just when you think you've got time to say your prayers and pack your bags?

Presenting Kentucky Fried Chicken edible nail polish.

In line with its spirit of innovation, KFC Hong Kong unveils their new 'Finger Lickin' Good Edible Nail Polish' range, keeping the brand literally at their customers' fingertips while savoring their delicious signature chicken.

This limited edition edible nail polish was created as a tribute to the world famous "It's Finger Lickin' Good" slogan.

read more

While a lot of televisions rattle off specs to make them appealing for PC gaming, and a lot of PC manufacturers shrink down their systems so they’ll fit in your media center, there’s still been one major issue with the concept of PC gaming from your couch.

Read more...

Sometimes referred jokingly to as the "Man-dle," the bacon candle is made out of the fat left in the pan after cooking bacon. Lasting just as long if not longer as as a wax candle, bacon candles with leave your house smelling like sizzling bacon is on the stove.

EditSteps

1. Make a wick. Take a washer and tie a piece of cotton cord to it. Place it in the jar and tie the other end to a pencil to keep some of the string upright. Your wick should be long enough that it is almost taught, but not quite.^[1]
   
   
2. Cook bacon on the stove or the oven. Place the bacon on a hot frying pan or a tinfoil-lined baking pan. Lay several strips on the pan so the grease will pool and stop the bacon from burning. The hotter the bacon is, the thinner the grease will be and the easier it is to remove, but you should still be careful.
3. Remove (and eat) the bacon and pour the grease into a smaller pan. Do this once the bacon in the pan has given the bulk of its grease. Simmer the grease on low to medium heat until it stops steaming. This will remove the water from the fat and allow for a better consistency for the candle. This can take several hours, so be patient. However, it may take less, or you can even use it without this step.
4. Filter the grease. While this step is optional, doing so will result in a candle that looks and smells cleaner, and leads to a better burn. Once the grease has finished steaming, filter it through a sieve or paper towel.
5. Add beeswax. To melt the wax, you can either add solid wax to the grease and melt it together while mixing or you could pre-melt the wax in a pan, or add the wax in a jar placed in a pot of water around 100° C or 210°F. Add 1 part wax to 2 parts grease.
6. Add the wax to the grease if you have not already done so. Mix until it is throughly combined. Consider mixing it in a heated stove pan.
7. Pour the mixture in the jar. Heat your jar in the oven to prevent bubbles in the wax. Pour slowly and smoothly.
8. Allow your mixture to cool slowly. Pour a small amount of grease into the jar, allow that to cool in the freezer, then pour some more until it is completely full
9. Cut off the excess wick. Leave about 0.5 inches (about 1 cm) left over so it is easier to light.
10. Store the candle in the freezer. The Man-dle has a shelf life of several months without refrigeration, but storing it in the freezer will increase burn time.
11. Light your candle using a lighter or matches. Be careful not to burn yourself, and exercise common fire safety. Extinguish when leaving the house or area.

EditVideo

EditTips

• Add more wax for a longer burning time, but a less bacon-y scent

EditWarnings

• Bacon grease can splatter. Use caution while cooking.

EditThings You'll Need

• Small cup or jar (shot glasses work wonderfully)
• Wick (cotton cord, washer)
• Bacon grease
• Frying pan or tin foil
• Oven or stove
• Lighter or matches

EditRelated wikiHows

• Make Candles
• Make Candles at Home
• Make Candles from Old Crayons
• Make Candles from Soy Wax
• Make Candle Holder Using Pumpkin

EditSources and Citations

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IKEA's KNUFF magazine files are so affordable and unassuming that you might miss them if you aren't looking for them, but they can be used for a whole host of things around the house.

From Apartment Therapy → 8 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do With IKEA's $10 KNUFF Magazine Files

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DHAKA: Police in Bangladesh have arrested five men deported from Singapore as part of an investigation into an alleged Islamist plot to carry out attacks in the South Asian country, authorities in Dhaka said.

Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said on Tuesday it had detained eight other Bangladeshi men who were planning attacks in their homeland, using the name Islamic State in Bangladesh (ISB).

The five men returned to Bangladesh were not involved with that group, the MHA said, but were found during the same investigation to be in possession of jihadi-related material or to support the use of armed violence for a religious cause.

Dhaka city police spokesman Maruf Hossain Sardar said the five, who traveled to Singapore between 2007 and 2011, were being investigated for possible connections with local militant group Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT).

Islamist militants in Bangladesh have targeted atheist bloggers, academics, religious minorities and foreign aid workers in a series of killings that dates back to February 2015 and has claimed at least 20 lives.

The Islamic State and a group affiliated to al Qaeda have claimed responsibility for most of the attacks but Bangladesh authorities have dismissed the claims as ‘baseless’ and said homegrown militant groups were responsible.

Bangladesh authorities have said the ABT was behind the attacks on online critics of religious extremism and the killing last month of a gay rights campaigner and his friend.

The MHA said on Tuesday the eight men still held in Singapore were detained under the colonial-era Internal Security Act.

Wealthy, multi-ethnic Singapore, which has not faced any successful militant attacks in decades, said investigations showed the group had identified several possible targets in Bangladesh.

They were the second group of Bangladeshis investigated in the past six months in Singapore, which is host to around 150,000 workers from Bangladesh who are prominent in industries such as construction and marine.

In January, Singapore said it arrested 27 Bangladeshi construction workers who supported Islamist groups including al Qaeda and Islamic State and deported 26 of them.

Bangladesh said the same month it would charge 14 of those deported with membership of ABT.

Workers rights groups say Bangladeshis are among the most economically vulnerable migrant groups in Singapore, due to deeper poverty at home compared with other major groups.

– Reuters