Question

Read the following prompt:

Compare and contrast the leadership styles of Presidents Lincoln and Kennedy.

Which option below is the most effective explanatory thesis for the prompt?


Many people have compared and contrasted Presidents Lincoln and Kennedy, but Lincoln was a far better leader.


Presidents Lincoln and Kennedy were elected exactly one hundred years apart.


President Lincoln was known for appointing his political rivals to his cabinet while Kennedy’s closest advisors were chosen from his family and friends.


Although Abraham Lincoln accomplished much more as president, John Kennedy had the more successful congressional career.

Answer 1

Option 3.

It directly addresses a specific, relevant difference in their leadership styles (Lincoln’s practice of including rivals in his cabinet vs. Kennedy’s reliance on family and friends), which sets up clear points for comparison and contrast.