Final answer:
The most effective strategy for gathering information to compare two subjects is both determining your audience and purpose, and circling your topic sentence to compare. This dual approach ensures relevancy to your readers and maintains focus on your main point throughout your research.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most effective strategy for gathering information about two subjects you want to compare is c) Both a and b. Initially, you should determine your audience and purpose to guide your research and ensure that your comparison will be relevant and valuable to your readers. Understanding what your audience knows and needs to know about the subjects will help you tailor your comparisons appropriately. Additionally, being clear about your own purpose will keep your research focused. Then, it is useful to circle your topic sentence to compare as it helps you keep in mind the main argument or point of comparison throughout your research. This action supports the organization of your essay and ensures that your information directly supports your thesis or main comparison.
Furthermore, remembering to consider your audience's perspective, including cultural or social factors, can enhance your communication. Employing strategies such as analogy can clarify your purpose and help your audience understand unfamiliar subjects by comparing them to something more familiar. By refining your angle and organizing your ideas with these factors in mind, your comparison will be more effective and meaningful.