essay topics comparing two things

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A comprehensive guide to crafting a successful comparison essay.

Comparison essays are a common assignment in academic settings, requiring students to analyze and contrast two or more subjects, concepts, or ideas. Writing a comparison essay can be challenging, but with the right approach and guidance, you can craft a compelling and informative piece of writing.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with valuable tips and examples to help you master the art of comparison essay writing. Whether you’re comparing two literary works, historical events, scientific theories, or any other topics, this guide will equip you with the tools and strategies needed to create a well-structured and persuasive essay.

From choosing a suitable topic and developing a strong thesis statement to organizing your arguments and incorporating effective evidence, this guide will walk you through each step of the writing process. By following the advice and examples provided here, you’ll be able to produce a top-notch comparison essay that showcases your analytical skills and critical thinking abilities.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into writing a comparison essay, it’s essential to understand the basics of comparison writing. A comparison essay, also known as a comparative essay, requires you to analyze two or more subjects by highlighting their similarities and differences. This type of essay aims to show how these subjects are similar or different in various aspects.

When writing a comparison essay, you should have a clear thesis statement that identifies the subjects you are comparing and the main points of comparison. It’s essential to structure your essay effectively by organizing your ideas logically. You can use different methods of organization, such as the block method or point-by-point method, to present your comparisons.

Additionally, make sure to include evidence and examples to support your comparisons. Use specific details and examples to strengthen your arguments and clarify the similarities and differences between the subjects. Lastly, remember to provide a strong conclusion that summarizes your main points and reinforces the significance of your comparison.

Choosing a Topic for Comparison Essay

When selecting a topic for your comparison essay, it’s essential to choose two subjects that have some similarities and differences to explore. You can compare two books, two movies, two historical figures, two theories, or any other pair of related subjects.

Consider selecting topics that interest you or that you are familiar with to make the writing process more engaging and manageable. Additionally, ensure that the subjects you choose are suitable for comparison and have enough material for analysis.

It’s also helpful to brainstorm ideas and create a list of potential topics before making a final decision. Once you have a few options in mind, evaluate them based on the relevance of the comparison, the availability of credible sources, and your own interest in the subjects.

Remember that a well-chosen topic is one of the keys to writing a successful comparison essay, so take your time to select subjects that will allow you to explore meaningful connections and differences in a compelling way.

Finding the Right Pairing

When writing a comparison essay, it’s crucial to find the right pairing of subjects to compare. Choose subjects that have enough similarities and differences to make a meaningful comparison. Consider the audience and purpose of your essay to determine what pairing will be most effective.

Look for subjects that you are passionate about or have a deep understanding of. This will make the writing process easier and more engaging. Additionally, consider choosing subjects that are relevant and timely, as this will make your essay more interesting to readers.

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when finding the right pairing. Sometimes unexpected combinations can lead to the most compelling comparisons. Conduct thorough research on both subjects to ensure you have enough material to work with and present a balanced comparison.

Structuring Your Comparison Essay

When writing a comparison essay, it is essential to organize your ideas in a clear and logical manner. One effective way to structure your essay is to use a point-by-point comparison or a block comparison format.

Point-by-Point Comparison	Block Comparison
In this format, you will discuss one point of comparison between the two subjects before moving on to the next point.	In this format, you will discuss all the points related to one subject before moving on to the next subject.
Allows for a more detailed analysis of each point of comparison.	Provides a clear and structured comparison of the two subjects.
Can be helpful when the subjects have multiple similarities and differences to explore.	May be easier to follow for readers who prefer a side-by-side comparison of the subjects.

Whichever format you choose, make sure to introduce your subjects, present your points of comparison, provide evidence or examples to support your comparisons, and conclude by summarizing the main points and highlighting the significance of your comparison.

Creating a Clear Outline

Before you start writing your comparison essay, it’s essential to create a clear outline. An outline serves as a roadmap that helps you stay organized and focused throughout the writing process. Here are some steps to create an effective outline:

1. Identify the subjects of comparison: Start by determining the two subjects you will be comparing in your essay. Make sure they have enough similarities and differences to make a meaningful comparison.

2. Brainstorm key points: Once you have chosen the subjects, brainstorm the key points you want to compare and contrast. These could include characteristics, features, themes, or arguments related to each subject.

3. Organize your points: Arrange your key points in a logical order. You can choose to compare similar points side by side or alternate between the two subjects to highlight differences.

4. Develop a thesis statement: Based on your key points, develop a clear thesis statement that states the main purpose of your comparison essay. This statement should guide the rest of your writing and provide a clear direction for your argument.

5. Create a structure: Divide your essay into introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each section should serve a specific purpose and contribute to the overall coherence of your essay.

By creating a clear outline, you can ensure that your comparison essay flows smoothly and effectively communicates your ideas to the reader.

Engaging the Reader

When writing a comparison essay, it is crucial to engage the reader right from the beginning. You want to hook their attention and make them want to keep reading. Here are some tips to engage your reader:

Start with a strong opening statement or question that entices the reader to continue reading.
Use vivid language and descriptive imagery to paint a clear picture in the reader’s mind.
Provide interesting facts or statistics that pique the reader’s curiosity.
Create a compelling thesis statement that outlines the purpose of your comparison essay.

By engaging the reader from the start, you set the stage for a successful and impactful comparison essay that keeps the reader engaged until the very end.

Point-by-Point vs Block Method

When writing a comparison essay, you have two main options for structuring your content: the point-by-point method and the block method. Each method has its own advantages and may be more suitable depending on the type of comparison you are making.

Point-by-Point Method: This method involves discussing one point of comparison at a time between the two subjects. You will go back and forth between the subjects, highlighting similarities and differences for each point. This method allows for a more detailed and nuanced analysis of the subjects.
Block Method: In contrast, the block method involves discussing all the points related to one subject first, followed by all the points related to the second subject. This method provides a more straightforward and organized comparison but may not delve as deeply into the individual points of comparison.

Ultimately, the choice between the point-by-point and block methods depends on the complexity of your comparison and the level of detail you want to explore. Experiment with both methods to see which one best suits your writing style and the specific requirements of your comparison essay.

Selecting the Best Approach

When it comes to writing a comparison essay, selecting the best approach is crucial to ensure a successful and effective comparison. There are several approaches you can take when comparing two subjects, including the block method and the point-by-point method.

The block method: This approach involves discussing all the similarities and differences of one subject first, followed by a thorough discussion of the second subject. This method is useful when the two subjects being compared are quite different or when the reader may not be familiar with one of the subjects.

The point-by-point method: This approach involves alternating between discussing the similarities and differences of the two subjects in each paragraph. This method allows for a more in-depth comparison of specific points and is often preferred when the two subjects have many similarities and differences.

Before selecting an approach, consider the nature of the subjects being compared and the purpose of your comparison essay. Choose the approach that will best serve your purpose and allow for a clear, organized, and engaging comparison.

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101 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Great Ideas for Essays

Teaching Resources
An Introduction to Teaching
Tips & Strategies
Policies & Discipline
Community Involvement
School Administration
Technology in the Classroom
Teaching Adult Learners
Issues In Education
Becoming A Teacher
Assessments & Tests
Elementary Education
Secondary Education
Special Education
Homeschooling
M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Florida
B.A., History, University of Florida

Compare and contrast essays are taught in school for many reasons. For one thing, they are relatively easy to teach, understand, and format. Students can typically understand the structure with just a short amount of instruction. In addition, these essays allow students develop critical thinking skills to approach a variety of topics.

Brainstorming Tip

One fun way to get students started brainstorming their compare and contrast essays is to create a Venn diagram , where the overlapping sections of the circle contain similarities and the non-overlapping areas contain the differing traits.

Following is a list of 101 topics for compare and contrast essays that you are welcome to use in your classroom. As you look through the list you will see that some items are academic in nature while others are included for interest-building and fun writing activities.

Apple vs. Microsoft
Coke vs. Pepsi
Renaissance Art vs. Baroque Art
Antebellum Era vs. Reconstruction Era in American History
Childhood vs. Adulthood
Star Wars vs. Star Trek
Biology vs. Chemistry
Astrology vs. Astronomy
American Government vs. British Government (or any world government)
Fruits vs. Vegetables
Dogs vs. Cats
Ego vs. Superego
Christianity vs. Judaism (or any world religion )
Republican vs. Democrat
Monarchy vs. Presidency
US President vs. UK Prime Minister
Jazz vs. Classical Music
Red vs. White (or any two colors)
Soccer vs. Football
North vs. South Before the Civil War
New England Colonies vs. Middle Colonies OR vs. Southern Colonies
Cash vs. Credit Cards
Sam vs. Frodo Baggins
Gandalf vs. Dumbledore
Fred vs. Shaggy
Rap vs. Pop
Articles of Confederation vs. U.S. Constitution
Henry VIII vs. King Louis XIV
Stocks vs. Bonds
Monopolies vs. Oligopolies
Communism vs. Capitalism
Socialism vs. Capitalism
Diesel vs. Petroleum
Nuclear Power vs. Solar Power
Saltwater Fish vs. Freshwater Fish
Squids vs. Octopus
Mammals vs. Reptiles
Baleen vs. Toothed Whales
Seals vs. Sea Lions
Crocodiles vs. Alligators
Bats vs. Birds
Oven vs. Microwave
Greek vs. Roman Mythology
Chinese vs. Japanese
Comedy vs. Drama
Renting vs. Owning
Mozart vs. Beethoven
Online vs. Traditional Education
North vs. South Pole
Watercolor vs. Oil
1984 vs. Fahrenheit 451
Emily Dickinson vs. Samuel Taylor Coleridge
W.E.B. DuBois vs. Booker T. Washington
Strawberries vs. Apples
Airplanes vs. Helicopters
Hitler vs. Napoleon
Roman Empire vs. British Empire
Paper vs. Plastic
Italy vs. Spain
Baseball vs. Cricket
Jefferson vs. Adams
Thoroughbreds vs. Clydesdales
Spiders vs. Scorpions
Northern Hemisphere vs. Southern Hemisphere
Hobbes vs. Locke
Friends vs. Family
Dried Fruit vs. Fresh
Porcelain vs. Glass
Modern Dance vs. Ballroom Dancing
American Idol vs. The Voice
Reality TV vs. Sitcoms
Picard vs. Kirk
Books vs. Movies
Magazines vs. Comic Books
Antique vs. New
Public vs. Private Transportation
Email vs. Letters
Facebook vs. Twitter
Coffee vs. an Energy Drink
Toads vs. Frogs
Profit vs. Non-Profit
Boys vs. Girls
Birds vs. Dinosaurs
High School vs. College
Chamberlain vs. Churchill
Offense vs. Defense
Jordan vs. Bryant
Harry vs. Draco
Roses vs. Carnations
Poetry vs. Prose
Fiction vs. Nonfiction
Lions vs. Tigers
Vampires vs. Werewolves
Lollipops vs. popsicles
Summer vs. Winter
Recycling vs. Landfill
Motorcycle vs. Bicycle
Halogen vs. Incandescent
Newton vs. Einstein
. Go on vacation vs. Staycation
Rock vs. Scissors
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Compare And Contrast Essay Guide

Compare And Contrast Essay Topics

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics: 100+ Fresh New Ideas

By: Barbara P.

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Mar 10, 2020

A compare and contrast essay revolves around finding and analyzing the similarities and differences between two subjects belonging to the same category.

If you have been assigned a compare and contrast essay, then you’re probably looking for interesting topics that you can write on, right?

Steer forward with us!

Following is the list of interesting topics for a compare and contrast essay that you can use for your essay assignments. As you proceed, you will notice that some of the topics are academic, and others are included for interest.

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Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students - 2022 Ideas

A compare and contrast essay is an important academic assignment for school or college students. An essential point that you must keep in mind when choosing a compare and contrast essay topic is to go for the subjects that belong to the same category. For instance, you can’t choose football and 19th-century art.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for University Students

At the university level, the essay topics are a little different and unique. Also, with a good essay topic, you will easily create the thesis statement and body paragraphs.

If you want to write on a great topic, you can choose from the below-mentioned essay topics.

Salt vs. sugar
Teacher vs. Doctor
Prose vs. poetry
Short vs. long hair
Psychosis and antisocial disorder
Between soft and hard drugs, which is more dangerous?
Difference between lust and love
Compare methods of normal and abnormal psychology
Silver and gold
Tennis vs. badminton

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College Students

When students step into college from high school, they are still used to the concept of teachers assigning essay topics. Sometimes the teacher gives you the topic, but you will have to pick one yourself most of the time. So, be creative and challenge yourself to write on different essay topics.

Topics for college students can be difficult to manage at times because teachers can have higher expectations. In such a case, get help from an online writing service with your academic paper.

The compare and contrast essay topics in college are a bit less complicated than in high school. The following are the easy compare and contrast essay topics for college students.

How does high school differ from college?
Students with or without part-time jobs
Essay Vs. Research Paper: What is more challenging?
Homeschooling Vs. Traditional Schooling
SAT Vs. GRE: What is more difficult?
Masters Vs. PhD: What helps strengthen your career?
Differences between Islam and Christianity
Introverts Vs. Extroverts
Real-life dating Vs. Online dating
How do education and employment compare?

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students

Essay topics for high school students are much different than the topics for college students. The topics are a little less technical and difficult.

Here are some great compare and contrast essay topics for your ease.

Friends Vs. Family
Childhood friendship Vs. High school friendship
Bikes vs. cars.
Study abroad Vs. Studying in your country
Living on your own Vs. At home with my parents.
Facebook vs. Twitter In-house employees Vs. Freelance contractors
Texting Vs. In-person conversations
Working out or dieting
Being in a relationship or being single

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Middle School Students

The topics for middle school students are quite interesting and creative. Therefore, the students enjoy the writing process.

We gathered some great compare and contrast essay topics for your help.

Basketball Vs. Football
Compare two plays written by Shakespeare
Running Vs. Walking
Reading vs. writing
Doctor Vs. Nurse
Breakdance Vs. Ballet: What is more difficult?
World war I Vs. World War II
Chocolate vs. Ice-cream
Compare two of your favorite movies
Reading books Vs. Watching movies

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 6th Grade

The essay topics for grade 6 are very simple and easy. We collected some essay topics for grade 6 students; pick the one that you find interesting.

School exams vs. college exams
Winter holidays vs. summer holidays
Comparative essay vs. argumentative essay
Attending school vs. remote learning
Driving a bike and driving a car
Vegetables and fruits
Christianity versus Judaism
E-books versus textbooks
An experience I agree to attend a party or stay at home.
Steroids and boxing
Handwriting or typing

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Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

There are certain pros and cons associated with psychology topics. The pros are that the possibilities are endless; one can write as much as possible. This fact is the con as well; since there is so much material to choose from for the essay topic.

Anxiety vs. Depression
Therapy vs. medication
Agoraphobia Vs. Claustrophobia
Compare suicide and homicide
Autism Vs. Down syndrome
B. F. Skinner theory Vs. John B. Watson theory
Anorexia Vs. Bulimia
Social anxiety or fear of public speaking
Nature vs. nurture
Ego Vs. Superego

Sports Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

The best part about the sports-related topic is the accurate data available online with practical examples. This fact can help you write an even more refined essay.

Take a look at these and topics and choose the best one for your essay.

Women’s football team, Vs. Men’s
Chess Vs. Checkers
Football Vs. Cricket: Which is better?
Sachin Tendulkar Vs. Ricky Ponting
Roger Federer Vs. Rafael Nadal
Rugby and Soccer
Wayne Rooney and Lionel Messi
Ice climbing Vs. Traditional climbing
Knicks Vs. Nets
Aikido Vs. Judo

For all the students who are in sports, these are the best kind of topics. As they say, you write best about subjects you are most interested in.

Art & History Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Writing a compare and contrast essay has its challenges and especially when the topics are art or history-related. Always make sure to gather the necessary data before kick-starting the essay.

Baroque Vs. Mycenaean Period
Mosaic Vs. Raku
Compare the 19th Century Art
Brunelleschi and The Romans
Impressionism and Post-Impressionism
Roxanna and Dorian Gray
Compare Kafka's Metamorphosis and Albert Camus’ The Stranger
Macbeth and Othello
Tapestry Vs. Fresco

Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Funny topics not only refresh the mind of the students but help in the learning process as well. Below given are some great essay topics that you can use for your essay.

Beyonce Vs. Rihanna
Kim Kardashian Vs. Paris Hilton
Ellen DeGeneres Vs. Oprah Winfrey
Pet dogs Vs. Pet cats
Pasta vs. pizza
Lollipops Vs. Popsicles
Drama Vs. Comedy
Email Vs. Pigeon Post
Credit card Vs. Cash
Star Trek Vs. Star Wars

Medical Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

The medical students are sometimes stuck with selecting the essay topic for their essay assignment. For your help, we compiled some excellent topics that will help in your writing phase.

Religions that are against traditional medical procedures.
Vaccination or Medications.
Operations vs. therapeutic cancer curing.
Should vaccinations be made mandatory?
Morning exercise vs. evening exercise.
Medical history and privacy concerns.
Wheat and corn grain.
Chocolate or candies.
Carrot and pumpkin.
Rest or training.

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Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Movies

The compare and contrast essay on movies is an interesting type of essay. Look at these topics that will help in your topic-selection phase.

Romeo and Juliet.
Gandalf vs. Dumbledore.
Comedy vs. horror.
Harry Potter: book & movie.
Thrillers and horror movies.
Fantastic Four or Avengers.
Bollywood Vs. Hollywood.
DC or Marvel
Superman vs. batman.
Games of thrones vs. the witcher.

Are these topic ideas helpful? Did you get what you were looking for?

Now that you have chosen a topic for your essay, you can start composing it. For that, you have to follow a structured essay outline.

Do you still find it difficult to choose a topic or to write a compare and contrast essay step by step?

It is completely understandable, as essay writing can be tricky at times.

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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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Compare and Contrast Essay - A Complete Guide With Topics & Examples

Good Compare and Contrast Essay Examples For Your Help

Compare and Contrast Essay Outline - Template & Examples

127 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

13 December, 2020

13 minutes read

Author: Elizabeth Brown

Crafting a compare and contrast essay is typically much more interesting and fun than working on a dissertation. With this piece of writing, a student gets his chance to be creative. Besides, one doesn’t have to re-invent the bicycle: these essays already have a purpose and a topic. All you have to do is find similarities or differences between specific notions. And yes, there is one more problem to it.

Half of the success of a compare and contrast essay lies in a properly-chosen topic. Now, this can be tricky.

Just think about it: would want to read a piece on a beaten topic like “Books vs. Television”? Or would you rather give a read to an unusual compare and contrast Korean and Vietnam war essay? While you know everything about the first one, the second topic actually sounds interesting.

Choosing compare and contrast essay topics can be time-consuming and daunting. However, with the guide our essay writer prepared, you will find a great title with no problem.

By the way, if you need a reminder of what such writing looks like and what components it consists of, don’t hesitate to read our guide on how to write a compare and contrast essay . It will help you structure and organize your knowledge in this regard.

And here is a short introduction to what this type of academic writing should really look like.

How to write a compare and contrast essay

Depending on the task you received from your tutor, in this particular academic paper you are either to compare several things or notions or contrast them.

Here is what a structure of this type of writing looks like:

An engaging opening with a “hook.”
A thesis statement that explains what is the focus of your writing and whether you’ll be comparing or contrasting the notions.
If you don’t know how to write a thesis statement , here is a guide that will explain you all the details step by step.
An argument #1 that supports the thesis statement.
Evidence proving the author’s position.
A short conclusion.
A short reminder of a problem described in the essay.
A brief overview of the similarities or differences (aka supporting arguments).
A call to action or a interesting question to the audience.

Any A-grade essay would follow this structure. Thus, if you aim to receive better grades, consider taking this structure into account.

Meanwhile, as a student you get tons of other writing assignments. If you’re currently struggling with choosing good argumentative essay topics , don’t hesitate to take a look at our recent guide!

Finally, let’s dive into the search. After all, this is a key to crafting an excellent piece.

What makes good compare and contrast essay topics

Several factors make some topics your best option compared to the rest.

No matter how great the topic of your choice is, the target audience can sense when you genuinely care about what you are writing, and when you’re simply following the structure with no personal interest in the subject. If you write yawning and find it hard to find any evidence to support your position, chances are you’ve chosen a wrong topic. A compare and contrast dog and cat essay might be a good topic for a person deeply loving these furry little creatures. But someone not that much into domestic animals won’t be able to write a single line of an essay comparing dogs and cats. So, choose your topic wisely.

Availability of trusted sources.

In some cases, you have to use trusted sources to prove your point. Otherwise, your position might seem biased and subjective. That is why we strongly recommend you to check whether the compare and contrast essay titles you opted can be supported by evidence found at the trusted sources.

Recommendation of a tutor.

Last but not least, ask for recommendations. With years of experience under his belt, your tutor might have an eye for great topics. So, why not using his experience for your own good? Besides, apart from good topics suggestions, he can also provide you with great sources to explore. So, don’t lose an opportunity to make your life easier with his assistance!

Proper formatting style.

Proper formatting is hard to overestimate when it comes to A-grade essay writing. A great deal of your grade depends on it. That is why we recommend you to check out our essay format guide to figure out what your piece should look like.

These are the criteria that help you pick a good theme for your paper. But where should you look for theme to choose from in the first place? We know the answer.

If you aren’t sure you have the time and energy to craft a piece yourself, we’re here to help. Handmade Writing is a reliable place to order your academic papers from.

Sources of interesting topics

Basically, there are six sources students can go to these days:

Social media.
Scientific journals.

Each one of them is filled with personalities, facts, events, and locations to contrast and compare. Therefore, don’t hesitate to explore these right sources.

By the way, if you are looking for ideas or inspiration on how to write a scholarship essay , we’ve got something for you. We’ve gathered a guide that will walk you step by step through the process of composing a good essay that’ll get you college scholarship!

Easy compare and contrast essay topics for college students

High school vs college.
McDonalds and Burger King: Explain how these two fast food chains similar or different from each other.
Public schools and homeschooling: Which do you prefer?
Basketball and football: Popularity, speed of play, dependency on athleticism, personal preference, etc.
Lamborgini vs. Bugatti.
Virtual vs. Augmented reality: Which technology is the future?
Star Wars vs. Star Trek: Which is better?
Communism vs. Socialism: The good, the bad, and the ugly.
American English vs British English.
Conventional or E-learning: What would you choose?
Computer and video games: Which is more fun?
Inner beauty and outer beauty.
Snapchat and Instagram: What makes them similar (different)?
Stalin or Hitler: Which is a bigger evil? Or what in their management style was similar?
Living in the big city or living in the country: What would you choose?
Italian vs. Spanish cuisines.
Active vacation in the mountains vs. passive rest by the sea.
Facebook vs. Twitter.
Windows vs. Linux.
Android or iOS: Which is the future?

Funny compare and contrast essay topics

Chandler, Joey and Ross: Which one of them is cooler?
Pizza or pasta: If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, which of these would you choose?
Batman vs. SuperMan; Avengers vs. Justice League.
Soccer vs football: How are they different apart from their name?
Iron Man or Hulk: Which one is the best superhero of his time?
Michael Jackson vs. Elvis Presley.
George and Lennie.
Harry Potter vs. Ronald Weasley: One is way cooler than the other.
Simpsons or the South Park?
Eternal summer or eternal winter: Which is the least of all evil?

Historical topics

WW1 and WW2: Reasons, participants, number of dead and wounded, etc.
Renaissance and Barocco.
Roman and Greek mythology.
Crusaders vs. Saracens.
The European economics before and after WW2.
Abolition of slavery in the USA and Europe.
Japanese and European feudalism essay.
Gender roles in the Roman Empire vs Ottoman Empire.
British colonization and Spanish colonization.
Lincoln and Kennedy.
Reconstruction in America against the Industrial Age.
Mongolian Empire and Persian Empire.
Monaco vs Luxembourg: Countries’ history comparison.
Worker unions history in the USA vs. Great Britain.
Julius Caesar or Alexander the Great.

Compare and contrast essay between two jobs

Marketer vs. Digital Marketer.
Anthropologist vs. Philosopher vs. Psychologist
Software Engineer vs. Software Architect.
Film producer and a Film Director.
Working from home and working at an office.
Linguist and a Grammarian.
Developer or a Coder?
QA Specialist or a Test Engineer.
Dean or a Principal.
Accountant vs. Economist.
Journalist vs. Reporter.
Recruiter vs. HR Generalist.
Copywriter vs. Content Marketer.

Compare and contrast essay between two cultures

Egypt and Mesopotamia compare and contrast essay
Modern European and American culture.
Urbanism and ruralism.
Vegetarianism vs. pescetarianism.
Compare and contrast Mexico and United States essay.
Emo culture and gothic.
Compare and contrast Sparta and Athens essay.
Bookworms vs. Film Buffs.
Culture and ethnicity.
Christianity, Islam and Judaism essay.

Interesting topics about literature

Bible vs. Quran.
1984 vs. Fahrenheit 451.
Chronicles of Narnia: Film or the book series?
The Great Gatsby vs. The Catcher in the Rye.
Fiction against non-fiction.
Divine Comedy vs. Paradise Lost.
Lord of the Rings: The book against the latest film production?
Expository and Persuasive writing.
Harry Potter vs. Lord of the Rings.
Anne Frank’s Diary vs. I am Malala.
Classic poetry against the modern one.
Paper books against the e-books: The never-ending battle.
Anne of Green Gables vs. Pollyanna.
Pride and Prejudice vs. Bridget Jones’ Diary.
Bronte sisters vs. Jane Austen.
Drama and Comedy.
To Kill a Mockingbird or The Help.
Little Women vs. Little Men.
Poetry and prose: What makes them different?

Topics related to movies and cinematography

Wolf of Wall Street vs. Great Gatsby.
Main differences between European and American films.
Horror films and thrillers.
House M.D. against Grey’s Anatomy.
Sherlock Holmes: The old series or the new episodes?
Polyanna: Which is better – a film or the book?
Japanese horror films vs. American.
Home Alone 1 vs. Home Alone 4.
The Wizard of Oz against Gone With the Wind.
The Sound of Music vs. Mary Poppins.
Beverly Hills, 90210 or Melrose Place.
Friends vs. The Office.
Charlie Chaplin and Mr. Bean.
The Pianist or Schindler’s List.
Romeo and Juliet: 1968, 1996, and 2013 productions.
Forrest Gump or The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
300 or Gladiator.
Lord of the Rings: extended edition vs. director’s cut.
Ben-Hur (1959) vs. Ben-Hur (2016).
Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014) and Prince of Egypt.
Dunkirk vs. Saving Private Ryan.
The Green Mile vs. The Shawshank Redemption.
Les Miserables (2012) vs. The Greatest Showman.

Music and arts-related topics

Beyonce vs. Rihanna.
Whitney Houston against Adele.
Britney Spears against Madonna.
Mona Lisa vs. Girl with a Pearl Earring.
Van Gogh against Picasso.
Impressionism against Expressionism.
Opera and ballet.
Spotify or Deezer.
Records or Live concerts.
Jazz or classical music.
Musical theatre vs. Play with music.
Renaissance and Enlightenment epochs in arts.
African vs. Asian art.
Rock music of the XX century vs. today.
Religious hymns and secular songs about Christmas.
Music people listened to in their twenties in the XX century and now.
Protagonist of the modern pop music culture and that of the 1960s.

We guarantee that you can easily find a good title among the ones we suggested. If you find it hard to compose a good compare and contrast essay even after choosing one of our topics, don’t hesitate to us a line asking for help.

A life lesson in Romeo and Juliet taught by death

Due to human nature, we draw conclusions only when life gives us a lesson since the experience of others is not so effective and powerful. Therefore, when analyzing and sorting out common problems we face, we may trace a parallel with well-known book characters or real historical figures. Moreover, we often compare our situations with […]

Ethical Research Paper Topics

Writing a research paper on ethics is not an easy task, especially if you do not possess excellent writing skills and do not like to contemplate controversial questions. But an ethics course is obligatory in all higher education institutions, and students have to look for a way out and be creative. When you find an […]

Art Research Paper Topics

Students obtaining degrees in fine art and art & design programs most commonly need to write a paper on art topics. However, this subject is becoming more popular in educational institutions for expanding students’ horizons. Thus, both groups of receivers of education: those who are into arts and those who only get acquainted with art […]

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100 + top notch compare and contrast essays topics, bob cardens.

August 3, 2022
Essay Topics and Ideas , Nursing

This article covers a list of over 100 Compare and Contrast Essays Topics . It also provides guide and tips on how to choose a topic and steps involved in writing a Compare and Contrast Essays.

What You'll Learn

Compare and Contrast Essays

There are many different types of essays you may have to write in school, and it can be helpful to know the difference between them before you get started.

In a compare and contrast essay, you will be looking at two or more subjects and discussing how they are similar and how they are different.

This can be a fun and challenging type of essay to write, so it’s important to choose a good topic that you can easily find information on.

You can also be instrested in Best Argumentative Essay Topics

Steps to Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay

As you may know, a compare and contrast essay is not really written like other common kinds of essays.

There are certain aspects about it that make it so different from all these other essays and you need to be aware of that before you start writing.

The first thing you need to do is identify the type of compare and contrast essay that you are handling.

There are basically four types:

Events . These essays focus on the comparison of different historical events in life or in books.
Different situations . They examine the differences of certain cases that you may have found yourself in or even others. If you know how to write a newspaper editorial you are familiar with this stylistics
Characters . Focused on people or characters in books, what they did and the impact.
Locations or travelling essays . Discusses different places and locations in the world.

As much as compare and contrast essays are written a bit differently from other types of essays, there are certain aspects about them that are similar to the writing format of other essays.

Introduction . Just like in any other essay, a good compare and contrast essay has to have an introduction that is catchy and functional.

Here, you need to explain what your topic is all about and what you hope to achieve at the end of the discussion.

It should also have a thesis statement that will give a little more information about the subject matter and why you have chosen to discuss it.

Your argument . The next step is to start writing about your standpoint while giving proof of why you think that the way you are looking at it is the best.
Use references, quotations, and citations to develop your argument into something readable and easy to understand.
Opposing arguments . You need to do thorough research about the opposing arguments that your rival would use to counter your points. You should discuss at least two points here and refute these points standing with your own.
Concluding statement . Here, you can choose to rephrase your thesis statement supporting that your point of view is the best.

Conclude with a powerful statement that will impact the reader. Use some cause and effect essay outline to emphasize the connection between the paragraphs.

How to Choose a Compare and Contrast Essay Topic?

Choosing a compare and contrast essay topic can be tricky. You want to choose something that is interesting to you, but also has enough similarities and differences to write a well-rounded essay.

Here are a few tips to help you choose a compare and contrast essay topic:

1. Pick two subjects that you know well. This will make it easier to find points of comparison and contrast.

2. Choose subjects that are different enough to be interesting, but not so different that they have nothing in common.

3. Once you have your subjects picked out, brainstorm some ideas for points of comparison and contrast. Make a list or mind map of all the things you can think of.

4. Narrow down your list to the most important or interesting comparisons and contrasts.

5. Choose a structure for your essay. There are many ways to organize a compare and contrast essay, including using a Venn diagram or chart, listing pros and cons, or identifying similarities and differences point by point.

6. Start writing! Now that you have your topic and structure sorted out, you can start drafting your essay.

Compare and Contrast Essay Structure

Academic success in USA colleges, as well as universities, depends on your ability to follow the rules while adding a personal touch that makes you stand out among your peers.

In this type of paper, one must follow an adequate outline, and structure with the format to submit an excellent task.

By browsing compare and contrast essay examples , one can see that a typical assignment is composed of three sections that include an introduction, a discussion of your main idea, and the particular issues to study.

Get your Paper Started

In the introduction paragraph, mention your thesis statement plus a brief explanation of the main topic that you will explore.

It should be inspiring enough to encourage readers to keep on reading. Next, discuss and analyze the subject fully.

Mention similarities and how the two ideas differ. Include an arguable thesis statement.

Work on the Body

One of the most successful ways to submit this type of writing is to brainstorm for thought-provoking concepts.

Note down all similarities and differences in points for easy reference. Start by listing down a paragraph that highlights similarities between the two ideas.

Next, devote a separate section to explain how each one of them is unique.

You can use visuals like a Venn diagram to explain your opinion. It highlights the distinctive features of each subject plus how they relate to each other. Lists are also excellent tools to clarify ideas.

Refer to a previous reading or a personal experience to support your point of view. Your argument should be based on your own opinion.

It should be supported by enough examples that tempt people to read the rest of your essay.

Develop a convincing argument using the facts you have mentioned. Make sure they add value to the audience.

Explore the counterarguments. Study opinions that oppose your thesis statement or belief.

In the conclusion paragraph, sum up your idea. This section provides your readers with a quick summary of the research you conducted and explains why you’ve reached this conclusion.

It should give a different interpretation of your thesis sentence. Think about how it relates to your argument.

You can also be instrested in Creative Illustration Essay Topics

Compare and Contrast Essays Topics

There are a lot of different topics that you can use for your compare and contrast essays.

You can pick any two things to compare and contrast, but sometimes it can be hard to think of good ideas.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for University Students

When it comes to compare and contrast essay topics for university students, there are a number of different things that you can write about.

They include:

Nighttime vs. Daytime
Sleeping vs. Being active
Running & Walking
Summer & Winter
Comic books and TV shows
Halloween or prom night? – Which one is more fun?
Riding or driving – Which is more difficult?
5 star vs. 3-star hotel
Male or female – A better friend?
Parents vs. Celebrities – Who influences more?

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College Students

School vs. College – Which is more difficult?
Employed vs. unemployed students
Research papers vs. Essays
American vs. British English
Education vs. employment
IELTS vs. TOEFL
Graduate vs. Postgraduate student
Argumentative vs. Persuasive essays
Android vs. iOS
Online writing vs. traditional writing

History Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Sports compare and contrast essay topics.

Sports vs. Exercise – Which is better for health?
Table tennis vs. Lawn tennis
Football vs. Soccer
Basketball vs. Baseball
Breakdance vs. ballet
Steroids vs. Energy drinks – More harmful to athletes?
Women’s vs. men’s basketball
Australian vs. Indian cricket team
The Bundesliga vs. The English Premier League
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid

Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

You can also be instrested in How To Write A Satire Essay

Education Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Compare and contrast the education systems in the United States and another country of your choice.
Compare and contrast the different types of schools, such as public, private, and charter schools.
Compare and contrast the educational philosophies of two different educators.
Compare and contrast the effectiveness of different teaching methods.
Compare and contrast the learning styles of two different students.
SAT vs. IELTS
Scientific Paper vs. Academic Writing
Science and Art
Professional vs. Skill Degree
Essay Writing and Research Paper
What is the difference between Public and Private School students?
Casual Clothing vs. Uniforms
University and College
Gender studies and Women’s Studies
Sociology and Anthropology
IT and Social Media Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
Differences and similarities between a traditional versus a smartphone.
Instagram or Snapchat: What makes each one of them unique?
Facebook or Twitter: social media sharing.
10 Years Challenge versus Ice Bucket Challenge.
Difference and similarities between a traditional versus a smartphone.
Differences and Similarities: Writing emails and letters.
Online jobs or traditional jobs?
Differences and Similarities: Radio or newspaper.
Desktop computers or tablets.
iOS and Android Mobile Platforms
Windows OS and Linux: Simplicity VS Complexity.
AI Robots in Education: Pros and Cons.
Technology’s Impact on Young People and Adults.
Similarities Between Online Dating And Real-Life Relationship Experiences
Differences Between Virtual Gaming And Actual Sports
Similar Issues Covered By The New York Times And The Forbes Magazine
Why Is Myspace Similar To Skype?
Watching Movies At The Cinema Is More Exciting To Streaming Them Online
Why Are Online Writing Techniques More Attractive Than Traditional Means
Similarities Between Using Traditional Mailing Systems To E-Mailing Services
Chat Rooms vs. Social Media Platforms: Which Are Most Efficient?
Significant Differences Between Windows 8.1 And Windows 10?
Android Or iOS: Which One Do You Prefer?

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Politics

Different models of democracy
Republicans vs. Democrats
Democracy and communism
The political system of US vs. UK
Margaret Thatcher vs. Barack Obama;
Good vs. bad politics
American politics vs. British politics
Parliamentary vs. presidential
World war I vs. World War II
Rural politics vs. urban politics

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2022 in Economy

Do I need to study economics for business research or not
Economic growth is important to improve life or not
Importance of understanding economics vs no need
Economics and Management: Similarities and differences
Economy vs Economics
Economics or business studies
Economic upliftment vs better standard of living
Economic growth or per capita income
Rich and poor: differences and similarities

As you continue, thestudycorp.com has the top and most qualified writers to help with any of your assignments. All you need to do is place an order with us. (Compare and Contrast Essays Topics )

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2022 on Healthcare

Free Health Care and Paid Health Care
Vaccination vs Medication
Compare two different roles in the field (nurse to doctor)
Osteopathic and allopathic medicine: similarities and differences.
Does the city need mobile first aid stations, or are there enough local hospitals
Where is the best possible care for the sick – at home or in the hospital?
Canadian Health Care and American Health Care
Female vs male doctors
Operations vs. therapeutic cancer curing.
Should Vaccinations be made mandatory?

You can also be instrested in Persuasive Essay Topics

Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Moonwalk vs. Gangnam Style
Xbox vs. PlayStation
Growing a tree vs. raising a child
Being a single vs. in a relationship
Drugs or Coffee – Which is better to improve performance?
Morse code vs. Beethoven’s fifth symphony
Love or friendship
Apple vs. Samsung
Live-in relationship vs. marriage
Barbie vs. Bratz

Controversial Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Saving money or not
Public vs private college
Monarchy vs democracy
Theory vs practical
Higher education or job
Plastic vs paper
The political system of US vs the UK
3D movies or 4D movies
Plastic surgery or not
Oxford or Harvard

Movie Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Comedy vs. horror movies
Vampires of Twilight vs. Vampire diaries
Avengers vs. Fantastic Four
DC or Marvel
Normal vs. 3D screening
Dumbledore vs. Voldemort
Michael Jackson vs. Prince
Netflix or Youtube
Bollywood vs. Hollywood
Mystery vs. Crime movies

Medical Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Vaccination or medications
Female vs. male doctors
All-natural cures vs. chemical cures
Alternative medicine vs. traditional medicine
Soft Drugs s. Hard Drugs
Should medical marijuana be approved on the federal level?
Traditional vs. modern medicine
Old-fashioned or unique ways of treatment
Doctor vs. nurse
Medicine vs. herbal

Philosophy Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas

Are historians and philosophers closely related? Incredible Similarities.
What is stronger: Physical power or the power of words.
Who is truly wild: humans or animals? Discover Similarities.
What is the effect of music and poetry on people?
The Difference between Socrates and Plato.
Modern and ancient philosophers.
Helping others versus taking care of one’s self.
Effect of books and video games on morals.
The negative versus positive impact of religion on people.
Thin Line Between Right and Wrong

Religion Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

The Quran vs the Bible: Difference in their teachings.
Life of Jesus Christ. Life of Moses. Any Similarities?
Buddha versus Jesus Christ.
Exploring the definition of right vs wrong in various religions.
Zoroastrianism plus Islam: How do they relate?
How was the life of Jesus Christ displayed in different gospels?
Comparing Ancient Egyptian versus Ancient Roman religions.
Isis against Athena.
Judaism before and after Jesus Christ: Compare and Contrast.
Catholicism against Protestantism.

As you continue, thestudycorp.com has the top and most qualified writers to help with any of your assignments. All you need to do is place an order with us. (Compare and Contrast Essays Topics)(Compare and Contrast Essays Topics)

You can also check out Current Event Essay Topics & Current Event Essay Example

Related FAQs

1. how to write a compare and contrast essay.

Let’s see compare and contrast essay topics ideas as well as brief strategies you can use in your writing. The first thing that you need to do before you start writing is to choose an appropriate topic to write about. This should essentially be a topic of interest to you or something that you can discuss in length without any problem whatsoever.

2. What is the biggest challenge in writing a compare and contrast?

The biggest challenge is usually in picking the best topic for you and this can be quite a huge issue if you are not careful in what you are doing. Let’s see compare and contrast essay topics ideas as well as brief strategies you can use in your writing .

3. What are some good topics for comparison and contrast?

That is why you can quickly find several items from the health and medicine sphere to compare and contrast. We investigated this sphere and provided the following list of topics suitable for any study level: Regular small portions vs. interval starvation diet.

4. How do you compare two subjects in an essay?

For the section where you compare two subjects, you can include any of the following words: similarly, likewise, also, both, just like, similar to, the same as, alike, or to compare to. When contrasting two subjects, use: in contrast, in comparison, by comparison, on the other hand, while, whereas, but, to differ from, dissimilar to, or unlike.

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Journal Buddies Jill | September 13, 2023 April 25, 2022 | Journal Prompts & Writing Ideas

31 Fun Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

31 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics & Prompts about Similarities and Differences— In this list of essay topics and prompts, high school students (and other grades, too) will get creative as they think about the similarities and differences between specific topics, like their family members, childhood experiences, lifestyle, and preferences. Read on to discover more…

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics. See these Creative Essay Topics about Comparison and Differences

Essay Contrast Topics and Prompt Ideas

When it comes to essay writing, comparing similarities and differences makes for some very fun writing topics.

Indeed…

It’s good for students to compare the places they have been, the places they’re going, and all of the ways they are different now than when they started.

Plus…

Our compare and contrast essay topics and writing prompts also make for interesting conversation starters that can bring out positive things you otherwise wouldn’t know about your students.

Easy Compare Topics Still Get Writers Digging Deep

Our list of fun topics below encourages students to compare and contrast two things that are seemingly different—and then, to consider the benefits of each one. Though some instances may seem completely separate at first, students may find that there is more commonality between them than they first imagined.

For instance, a teenager might not think that his best friend and favorite movie characters have much in common—but while working through this list of writing prompts, they’ll find that both individuals have a winning sense of humor.

Next, students will think about the benefits of each item or experience. By looking for the good in things like Mondays, braces, and even the experience of waiting, students will practice positivity.

When students write using the following compare and contrast essay topics, research paper ideas, and writing prompts, their creative juices will start flowing, and they will practice examination and positivity.

Now, get to it and…

Help your class explore commonalities and contrasting qualities today with the compare and contrast essay topics below. Enjoy!

31 Fun Compare and Contrast Essay Topic and Prompt Ideas about Similarities and Differences

Explore the similarities and differences between the following items. Which is the best compare and contrast idea for your assignment?

Mondays and Fridays.
You and your best friend.
Going swimming and falling in the pool.
Being too cold and being too warm.
Singing in the choir and singing in the shower.
Books and computers.
Your mom and your dad.
Movie stars and athletes.
Brushing your teeth and washing your hands.
Recess and lunch.
Eyeglasses and braces.
Buying something with money you saved or money you received as a gift.
Waking up early and going to bed early.
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and hamburgers.
Falling asleep in your bed and falling asleep at the dinner table.
Your best friend and your favorite movie character.
Batman and Spiderman.

Creative Writing Ideas about Similarities and Differences

Video games and movies.
Ice cream with syrup, sprinkles, and candy and plain ice cream with no toppings.
The mall and an online store.
Cars and bicycles.
Diamonds and gold.
Your parents and your teacher.
Wearing jeans and wearing pajama pants.
The experience of waiting patiently and the experience of waiting impatiently.
Roses and tulips.
Racehorses and racecars.
Your favorite television show and favorite movie.
Giving a gift and receiving a gift.
The last day of school and the first day of school.

I hope you use this list of compare and contrast essay topics in your student’s next essay writing assignment or in your lesson plans. Whatever you do, just ensure your writers have a blast comparing and contrasting the differences and similarities of the fun ideas above.

If, however, the ideas listed above were not enough to inspire a writer, perhaps one of these will do the trick:

Bonus List of Good Compare Essay Writing Topics

Soccer vs Football vs Basketball
Fact vs Fiction
Instagram vs TikTok
Romeo vs Juliet
Fast Food vs Health Food
Apples vs Oranges
Harry Potter vs Twilight
Politics vs Government
Public School vs Private vs e-Learning
Adulthood vs Childhood
Moon vs Sun
Chemistry vs Physics
Tennis vs Badminton
Steve Jobs vs Stephen King
Android vs iPhone
Being an only child vs having siblings
Big city vs small town living
Modern medicine healthcare vs alternative
American English vs British English

A Few More Random Ideas to use as Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Traditional College Students vs Nontraditional Ones
The Milky way compared to other galaxies
Pride vs Humility
Prejudice vs Bias
Is life comics or reality?
Clowns are terrible or cute?
Soap: liquid or hard hand?
Owl or Eagle: who is the wiser?
Become invisible: Will it be fun or will you create more problems?
Lincoln vs Washington
Tsunami vs earthquake

More Essay Writing Resources

35 Essay Topics for Kids
30 Good Topic Ideas for a Descriptive Essay
Explanatory Essay Topics for Students
36 Easy to Write About Topics for Essays
29 Wonderful Would You Rather Writing Prompts
Compare and Contrast essay examples

Until next time, write on!

If you enjoyed these Compare and Contrast Essay Topics, please share them on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest. I appreciate it!

Sincerely, Jill journalbuddies.com creator and curator

PS – check out these 98 Superb Cause and Effect Essay Topics for Students !

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Essay Examples

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Compare and contrast essays are some of the most interesting assignments and students (well, some) enjoy writing them. This is because unlike most kinds of essays, it is hardly possible to get writer's block when you are handling these. You are given the freedom to not only pick compare and contrast topics on your own, but you have the freedom to choose the side of your support as well as how to contrast it.

However, the fact that you are given all this freedom does not mean that this is the simplest essay to write. The biggest challenge is usually in picking the best topic for you and this can be quite a huge issue if you are not careful in what you are doing. Let's see compare and contrast essay topics ideas as well as brief strategies you can use in your writing.

Tips On How To Write Superb Compare And Contrast Essays

The first thing that you need to do before you start writing is to choose an appropriate topic to write about. This should essentially be a topic of interest to you or something that you can discuss in length without any problem whatsoever. Lucky for you, there are so many topics you could focus on when writing and it is all up to you to determine the exact topic that you want to build on.

In most cases, the topics you choose should be closely related. For example if you chose to go with sports, choose two contrasting topics that are in the same category such as soccer vs basketball. You should steer clear of choosing topics that do not have any kind of relationship whatsoever such as pasta vs winter. This will be difficult to compare as they do not have any similarities and are basically worlds apart.

However, there is an exception of really good art students who can pull off contrasting two things that are completely different or discussing certain topics from an artistic point of view. For example one may choose a topic such as, life in the shoes of a werewolf. You see that it is an unusual topic that may be quite difficult to imagine or explain, but some students may just turn that topic into a masterpiece.

Students are encouraged that when choosing a topic, you think outside the box as this will most likely earn you better grades. Students who excel in writing about such complex topic may have a chance to be enrolled into some of the best Art universities to develop their skills and talent.

How To Choose Your Sources

Just because you are given total freedom about what you are going to write, does not mean that you should write casually without giving any proof. Remember that a compare and contrast essay is an academic essay so the language and formatting should all be formal.

Referencing and giving citations in your work is one of the best ways of proving your points, hence explaining why you chose a particular stand. The sources that you choose should be up to date and not more than 5 years old unless you are discussing a historical topic. Always check for the credibility of your sources before using them in your essay so as not to give false information. Some of the best sources of information include:

Official textbooks and encyclopedias.
Published journals.
Official magazines.
Academic and research reports.
Documentaries.

Steps To Writing A Compare And Contrast Essay

As you may know, a compare and contrast essay is not really written like other common kinds of essays . There are certain aspects about it that make it so different from all these other essays and you need to be aware of that before you start writing.

The first thing you need to do is identify the type of compare and contrast essay that you are handling. There are basically four types:

Events . These essays focus on the comparison of different historical events in life or in books.
Different situations . They examine the differences of certain cases that you may have found yourself in or even others. If you know how to write a newspaper editorial you are familiar with this stylistics
Characters . Focused on people or characters in books, what they did and the impact.
Locations or travelling essays . Discusses different places and locations in the world.

As much as compare and contrast essays are written a bit differently from other types of essays , there are certain aspects about them that are similar to the writing format of other essays.

Introduction . Just like in any other essay, a good compare and contrast essay has to have an introduction that is catchy and functional. Here, you need to explain what your topic is all about and what you hope to achieve at the end of the discussion. It should also have a thesis statement that will give a little more information about the subject matter and why you have chosen to discuss it.
Your argument . The next step is to start writing about your stand point, while giving proof of why you think that the way you are looking at it is the best. Use references, quotations and citations to develop your argument into something readable and easy to understand.
Opposing arguments . You need to do thorough research about the opposing arguments that your rival would use to counter your points. You should discuss at least two points here and refute these points standing with your own.
Concluding statement . Here, you can choose to rephrase your thesis statement and supporting that your point of view is the best. Conclude with a powerful statement that will impact on the reader. Use some cause and effect essay outline to emphasise the connection between the paragraphs.

Writing Tips To Make Your Essay Stand Out

Any good essay has to stand out and encourage the reader to continue reading from the beginning to the end, no matter the type of essay it is. This is why you need to ensure that you make your compare and contrast essay as interesting and accurate as possible using these tips.

Check other essays for inspiration. Starting your own essay from scratch can be a bit confusing for most students. This is why you need to take some time and check out other written essays in the same category as the one you are writing for the best ways to start, develop your argument and finally conclude. See how to incorporate quotes, sayings and humor into your compare and contrast essay. Also check on creative ways to use our references to add some backbone to your argument.
Think critically. This is necessary when you are trying to find a suitable topic to write about since there are so many to choose from. Brainstorm and write down a list of your best topics listing down the differences and similarities to see which work well together and have a lot of points that you can discuss.
Seek professional assistance. Identifying great education services can help you get your hands on really useful sources on your chosen topics. This will help you build a strong argument and to be able to back what you are discussing. You can write literature review where you reveal your sources and how they helped in your discussion. It is a really great way of increasing your word count without unnecessary fluff.
Proper formatting and in text citations. As earlier mentioned, a compare and contrast essay is an academic paper so the correct formatting needs to be used according to what you were instructed to do. In text citations give evidence of your discussion and why you chose the argument that you did.

So now you know how to choose the best compare and contrast topics and the different segments that you need to address when writing. You also understand how to find sources and the best kind to use in your paper to make it relevant and interesting. however, you may still have a problem identifying the best topics for you to discuss, which is why we have highlighted different topics that you can use in your compare and contrast essay.

Best Compare And Contrast Topics For University Students

Sciences vs Arts: which are the most viable in the job market?
Essays vs research papers: what is the difference:
Home schooling: what are the benefits and disadvantages?
College education: should it be free? What is to be gained if that step was taken?
College degrees: how relevant are they in today’s job market?
Education: is it necessary to become successful in life?
Exams: are they a true reflection of a student’s ability?
Boarding schools vs day schools: what are the major differences?
Hostels vs renting: what are the advantages and disadvantages?

Political And Historical Topics

Karl Marx vs Friedrich Hegel: who made the most impact?
The bible vs the Quran: what are the differences in teachings
The 60s vs the 90s music: which was better?
Capitalism vs communism: which is superior?
Dictatorship and democratic: how are they different?
Al Qaeda vs Boko Haram: are they the same?
African government vs western governments: what are the differences in governance?
Greek gods: real or not?
Us president vs Monarch of England: what are the differences in power?

Compare And Contrast Topics For Starters

Tomatoes: are they fruits or vegetables?
Netball vs basketball: are the rules different or the same?
Samsung vs apple: which is the better brand?
Being miserable in a mansion or happy in a shanty: which is better?
Differences between the American and the British.
Aliens: real or not?
Marijuana: is it dangerous or a blessing in disguise?
Winter vs summer: which is better?
Dinner date vs movie and drinks.

Battle Of The Opposites Essay Topics

White vs black.
Alibaba vs amazon.
Religious marriage vs civil marriage.
Dogs vs cats.
Happiness vs sadness.
Pizza vs pasta.
WW1 vs WW2.
Good girl vs bad boy.
Electric vs gas cars.

Teenage Compare And Contrast Essays

Watching at home vs going out to a movie.
When should one be allowed to date?
Reading vs watching? Which is easier
Arts vs Science
Hip hop vs RnB
White collar vs blue collar
Android vs IOS
Casual vs casual official? What is more appropriate?
Snapchat vs Instagram: which is better?

IT And Social Media Essay Topics

Does paper mailing have a space in future?
Desktop computers vs tablets
Facebook vs Twitter: which is better?
Online jobs vs traditional jobs?
SEO vs traditional marketing? Which yield more results?
Blogs vs websites.
Traditional learning vs E-learning: what does the future hold?
Windows vs IOS.
Radio vs newspapers.

Movie and Music Comparison Ideas

Rock vs country.
Batman vs superman: who is the true hero of the world?
DC vs Marvel?
Comedy vs Horror
Dumbledore vs Voldemort
Vampires vs werewolves: who are stronger?
3D vs normal screening? Differences and similarities?
Avengers vs fantastic four
Michael Jackson vs Prince: who is the true kind of pop music?

Compare And Contrast Literature Topics

Fiction vs nonfiction: which has a larger readership?
Romance vs horror.
Past vs present works of literature: which is better?
Hardcopy vs E- books
Romeo and Juliet: takeaway lessons
Is Shakespeare the greatest poet who ever lived?
Poetry vs hip hop: are there any similarities?
Greek vs Egyptian mythology
Is harry potter the best magical fantasy book ever written?

Scientific Topic Ideas

Uranus vs Saturn: are there any similarities?
The sun vs the moon
Chemistry vs biology
Nuclear vs fossil energy
Disputable scientific statements
Science and technology: are they interdependent?
Is there life on other planets
Can theories in physics be used to explain all aspects of life?
Hurricanes vs tornados

Everyday Compare And Contrast Topics

Coffee vs tea
Wood vs bricks: which is better to build with
The west vs the east: similarities
Catholics vs protestants
African countries vs European countries
Flying vs driving: which one is better?
McDonalds vs KFC
Cartoon network vs Nickelodeon
American English vs British English

Philosophy Topic Ideas

Music vs poetry: do they have the same effect on people
Philosophers vs historians: are they similar?
Which is more important food or health care?
Are humans wilder than wild animals?
Should there be justification for evil deeds?
Friends vs enemies: who should you be weary of?
Good vs evil: where is the line drawn?
Simplest explanation vs complex explanation: which is best?
Similarities between philosophy and religion.
The pen is mightier than the sword: how true is this?

Final Thoughts

The above mentioned compare and contrast essay topics are just a few of the many topics you can choose to discuss in your essay. If you are still having problems making a decision, then you can always ask for assistance from our professional essay writers who will help you find the best topic. You can also order a fully written compare and contrast essay and ease the amount of work you have to do.

It’s no wonder that students like to write contrast and compare essays because they leave a lot of space for creativity and own opinion. Such an essay allows the student to put in his own thoughts on the subjects compared and it can be quite fun to compare two entities rather just analyzing one and composing an essay on that. Of course, this doesn’t make it a very easy job and there are some rules and tips you should be aware of before starting to write a comparative essay.

Main Parts of Writing a Compare Essay

Before you even start writing it is very important to choose the topic that will put you in advantage. In most of the situations, you should look for items to compare that have some differences but similarities as well. For example, you can’t go on writing a comparative essay between a stone and rock and roll. So focus on comparison items that will give you the chance to talk about things they have in common but as well on how one is better than the other at certain aspects.

After you establish the comparison items you needs to do some proper research so that you have enough information on both to be able to perform a proper comparison. There are several sources from where you can gather information on your subjects but make sure that you always go with facts. Your text will need some proper back-up and sources to be cited. You can use sources like:

Documentaries
Scientific magazines
Academic journals
Official Reports

How to Write a Comparative and Contrast Essay

If you think that you can simply use the basic essay tips you learned in class or for other types of essays, you’re wrong. The thing with comparative and contrast essays is that you’re not just focusing on one item and anything you write has to be constructed in such a way that it can be used to compare it with the other one.

You can start with the type of topic you choose for your compare and contrast essay. Usually, the topics are divided into 4 categories:

People and Fiction

No matter what category you choose to go with, you will have to always follow the structure of any academic paper. If you’re not sure how that goes, let us refresh your memory a bit.

Introduction

Here is the place where you have to try and get your readers to listen and hook them with your story. You need to present your topic, of course, and also your thesis statement which has the role of indicating to your readers what is the probable course of the entire work. The thesis statement usually goes in the first paragraph, somewhere around the last sentence of it.

Emphasizing on your arguments

After you’ve done the research, it’s time to develop the arguments that you make when comparing one thing to another. Makes sure to include reliable sources and don’t overdo it, just make it enough for your comparison to look well-researched.

Refuting arguments

In this section things will go the other way around. You need to research the selected topic and find facts to contradict your initial thesis. Again, choose at least one example and expand it into a paragraph at least that contains the counter-argument and as well as sources you used to reach that conclusion.

Obviously, this is the part where you draw your conclusions. You can restate your thesis statement and point out some of the arguments used over the entire essay that backs it up.

More Tips on Writing a Comparative and Contrast Essay

Always check for possible examples of essays when working on your hook sentence. This sentence has a great influence on a first-time reader of your work decision to keep reading or simply pass. There’s a wide variety of hooks you can use such as:

Literary queotes
Anecdotes or jokes
Quotes of important persons
Setting scenes
Quotes from poetry
Scientific arguments
Rhetorical questions

Never stop brainstorming since it’s the best way to make a decision regarding the two items you’re going to write about. Make sure to write them down so you can go over them later and finally decide what you’re going to focus on. You can even start to sketch a few similarities and differences between the topic you brainstormed so that you have an idea on how complicated it will be to write the essay.

If needed, you can always turn to professionals to give you a nudge or help you with your topics or sources. You can appeal to books, movies or articles that are discussing the same topic you’re going to approach in your essay.

Make sure you don’t forget about in-text citations and formatting since you’re writing an academic paper. You have to use all the correct citations, including indirect and direct quotes to make your text even more believable.

We are trying to keep the part on how to write a comparative and contrast essay as brief as possible as we already approached this subject, in full, in another article. This article puts more focus on subjects and topic for these types of essays since without a good topic, you might end up getting stuck and have to start over and over again. So here are the best 150 topics you can elaborate a compare and contrast essay on.

Topics for Compare and Contrast Essays That Can be Used by College Students

As you can see, the topics are divided into multiple categories so that it would be easier for you to select one. We chose to start this list of categorized topics with what’s most relevant for college students and that’s obviously college itself and how to handle it. So, here we go:

College vs Schools – what’s changed?
Unemployed students compared to students that work. Who’s having the right approach.
Essays vs research papers – what’s the best choice?
British English or American English – what are the major differences?
Are there any similarities between employment and education?
TOEFL and SAT – what are the similarities and differences?
Ph. D and Master Degree – main differences
Argumentative papers vs persuasive paper – same or different
Traditional Education or remote education – what works best?

6th Grade Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Summer or Winter – what’s the best season?
Christmas at home vs Christmas traveling
Wolves and dogs – differences and similarities
Flowers and Weeds – why do we need both?
Novels or comic books – what’s more interesting to read?
Ping-pong vs tennis – what’s your favorite game?
Reading a book vs watching TV
Female friend or male friends – which ones are best?
Western USA vs Eastern USA

Middle School Essay Topics

Zeus vs King Arthur – which one is cooler?
Role models of 1950s compared to modern role models
Watching a move at home compared with going to the cinema
Is there a link between school bullies and dictators?
Is a hurricane worse than a tsunami or the other way around?
Christmas, Halloween or Prom night – which one is the most fun?
Bicycle or car driving – which one is more difficult?
5-star hotels vs 3-star ones – why should you choose each of them?
Parents or celebrities – who influences a teenager most of all?

High School Compare and Contrast Essay Themes

Historic literature or fiction – which one appeals most to college students?
College Tests vs High School examinations – what is the most important of the two?
E-learning versus traditional learning – is science and technology really helping with the learning process?
New England Patriots vs Atlanta Falcons – who has more fans?
Printed books vs e-books – what is the most appealing form of reading for colleague students?
Story buildings or wooden houses – what type of construction is best?
Portugal and Spain – what are the main similarities and differences?
Japanese concept of beauty compared with the American one – what are the standards?
Modern rock music compared with rock from the early 20th century – what are the differences and how did this genre evolve?

Day-to-day Compare and Contrast Essay Themes

Buffy or Twilight – similarities and differences in characters
Macbeth vs Julius Caesar – what do they have in common?
Modernism vs realism – main differences and similarities
Prose vs poetry – what are the literary elements that differentiate these genres
Rural vs urban living – what are the similarities and differences
Hillary Clinton vs Donald Trump – who should have won and what do they have in common?
Barcelona vs Real Madrid – differences and things the two clubs have in common
Android vs iOS – benefits of both operating systems
Textbooks or tablets in schools – what are the advantages and disadvantages of each in the process of learning?
Asylums vs Jails
Star Trek vs Star Wards
Family Guy vs American Dad
Pineapple vs Apple
Scandinavian Mythology vs Greek Mythology

Politics and History Compare Essay Topics

Washington’s Ideas compared with Lincoln’s way of action
Baroque vs Renaissance epochs
Religious Studies vs Anthropology
Soviet Government opposed to the American Government
UK Prime Minister vs US President
South and North Before the events of the Civil War in the United States
King Louis XIV compared with Henry VIII
Nazism and fascism: are there any differences?
Difference in the events of World War II and World War I

Easy to Approach Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Comparing an orange to an apple
Day Time vs Night Time – what are the advantages of each time frame?
What are the main differences between animals and people
Being rich opposed to living in poverty
Tea or Coffee – What are the similarities and contrasts?
Living in a small village opposed to living in a big city
The differences between feeling sad or lonely
Main differences and similarities between British and American traditional dishes
Camping sites – seashore or in the woods?

Opposite Compare Essay Topics

Males vs Females
Pepsi or Coke?
White vs Red
Peace vs War
Riding the bus or driving a car?
Hatred and love
Positive and negative aspects of working a lot
Sun and the Moon
Soft toys or dolls – what are the most appropriate toys?

Compare and Contrast Topics for Teenagers

Adulthood vs Childhood
Living on Campus opposed to living at home
Watching a movie or reading the book that the movie was made after?
Freelancing or working in an office?
Scientific writing vs academic writing
Radio shows or TV show?
Professional career or education – what should you focus on?
Roman and Greek culture – what are the main similarities and differences
Science Classes compared with Art Classes

Social Media and IT Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Traditional Mailing vs email
Traditional Commerce vs e-commerce
Real-life dating vs online dating sites and apps
Video Computer games vs smartphone games
Forbes or New York Times?
MySpace or Facebook? What’s the best social network?
Online job application vs traditional methods
Traditional writing services compared with online writing services
Online advertising compared with traditional advertising

Music and Movie Compare and Contrast Essay Themes

Charmed or Buffy?
Movies against books: Reading is the best way to explore a novel?
Rock vs Jazz
Frodo vs Sam – Which Lord of the Rings character is more important?
Dumbledore vs Gandalf
Soviet cinematography vs American films
Loki and Thor – Brothers or Enemies?
Thriller or horror films – what do they have in common
Draco Malfoy vs Harry Potter

Literature-Inspired Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas

Drama vs Comedy
Roman vs Greek Mythology
Lessons learned from Beauty and the Best
Lyrics of Prose – what students prefer?
Nowadays Lyrics compared with poetry of the 13th century
Non-fiction vs fiction literature
Harry Potter vs Lord of the Rings
Literature of the past compared with the one of the future

Scientific Topics for Compare and Contrast Essays

Microwave vs Oven
Chemistry vs Physics
Andromeda and Milky Way
What are the differences between Mars and Earth
Differences and similarities of the two moon missions
DaVinci vs Thomas Jefferson
Tsunami vs Earthquakes – what’s the worse natural phenomenon
Two different chemical reactions formulas
Limited control software vs full access navigation

Popular Compare Essay Themes

Football vs Soccer
Korean vs Chinese
Personal point of view vs public opinion
Water or juice
Dark beer vs light beer
Obesity and Anorexia – what is the most dangerous
Divorce and marriage
Linux or Windows – Paid vs free OS
Capitalism vs Marxism

Philosophical Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Is Miami Beach a better place to live rather than home?
Life and Death
Anchored in reality or dreamy – what are the pros and cons?
Friends or more – where’s the limit?
Mental and physical needs of humans
Fantasy world or reality?
Macbeth and Hamlet – a philosophical approach
Humans and dogs – similarities
Free access compared with reserved rights – how intellectual property should be treated?
Roman philosophers vs Greek ones

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Comparing and contrasting in an essay | Tips & examples

Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay | Tips & Examples

Published on August 6, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

Comparing and contrasting is an important skill in academic writing . It involves taking two or more subjects and analyzing the differences and similarities between them.

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When should i compare and contrast, making effective comparisons, comparing and contrasting as a brainstorming tool, structuring your comparisons, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about comparing and contrasting.

Many assignments will invite you to make comparisons quite explicitly, as in these prompts.

Compare the treatment of the theme of beauty in the poetry of William Wordsworth and John Keats.
Compare and contrast in-class and distance learning. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each approach?

Some other prompts may not directly ask you to compare and contrast, but present you with a topic where comparing and contrasting could be a good approach.

One way to approach this essay might be to contrast the situation before the Great Depression with the situation during it, to highlight how large a difference it made.

Comparing and contrasting is also used in all kinds of academic contexts where it’s not explicitly prompted. For example, a literature review involves comparing and contrasting different studies on your topic, and an argumentative essay may involve weighing up the pros and cons of different arguments.

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As the name suggests, comparing and contrasting is about identifying both similarities and differences. You might focus on contrasting quite different subjects or comparing subjects with a lot in common—but there must be some grounds for comparison in the first place.

For example, you might contrast French society before and after the French Revolution; you’d likely find many differences, but there would be a valid basis for comparison. However, if you contrasted pre-revolutionary France with Han-dynasty China, your reader might wonder why you chose to compare these two societies.

This is why it’s important to clarify the point of your comparisons by writing a focused thesis statement . Every element of an essay should serve your central argument in some way. Consider what you’re trying to accomplish with any comparisons you make, and be sure to make this clear to the reader.

Comparing and contrasting can be a useful tool to help organize your thoughts before you begin writing any type of academic text. You might use it to compare different theories and approaches you’ve encountered in your preliminary research, for example.

Let’s say your research involves the competing psychological approaches of behaviorism and cognitive psychology. You might make a table to summarize the key differences between them.

Behaviorism	Cognitive psychology
Dominant from the 1920s to the 1950s	Rose to prominence in the 1960s
Mental processes cannot be empirically studied	Mental processes as focus of study
Focuses on how thinking is affected by conditioning and environment	Focuses on the cognitive processes themselves

Or say you’re writing about the major global conflicts of the twentieth century. You might visualize the key similarities and differences in a Venn diagram.

A Venn diagram showing the similarities and differences between World War I, World War II, and the Cold War.

These visualizations wouldn’t make it into your actual writing, so they don’t have to be very formal in terms of phrasing or presentation. The point of comparing and contrasting at this stage is to help you organize and shape your ideas to aid you in structuring your arguments.

When comparing and contrasting in an essay, there are two main ways to structure your comparisons: the alternating method and the block method.

The alternating method

In the alternating method, you structure your text according to what aspect you’re comparing. You cover both your subjects side by side in terms of a specific point of comparison. Your text is structured like this:

Mouse over the example paragraph below to see how this approach works.

One challenge teachers face is identifying and assisting students who are struggling without disrupting the rest of the class. In a traditional classroom environment, the teacher can easily identify when a student is struggling based on their demeanor in class or simply by regularly checking on students during exercises. They can then offer assistance quietly during the exercise or discuss it further after class. Meanwhile, in a Zoom-based class, the lack of physical presence makes it more difficult to pay attention to individual students’ responses and notice frustrations, and there is less flexibility to speak with students privately to offer assistance. In this case, therefore, the traditional classroom environment holds the advantage, although it appears likely that aiding students in a virtual classroom environment will become easier as the technology, and teachers’ familiarity with it, improves.

The block method

In the block method, you cover each of the overall subjects you’re comparing in a block. You say everything you have to say about your first subject, then discuss your second subject, making comparisons and contrasts back to the things you’ve already said about the first. Your text is structured like this:

Point of comparison A
Point of comparison B

The most commonly cited advantage of distance learning is the flexibility and accessibility it offers. Rather than being required to travel to a specific location every week (and to live near enough to feasibly do so), students can participate from anywhere with an internet connection. This allows not only for a wider geographical spread of students but for the possibility of studying while travelling. However, distance learning presents its own accessibility challenges; not all students have a stable internet connection and a computer or other device with which to participate in online classes, and less technologically literate students and teachers may struggle with the technical aspects of class participation. Furthermore, discomfort and distractions can hinder an individual student’s ability to engage with the class from home, creating divergent learning experiences for different students. Distance learning, then, seems to improve accessibility in some ways while representing a step backwards in others.

Note that these two methods can be combined; these two example paragraphs could both be part of the same essay, but it’s wise to use an essay outline to plan out which approach you’re taking in each paragraph.

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Some essay prompts include the keywords “compare” and/or “contrast.” In these cases, an essay structured around comparing and contrasting is the appropriate response.

Comparing and contrasting is also a useful approach in all kinds of academic writing : You might compare different studies in a literature review , weigh up different arguments in an argumentative essay , or consider different theoretical approaches in a theoretical framework .

Your subjects might be very different or quite similar, but it’s important that there be meaningful grounds for comparison . You can probably describe many differences between a cat and a bicycle, but there isn’t really any connection between them to justify the comparison.

You’ll have to write a thesis statement explaining the central point you want to make in your essay , so be sure to know in advance what connects your subjects and makes them worth comparing.

Comparisons in essays are generally structured in one of two ways:

The alternating method, where you compare your subjects side by side according to one specific aspect at a time.
The block method, where you cover each subject separately in its entirety.

It’s also possible to combine both methods, for example by writing a full paragraph on each of your topics and then a final paragraph contrasting the two according to a specific metric.

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150 Comparison Essay Topics

The process of writing a comparison essay starts with the identification of two or more objects, people, events, etc., that are being studied. Then, once the similarities and differences have been identified, they need to be written about clearly and concisely.

Is Writing a Comparison Essay Difficult?

Even with superb writing skills, crafting an original and unique comparison essay can be challenging for many students.

Because a comparison essay is supposed to be unbiased, students often find it challenging to remain that way. The point of a comparison essay isn’t to argue a particular point of view. Instead, it is to simply and honestly assess and describe similarities and differences between two or more objects.

And since a comparison essay typically entails writing about both the similarities and differences between two or more objects, students may find it challenging to come up with enough points of comparison.

What Is the Best Way to Write a Comparison Essay?

Writing a comparison essay requires both creativity and analysis. By combining the two, students can best identify similarities and differences between two or more objects.

Having a checklist of points to consider can be an effective way to conduct comparisons. To write a comparison essay, students need to focus on the following:

Similarities

While identifying similarities between two or more objects may seem easier than pointing out differences, students need to be careful not to list off similarities without providing any analysis.

For example, if a student was writing a comparison essay about two cars, they might mention that both cars have four doors and seats for five people. However, simply noting the similarities between two objects is not enough.

Students need to probe a little deeper and ask themselves why the similarities exist to make an effective comparison. For example, in the case of the two cars, students might ask themselves why car manufacturers are designing vehicles with four doors and seats for five people. What are the benefits of doing so?

Differences

Identifying differences between two or more objects is often more difficult than finding similarities.

When identifying differences between objects, students need to be careful not to simply list off the differences without providing any analysis or explanation. For example, a student might say that a Ferrari car is expensive and a Ford Focus car is inexpensive. However, a one-sentence description of the difference between two objects doesn’t present any significant information.

To effectively compare two or more objects, students need to focus their attention on the “why” behind each difference. For example, they might ask themselves why one car is expensive while another is inexpensive. What are some of the factors that contribute towards its price? What materials does it consist of?

How to Write a Comparison Essay Conclusion

Writing a comparison essay starts with creating a detailed outline examining the similarities and differences between two or more objects.

Once the differences and similarities have been established, students can move on to crafting an introduction that details:

The topic being covered
Relevant background information
Thesis statement

The introduction is often considered the most crucial part of an essay as it serves to entice the reader and make them want to continue reading.

The body of the comparison essay should then follow with a section that addresses each difference and similarity listed in the outline. Students should spend equal time discussing similarities and differences as a comparison essay is supposed to be balanced.

This means that if a student spends five paragraphs discussing one object’s similarities, they will need to spend five paragraphs discussing the other object’s differences.

The conclusion of a comparison essay should summarize the information that has been covered and leave the reader with some final thoughts. It is also a good idea to restate the thesis statement differently to remind the reader of what was being compared.

Key Tips for Writing a Comparison Essay

To ensure that a comparison essay is well-written, it’s essential to follow a few key pieces of advice so that you are on the right track.

1. Be Unbiased

When comparing two or more objects, it is important to be unbiased and not favor one object over the other. This means that students need to present information in a fair and even manner.

2. Use Evidence

In order to strengthen a comparison, students need to use evidence in the form of examples, data, and statistics. This will help support the points that are being made and make the essay more persuasive.

3. Stay Focused

When writing a comparison essay, staying focused on the topic at hand is essential. This means that students should avoid straying off-topic and including irrelevant information in their essay.

The following 150 comparison essay topics are great prompts for students to explore the similarities and differences between two or more objects, concepts, or ideas.

Comparison Essay Topics About Math

The similarities and differences between addition and subtraction.
The similarities and differences between multiplication and division.
The similarities and differences between fractions and decimals.
The similarities and differences between percentages and fractions.
The similarities and differences between positive and negative numbers.
The similarities and differences between integers and real numbers.
The similarities and differences between rational and irrational numbers.
The similarities and differences between square roots and cube roots.
The similarities and differences between radicals and algebraic expressions.
The similarities and differences between order of operations and algebraic equations.
Comparing and contrasting basic and advanced math concepts.
Theoretical math concepts vs. their real-world applications.
The similarities and differences between geometry, algebra, calculus, statistics, etc.

Comparison Essay Topics About Language Arts

The similarities and differences between poetry and prose.
The similarities and differences between fiction and nonfiction books.
The similarities and differences between an argumentative essay vs. an informative essay.
The similarities and differences between satire and comedy.
The similarities and differences between daily journaling vs. blogging.
The similarities and differences between writing with correct punctuation, grammar, syntax, etc., vs. using slang words in an essay or other written piece of work.
Writing in first-person vs. writing in the third person.
The similarities and differences between a book report and a research paper.
Comparing and contrasting modern literature to classical literature.
The similarities and differences between summarizing and paraphrasing.
Choosing to write about a personal experience vs. writing about a fictional event.
The similarities and differences between western and easter poetry styles.

Comparison Essay Topics About History

The similarities and differences between the Roman Empire and Ancient Greece.
The similarities and differences between the American Revolution and French Revolution.
The similarities and differences between colonization in Latin America vs. Canada/the United States.
The similarities and differences between colonization in Australia vs. South Africa, India, Japan, etc.
The similarities and differences between Ancient China vs. Greece, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, etc.
The similarities and differences between the Middle Ages vs. The Renaissance.
Comparing and contrasting events such as the Battle of Hastings to Haiti’s Battle of Vertieres.
Comparing and contrasting two wars in history.
The similarities and differences between a monarchy vs. a democracy/republic.
The similarities and differences between communism, socialism, and fascism.
The similarities and differences between the Cold War vs. The Great War.
The similarities and differences between Vikings and samurai.
The similarities and differences between the Union vs. the Confederacy.
Comparing modern countries with that of their past empires (i.e., India, China, Greece, etc.).
Examining the similarities and differences between two of history’s worst people.

Comparison Essay Topics About Science

The similarities and differences between atoms and molecules.
The similarities and differences between the Bohr model of the atom and the quantum mechanical model of the atom.
The similarities and differences between elements and compounds.
The similarities and differences between ionic bonding and covalent bonding.
The similarities and differences between acids and bases.
The similarities and differences between the scientific method and the research paper method.
The similarities and differences between science and technology.
The similarities and differences between types of wave energy, such as electromagnetic radiation vs. sound/vibrational energy.
Comparing and contrasting the Big Bang Theory with Creationism or Intelligent Design.
Exploring the similarities and differences between different scientific theories, including gravity, evolution, and plate tectonics.
The similarities and differences between the way scientists are portrayed in popular culture vs. how other scientists truly view them.
Exploring the similarities and differences between different categories of stars.
The similarities and differences of colonies of cells vs. colonies of ants/bees.
The similarities and differences between a tornado and an earthquake.
The science behind different types of cloud formations-cumulus, cirrus, cumulonimbus, etc.
Comparing and contrasting weather phenomena such as lightning to volcanoes or tornadoes and hurricanes and earthquakes and tsunamis.

Comparison Essay Topics About Arts and Culture

The similarities and differences between the Broadway musical and the Hollywood movie.
The similarities and differences between traditional art and digital art.
The similarities and differences between theater and cinema.
The similarities and differences between classical music and rock music.
The similarities and differences between literature written before the 1800s and literature written after the 1800s.
The similarities and differences between art from different parts of the world, such as Africa, Europe, Asia, etc.
Comparing two different types of dance – ballet vs. hip-hop.
Comparing two different types of architecture-Gothic vs. Renaissance.
Comparing two different eras in fashion-Victorian vs. Rococo.
Examining the similarities and differences between two different types of movies, such as a comedy and a drama.
Comparing the works of two different authors, such as Shakespeare and Hemingway.
Comparing two different types of writing – a sonnet to a haiku.
The similarities and differences between theater and stand-up comedy.
Exploring the similarities and differences between artistic movements, such as impressionism vs. cubism.
The similarities and differences between modernism and postmodernism.
Comparing and contrasting the work of two different painters, such as da Vinci and Rembrandt.
The similarities and differences between two different types of photography-still life vs. portrait.
Comparing and contrasting the work of two different sculptors, such as Michelangelo and Rodin.
Examining the similarities and differences between sculpture and photography.
Comparing two different eras of film-Romantic vs. Realist.
The similarities and differences between architecture during the late 1800s to early 1900s, such as Art Nouveau, Beaux-Arts, etc., to architecture today.
The similarities and differences between two different types of fashion-the 1950s vs. the 2010s.
The similarities and differences between food from two different parts of the world-Mexico vs. Japan.
Exploring the similarities and differences between popular culture in the United States and other countries.
The similarities and differences between music from two different parts of the world-Europe vs. South America.

Comparison Essay Topics About Health & Medicine

The similarities and differences between the way different cultures view illness and health.
The science behind different types of medicine, such as traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, etc.
The benefits and drawbacks of various medical treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, etc.
The similarities and differences between mental health and physical health.
The pros and cons of taking medication for mental health vs. taking medicines for physical health.
The benefits and drawbacks of using alternative medicine, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, etc.
The effects of stress on mental and physical health.
The pros and cons of different diets, such as paleo, juicing, veganism, etc.
The similarities and differences between the way different cultures view mental health.
Exploring the benefits of different types of physical activity-walking vs. running vs. yoga.
Comparing two different kinds of surgery-cosmetic surgery vs. organ transplantation surgery.
The pros and cons of using different birth control methods, such as the pill vs. condoms.
Comparing two different types of therapy-psychotherapy vs. inpatient treatment center.
The similarities and differences between different types of prescription medication-antidepressants, ADHD medication, painkillers, etc.
The pros and cons of organ donation.
The benefits and drawbacks of genetic testing.
The pros and cons of getting a flu shot.
The effects of air pollution on human health.
Examining the history of public health campaigns, such as anti-smoking campaigns or polio vaccine campaigns.

Comparison Essay Topics About Technology

The pros and cons of using technology in the classroom.
The benefits and drawbacks of using technology for work.
The advantages and disadvantages of using various different types of technology
How different generations use technology differently.
The impact of technology on social interactions vs. leisurely activities.
The similarities and differences of how technology affects children and adults.

Comparison Essay Topics About Economics, Finance, & Business

The similarities and differences between capitalism and socialism.
Examining the differences and similarities between fascism and socialism.
The impact of different economic policies on a country’s GDP.
The similarities and differences between entrepreneurship and small business.
The pros and cons of starting a business in the current economy.
Comparison between two different types of businesses
Comparing the effects of globalization on two or more foreign countries.
Comparing and contrasting real estate investment vs. stock market investment.
Examining the benefits and drawbacks of freelancing v. remote work.

Comparison Essay Topics About Education

The benefits and drawbacks of homeschooling vs. traditional schooling.
The pros and cons of online learning vs. traditional learning.
The advantages and disadvantages of using standardized tests vs. other tests
The pros and cons of attending a private school vs. a public school.
The pros and cons of going to college for undergraduate vs. graduate degrees.
Compare and contrast two different types of teachers.
Early childhood education vs. after-school enrichment programs.
The benefits and drawbacks of competitive learning vs. cooperative learning.
Comparing two different methods of classroom management.

Comparison Essay Topics About Pop Culture

The similarities and differences between the music of Katy Perry and Taylor Swift.
Pop culture today vs. Pop culture 50 years ago.
Comparing two different reality shows
Comparing the similarities and differences between two different types of movies
The fundamental differences between news and entertainment media.
Examining the similarities and differences between two different celebrities
Comparing two different books in a series
Comparing two different TV shows

Comparison Essay Topics About Life

The benefits and drawbacks of being single vs. being in a relationship.
Comparing the similarities and differences of having a biological child v. adopting
The benefits and disadvantages of traveling solo vs. traveling with a group.
The advantages and disadvantages of moving work v. for other reasons
The similarities and differences between urban living and suburban living.
Examining the benefits and downsides of making a big purchase vs. investing money
The advantages and disadvantages of going on vacation vs. staying home
Comparing the similarities and differences between two different life paths.

Comparison Essay Topics About Nature & Biology

Comparing the digestive systems of humans & dogs.
The benefits and drawbacks of being a carnivore vs. an herbivore.
The advantages and disadvantages of having four limbs vs. two limbs.
Comparing the abilities of different animals, such as birds, fish, and insects.
Examining the similarities and differences between plant and animal cells.
Comparing the anatomy of two different types of creatures.
The difference between wild animals and domesticated animals.
Comparing photosynthesis in plants to respiration in animals.
The benefits and drawbacks of being a mammal vs. an amphibian vs. a reptile.
The similarities and differences between humans and chimpanzees.

Feel free to take any of these 150 comparison essay topics and make them your own. Remember that comparison essay topics can be about anything as long as it examines the similarities and differences between two or more objects, people, places, ideas, etc.

65 Explanatory Essay Topics
125 Descriptive Essay Topics
200 Persuasive Essay Topics
120 Argumentative Essay Topics
130 Causal Analysis Essay Topics

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Best Inspiration for Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students

Updated 18 Apr 2024

Do you think that writing a compare and contrast essay on one topic is difficult? Then you probably feel that you will struggle to finish a compare-and-contrast essay because it has two topics. But this is not quite right. Comparative essays are easy to write. They allow you to explore the differences and similarities between the two subjects or themes.

If you are struggling with finding inspiration, then our bright compare and contrast essay topics list will help you submit your assignment on time. It suggests intriguing subjects that can help to finish an excellent task without any delays.

Try choosing a suitable one from compare and contrast topics list as objects that go under comparison should belong to the same category. They should also demonstrate some depth that you reveal in your writing. This is why you must work hard to pick relevant themes to write about in your assignment.

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay?

As a student, you are assigned to various types of tasks. Compare and contrast essay writing focuses on exploring the resemblance between two themes or topics and how they differ from each other. This type of academic writing promotes critical thinking. It motivates you to come up with an attention-grabbing analysis that reflects your character, opinion, as well as understanding.

You usually receive a question from your professor or teacher. It is your job to build a paper that analyzes this topic to the fullest. This type of writing is common in various academic levels at any US university, with topics picked or tailored based on subjects studied.

There are various genres of prompts that will inspire you to finish an excellent academic paper. The analysis you create shows what you believe in and how it makes sense.

Right Compare and Contrast Essay Structure

Academic success in the USA colleges, as well as universities, depends on your ability to follow the rules while adding a personal touch that makes you stand out among your peers. In this type of paper, one must follow the adequate compare and contrast essay outline and structure with format to submit an excellent task.

By browsing compare and contrast essay examples, one can see that a typical assignment is composed of three sections that include an introduction, discussion of your main idea, the particular issues to study.

Get your Paper Started

In the introduction paragraph, mention your thesis statement plus a brief explanation of the main topic that you will explore. It should be inspiring enough to encourage readers to keep on reading. Next, discuss and analyze the subject fully. Mention similarities and how the two ideas differ. Include an arguable thesis statement.

Work on the Body

One of the most successful ways to submit this type of writing is to brainstorm for thought-provoking concepts. Note down all similarities and differences in points for easy reference. Start by listing down a paragraph that highlights similarities between the two ideas. Next, devote a separate section to explain how each one of them is unique.

Paragraphs should be of equal weight and importance. All should contain relevant evidence that gives your paper credibility, shows that you’ve worked hard to finish it. Use reliable scientific resources. Refer to a previous reading or a personal experience to support your point of view. Your argument should be based on your own opinion. It should be supported by enough examples that tempt people to read the rest of your essay.

Develop a convincing argument using the facts you have mentioned. Make sure they add value to the audience. Explore the counterarguments. Study opinions that oppose your thesis statement or belief.

In the conclusion paragraph, sum up your idea. This section provides your readers with a quick summary of the research you conducted and explains why you’ve reached this conclusion. It should give a different interpretation of your thesis sentence. Think about how it relates to your argument.

Choosing Suitable Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas

Academically suitable compare contrast essay topics should be stimulating as well as attention-grabbing. USA professors and teachers usually advise you to stay away from mainstream ideas. Be creative.

First, your paper subject should be relevant to the academic material you are studying. You can explore various situations, places, historical events, investigate past events, or lives of fictional or real people.

Head to the library to do some research related to your theme. Find some inspiration while watching TV news, series, documentaries. Stay tuned for the latest events, and link them to our past. Read the most trending articles and see what people talk about. The Internet is another excellent source for exceptional compare and contrast essay ideas. However, make sure that you are relying on academically accurate information. Do not believe everything online.

Read also: Best Definition Essay Topics Guide for an A Grade

Best Writing Tips for Your Success

Even if creating a compare and contrast essay is not your most favorite activity, you can still submit an exceptional and high-quality assignment that will grant you the best academic recognition. Here are some tips to help you finish your task just the way you want to:

You can’t learn how to write compare and contrast essay unless you do some reading first. Read about the two topics you selected. Take notes of the most intriguing ideas you can think of. These notes will help you later when you are working on this task.
Be as organized as possible. List all similarities and differences in two columns that will help in crafting comprehensive paragraphs. Add all the details that you can think of. They might come in handy later on.
Pick the most relevant and significant point to build your central argument. This should be the basis of your future work.
Make sure that you follow the right outline and format. A compare and contrast essay should be made up of 5 or 6 paragraphs. The introduction should provide a general idea of your work while each body paragraph should contain a clear statement. Don’t forget to restate what you think or feel in the concluding paragraph.
Use transitional words. They help make your writing look more logic plus allow readers to move smoothly from idea to another.
Edit. Don’t throw all your work in the gutter, use a grammar checker and make sure your submit work that doesn't contain spelling, grammar or even punctuation errors. Teacher will definitely value an exceptional composition that contains no mistakes.
Ask for feedback. It is always a good idea to get a second opinion. Ask your friends, family, or other professors to read your assignment before submission. A new set of eyes can highlight areas that you’ve missed.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024

Are you stressed about finding suitable topics to compare and contrast? Don’t worry. We can help you find the necessary inspiration by offering astounding comparative essay topics that you can use. Here are different compare and contrast essay topics divided into several categories:

Compare and Contrast Topics on Education

Online learning vs. traditional classroom learning.
Public schools vs. private schools: Benefits and drawbacks.
Standardized testing: A necessary measure or an outdated method?
Montessori method vs. traditional education system.
The impact of technology in education vs. traditional teaching aids.
Year-round schooling vs. traditional school calendars.
The effectiveness of homework: Beneficial practice or unnecessary stress?
Liberal arts education vs. specialized degree programs.
The role of sports in education: Physical education vs. academic focus.
Co-educational schools vs. single-gender schools.
The influence of teacher-student ratio on learning outcomes.
STEM education vs. arts education: Shaping future professionals.
The impact of school uniforms on student behavior and school culture.
Early childhood education: Play-based vs. academic-focused approaches.
The role of parental involvement in public vs. private schooling.
Distance learning vs. on-campus education in universities.
The effectiveness of bilingual education vs. English-only programs.
Traditional grading systems vs. pass/fail assessments.
The influence of class size on student achievement and teacher effectiveness.
Vocational training vs. academic education: Preparing for the workforce.

History, Anthropology, and Political Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Democracy vs. authoritarianism: Outcomes and societal impacts.
The industrial revolution in Europe vs. America: Paths and consequences.
Ancient Egypt vs. Ancient Mesopotamia: Societal structures and innovations.
The Cold War: American vs. Soviet strategies and ideologies.
World War I vs. World War II: Causes, strategies, and aftermath.
The French Revolution vs. The American Revolution: Goals and outcomes.
Capitalism vs. socialism: Economic and social implications.
The Roman Empire vs. The Han Dynasty: Administration and expansion.
The impact of colonialism in Africa vs. India.
Feminism in the 20th century vs. the 21st century: Progress and challenges.
The civil rights movement in the USA vs. apartheid in South Africa.
Ancient Greek democracy vs. modern democratic systems.
The Mongol Empire vs. The British Empire: Conquest and legacy.
The Renaissance vs. The Enlightenment: Cultural and intellectual revolutions.
Native American societies before vs. after European colonization.
The Ottoman Empire vs. The Byzantine Empire: Culture and administration.
The Vietnam War vs. The Korean War: Conflict and international involvement.
The Crusades vs. The Islamic Golden Age: Religious and cultural exchanges.
The impact of the printing press vs. the internet on information dissemination.
The development of agriculture in the Americas vs. the Middle East.

Opposite Things to Compare and Contrast

Introverts vs. extroverts: Social interaction and energy sources.
Rural living vs. urban living: Lifestyle and opportunities.
Traditional books vs. e-books: Reading experiences and convenience.
Working from home vs. working in an office: Productivity and communication.
Organic food vs. processed food: Health impacts and sustainability.
Morning people vs. night owls: Productivity and lifestyle patterns.
Cats vs. dogs: Pet ownership experiences.
Summer vs. winter: Activities and mood effects.
Coffee vs. tea: Cultural significance and health benefits.
Renting vs. owning a home: Financial implications and stability.
Physical exercise vs. mental exercise: Benefits and importance.
Handwriting vs. typing: Memory retention and speed.
Classical music vs. modern pop music: Influence and characteristics.
Paper maps vs. GPS technology: Navigation and reliability.
Public transportation vs. personal vehicles: Convenience and environmental impact.
Eating out vs. cooking at home: Cost and health considerations.
Traditional art vs. digital art: Techniques and expression.
Watching movies at home vs. in the theater: Experience and ambiance.
Saving money vs. spending money: Financial security and enjoyment.
Living alone vs. living with roommates: Independence and social interaction.

Compare and Contrast Topics for Beginners

Chocolate ice cream vs. vanilla ice cream: Flavor preferences.
Biking vs. walking: Exercise and enjoyment.
Rainy days vs. sunny days: Activities and mood.
Reading vs. watching TV: Entertainment and learning.
Indoor games vs. outdoor games: Engagement and fun.
Pencils vs. pens: Writing tools and usage.
Breakfast vs. dinner: Meals and importance.
Fiction vs. non-fiction books: Reading preferences.
Swimming in a pool vs. swimming in the ocean: Experience and safety.
Drawing vs. painting: Artistic expression and techniques.
City parks vs. national parks: Recreation and nature.
Superheroes vs. villains: Character traits and appeal.
Board games vs. video games: Social interaction and entertainment.
School vs. summer vacation: Learning and leisure.
Trains vs. airplanes: Travel experience and convenience.
Zoos vs. aquariums: Animal viewing experiences.
Comedy movies vs. horror movies: Entertainment and emotions.
Apples vs. oranges: Taste and nutritional value.
Skateboarding vs. rollerblading: Skills and popularity.
Breakfast cereals vs. oatmeal: Morning meal choices.

IT and Social Media Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Facebook vs. Twitter: Social networking and user engagement.
Online learning platforms vs. traditional classrooms: Education and accessibility.
Android vs. iOS: Operating systems and user experience.
Email vs. instant messaging: Communication efficiency and formality.
Traditional blogging vs. vlogging: Content creation and audience interaction.
Wired internet connections vs. Wi-Fi: Speed and convenience.
Digital privacy vs. digital security: Protection and threats.
E-commerce vs. brick-and-mortar stores: Shopping experiences and trends.
Virtual reality vs. augmented reality: Technology and applications.
Cloud storage vs. local storage: Data accessibility and security.
LinkedIn vs. traditional resumes: Professional networking and job searching.
Online gaming vs. offline gaming: Community and experience.
Smartphones vs. tablets: Portability and functionality.
Cybersecurity vs. physical security: Threats and protections.
Artificial intelligence vs. human intelligence: Capabilities and ethics.
Social media influencers vs. traditional celebrities: Influence and credibility.
Streaming services vs. cable TV: Viewing habits and content availability.
Online forums vs. social media groups: Community engagement and discussion.
Digital art tools vs. traditional art tools: Creativity and technique.
Tech startups vs. established tech companies: Innovation and stability.

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Movies, Music, and Art

Classical music vs. modern pop music: Complexity and popularity.
Hollywood movies vs. independent films: Production values and storytelling.
Graffiti vs. traditional painting: Artistic expression and public perception.
Live theater vs. cinema: Experience and engagement.
Vinyl records vs. streaming music: Audio quality and convenience.
Animated movies vs. live-action movies: Creativity and realism.
Art museums vs. online art galleries: Viewing experience and accessibility.
Rock music vs. hip-hop music: Cultural impact and musical elements.
Traditional photography vs. digital photography: Technique and outcome.
Sculpture vs. painting: Dimensionality and artistic expression.
Film scores vs. pop soundtracks: Emotional impact and memorability.
Street art vs. gallery art: Accessibility and legitimacy.
Classical literature adaptations vs. modern retellings in cinema.
Acoustic music vs. electronic music: Sound and production.
Silent films vs. talkies: Storytelling and historical significance.
Ballet vs. modern dance: Discipline and creativity.
Concept albums vs. single hits: Musical storytelling and consumption.
Black and white photography vs. color photography: Mood and realism.
Music festivals vs. concert hall performances: Atmosphere and experience.
Portrait painting vs. self-portraits: Expression and introspection.

Literature Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Shakespearean tragedies vs. comedies: Themes and character development.
Classic novels vs. contemporary bestsellers: Literary merit and popularity.
Poetry vs. prose: Expression and structure.
Autobiographies vs. biographies: Perspective and insight.
Dystopian novels vs. utopian novels: Visions of society and humanity.
Graphic novels vs. traditional novels: Narrative and visual storytelling.
American literature vs. British literature: Cultural themes and influences.
Science fiction vs. fantasy literature: World-building and themes.
Gothic literature vs. horror fiction: Mood and motifs.
Historical fiction vs. non-fiction history books: Engagement and accuracy.
Modernist literature vs. postmodernist literature: Style and themes.
Children's literature vs. adult literature: Complexity and themes.
Detective fiction vs. thriller novels: Suspense and structure.
Epistolary novels vs. diary novels: Narrative voice and intimacy.
Feminist literature vs. traditional gender roles in literature.
Satire vs. parody in literature: Humor and critique.
Short stories vs. novels: Brevity and depth.
Realism vs. magical realism in literature: Reality and fantasy.
Classic fairy tales vs. their modern adaptations.
First-person vs. third-person narratives: Perspective and reliability.

Scientific Compare and Contrast Topics

Quantum mechanics vs. classical physics: Understanding the universe.
Renewable energy sources vs. fossil fuels: Impact on the environment.
The theory of evolution vs. intelligent design: Origins of life.
Traditional agriculture vs. genetically modified crops: Food security.
The human brain vs. artificial intelligence: Cognitive capabilities.
Vaccination vs. natural immunity: Disease prevention.
Antibiotics vs. bacteriophages: Approaches to bacterial infections.
Black holes vs. neutron stars: Cosmic phenomena.
Chemical vs. physical sunscreens: Skin protection.
The placebo effect vs. actual drug effects: Medical outcomes.
Invasive species vs. native species: Ecosystem impacts.
Organic vs. inorganic compounds: Chemical structure and uses.
Conventional medicine vs. alternative medicine: Health benefits.
Climate change vs. natural climate variability: Earth's climate.
The Big Bang Theory vs. Steady State Theory: Universe origins.
Mitosis vs. meiosis: Cellular division.
Electric cars vs. gasoline cars: Environmental impact.
Animal testing vs. computer simulations: Research ethics.
Water filtration vs. water purification: Drinking water safety.
Aerobic vs. anaerobic exercise: Health benefits.

Philosophy Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas

Stoicism vs. Epicureanism: Paths to happiness.
Realism vs. Idealism: Understanding reality.
Utilitarianism vs. Deontological ethics: Moral decision-making.
Eastern vs. Western philosophy: Conceptual differences.
Existentialism vs. Nihilism: Meaning of life.
Democracy vs. Authoritarianism: Political philosophy.
Free will vs. Determinism: Human behavior.
Rationalism vs. Empiricism: Sources of knowledge.
Individualism vs. Collectivism: Social philosophy.
Materialism vs. Dualism: Mind-body problem.
Hedonism vs. Asceticism: Pursuit of pleasure.
Socratic method vs. Scientific method: Gaining knowledge.
Capitalism vs. Socialism: Economic systems.
Absolutism vs. Relativism: Moral principles.
Human nature: Innate goodness vs. inherent evil.
Feminist philosophy vs. Traditional gender roles.
Environmental ethics vs. Anthropocentrism: Nature's value.
Philosophy of art: Aestheticism vs. Functionalism.
The concept of justice in Plato vs. Aristotle.
The philosophy of language: Structuralism vs. Post-structuralism.

Religion Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Monotheism vs. Polytheism: Concepts of divinity.
Buddhism vs. Hinduism: Paths to enlightenment.
Christianity vs. Islam: Religious texts and beliefs.
Religious rituals: Baptism vs. Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
Atheism vs. Agnosticism: Belief in the divine.
Protestantism vs. Catholicism: Christian denominations.
Eastern vs. Western Christianity: Historical and theological differences.
Religious fasting: Ramadan vs. Lent.
The concept of karma in Hinduism vs. Buddhism.
Heaven vs. Nirvana: Afterlife beliefs.
Creation myths: Biblical creation vs. Native American creation stories.
The role of women in Islam vs. Christianity.
Confucianism vs. Taoism: Chinese philosophical religions.
Religious pilgrimages: Hajj vs. Camino de Santiago.
The Reformation vs. The Counter-Reformation: Impact on Christianity.
Shamanism vs. Organized religion: Spiritual practices.
The concept of sin in Christianity vs. the concept of dharma in Hinduism.
Religious symbolism: Cross vs. Crescent.
Judaism vs. Zoroastrianism: Ancient religious traditions.
Religious law: Sharia vs. Canon Law.

Intriguing Topics for Middle School Students

School uniforms: Pros and cons.
Homework: Necessary learning tool vs. unnecessary stress.
Traditional books vs. eBooks in education.
Team sports vs. individual sports: Benefits for students.
Science classes vs. Art classes: Importance in education.
Public schools vs. Homeschooling: Social and academic impacts.
School lunches: Packed lunch vs. cafeteria food.
Summer vacation vs. year-round schooling.
Handwriting vs. Typing: Effects on learning.
In-person learning vs. Virtual classrooms: Student engagement.
School field trips vs. In-class learning: Educational value.
Reading for pleasure vs. Reading for school.
Group projects vs. Solo projects: Learning outcomes.
School libraries vs. Internet research.
Physical education: Mandatory vs. Optional.
Standardized tests: Measure of ability vs. Pressure on students.
School start times: Early vs. Late start.
Learning a second language in school: Importance and challenges.
School science fairs vs. Art exhibitions: Showcasing student talents.
Classroom learning vs. Experiential learning: Impact on retention.

6th Grade Comparative Essay Topics

Cats vs. Dogs: The better pet for families.
Summer vs. Winter: The best season for outdoor activities.
Reading books vs. Watching movies: Imaginative experience.
Living in the city vs. The countryside: Lifestyle differences.
Dinosaurs: Herbivores vs. Carnivores.
Studying alone vs. Group study: Effectiveness for learning.
Superheroes vs. Real-life heroes: Concepts of heroism.
Bicycles vs. Scooters: Preferred mode of transportation.
Traditional fairy tales vs. Modern adaptations.
Chocolate vs. Vanilla: Favorite ice cream flavor.
Playing video games vs. Outdoor play: Impact on health.
Solar system: Earth vs. Mars.
School cafeteria food vs. Packed lunch from home.
Handmade gifts vs. Store-bought gifts: Personal value.
Science fiction vs. Fantasy literature.
Swimming in a pool vs. The ocean.
Drawing vs. Sculpting: Expressing creativity.
Math vs. English: Challenging subjects.
Recycling vs. Composting: Environmental impact.
Board games vs. Card games: Family entertainment.

General Essay Writing Prompts

The benefits of early morning exercise vs. evening workouts.
Traditional classrooms vs. Open learning spaces.
The influence of music on productivity vs. Silence.
Living with pets vs. Without pets: Emotional impact.
Eating at home vs. Dining out: Health and social aspects.
Online shopping vs. In-store shopping: Consumer experience.
Fictional books vs. Non-fictional books: Leisure reading.
Traditional painting vs. Digital art: Artistic expression.
Public transport vs. Personal vehicles: Commuting preferences.
Watching sports live vs. On TV: Viewing experience.
Indoor plants vs. Outdoor gardens: Benefits and maintenance.
Traditional mail vs. Email: Communication styles.
Paper notebooks vs. Digital note-taking apps.
Coffee shops vs. Home office: Productivity spaces.
Breakfast: The most important meal of the day vs. Myth.
Manual vs. Automatic cars: Driving experience.
Renting vs. Homeownership: Financial and lifestyle aspects.
Traditional vs. Alternative medicine: Health outcomes.
City life vs. Rural life: Quality of life.
Saving money vs. Investing: Financial growth.

Everyday Matters

Morning routines vs. Night routines: Starting and ending the day.
Cooking meals vs. Ordering takeout: Convenience and health.
Cycling vs. Walking: Daily commuting and exercise.
Using cash vs. Credit cards: Spending habits.
Listening to music vs. Podcasts: Leisure activities.
DIY home projects vs. Hiring professionals: Cost and satisfaction.
Traditional diaries vs. Blogging: Personal expression.
Indoor vs. Outdoor exercise: Motivation and environment.
Watching movies at home vs. Going to the cinema: Experience and comfort.
Manual cleaning vs. Using cleaning gadgets: Efficiency and thoroughness.
Reading newspapers vs. Online news: Information sources.
Breakfast cereals vs. Traditional breakfasts: Morning meals.
Taking notes on paper vs. Laptops: Retention and convenience.
Shopping in malls vs. Local markets: Shopping experience.
Driving vs. Public transportation: Daily commute.
Preparing coffee at home vs. Buying from a café: Taste and cost.
Traditional watches vs. Smartwatches: Functionality and style.
Home workouts vs. Gym memberships: Fitness goals and motivation.
City parks vs. Beaches: Relaxation and activities.
Baking vs. Cooking: Skills and enjoyment.

Read also: 50 Unique Problem Solutions Topics in 2023

Decided on the topic but still need help?

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Compare And Contrast Essay

Compare And Contrast Essay Topics

Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students

13 min read

Published on: Feb 24, 2020

Last updated on: Mar 12, 2024

What is a Compare and Contrast Essay?

A compare and contrast essay is actually a multi-paragraph essay. It is written to explain different aspects in which two or more subjects differ or match. While writing this type of essay, the word â compare â refers to the similarities, and â contrast â means differences.

Basically, the comparison tells what they have in common. When a writer contrasts two things, they explain ways in which they are different.

A great compare and contrast essay can cover almost any topic and may pop up in a variety of subject areas. However, to decide what to include in the essay, a writer needs to keep one thing in mind: ârelevanceâ.

The factor of relevance helps in determining which characteristics are worth comparing and contrasting.

Check out this blog to learn about how to outline a compare and contrast essay !

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students

Below is a list of topics that will help you to pick the right idea for your essay.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for University Students

Sciences or Arts: which has more worth in the job market?
Difference between Essays and research papers.
Benefits and disadvantages of homeschooling
The benefits and drawbacks of living in a city versus living in a rural area.
The differences and similarities between two famous historical figures.
The portrayal of love and relationships in classic literature versus contemporary literature.
The effects of using public transportation versus owning a car.
The similarities and differences between two major world religions.
Boarding schools vs. day schools.
Hostels vs. renting.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College Students

European History and US history.
Paleolithic and Neolithic periods.
World War I and II
The economic development of America and China.
Two personalities that contributed to the history of England.
Watching horror films on TV vs. on the large cinema screen.
New branded clothes vs. second-hand clothes.
Diets vs. drugs for weight loss.
Two works of Oscar Wilde.
Romeo and Juliet vs. Macbeth of Shakespeare.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students

Sports or diets.
Audiobooks or paper books.
Fashion today and two decades before.
Silver vs. gold.
Chocolate vs. marmalade candies.
Autumn season vs. spring season.
Love vs. friendship.
Smart cars vs. sports bikes.
Instagram vs. printed photographs.
Messaging vs. real communication.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Middle School Students

Celebrating Christmas in Europe and the US
Role models for adults & teenagers;
Long-distance trips by car or train;
Whether novels or poems are more fun to read;
Benefits of traditional learning and remote education.
Paintings of Alberto Morocco & Pablo Picasso;
Settings, major themes, & plot details of two poems by Robert Frost;
Statues of David by Michelangelo & Bernini;
Music of Baroque & Renaissance;
Greek & Roman architecture.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 6th Grade

Active vs. passive rest.
Playing inside vs. outside.
Is your character similar to your parentsâ?
Doctor vs. teacher.
Swimming vs. flying.
Tennis vs. badminton.
Rugby vs boxing
American soccer vs. basketball.
Ballet vs. breakdance.
Two plays of Shakespeare.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Elementary School

Tomatoes: are they fruits or vegetables?
Spring and autumn
Aliens: real or not?
Circus vs. cinema
Skiing vs. swimming
New Year vs. Christmas celebration.
Summer season vs. winter season.
Apple vs. pear.
Emotional Support Animal vs. Service Animal
Short hair vs. Long hair.

Check out this blog for interesting compare and contrast essay examples !

Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Apple and Samsung
Coffee and performance-enhancing drugs
Morse code and Beethovenâs Fifth Symphony
The moonwalk and Gangnam style
Soccer and American football
McDonaldâs and Taco Bell
Exercising and dieting
Xbox and PlayStation
Being single and being in a relationship
Growing a tree and raising a child

Easy Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Books vs. movies
Functions of accountants in modern times & in the past
Core differences in the policies of a few modern presidents
High school & college experiences
Japanese or American cars
Whether you prefer spending your time in 5-star hotels or in the wild.
Being an only child and having siblings
Friends and family
Volleyball and basketball
Spring and fall

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Movies

Rock music vs. jazz music.
Dumbledore and Gandalf.
Fiction or nonfiction?
Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter.
Frodo Baggins or Sam.
Loki and Thor.
The Vampire Slayer, Buffy, or Charmed.
Soviet Union movies vs. American cinematography.
Movies or books: why many people choose reading.
Thrillers and horror movies: what do they have in common?

Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

What different methods are used in trait theory and contrast theory?
Is hallucination and illusive dreaming similar
Is problem-solving ability the same as intelligence
What are the similar patterns of anxiety and depression
Why do people have social anxiety and fear of speaking in public?
How does child abuse affect the parent-child relationship?
Is free-range parenting better than helicopter parenting?
Does Schizophrenia induce borderline personality disorder?
Ego vs. superego.
The influence of parents versus the influence of peers
Conscious vs. unconscious mind: roles and functions in psychology.

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Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Sports

Hockey vs. golf
Real Madrid Vs. Barcelona.
Football Vs. Basketball.
Walking Vs. Eating Outside with Your Partner.
Jamaica Team Vs. United States Team.
Formula One Vs. Off-Road Racing.
Germany Team Vs. Brazil Team.
Morning Exercise Vs. Evening Exercise.

Medical Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

To vaccinate or not-look at both sides and present them both accurately.
Wheat and Corn grain.
3-D Imaging vs. traditional body limb replacements .
To stent or not to stent-why and how.
To have universal health care or not.
Right to Die and Right to Live.
Traditional drug therapies vs. holistic remedies
Traditional hospitals vs. outpatient clinics
Public health vs. personalized medicine
Conventional surgery vs. minimally invasive surgery

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Management and Marketing

Democratic vs. autocratic management styles & their effects during a crisis.
Tactical or strategic management.
Management by exception or by the objective.
Leadership or management.
Compare administration vs. management.
Evaluate marketing techniques in two companies.
Sales or marketing techniques.
Differences & similarities between two marketing research companies.
Discuss two marketing automation vendors.

Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

The popularity of Pepsi and Coke.
Communism vs. capitalism.
Working in a huge corporation or startup.
KFC vs. McDonald's.
Differences between Baroque and Renaissance.
Burgers vs. vegetarian meals.
The convenience of laptops and tablets.
Effects of printed ads and TV commercials.
Outdoor activities or video games.
American and Australian English.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Teenagers

Acting vs. lying
Your mom and your dad.
High school vs. college
Summer camps and religious education.
Siblings vs. friends
Hostels vs. renting
Using cars or riding a bicycle
How does old fashion compare to trendy fashion?
Private college vs. public college
Childhood vs. adulthood

Compare and Contrast Topics on Economy

Capitalism vs. Socialism
Market Economy vs. Command Economy
Economic Growth vs. Economic Development
Free Trade vs. Protectionism
Microeconomics vs. Macroeconomics
Inflation vs. Deflation
Fiscal Policy vs. Monetary Policy
Developed Economies vs. Developing Economies
Globalization vs. Economic Nationalism
Income Inequality vs. Wealth Redistribution

Social Studies Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Impact of social media on political activism: A comparative analysis
Traditional education vs. online learning: Examining the pros and cons
Cultural assimilation vs. cultural preservation: Striking a balance in a globalized world
Democracy vs. authoritarianism: Contrasting approaches to governance
Urbanization vs. rural life: Exploring the advantages and disadvantages
Traditional gender roles vs. gender equality: Evolution of societal norms
Climate change and environmental policies: A comparative study of global efforts
Capitalism vs. socialism: Divergent economic systems and their impacts
Impact of immigration policies: Comparing approaches and outcomes
Indigenous rights and land conservation: Balancing preservation and development

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics Education 2024

Traditional classroom learning and remote learning
Standardized testing versus alternative assessment methods
Public education versus private education
Project-based learning versus lecture-based learning
Online education versus traditional brick-and-mortar education
Individualized instruction versus whole-class instruction
STEM education versus liberal arts education
In-person schooling versus homeschooling
Cooperative learning versus independent learning
Classroom technology integration versus traditional teaching methods

Language Arts Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Classic literature vs. contemporary fiction: Contrasting narrative styles and themes
Science fiction vs. fantasy
Poetry vs. prose: Analyzing the different forms of expression
Classic fairy tales vs. modern fairy tales
Shakespearean tragedies vs. Greek tragedies Fictional heroes vs. real-life heroes
Journalism vs. creative writing
Symbolism in literature vs. allegory in literature
Autobiography vs. biography
Dystopian literature vs. utopian literature

Science and Technology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Artificial intelligence vs. human intelligence
Renewable energy vs. fossil fuels
Genetic engineering vs. natural selection
Virtual reality vs. augmented reality Robotics vs. automation
Quantum computing vs. classical computing
Biotechnology vs. bioengineering
Nanotechnology vs. microtechnology
Space exploration vs. ocean exploration
Cybersecurity vs. privacy: Balancing protection and individual rights in the digital age

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024 in Politics

Populist movements vs. establishment politics
Global climate change agreements: Paris Agreement vs. future efforts
Technological innovations in political campaigns
Progressive policies vs. conservative policies
Green parties vs. traditional political parties
International relations: Multilateralism vs. bilateralism
Youth political engagement: Activism and voter turnout
Addressing disinformation and privacy
Decentralization vs. centralization of power
Gender representation in politics: Striving for leadership equality

Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas About Daily Life

Traditional Meals vs. Fast Food
City Living vs. Suburban Living
Traditional Family Structure vs. Modern Family Structures
Morning Routine vs. Evening Routine
Public Transportation vs. Private Transportation
Traditional Communication Methods vs. Digital Communication
Stay-at-Home Parent vs. Working Parent
Rural Farming vs. Urban Farming
Offline Hobbies vs. Online Hobbies
Traditional Shopping vs. Online Shopping

Entertainment Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Movies vs. books: Examining different forms of storytelling
Live performances vs. recorded performances: Contrasting audience experiences
Traditional television vs. streaming services: Changing landscape of entertainment consumption
Music concerts vs. music festivals: Comparing live music experiences
Theater vs. cinema: Analyzing theatrical and cinematic productions
Video games vs. sports: Exploring virtual and physical competitions
Stand-up comedy vs. improv comedy: Contrasting styles of humor performance
Traditional board games vs. video games: Evaluating interactive gaming experiences
Fine arts vs. digital arts: Comparing traditional and contemporary art forms
Theme parks vs. adventure parks: Examining different types of amusement experiences

How to Choose a Compare and Contrast Essay Topic?

Choosing a compare and contrast essay topic can be challenging but it doesn't have to be! Follow these simple steps to find the perfect topic:

Identify your interests: Consider subjects and choose a topic that genuinely intrigue you.
Research potential topics: Look for current and relevant ideas to ensure your essay stands out.
Select comparable subjects: Choose two subjects that share similarities but also have distinct differences.
Consider audience appeal: Opt for topics that will captivate your readers and generate interest.
Brainstorm ideas: Jot down potential topics and explore their potential for comparison and contrast.
Evaluate available resources: Ensure there are enough credible sources to support your essay.
Narrow down your options: Select the most compelling and manageable topic from your list.
Refine your thesis statement : Craft a clear and concise thesis that highlights the main points of comparison.
Stay organized: Create a structured outline to guide your essay writing process.

By following these steps, you'll confidently choose a compelling compare and contrast essay topic that will impress your audience.

The Bottom Line!

We have explored a wide range of compare and contrast essay topics that are relevant and engaging for students. These topics provide a starting point for your writing, allowing you to compare and contrast different aspects of various subjects.

We hope that this blog has been helpful in sparking your creativity and assisting you in selecting unique topics.

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Comparing and Contrasting

What this handout is about.

This handout will help you first to determine whether a particular assignment is asking for comparison/contrast and then to generate a list of similarities and differences, decide which similarities and differences to focus on, and organize your paper so that it will be clear and effective. It will also explain how you can (and why you should) develop a thesis that goes beyond “Thing A and Thing B are similar in many ways but different in others.”

Introduction

In your career as a student, you’ll encounter many different kinds of writing assignments, each with its own requirements. One of the most common is the comparison/contrast essay, in which you focus on the ways in which certain things or ideas—usually two of them—are similar to (this is the comparison) and/or different from (this is the contrast) one another. By assigning such essays, your instructors are encouraging you to make connections between texts or ideas, engage in critical thinking, and go beyond mere description or summary to generate interesting analysis: when you reflect on similarities and differences, you gain a deeper understanding of the items you are comparing, their relationship to each other, and what is most important about them.

Recognizing comparison/contrast in assignments

Some assignments use words—like compare, contrast, similarities, and differences—that make it easy for you to see that they are asking you to compare and/or contrast. Here are a few hypothetical examples:

Compare and contrast Frye’s and Bartky’s accounts of oppression.
Compare WWI to WWII, identifying similarities in the causes, development, and outcomes of the wars.
Contrast Wordsworth and Coleridge; what are the major differences in their poetry?

Notice that some topics ask only for comparison, others only for contrast, and others for both.

But it’s not always so easy to tell whether an assignment is asking you to include comparison/contrast. And in some cases, comparison/contrast is only part of the essay—you begin by comparing and/or contrasting two or more things and then use what you’ve learned to construct an argument or evaluation. Consider these examples, noticing the language that is used to ask for the comparison/contrast and whether the comparison/contrast is only one part of a larger assignment:

Choose a particular idea or theme, such as romantic love, death, or nature, and consider how it is treated in two Romantic poems.
How do the different authors we have studied so far define and describe oppression?
Compare Frye’s and Bartky’s accounts of oppression. What does each imply about women’s collusion in their own oppression? Which is more accurate?
In the texts we’ve studied, soldiers who served in different wars offer differing accounts of their experiences and feelings both during and after the fighting. What commonalities are there in these accounts? What factors do you think are responsible for their differences?

You may want to check out our handout on understanding assignments for additional tips.

Using comparison/contrast for all kinds of writing projects

Sometimes you may want to use comparison/contrast techniques in your own pre-writing work to get ideas that you can later use for an argument, even if comparison/contrast isn’t an official requirement for the paper you’re writing. For example, if you wanted to argue that Frye’s account of oppression is better than both de Beauvoir’s and Bartky’s, comparing and contrasting the main arguments of those three authors might help you construct your evaluation—even though the topic may not have asked for comparison/contrast and the lists of similarities and differences you generate may not appear anywhere in the final draft of your paper.

Discovering similarities and differences

Making a Venn diagram or a chart can help you quickly and efficiently compare and contrast two or more things or ideas. To make a Venn diagram, simply draw some overlapping circles, one circle for each item you’re considering. In the central area where they overlap, list the traits the two items have in common. Assign each one of the areas that doesn’t overlap; in those areas, you can list the traits that make the things different. Here’s a very simple example, using two pizza places:

Venn diagram indicating that both Pepper's and Amante serve pizza with unusual ingredients at moderate prices, despite differences in location, wait times, and delivery options

To make a chart, figure out what criteria you want to focus on in comparing the items. Along the left side of the page, list each of the criteria. Across the top, list the names of the items. You should then have a box per item for each criterion; you can fill the boxes in and then survey what you’ve discovered.

Here’s an example, this time using three pizza places:

	Pepper’s	Amante	Papa John’s
Location
Price
Delivery
Ingredients
Service
Seating/eating in
Coupons

As you generate points of comparison, consider the purpose and content of the assignment and the focus of the class. What do you think the professor wants you to learn by doing this comparison/contrast? How does it fit with what you have been studying so far and with the other assignments in the course? Are there any clues about what to focus on in the assignment itself?

Here are some general questions about different types of things you might have to compare. These are by no means complete or definitive lists; they’re just here to give you some ideas—you can generate your own questions for these and other types of comparison. You may want to begin by using the questions reporters traditionally ask: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? If you’re talking about objects, you might also consider general properties like size, shape, color, sound, weight, taste, texture, smell, number, duration, and location.

Two historical periods or events

When did they occur—do you know the date(s) and duration? What happened or changed during each? Why are they significant?
What kinds of work did people do? What kinds of relationships did they have? What did they value?
What kinds of governments were there? Who were important people involved?
What caused events in these periods, and what consequences did they have later on?

Two ideas or theories

What are they about?
Did they originate at some particular time?
Who created them? Who uses or defends them?
What is the central focus, claim, or goal of each? What conclusions do they offer?
How are they applied to situations/people/things/etc.?
Which seems more plausible to you, and why? How broad is their scope?
What kind of evidence is usually offered for them?

Two pieces of writing or art

What are their titles? What do they describe or depict?
What is their tone or mood? What is their form?
Who created them? When were they created? Why do you think they were created as they were? What themes do they address?
Do you think one is of higher quality or greater merit than the other(s)—and if so, why?
For writing: what plot, characterization, setting, theme, tone, and type of narration are used?
Where are they from? How old are they? What is the gender, race, class, etc. of each?
What, if anything, are they known for? Do they have any relationship to each other?
What are they like? What did/do they do? What do they believe? Why are they interesting?
What stands out most about each of them?

Deciding what to focus on

By now you have probably generated a huge list of similarities and differences—congratulations! Next you must decide which of them are interesting, important, and relevant enough to be included in your paper. Ask yourself these questions:

What’s relevant to the assignment?
What’s relevant to the course?
What’s interesting and informative?
What matters to the argument you are going to make?
What’s basic or central (and needs to be mentioned even if obvious)?
Overall, what’s more important—the similarities or the differences?

Suppose that you are writing a paper comparing two novels. For most literature classes, the fact that they both use Caslon type (a kind of typeface, like the fonts you may use in your writing) is not going to be relevant, nor is the fact that one of them has a few illustrations and the other has none; literature classes are more likely to focus on subjects like characterization, plot, setting, the writer’s style and intentions, language, central themes, and so forth. However, if you were writing a paper for a class on typesetting or on how illustrations are used to enhance novels, the typeface and presence or absence of illustrations might be absolutely critical to include in your final paper.

Sometimes a particular point of comparison or contrast might be relevant but not terribly revealing or interesting. For example, if you are writing a paper about Wordsworth’s “Tintern Abbey” and Coleridge’s “Frost at Midnight,” pointing out that they both have nature as a central theme is relevant (comparisons of poetry often talk about themes) but not terribly interesting; your class has probably already had many discussions about the Romantic poets’ fondness for nature. Talking about the different ways nature is depicted or the different aspects of nature that are emphasized might be more interesting and show a more sophisticated understanding of the poems.

Your thesis

The thesis of your comparison/contrast paper is very important: it can help you create a focused argument and give your reader a road map so they don’t get lost in the sea of points you are about to make. As in any paper, you will want to replace vague reports of your general topic (for example, “This paper will compare and contrast two pizza places,” or “Pepper’s and Amante are similar in some ways and different in others,” or “Pepper’s and Amante are similar in many ways, but they have one major difference”) with something more detailed and specific. For example, you might say, “Pepper’s and Amante have similar prices and ingredients, but their atmospheres and willingness to deliver set them apart.”

Be careful, though—although this thesis is fairly specific and does propose a simple argument (that atmosphere and delivery make the two pizza places different), your instructor will often be looking for a bit more analysis. In this case, the obvious question is “So what? Why should anyone care that Pepper’s and Amante are different in this way?” One might also wonder why the writer chose those two particular pizza places to compare—why not Papa John’s, Dominos, or Pizza Hut? Again, thinking about the context the class provides may help you answer such questions and make a stronger argument. Here’s a revision of the thesis mentioned earlier:

Pepper’s and Amante both offer a greater variety of ingredients than other Chapel Hill/Carrboro pizza places (and than any of the national chains), but the funky, lively atmosphere at Pepper’s makes it a better place to give visiting friends and family a taste of local culture.

You may find our handout on constructing thesis statements useful at this stage.

Organizing your paper

There are many different ways to organize a comparison/contrast essay. Here are two:

Subject-by-subject

Begin by saying everything you have to say about the first subject you are discussing, then move on and make all the points you want to make about the second subject (and after that, the third, and so on, if you’re comparing/contrasting more than two things). If the paper is short, you might be able to fit all of your points about each item into a single paragraph, but it’s more likely that you’d have several paragraphs per item. Using our pizza place comparison/contrast as an example, after the introduction, you might have a paragraph about the ingredients available at Pepper’s, a paragraph about its location, and a paragraph about its ambience. Then you’d have three similar paragraphs about Amante, followed by your conclusion.

The danger of this subject-by-subject organization is that your paper will simply be a list of points: a certain number of points (in my example, three) about one subject, then a certain number of points about another. This is usually not what college instructors are looking for in a paper—generally they want you to compare or contrast two or more things very directly, rather than just listing the traits the things have and leaving it up to the reader to reflect on how those traits are similar or different and why those similarities or differences matter. Thus, if you use the subject-by-subject form, you will probably want to have a very strong, analytical thesis and at least one body paragraph that ties all of your different points together.

A subject-by-subject structure can be a logical choice if you are writing what is sometimes called a “lens” comparison, in which you use one subject or item (which isn’t really your main topic) to better understand another item (which is). For example, you might be asked to compare a poem you’ve already covered thoroughly in class with one you are reading on your own. It might make sense to give a brief summary of your main ideas about the first poem (this would be your first subject, the “lens”), and then spend most of your paper discussing how those points are similar to or different from your ideas about the second.

Point-by-point

Rather than addressing things one subject at a time, you may wish to talk about one point of comparison at a time. There are two main ways this might play out, depending on how much you have to say about each of the things you are comparing. If you have just a little, you might, in a single paragraph, discuss how a certain point of comparison/contrast relates to all the items you are discussing. For example, I might describe, in one paragraph, what the prices are like at both Pepper’s and Amante; in the next paragraph, I might compare the ingredients available; in a third, I might contrast the atmospheres of the two restaurants.

If I had a bit more to say about the items I was comparing/contrasting, I might devote a whole paragraph to how each point relates to each item. For example, I might have a whole paragraph about the clientele at Pepper’s, followed by a whole paragraph about the clientele at Amante; then I would move on and do two more paragraphs discussing my next point of comparison/contrast—like the ingredients available at each restaurant.

There are no hard and fast rules about organizing a comparison/contrast paper, of course. Just be sure that your reader can easily tell what’s going on! Be aware, too, of the placement of your different points. If you are writing a comparison/contrast in service of an argument, keep in mind that the last point you make is the one you are leaving your reader with. For example, if I am trying to argue that Amante is better than Pepper’s, I should end with a contrast that leaves Amante sounding good, rather than with a point of comparison that I have to admit makes Pepper’s look better. If you’ve decided that the differences between the items you’re comparing/contrasting are most important, you’ll want to end with the differences—and vice versa, if the similarities seem most important to you.

Our handout on organization can help you write good topic sentences and transitions and make sure that you have a good overall structure in place for your paper.

Cue words and other tips

To help your reader keep track of where you are in the comparison/contrast, you’ll want to be sure that your transitions and topic sentences are especially strong. Your thesis should already have given the reader an idea of the points you’ll be making and the organization you’ll be using, but you can help them out with some extra cues. The following words may be helpful to you in signaling your intentions:

like, similar to, also, unlike, similarly, in the same way, likewise, again, compared to, in contrast, in like manner, contrasted with, on the contrary, however, although, yet, even though, still, but, nevertheless, conversely, at the same time, regardless, despite, while, on the one hand … on the other hand.

For example, you might have a topic sentence like one of these:

Compared to Pepper’s, Amante is quiet.
Like Amante, Pepper’s offers fresh garlic as a topping.
Despite their different locations (downtown Chapel Hill and downtown Carrboro), Pepper’s and Amante are both fairly easy to get to.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Compare and Contrast Essay: Full Writing Guide and 150+ Topics

Compare and contrast essays are academic papers in which a student analyses two or more subjects with each other. To compare means to explore similarities between subjects, while to contrast means to look at their differences. Both subjects of the comparison are usually in the same category, although they have their differences. For example, it can be two movies, two universities, two cars etc.

Good compare and contrast papers from college essay writer focus on a central point, explaining the importance and implications of this analysis. A compare and contrast essay thesis must make a meaningful comparison. Find the central theme of your essay and do some brainstorming for your thesis.

This type of essay is very common among college and university students. Professors challenge their students to use their analytical and comparative skills and pay close attention to the subjects of their comparisons. This type of essay exercises observance and analysis, helps to establish a frame of reference, and makes meaningful arguments about a subject. Let's get deeper on how to write a compare and contrast essay with our research writing services .

How to Start a Compare and Contrast Essay: Brainstorm Similarities and Differences

Now that you know what is compare and contrast essay and are set with your topic, the first thing you should do is grab a piece of paper and make a list with two columns: similarities and differences. Jot down key things first, the most striking ones. Then try to look at the subjects from a different angle, incorporating your imagination.

If you are more of a visual learner, creating a Venn diagram might be a good idea. In order to create it, draw two circles that overlap. In the section where it overlaps, note similarities. Differences should be written in the part of the circle that does not overlap.

Let’s look at a simple example of compare and contrast essay. Let one of the subjects be oranges, and the other one be apples. Oranges have thick peel, originally from India, and are tropical fruit. These characteristics pertain only to oranges and should be in the part of the circle that does not overlap. For the same section on apples, we put thin peel, originated in Turkey or Kazakhstan, and moderate to subtropical. In the section that overlaps, let’s say that they are both fruit, can be juiced, and grow on trees. This simple, yet good example illustrates how the same concept can be applied to many other complicated topics with additional points of comparison and contrast.

This format of visual aid helps to organize similarities and differences and make them easier to perceive. Your diagram will give you a clear idea of the things you can write about.

Another good idea for brainstorming in preparation for your comparison contrast essay is to create a list with 2 columns, one for each subject, and compare the same characteristics for each of them simultaneously. This compare and contrast format will make writing your comparison contrast paper argument a breeze, as you will have your ideas ready and organized.

One mistake you should avoid is simply listing all of the differences or similarities for each subject. Sometimes students get too caught up in looking for similarities and differences that their compare and contrast essays end up sounding like grocery lists. Your essay should be based on analyzing the similarities and differences, analyzing your conclusions about the two subjects, and finding connections between them—while following a specific format.

Compare and Contrast Essay Structure and Outline

So, how do you structure this compare and contrast paper? Well, since compare and contrast essay examples rely heavily on factual analysis, there are two outline methods that can help you organize your facts. You can use the block method, or point-by-point method, to write a compare and contrast essay outline.

While using the block structure of a compare and contrast essay, all the information is presented for the first subject, and its characteristics and specific details are explained. This concludes one block. The second block takes the same approach as the first for the second subject.

The point-by-point structure lists each similarity and difference simultaneously—making notes of both subjects. For example, you can list a characteristic specific to one subject, followed by its similarity or difference to the other subject.

Both formats have their pros and cons. The block method is clearly easier for a compare and contrast essay writer, as you simply point out all of the information about the two subjects, and basically leave it to the reader to do the comparison. The point-by-point format requires you to analyze the points yourself while making similarities and differences more explicit to the reader for them to be easier to understand. Here is a detailed structure of each type presented below.

Point-by-Point Method

Introduce the topic;
Specify your theme;
Present your thesis - cover all areas of the essay in one sentence.

Example thesis: Cars and motorcycles make for excellent means of transportation, but a good choice depends on the person’s lifestyle, finances, and the city they live in.

Body Paragraph 1 - LIFESTYLE

Topic Sentence: Motorcycles impact the owner’s lifestyle less than cars.
Topic 1 - Motorcycles
~ Argument: Motorcycles are smaller and more comfortable to store.
~ Argument: Motorcycles are easy to learn and use.
Topic 2 - Cars
~ Argument: Cars are a big deal - they are like a second home.
~ Argument: It takes time to learn to become a good driver.

Body Paragraph 2 - FINANCES

Topic sentence: Cars are much more expensive than motorcycles
~ Argument: You can buy a good motorcycle for under 300$.
~ Argument: Fewer parts that are more accessible to fix.
~ Argument: Parts and service are expensive if something breaks.
~ Argument: Cars need more gas than motorcycles.

Body Paragraph 3 - CITY

Topic sentence: Cars are a better option for bigger cities with wider roads.
~ Argument: Riding motorcycles in a big city is more dangerous than with cars.
~ Argument: Motorcycles work great in a city like Rome, where all the streets are narrow.
~ Argument: Big cities are easier and more comfortable to navigate by car.
~ Argument: With a car, traveling outside of the city is much easier.
Sum up all you wrote in the article.

Block Method

Thesis — cover all areas of the essay in one sentence

Body Paragraph 1

Topic Sentence: Motorcycles are cheaper and easier to take care of than cars.
Aspect 1 - Lifestyle
Aspect 2 - Finances
~ Argument: Fewer parts, easier to fix.
Aspect 3 - City
~ Argument: Riding motorcycles in a big city is more dangerous than cars.

Body Paragraph 2

Topic sentence: Cars are more expensive but more comfortable for a big city and for travelling.
~ Argument: Cars are a big deal—like a second home.
~ Argument: With a car, traveling outside the city is much more comfortable.

Body Paragraph 3 ‍

Use the last paragraph to evaluate the comparisons and explain why they’re essential. Giving a lot of facts can be intense. To water it down, try to give the reader any real-life applications of these facts.

Depending on the structure selected, you can begin to create an outline for your essay. The typical comparison essay follows the format of having an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion — though, if you need to focus on each subject in more detailed ways, feel free to include an extra paragraph to cover all of the most important points.

To make your compare and contrast essay flow better, we recommend using special transition words and phrases. They will add variety and improve your paper overall.

Show Your Evidence

Arguments for any essay, including compare and contrast essays, need to be supported by sufficient evidence. Make good use of your personal experiences, books, scholarly articles, magazine and newspaper articles, movies, or anything that will make your argument sound credible. For example, in your essay, if you were to compare attending college on campus vs. distance-based learning, you could include your personal experiences of being a student, and how often students show up to class on a daily basis. You could also talk about your experience taking online classes, which makes your argument about online classes credible as well.

Helpful Final Tips

The biggest tip dissertation writing services can give you is to have the right attitude when writing a compare contrast essay, and actively engage the reader in the discussion. If you find it interesting, so will your reader! Here are some more compare and contrast essay tips that will help you to polish yours up:

Compare and contrast essays need powerful transitions. Try learning more about writing transition sentences using the words we provided for you in the 'Compare and Contrast Structure and Outline' section.
Always clarify the concepts you introduce in your essay. Always explain lesser known information—don’t assume the reader must already know it.
Do not forget to proofread. Small mistakes, but in high quantities, can result in a low grade. Pay attention to your grammar and punctuation.
Have a friend or family member take a look at your essay; they may notice things you have missed.

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Now that you know everything there is to know about compare and contrast essays, let’s take a look at some compare and contrast examples to get you started on your paper or get a hand from our essay helper .

Different countries across the world have diverse cultural practices, and this has an effect on work relationships and development. Geert Hofstede came up with a structured way of comparing cultural dimensions of different countries. The theory explains the impacts of a community’s culture on the values of the community members, and the way these values relate to their behaviors. He gives scores as a way to help distinguish people from different nations using the following dimensions: long-term orientation, individualism, power distance, indulgence, necessity avoidance, and masculinity. Let us examine comparisons between two countries: the United Kingdom and China — based on Hofstede’s Six Dimensions of Culture.

Over the last two decades, the demand from consumers for organic foods has increased tremendously. In fact, the popularity of organic foods has exploded significantly with consumers, spending a considerably higher amount of money on them as compared to the amount spent on inorganic foods. The US market noted an increase in sales of more than 10% between 2014 and 2015 (Brown, n.p). The increase is in line with the views of many consumers that organic foods are safer, tastier, and healthier compared to the inorganic foods. Furthermore, considering the environmental effects of foods, organic foods present less risk of environmental pollution — compared to inorganic foods. By definition, organic foods are those that are grown without any artificial chemical treatment, or treatment by use of other substances that have been modified genetically, such as hormones and/or antibiotics (Brown, n.p).

Still feeling confused about the complexities of the compare and contrast essay? Feel free to contact our paper writing service to get a professional writing help.

Finding the Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics For You

When choosing a topic for your comparison essay, remember that subjects cannot be drastically different, because there would be little to no points of comparison (similarities). The same goes for too many similarities, which will result in poor contrasts. For example, it is better to write about two composers, rather than a composer and a singer.

It is extremely important to choose a topic you are passionate about. You never want to come across something that seems dull and uninspiring for you. Here are some excellent ways to brainstorm for a topic from essay writer :

Find categories: Choose a type (like animals, films or economics), and compare subjects within that category – wild animals to farm animals, Star Wars to Star Trek, private companies to public companies, etc.
Random Surprising Fact: Dig for fun facts which could make great topics. Did you know that chickens can be traced back to dinosaurs?
Movie vs. Book: Most of the time, the book is better than the movie — unless it’s Blade Runner or Lord of the Rings. If you’re a pop culture lover, compare movies vs. books, video games, comics, etc.

Use our rewrite essay service when you need help from professionals.

How to Choose a Great Compare and Contrast Topic

College students should consider providing themselves with a chance to use all topic examples. With enough revision, an advantage is gained. As it will be possible to compare arguments and contrast their aspects. Also, discuss numerous situations to get closer to the conclusion.

For example:

Choose a topic from the field of your interests. Otherwise you risk failing your paper.
It is a good idea to choose a topic based upon the class subject or specialist subject. (Unless the requirements say otherwise.)
Analyze each argument carefully. Include every detail for each opposing idea. Without doing so, you can definitely lower grades.
Write a conclusion that summarizes both arguments. It should allow readers to find the answer they’re looking for.
It is up to you to determine which arguments are right and wrong in the final conclusion.
Before approaching the final conclusion, it’s important to discuss each argument equally. It is a bad idea to be biased, as it can also lower grades.

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150 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics to Consider

Choosing a topic can be a challenging task, but there are plenty of options to consider. In the following sections, we have compiled a list of 150 compare and contrast essay topics to help you get started. These topics cover a wide range of subjects, from education and technology to history and politics. Whether you are a high school student or a college student, you are sure to find a topic that interests you. So, read on to discover some great compare and contrast essay ideas.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics For College Students

When attending a college, at any time your professor can assign you the task of writing this form of an essay. Consider these topics for college students from our team to get the grades you deserve.

Attending a College Course Vs. Distance-Based Learning.
Writing a Research Paper Vs. Writing a Creative Writing Paper. What are the differences and similarities?
The differences between a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree.
The key aspects of the differences between the US and the UK education systems.
Completing assignments at a library compared with doing so at home. Which is the most efficient?
The similarities and differences in the behavior among married and unmarried couples.
The similarities and differences between the EU (European Union) and ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations)?
The similarities and significant differences between American and Canadian English.
Writing an Internship Report Vs. Writing a Research Paper
The differences between US colleges and colleges in the EU?

Interesting Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Some topics for the compare and contrast essay format can be boring. To keep up motivation, doing a research , have a look at these topics. Maybe they can serve you as research paper help .

Public Transport Vs. Driving A Car. Which is more efficient?
Mandarin Vs. Cantonese: What are the differences between these Chinese languages?
Sports Cars Vs. Luxurious Family Cars
Wireless Technology Vs. Wired Devices
Thai Food Vs. Filipino Cuisine
What is the difference and similarities between a register office marriage and a traditional marriage?
The 2000s Vs. The 2010s. What are the differences and what makes them similar?
Abu Dhabi Vs. Dubai. What are the main factors involved in the differences?
What are the differences between American and British culture?
What does the New York Metro do differently to the London Underground?

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students

When writing essays for high school, it is good to keep them informative. Have a look at these compare and contrast sample topics.

Highschool Life Vs. College Life
Paying College Fees Vs. Being Awarded a Scholarship
All Night Study Sessions Vs. Late Night Parties
Teenager Vs. Young Adult Relationships
Being in a Relationship Vs. Being Single
Male Vs. Female Behavior
The similarities and differences between a high school diploma and a college degree
The similarities and differences between Economics and Business Studies
The benefits of having a part-time job, instead of a freelance job, in college
High School Extra Curricular Activities Vs. Voluntarily Community Services

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Science

At some point, every science student will be assigned this type of essay. To keep things at flow, have a look at best compare and contrast essay example topics on science:

Undiscovered Species on Earth Vs. Potential Life on Mars: What will we discover in the future?
The benefits of Gasoline Powered Cars Vs. Electric Powered Cars
The differences of the Milky Way Vs. Centaurus (Galaxies).
Earthquakes Vs. Hurricanes: What should be prepared for the most?
The differences between our moon and Mars’ moons.
SpaceX Vs. NASA. What is done differently within these organizations?
The differences and similarities between Stephen Hawking and Brian Cox’s theories on the cosmos. Do they agree or correspond with each other?
Pregnancy Vs. Motherhood
Jupiter Vs. Saturn
Greenhouse Farming Vs. Polytunnel Farming

Sports & Leisure Topics

Studying Physical Education? Or a gym fanatic? Have a look at our compare and contrast essay topics for sports and leisure.

The English Premier League Compared With The Bundesliga
Real Madrid Vs. Barcelona
Football Vs. Basketball
Walking Vs. Eating Outside with Your Partner
Jamaica Team Vs. United States Team: Main Factors and Differences
Formula One Vs. Off-Road Racing
Germany Team Vs. Brazil Team
Morning Exercise Vs. Evening Exercise.
Manning Team Vs. Brazil Team
Swimming Vs. Cycling

Topics About Culture

Culture can have several meanings. If you’re a Religious Studies or Culture student, take a look at these good compare and contrast essay topics about culture.

The fundamental similarities and differences between Pope Francis and Tawadros II of Alexandria
Canadian Vs. Australian Religion
The differences between Islamic and Christian Holidays
The cultural similarities and differences between the Native Aboriginals and Caucasian Australians
Native American Culture Vs. New England Culture
The cultural differences and similarities between Italians and Sicilians
In-depth: The origins of Buddhism and Hinduism
In-depth: The origins of Christianity and Islam
Greek Gods Vs. Hindu Gods
The Bible: Old Testament Vs. New Testament

Unique Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

What about writing an essay which is out of the ordinary? Consider following these topics to write a compare and contrast essay on, that are unique.

The reasons why some wealthy people pay extortionate amounts of money for gold-plated cell phones, rather than buying the normal phone.
The differences between Lipton Tea and Ahmad Tea
American Football Vs. British Football: What are their differences?
The differences and similarities between France and Britain
Fanta Vs. 7Up
Traditional Helicopters Vs. Lifesize Drones
The differences and similarities between Boston Dynamics and the fictional equivalent Skynet (From Terminator Movies).
Socialism Vs. Capitalism: Which is better?
Curved Screen TVs’ Vs. Regular Flat Screen TVs’: Are they really worth big bucks?
Is it better to wear black or white at funerals?

Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Sometimes, it may be a requirement to take it back a notch. Especially if you’re new to these style of writing. Consider having a look at these good compare and contrast essay topics that are pretty easy to start off.

Is it a good idea to work on weekdays or weekends?
Black of White Coffee
Becoming a teacher or a doctor? Which career choice has more of an impact on society?
Air Travel Vs. Sea Travel: Which is better?
Rail Travel Vs. Road Travel: Which is more convenient?
What makes Europe far greater than Africa? In terms of financial growth, regulations, public funds, policies etc…
Eating fruit for breakfast Vs. cereals
Staying Home to Read Vs. Traveling the World During Holidays. Which is more beneficial for personal growth?
Japanese Vs. Brazilian Cuisine
What makes ASEAN Nations more efficient than African Nations?

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics About TV Shows, Music and Movies

We all enjoy at least one of these things. If not, all of them. Why not have a go at writing a compare and contrast essay about what you have been recently watching or listening to?

Breaking Bad Vs. Better Call Saul: Which is more commonly binge watched?
The differences between Dance Music and Heavy Metal
James Bond Vs. Johnny English
Iron Man Vs. The Incredible Hulk: Who would win?
What is done differently in modern movies, compared to old black and white movies?
Dumber and Dumber 2 Vs. Ted: Which movie is funnier?
Are Horror movies or Action Movies best suited to you?
The differences and similarities between Mozart and Beethoven compositions.
Hip Hop Vs. Traditional Music
Classical Music Vs. Pop Music. Which genre helps people concentrate?

Topics About Art

Sometimes, art students are required to write this style of essay. Have a look at these compare and contrast essay topics about the arts of the centuries.

The fundamental differences and similarities between paintings and sculptures
The different styles of Vincent Van Gogh and Leonardo Da Vinci.
Viewing Original Art Compared With Digital Copies. How are these experiences different?
18th Century Paintings Vs. 21st Century Digitally Illustrated Images
German Art Vs. American Art
Modern Painting Vs. Modern Photography
How can we compare modern graphic designers to 18th-century painters?
Ancient Greek Art Vs. Ancient Egyptian Art
Ancient Japanese Art Vs. Ancient Persian Art
What 16th Century Painting Materials were used compared with the modern day?

Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Almost every student at any stage of academics is assigned this style of writing. If you’re lacking inspiration, consider looking at some of the best compare and contrast essay topics to get you on track with your writing.

The United States and North Korea Governmental Conflict: What is the reason behind this phenomenon?
In the Early Hours, Drinking Water is far healthier than consuming soda.
The United States Vs. The People’s Republic of China: Which economy is the most efficient?
Studying in Foreign Countries Vs. Studying In Your Hometown: Which is more of an advantage?
Toast Vs. Cereal: Which is the most consumed in the morning?
Sleeping Vs. Daydreaming: Which is the most commonly prefered? And amongst who?
Learning French Vs. Chinese: Which is the most straightforward?
Android Phones Vs. iPhones
The Liberation of Slaves Vs. The Liberation of Women: Which is more remembered?
The differences between the US Dollar and British Pound. What are their advantages? And How do they correspond with each other?

Easy Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

In all types of academics, these essays occur. If you’re new to this style of writing, check our easy compare and contrast essay topics.

The Third Reich Vs. North Korea
Tea Vs. Coffee
iPhone Vs. Samsung
KFC Vs. Wendy’s
Laurel or Yanny?
Healthy Lifestyle Vs. Obese Lifestyle
Forkes Vs. Sporks
Rice Vs. Porridge
Roast Dinner Vs. Chicken & Mushroom Pie
What’s the difference between apples and oranges?

Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Deciding upon good compare and contrast essay topics for psychology assignments can be difficult. Consider referring to our list of 10 psychology compare and contrast essay topics to help get the deserved grades.

What is a more severe eating order? Bulimia or Anorexia
Modern Medicine Vs. Traditional Medicine for Treating Depression?
Soft Drugs Vs. Hard Drugs. Which is more dangerous for people’s psychological well-being?
How do the differences between Lust and Love have an effect on people’s mindsets?
Ego Vs. Superego
Parents Advice Vs. Peers Advice amongst children and teens.
Strict Parenting Vs. Relaxed Parenting
Mental Institutions Vs. Stress Clinics
Bipolar Disorder Vs. Epilepsy
How does child abuse affect victims in later life?

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Sixth Graders

From time to time, your teacher will assign the task of writing a compare and contrast essay. It can be hard to choose a topic, especially for beginners. Check out our easy compare and contrast essay topics for sixth graders.

Exam Preparation Vs. Homework Assignments
Homeschooling Vs. Public Education
High School Vs. Elementary School
5th Grade Vs. 6th Grade: What makes them different or the same?
Are Moms’ or Dads’ more strict among children?
Is it better to have strict parents or more open parents?
Sandy Beaches Vs. Pebble Beaches: Which beaches are more popular?
Is it a good idea to learn guitar or piano?
Is it better to eat vegetable salads or pieces of fruit for lunch?
1st Grade Vs. 6th Grade

Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Sometimes, it is good to have a laugh. As they always say : 'laughter is the best medicine'. Check out these funny compare and contrast essay topics for a little giggle when writing.

What is the best way to waste your time? Watching Funny Animal Videos or Mr. Bean Clips?
Are Pug Dogs or Maltese Dogs crazier?
Pot Noodles Vs. McDonalds Meals.
What is the difference between Peter Griffin and Homer Simpson?
Mrs. Doubtfire Vs. Mrs. Brown. How are they similar?
Which game is more addictive? Flappy Bird or Angry Birds?
Big Shaq Vs. PSY
Stewie Griffin Vs. Maggie Simpson
Quarter Pounders Vs. Big Macs
Mr. Bean Vs. Alan Harper

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Comparing and Contrasting: A Guide to Improve Your Essays

Walter Akolo

Essays that require you to compare and contrast two or more subjects, ideas, places, or items are common.

They call for you to highlight the key similarities (compare) and differences (contrast) between them.

This guide contains all the information you need to become better at writing comparing and contrasting essays.

This includes: how to structure your essay, how to decide on the content, and some examples of essay questions.

Let’s dive in.

What Is Comparing and Contrasting?

Is compare and contrast the same as similarities and differences, what is the purpose of comparing and contrasting, can you compare and contrast any two items, how do you compare and contrast in writing, what are some comparing and contrasting techniques, how do you compare and contrast in college level writing, the four essentials of compare and contrast essays, what can you learn from a compare and contrast essay.

At their most basic, both comparing and contrasting base their evaluation on two or more subjects that share a connection.

The subjects could have similar characteristics, features, or foundations.

But while a comparison discusses the similarities of the two subjects, e.g. a banana and a watermelon are both fruit, contrasting highlights how the subjects or items differ from each other, e.g. a watermelon is around 10 times larger than a banana.

Any question that you are asked in education will have a variety of interesting comparisons and deductions that you can make.

Compare is the same as similarities.

Contrast is the same as differences.

This is because comparing identifies the likeness between two subjects, items, or categories, while contrasting recognizes disparities between them.

When you compare things, you represent them regarding their similarity, but when you contrast things, you define them in reference to their differences.

As a result, if you are asked to discuss the similarities and differences between two subjects, you can take an identical approach to if you are writing a compare and contrast essay.

In writing, the purpose of comparing and contrasting is to highlight subtle but important differences or similarities that might not be immediately obvious.

By illustrating the differences between elements in a similar category, you help heighten readers’ understanding of the subject or topic of discussion.

For instance, you might choose to compare and contrast red wine and white wine by pointing out the subtle differences. One of these differences is that red wine is best served at room temperature while white is best served chilled.

Also, comparing and contrasting helps to make abstract ideas more definite and minimizes the confusion that might exist between two related concepts.

Can Comparing and Contrasting Be Useful Outside of Academia?

Comparing enables you to see the pros and cons, allowing you to have a better understanding of the things under discussion. In an essay, this helps you demonstrate that you understand the nuances of your topic enough to draw meaningful conclusions from them.

Let's use a real-word example to see the benefits. Imagine you're contrasting two dresses you could buy. You might think:

Dress A is purple, my favorite color, but it has a difficult zip and is practically impossible to match a jacket to.
Dress B is more expensive but I already have a suitable pair of shoes and jacket and it is easier to move in.

You're linking the qualities of each dress to the context of the decision you're making. This is the same for your essay. Your comparison and contrast points will be in relation to the question you need to answer.

Comparing and contrasting is only a useful technique when applied to two related concepts.

To effectively compare two or more things, they must feature characteristics similar enough to warrant comparison.

In addition to this they must also feature a similarity that generates an interesting discussion. But what do I mean by “interesting” here?

Let’s look at two concepts, the Magna Carta and my third grade poetry competition entry.

They are both text, written on paper by a person so they fulfil the first requirement, they have a similarity. But this comparison clearly would not fulfil the second requirement, you would not be able to draw any interesting conclusions.

However, if we compare the Magna Carta to the Bill of Rights, you would be able to come to some very interesting conclusions concerning the history of world politics.

To write a good compare and contrast essay, it’s best to pick two or more topics that share a meaningful connection .

The aim of the essay would be to show the subtle differences or unforeseen similarities.

By highlighting the distinctions between elements in a similar category you can increase your readers’ understanding.

Alternatively, you could choose to focus on a comparison between two subjects that initially appear unrelated.

The more dissimilar they seem, the more interesting the comparison essay will turn out.

For instance, you could compare and contrast professional rugby players with marathon runners.

Can You Compare and Contrast in an Essay That Does Not Specifically Require It?

As a writer, you can employ comparing and contrasting techniques in your writing, particularly when looking for ideas you can later apply in your argument.

You can do this even when the comparison or contrast is not a requirement for the topic or argument you are presenting. Doing so could enable you to build your evaluation and develop a stronger argument.

Note that the similarities and differences you come up with might not even show up in the final draft.

While the use of compare and contrast can be neutral, you can also use it to highlight one option under discussion. When used this way, you can influence the perceived advantages of your preferred option.

As a writing style, comparing and contrasting can encompass an entire essay. However, it could also appear in some select paragraphs within the essay, where making some comparisons serves to better illustrate a point.

What Should You Do First?

Before you compare two things, always start by deciding on the reason for your comparison, then outline the criteria you will use to compare them.

Words and phrases commonly used for comparison include:

In writing, these words and phrases are called transitions . They help readers to understand or make the connection between sentences, paragraphs, and ideas.

Without transition words writing can feel clumsy and disjointed making it difficult to read. ProWritingAid’s transition report highlights all of a documents transitions and suggests that 25% of any sentences in a piece include a transition.

So, how do you form all of this into a coherent essay? It's a good idea to plan first, then decide what your paragraph layout will look like.

Venn diagrams are useful tool to start generating ideas. The, for your essay, you need to choose between going idea by idea and going point by point.

Using a Venn Diagram

A Venn diagram helps you to clearly see the similarities and differences between multiple objects, things, or subjects.

The writing tool comprises two, or more, simple, overlapping circles in which you list down the things that are alike (within the overlapping area) and those that differ (outside the overlapping area).

It’s great for brainstorming ideas and for creating your essay’s outline. You could even use it in an exam setting because it is quick and simple.

Going Subject by Subject

Going subject by subject is a structural choice for your essay.

Start by saying all you have to say on the first subject, then proceed to do the same about the second subject.

Depending on the length of your essay, you can fit the points about each subject into one paragraph or have several sections per each subject, ending with a conclusion.

This method is best for short essays on simple topics. Most university-level essays will go point by point instead.

Going Point by Point

Going point by point, or alternating, is the opposite essay structure from going subject by subject. This is ideal when you want to do more direct comparing and contrasting. It entails discussing one comparison point at a time. It allows you to use a paragraph to talk about how a certain comparing/contrasting point relates to the subjects or items you are discussing.

Alternatively, if you have lots of details about the subject, you might decide to use a paragraph for each point.

An academic compare and contrast essay looks at two or more subjects, ideas, people, or objects, compares their likeness, and contrasts their differences.

It’s an informative essay that provides insights on what is similar and different between the two items.

Depending on the essay’s instructions, you can focus solely on comparing or contrasting, or a combination of the two.

Examples of College Level Compare and Contrast Essay Questions

Here are eleven examples of compare and contrast essay questions that you might encounter at university:

Archaeology: Compare and contrast the skulls of homo habilis, homo erectus, and homo sapiens.
Art: Compare and contrast the working styles of any two Neoclassic artists.
Astrophysics: Compare and contrast the chemical composition of Venus and Neptune.
Biology: Compare and contrast the theories of Lamarck and Darwin.
Business: Compare and contrast 2 or more business models within the agricultural industry.
Creative writing: Compare and contrast free indirect discourse with epistolary styles.
English Literature: Compare and contrast William Wordsworth with Robert Browning.
Geography: Compare and contrast the benefit of solar panels with the benefit of wind turbines.
History: Compare and contrast WWI to WWII with specific reference to the causes and outcomes.
Medicine: Compare and contrast England’s health service with America’s health service.
Psychology: Compare and contrast the behaviorist theory with the psychodynamic theory.

So, the key takeaways to keep in mind are:

Have a basis for comparison. The two things need to have enough in common to justify a discussion about their similarities and disparities.

Don’t go back and forth when using the block method. The best way to write your essay is to begin with a paragraph discussing all the facets of the first topic. Then, move on to another paragraph and talk through all the aspects of the second subject.

You can use both alternating and blocking techniques. Combining the two approaches is also an option. You can apply the alternating method in some paragraphs, then switch and use the block method. This method will help you offer a much deeper analysis of the subjects.

Have a reason for comparing the two things. Only select the points of comparison that resonate with your purpose.

Comparing and contrasting are essential analytical skills in academic writing. When your professor issues you with such an essay, their primary goal is to teach you how to:

Engage in critical thinking
See and make connections between words or ideas
Move beyond mere descriptions or summaries to developing interesting analysis
Get a deeper understanding of the subjects or items under comparison, their key features, and their interrelationships with each other.

The benefits of comparing and contrasting

Ultimately, your essay should enlighten readers by providing useful information.

Want to use ProWritingAid with your classroom? Download this free book now:

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Walter Akolo is a freelance writer, internet marketer, trainer, and blogger for hire. He loves helping businesses increase their reach and conversion through excellent and engaging content. He has gotten millions of pageviews on his blog, FreelancerKenya, where he mentors writers. Check out his website walterakolo.com.

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100 Great Compare and Contrast Essay Topics to Choose From
100 Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Any Student

100 Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Any Student

What is a Compare and Contrast Essay

Tips on choosing a topic, compare and contrast essay topics, compare and contast essay topics for college students, compare and contrast essay topics for high school, history: topics, economics: topic ideas, healthcare: compare and contrast essay topics.

Philosophy: Topic Ideas

IT and Social Media: Ideas

Literature: great compare and contrast topics, cinematography and music: topics, science: topics, bottom line.

Students Also Ask

Most students get excited when given a chance to choose a compare and contrast essay topic they are most passionate about. However, the first time you face this task, you can't help but feel a bit puzzled. Believe you are not alone since coming up with a brilliant topic idea may take some time. Besides, you need to take care of the target readers – mostly your professors grading thousands of similar papers.

The great news is that our experienced English essay writers have compiled a list of the 100 best compare and contrast essay topics for any assignment you can ever imagine. On top of that, you will find out how to select the topic that will make the jaws drop (in a good way only).

It shouldn't surprise you that any writing process starts with brainstorming a topic for an academic paper. However, it's nearly impossible to choose the right topic without a precise understanding of a compare and contrast essay . Let's first figure out the definition .

As you may guess, compare and contrast essay is a piece of writing that offers an extensive comparison of the two or more subjects. This type of paper is all about uncovering what is similar and what is different. Such paper provides enough space for creativity since students may choose to explore a controversial topic. And the fun part begins when you get to draw a parallel between two subjects instead of covering a single issue.

Takeaway : before you actually get down to write a paper, make sure to choose two things that you will be able to compare.

Now that you are familiar with the definition, it's time to learn how to choose great compare and contrast essay topics. Below, we have gathered the great suggestions that will help you get started . Here're several useful tips to consider when choosing compare and contrast essay topics:

Brainstorm a topic . The best way to decide on two good compare and contrast topics is to brainstorm and write down all potential ideas. Once you choose two proper subjects, you have to organize your thoughts. Prepare a table where you will mention both similarities and differences between the two subjects.
Focus on an apples-to-apples comparison . As mentioned before, you should find two things that have a connection. For example, you can take two pets – cats and dogs – to contrast, while comparing a fruit (i.e., banana) with music (i.e., hard rock) doesn't make sense.
Ensure there is enough material . Just like an argumentative paper, your compare and contrast essay will need evidence. Thus, when picking a topic, you should also find enough primary and secondary sources. Make sure these sources are credible and no older than 5 years.
Choose a killer subject . When it comes to a small task and massive results, topics steal the show. Good titles for essays have an immense impact on your reader. For this reason, you should focus on those compare and contrast essay topics that will spark interest.
Build a thesis statement . Sometimes all you need is to move in the opposite direction. Firstly, set your purpose by writing the thesis statement. Next, research the topics based on your thesis.

Keep in mind that compare and contrast essay topics should be in line with your assignment's instructions , if there are any. After all, it would be really frustrating to have a comparison paper written on a topic that doesn't stick to the requirements.

Selecting a compelling topic might take a while if you don't have a list of sample ideas in front. With this in mind, we encourage you to look through the pool of compare and contrast essay topics listed below . Feel free to grab any subject you like most and transform it into an outstanding essay.

We have divided the following topic ideas into several categories to make it easier to select the one you need. But you can always browse other ideas such as argumentative essay topics . The list starts with the most relevant compare and contrast essay topics college students usually discuss. These are:

School vs. College: the key differences
Employed and unemployed students: who takes the best of their life?
Research paper and essay: what are the similarities and differences?
Introvert and extrovert: how are they different?
American English and British English: major differences
What makes education and employment similar?
SAT and TOEFL : Differences and similarities
How are Master's Degree and Ph.D. different?
Persuasive and argumentative papers: what similar features do they share?
Traditional education or remote learning: which option is better?

Below, you can find a list of the most common topics for high school students:

Living in poverty and being rich
Coffee and tea: what are the effects on a human body?
Living in a big city or a countryside
Human interactions: face-to-face vs. online
Exercising or dieting: which method is more effective?
Family traditions vs. national traditions
Living at home or living on campus
Childhood and adulthood
Working in an office or being a freelancer
Education or professional career: comparison

They say history repeats itself. However, the course of events is always different. Let's see the examples of historical events or public figures students can choose for their history compare and contrast essay topics:

Comparison of Lincoln's and Washington' ideas
Renaissance vs. Baroque epoch
Anthropology vs. Religious studies
American Government vs. Soviet Union Government
Democracy vs. monarchy
Election systems: US vs. the UK
North and South before the Civil War in the US
Henry VIII vs. King Louis XIV
Fascism vs. nazism
World War I and World War II

As for history subjects, consult our topics for informative essays . You will find something interesting for sure.

In case you need to compose a comparison paper on Economics, look through this selection of compare and contrast essay topics:

Economy and Economics
Economics and Business
Financial crisis and regression
Economic growth and economic development
Economic issues and social issues
GDP vs. GNP
Economic politics: East vs. West
Developed economy and developing economies
Consumerism and minimalism
Macroeconomics and Microeconomics

Thanks to modern medicine, there are different treatment approaches. With this in mind, finding ideas for comparison should not be a challenge. Below are just some ideas on Healthcare:

Traditional medicine and western medicine
Prescription drugs and natural alternatives
Surgery or chemotherapy
Plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery
Psychology and psychiatry
Cancer and tumor
Autoimmune disease and autoinflammatory disease
Clinic or hospital
Testing on animals or testing on humans
Antibiotics or antiviral drugs

Diversify proposed topics with some new ideas. A good cause and effect topic may come in handy.

Philosophy: Topic Ideas

There are so many philosophical theories and ideas that you will be spoilt for choice. Here're are just some aspects you can consider when choosing compare and contrast essay topics on Philosophy:

Philosophy and Neuroscience
Life and death: various philosophical views
Physical and mental needs of human beings
Greek philosophy and Roman philosophy
German philosophy and French philosophy
Materialism or spiritualism
Dualism or monism
Idealism or relativism
Nietzsche or Kant
Freud or Adler

If you are a digital-savvy student, consider the following compare and contrast essay topics on technology:

Windows or Mac
Android or iPhone: which one is better?
Netflix or HBO
Facebook or MySpace: which social network offers more opportunities?
E-mail or traditional mailing
Chatting with a human or a robot
Online and traditional commerce
Online dating and real-life relations
Computer games and video games
Searching for a job online or traditionally?

Have a comparison paper due on Literature? Do not skip over this list of ideas:

Comedy or drama
Greek and Roman mythology
Romanticism and impressionism in literature
Prose or lyrics: what people prefer more and why?
The poetry of XIII Century and nowadays
Shakespeare's Othello vs. Hamlet
American novels and French novels
Fiction or nonfiction literature: what are the differences?
Autobiography and memoir
Literature now and 20 years ago

Are you passionate about movies or music? Here's your jam of compare and contrast essay topics every movie and music lover will appreciate:

Books or movies: why reading is preferred
Computer-generated imagery and computer animation
American cinematography and the Soviet Union cinematography
Movies and anime
Horror movies and thrillers: comparison
Electronic instruments vs. traditional musical instruments
Jazz and rock
Sam vs. Frodo Baggins (Lord of the Rings)
Harry Potter vs. Draco Malfoy
Gandalf vs Dumbledore

Are you into science? Then, quickly look through these great compare and contrast essay topics to find the one you like best:

Predators and prey
Physics or Chemistry
Milky Way and Andromeda
Bacterias and viruses
What makes the Earth different from the Mars
The first mission to the Moon and the second visit
Thomas Jefferson or DaVinci: whose innovations matter more?
Earthquake or tsunami: consequences of which one are worse?
Formulas of two different chemical reactions
Protons and neurons

You may look for how to write a topic sentence . No worries, we have a special blog that will explain everything.

Compare and contrast essay topics for college students might be tricky to choose. Make sure to consider the tips given in this article when picking the subjects for your paper. Once you decide on a subject, feel free to get in touch with our expert writers for help. We are eager to assist you at any stage in the writing process and deliver a unique compare and contrast essay.

Students Also Ask

Can I choose more than two subjects for a compare and contrast essay?

Typically, it is required to draw a parallel between two subjects in your compare and contrast essay. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t take three or more things for your comparison. Make sure that you find both similarities and differences between the chosen subjects. But if you choose multiple things to compare, you should put extra effort into organizing your thoughts.

How do I write a title for a compare and contrast essay?

The main purpose of a compare and contrast essay is to identify the similarities and/or differences between any two things or events. To choose a great title for a comparison paper, you should ensure that the subjects are:

Comparable (have something in common)
Contrasting (have differences)
Both comparative and contrasting.

Besides, your title should be eye-catchy to grab the reader’s attention.

The very first thing you should think about when you start writing an essay - scholarship essay or informative essay or etc, is the topic. This is one of the most important moments in entire content producing process. Yes, even before the actual writing, you already is dealing with one of the most c...

If you need to write a research paper in sociology, but cannot find the right topic, you are at the right place. We have collected a list of 140 relevant and up-to-date sociology research topics to help. The article offers some tips on choosing the right topic. Our professional paper writers are als...

Informative essay writing is not as simple as it might seem. You should inform the readers about the peculiarities of the topic. However, it should be done in a bias and opinion free manner. To master the art of informative essay writing, read the article. In it you will find writing tips, see a wel...

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Comparative Essay

How to Write a Comparative Essay – A Complete Guide

10 min read

What is a Comparative Essay?

A comparative essay is a type of essay in which an essay writer compares at least two or more items. The author compares two subjects with the same relation in terms of similarities and differences depending on the assignment.

The main purpose of the comparative essay is to:

Highlight the similarities and differences in a systematic manner.
Provide great clarity of the subject to the readers.
Analyze two things and describe their advantages and drawbacks.

A comparative essay is also known as compare and contrast essay or a comparison essay. It analyzes two subjects by either comparing them, contrasting them, or both. The Venn diagram is the best tool for writing a paper about the comparison between two subjects.

Moreover, a comparative analysis essay discusses the similarities and differences of themes, items, events, views, places, concepts, etc. For example, you can compare two different novels (e.g., The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and The Red Badge of Courage).

However, a comparative essay is not limited to specific topics. It covers almost every topic or subject with some relation.

Comparative Essay Structure

A good comparative essay is based on how well you structure your essay. It helps the reader to understand your essay better.

The structure is more important than what you write. This is because it is necessary to organize your essay so that the reader can easily go through the comparisons made in an essay.

The following are the two main methods in which you can organize your comparative essay.

Point-by-Point Method

The point-by-point or alternating method provides a detailed overview of the items that you are comparing. In this method, organize items in terms of similarities and differences.

This method makes the writing phase easy for the writer to handle two completely different essay subjects. It is highly recommended where some depth and detail are required.

Below given is the structure of the point-by-point method.

Block Method

The block method is the easiest as compared to the point-by-point method. In this method, you divide the information in terms of parameters. It means that the first paragraph compares the first subject and all their items, then the second one compares the second, and so on.

However, make sure that you write the subject in the same order. This method is best for lengthy essays and complicated subjects.

Here is the structure of the block method.

Therefore, keep these methods in mind and choose the one according to the chosen subject.

Mixed Paragraphs Method

In this method, one paragraph explains one aspect of the subject. As a writer, you will handle one point at a time and one by one. This method is quite beneficial as it allows you to give equal weightage to each subject and help the readers identify the point of comparison easily.

How to Start a Comparative Essay?

Here, we have gathered some steps that you should follow to start a well-written comparative essay.

Choose a Topic

The foremost step in writing a comparative essay is to choose a suitable topic.

Choose a topic or theme that is interesting to write about and appeals to the reader.

An interesting essay topic motivates the reader to know about the subject. Also, try to avoid complicated topics for your comparative essay.

Develop a List of Similarities and Differences

Create a list of similarities and differences between two subjects that you want to include in the essay. Moreover, this list helps you decide the basis of your comparison by constructing your initial plan.

Evaluate the list and establish your argument and thesis statement .

Establish the Basis for Comparison

The basis for comparison is the ground for you to compare the subjects. In most cases, it is assigned to you, so check your assignment or prompt.

Furthermore, the main goal of the comparison essay is to inform the reader of something interesting. It means that your subject must be unique to make your argument interesting.

Do the Research

In this step, you have to gather information for your subject. If your comparative essay is about social issues, historical events, or science-related topics, you must do in-depth research.

However, make sure that you gather data from credible sources and cite them properly in the essay.

Create an Outline

An essay outline serves as a roadmap for your essay, organizing key elements into a structured format.

With your topic, list of comparisons, basis for comparison, and research in hand, the next step is to create a comprehensive outline.

Here is a standard comparative essay outline:

Subject A

Subject B

Analysis

Subject A

Subject B

Analysis

How to Write a Comparative Essay?

Now that you have the basic information organized in an outline, you can get started on the writing process.

Here are the essential parts of a comparative essay:

Comparative Essay Introduction

Start off by grabbing your reader's attention in the introduction . Use something catchy, like a quote, question, or interesting fact about your subjects.

Then, give a quick background so your reader knows what's going on.

The most important part is your thesis statement, where you state the main argument , the basis for comparison, and why the comparison is significant.

This is what a typical thesis statement for a comparative essay looks like:

Comparative Essay Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs are where you really get into the details of your subjects. Each paragraph should focus on one thing you're comparing.

Start by talking about the first point of comparison. Then, go on to the next points. Make sure to talk about two to three differences to give a good picture.

After that, switch gears and talk about the things they have in common. Just like you discussed three differences, try to cover three similarities.

This way, your essay stays balanced and fair. This approach helps your reader understand both the ways your subjects are different and the ways they are similar. Keep it simple and clear for a strong essay.

Comparative Essay Conclusion

In your conclusion , bring together the key insights from your analysis to create a strong and impactful closing.

Consider the broader context or implications of the subjects' differences and similarities. What do these insights reveal about the broader themes or ideas you're exploring?

Discuss the broader implications of these findings and restate your thesis. Avoid introducing new information and end with a thought-provoking statement that leaves a lasting impression.

Below is the detailed comparative essay template format for you to understand better.

Comparative Essay Format

Comparative Essay Examples

Have a look at these comparative essay examples pdf to get an idea of the perfect essay.

Comparative Essay on Summer and Winter

Comparative Essay on Books vs. Movies

Comparative Essay Sample

Comparative Essay Thesis Example

Comparative Essay on Football vs Cricket

Comparative Essay on Pet and Wild Animals

Comparative Essay Topics

Comparative essay topics are not very difficult or complex. Check this list of essay topics and pick the one that you want to write about.

How do education and employment compare?
Living in a big city or staying in a village.
The school principal or college dean.
New Year vs. Christmas celebration.
Dried Fruit vs. Fresh. Which is better?
Similarities between philosophy and religion.
British colonization and Spanish colonization.
Nuclear power for peace or war?
Bacteria or viruses.
Fast food vs. homemade food.

Tips for Writing A Good Comparative Essay

Writing a compelling comparative essay requires thoughtful consideration and strategic planning. Here are some valuable tips to enhance the quality of your comparative essay:

Clearly define what you're comparing, like themes or characters.
Plan your essay structure using methods like point-by-point or block paragraphs.
Craft an introduction that introduces subjects and states your purpose.
Ensure an equal discussion of both similarities and differences.
Use linking words for seamless transitions between paragraphs.
Gather credible information for depth and authenticity.
Use clear and simple language, avoiding unnecessary jargon.
Dedicate each paragraph to a specific point of comparison.
Summarize key points, restate the thesis, and emphasize significance.
Thoroughly check for clarity, coherence, and correct any errors.

Transition Words For Comparative Essays

Transition words are crucial for guiding your reader through the comparative analysis. They help establish connections between ideas and ensure a smooth flow in your essay.

Here are some transition words and phrases to improve the flow of your comparative essay:

Transition Words for Similarities

Correspondingly
In the same vein
In like manner
In a similar fashion
In tandem with

Transition Words for Differences

On the contrary
In contrast
Nevertheless
In spite of
Notwithstanding
On the flip side
In contradistinction

Check out this blog listing more transition words that you can use to enhance your essay’s coherence!

In conclusion, now that you have the important steps and helpful tips to write a good comparative essay, you can start working on your own essay.

However, if you find it tough to begin, you can always hire our college paper writing service .

Our skilled writers can handle any type of essay or assignment you need. So, don't wait—place your order now and make your academic journey easier!

Frequently Asked Question

How long is a comparative essay.

A comparative essay is 4-5 pages long, but it depends on your chosen idea and topic.

How do you end a comparative essay?

Here are some tips that will help you to end the comparative essay.

Restate the thesis statement
Wrap up the entire essay
Highlight the main points

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Mentor Texts

Writing Comparative Essays: Making Connections to Illuminate Ideas

Breathing new life into a familiar school format, with the help of Times journalism and several winning student essays.

By Katherine Schulten

Our new Mentor Text series spotlights writing from The Times and from our student contests that teenagers can learn from and emulate.

This entry aims to help support those participating in our Third Annual Connections Contest , in which students are invited to take something they are studying in school and show us, via parallels found in a Times article, how it connects to our world today. In other words, we’re asking them to compare ideas in two texts.

For even more on how to help your students make those kinds of connections, please see our related writing unit .

I. Overview

Making connections is a natural part of thinking. We can’t help doing it. If you’re telling a friend about a new song or restaurant or TV show you like, you’ll almost always find yourself saying, “It’s like _________” and referencing something you both know. It’s a simple way of helping your listener get his or her bearings.

Journalists do it too. In fact, it’s one of the main tools of the trade to help explain a new concept or reframe an old one. Here are just a few recent examples:

A science reporter explains the behavior of fossilized marine animals by likening them to humans making conga lines.

A sportswriter describes the current N.B.A. season by framing it in terms of Broadway show tunes.

An Op-Ed contributor compares today’s mainstreaming of contemporary African art to “an urban neighborhood undergoing gentrification.”

Sometimes a journalist will go beyond making a simple analogy and devote a whole piece to an extended comparison between two things. Articles like these are real-world cousins of that classic compare/contrast essay you’ve probably been writing in school since you could first hold a pen.

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100 Last-Day-of-School Activities Your Students Will Love!

The Big List of Essay Topics for High School (120+ Ideas!)

Ideas to inspire every young writer!

What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?

High school students generally do a lot of writing, learning to use language clearly, concisely, and persuasively. When it’s time to choose an essay topic, though, it’s easy to come up blank. If that’s the case, check out this huge round-up of essay topics for high school. You’ll find choices for every subject and writing style.

Argumentative Essay Topics
Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics
Compare-Contrast Essay Topics
Descriptive Essay Topics
Expository and Informative Essay Topics
Humorous Essay Topics

Literary Essay Topics

Narrative and Personal Essay Topics
Personal Essay Topics
Persuasive Essay Topics

Research Essay Topics

Argumentative essay topics for high school.

When writing an argumentative essay, remember to do the research and lay out the facts clearly. Your goal is not necessarily to persuade someone to agree with you, but to encourage your reader to accept your point of view as valid. Here are some possible argumentative topics to try. ( Here are 100 more compelling argumentative essay topics. )

The most important challenge our country is currently facing is … (e.g., immigration, gun control, economy)
The government should provide free internet access for every citizen.
All drugs should be legalized, regulated, and taxed.
Vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco.
The best country in the world is …
Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.
Should all students have the ability to attend college for free?
Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?

Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?

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Schools should require recommended vaccines for all students, with very limited exceptions.
Is it acceptable to use animals for experiments and research?
Does social media do more harm than good?
Capital punishment does/does not deter crime.
What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?
Do we really learn anything from history, or does it just repeat itself over and over?
Are men and women treated equally?

Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics for High School

A cause-and-effect essay is a type of argumentative essay. Your goal is to show how one specific thing directly influences another specific thing. You’ll likely need to do some research to make your point. Here are some ideas for cause-and-effect essays. ( Get a big list of 100 cause-and-effect essay topics here. )

Humans are causing accelerated climate change.
Fast-food restaurants have made human health worse over the decades.
What caused World War II? (Choose any conflict for this one.)
Describe the effects social media has on young adults.

Describe the effects social media has on young adults.

How does playing sports affect people?
What are the effects of loving to read?
Being an only/oldest/youngest/middle child makes you …
What effect does violence in movies or video games have on kids?
Traveling to new places opens people’s minds to new ideas.
Racism is caused by …

Compare-Contrast Essay Topics for High School

As the name indicates, in compare-and-contrast essays, writers show the similarities and differences between two things. They combine descriptive writing with analysis, making connections and showing dissimilarities. The following ideas work well for compare-contrast essays. ( Find 80+ compare-contrast essay topics for all ages here. )

Public and private schools
Capitalism vs. communism
Monarchy or democracy
Dogs vs. cats as pets

Paper books or e-books
Two political candidates in a current race
Going to college vs. starting work full-time
Working your way through college as you go or taking out student loans
iPhone or Android
Instagram vs. Twitter (or choose any other two social media platforms)

Descriptive Essay Topics for High School

Bring on the adjectives! Descriptive writing is all about creating a rich picture for the reader. Take readers on a journey to far-off places, help them understand an experience, or introduce them to a new person. Remember: Show, don’t tell. These topics make excellent descriptive essays.

Who is the funniest person you know?
What is your happiest memory?
Tell about the most inspirational person in your life.
Write about your favorite place.
When you were little, what was your favorite thing to do?
Choose a piece of art or music and explain how it makes you feel.
What is your earliest memory?

What’s the best/worst vacation you’ve ever taken?
Describe your favorite pet.
What is the most important item in the world to you?
Give a tour of your bedroom (or another favorite room in your home).
Describe yourself to someone who has never met you.
Lay out your perfect day from start to finish.
Explain what it’s like to move to a new town or start a new school.
Tell what it would be like to live on the moon.

Expository and Informative Essay Topics for High School

Expository essays set out clear explanations of a particular topic. You might be defining a word or phrase or explaining how something works. Expository or informative essays are based on facts, and while you might explore different points of view, you won’t necessarily say which one is “better” or “right.” Remember: Expository essays educate the reader. Here are some expository and informative essay topics to explore. ( See 70+ expository and informative essay topics here. )

What makes a good leader?
Explain why a given school subject (math, history, science, etc.) is important for students to learn.
What is the “glass ceiling” and how does it affect society?
Describe how the internet changed the world.
What does it mean to be a good teacher?

Explain how we could colonize the moon or another planet.
Discuss why mental health is just as important as physical health.
Describe a healthy lifestyle for a teenager.
Choose an American president and explain how their time in office affected the country.
What does “financial responsibility” mean?

Humorous Essay Topics for High School

Humorous essays can take on any form, like narrative, persuasive, or expository. You might employ sarcasm or satire, or simply tell a story about a funny person or event. Even though these essay topics are lighthearted, they still take some skill to tackle well. Give these ideas a try.

What would happen if cats (or any other animal) ruled the world?
What do newborn babies wish their parents knew?
Explain the best ways to be annoying on social media.
Invent a wacky new sport, explain the rules, and describe a game or match.

Explain why it's important to eat dessert first.

Imagine a discussion between two historic figures from very different times, like Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth I.
Retell a familiar story in tweets or other social media posts.
Describe present-day Earth from an alien’s point of view.
Choose a fictional character and explain why they should be the next president.
Describe a day when kids are in charge of everything, at school and at home.

Literary essays analyze a piece of writing, like a book or a play. In high school, students usually write literary essays about the works they study in class. These literary essay topic ideas focus on books students often read in high school, but many of them can be tweaked to fit other works as well.

Discuss the portrayal of women in Shakespeare’s Othello .
Explore the symbolism used in The Scarlet Letter .
Explain the importance of dreams in Of Mice and Men .
Compare and contrast the romantic relationships in Pride and Prejudice .

Analyze the role of the witches in Macbeth.

Dissect the allegory of Animal Farm and its relation to contemporary events.
Interpret the author’s take on society and class structure in The Great Gatsby .
Explore the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia.
Discuss whether Shakespeare’s portrayal of young love in Romeo and Juliet is accurate.
Explain the imagery used in Beowulf .

Narrative and Personal Essay Topics for High School

Think of a narrative essay like telling a story. Use some of the same techniques that you would for a descriptive essay, but be sure you have a beginning, middle, and end. A narrative essay doesn’t necessarily need to be personal, but they often are. Take inspiration from these narrative and personal essay topics.

Describe a performance or sporting event you took part in.
Explain the process of cooking and eating your favorite meal.
Write about meeting your best friend for the first time and how your relationship developed.
Tell about learning to ride a bike or drive a car.
Describe a time in your life when you’ve been scared.

Write about a time when you or someone you know displayed courage.

Share the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you.
Tell about a time when you overcame a big challenge.
Tell the story of how you learned an important life lesson.
Describe a time when you or someone you know experienced prejudice or oppression.
Explain a family tradition, how it developed, and its importance today.
What is your favorite holiday? How does your family celebrate it?
Retell a familiar story from the point of view of a different character.
Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
Tell about your proudest moment.

Persuasive Essay Topics for High School

Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative , but they rely less on facts and more on emotion to sway the reader. It’s important to know your audience, so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them. Try these topics to persuade someone to come around to your point of view. ( Discover 60 more intriguing persuasive essay topics here. )

Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?
Everyone should be vegetarian or vegan.
What animal makes the best pet?
Visit an animal shelter, choose an animal that needs a home, and write an essay persuading someone to adopt that animal.
Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
Should little kids be allowed to play competitive sports?
Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
The best music genre is …

What is one book that everyone should be required to read?

Is democracy the best form of government?
Is capitalism the best form of economy?
Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
Should schools have dress codes?
If I could change one school rule, it would be …
Is year-round school a good idea?

A research essay is a classic high school assignment. These papers require deep research into primary source documents, with lots of supporting facts and evidence that’s properly cited. Research essays can be in any of the styles shown above. Here are some possible topics, across a variety of subjects.

Which country’s style of government is best for the people who live there?
Choose a country and analyze its development from founding to present day.
Describe the causes and effects of a specific war.
Formulate an ideal economic plan for our country.
What scientific discovery has had the biggest impact on life today?

Tell the story of the development of artificial intelligence so far, and describe its impacts along the way.

Analyze the way mental health is viewed and treated in this country.
Explore the ways systemic racism impacts people in all walks of life.
Defend the importance of teaching music and the arts in public schools.
Choose one animal from the endangered species list, and propose a realistic plan to protect it.

What are some of your favorite essay topics for high school? Come share your prompts on the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the ultimate guide to student writing contests .

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Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.

100 Thought-Provoking Argumentative Writing Prompts for Kids and Teens

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How Pew Research Center will report on generations moving forward

Journalists, researchers and the public often look at society through the lens of generation, using terms like Millennial or Gen Z to describe groups of similarly aged people. This approach can help readers see themselves in the data and assess where we are and where we’re headed as a country.

Pew Research Center has been at the forefront of generational research over the years, telling the story of Millennials as they came of age politically and as they moved more firmly into adult life . In recent years, we’ve also been eager to learn about Gen Z as the leading edge of this generation moves into adulthood.

But generational research has become a crowded arena. The field has been flooded with content that’s often sold as research but is more like clickbait or marketing mythology. There’s also been a growing chorus of criticism about generational research and generational labels in particular.

Recently, as we were preparing to embark on a major research project related to Gen Z, we decided to take a step back and consider how we can study generations in a way that aligns with our values of accuracy, rigor and providing a foundation of facts that enriches the public dialogue.

A typical generation spans 15 to 18 years. As many critics of generational research point out, there is great diversity of thought, experience and behavior within generations.

We set out on a yearlong process of assessing the landscape of generational research. We spoke with experts from outside Pew Research Center, including those who have been publicly critical of our generational analysis, to get their take on the pros and cons of this type of work. We invested in methodological testing to determine whether we could compare findings from our earlier telephone surveys to the online ones we’re conducting now. And we experimented with higher-level statistical analyses that would allow us to isolate the effect of generation.

What emerged from this process was a set of clear guidelines that will help frame our approach going forward. Many of these are principles we’ve always adhered to , but others will require us to change the way we’ve been doing things in recent years.

Here’s a short overview of how we’ll approach generational research in the future:

We’ll only do generational analysis when we have historical data that allows us to compare generations at similar stages of life. When comparing generations, it’s crucial to control for age. In other words, researchers need to look at each generation or age cohort at a similar point in the life cycle. (“Age cohort” is a fancy way of referring to a group of people who were born around the same time.)

When doing this kind of research, the question isn’t whether young adults today are different from middle-aged or older adults today. The question is whether young adults today are different from young adults at some specific point in the past.

To answer this question, it’s necessary to have data that’s been collected over a considerable amount of time – think decades. Standard surveys don’t allow for this type of analysis. We can look at differences across age groups, but we can’t compare age groups over time.

Another complication is that the surveys we conducted 20 or 30 years ago aren’t usually comparable enough to the surveys we’re doing today. Our earlier surveys were done over the phone, and we’ve since transitioned to our nationally representative online survey panel , the American Trends Panel . Our internal testing showed that on many topics, respondents answer questions differently depending on the way they’re being interviewed. So we can’t use most of our surveys from the late 1980s and early 2000s to compare Gen Z with Millennials and Gen Xers at a similar stage of life.

This means that most generational analysis we do will use datasets that have employed similar methodologies over a long period of time, such as surveys from the U.S. Census Bureau. A good example is our 2020 report on Millennial families , which used census data going back to the late 1960s. The report showed that Millennials are marrying and forming families at a much different pace than the generations that came before them.

Even when we have historical data, we will attempt to control for other factors beyond age in making generational comparisons. If we accept that there are real differences across generations, we’re basically saying that people who were born around the same time share certain attitudes or beliefs – and that their views have been influenced by external forces that uniquely shaped them during their formative years. Those forces may have been social changes, economic circumstances, technological advances or political movements.

When we see that younger adults have different views than their older counterparts, it may be driven by their demographic traits rather than the fact that they belong to a particular generation.

The tricky part is isolating those forces from events or circumstances that have affected all age groups, not just one generation. These are often called “period effects.” An example of a period effect is the Watergate scandal, which drove down trust in government among all age groups. Differences in trust across age groups in the wake of Watergate shouldn’t be attributed to the outsize impact that event had on one age group or another, because the change occurred across the board.

Changing demographics also may play a role in patterns that might at first seem like generational differences. We know that the United States has become more racially and ethnically diverse in recent decades, and that race and ethnicity are linked with certain key social and political views. When we see that younger adults have different views than their older counterparts, it may be driven by their demographic traits rather than the fact that they belong to a particular generation.

Controlling for these factors can involve complicated statistical analysis that helps determine whether the differences we see across age groups are indeed due to generation or not. This additional step adds rigor to the process. Unfortunately, it’s often absent from current discussions about Gen Z, Millennials and other generations.

When we can’t do generational analysis, we still see value in looking at differences by age and will do so where it makes sense. Age is one of the most common predictors of differences in attitudes and behaviors. And even if age gaps aren’t rooted in generational differences, they can still be illuminating. They help us understand how people across the age spectrum are responding to key trends, technological breakthroughs and historical events.

Each stage of life comes with a unique set of experiences. Young adults are often at the leading edge of changing attitudes on emerging social trends. Take views on same-sex marriage , for example, or attitudes about gender identity .

Many middle-aged adults, in turn, face the challenge of raising children while also providing care and support to their aging parents. And older adults have their own obstacles and opportunities. All of these stories – rooted in the life cycle, not in generations – are important and compelling, and we can tell them by analyzing our surveys at any given point in time.

When we do have the data to study groups of similarly aged people over time, we won’t always default to using the standard generational definitions and labels. While generational labels are simple and catchy, there are other ways to analyze age cohorts. For example, some observers have suggested grouping people by the decade in which they were born. This would create narrower cohorts in which the members may share more in common. People could also be grouped relative to their age during key historical events (such as the Great Recession or the COVID-19 pandemic) or technological innovations (like the invention of the iPhone).

By choosing not to use the standard generational labels when they’re not appropriate, we can avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes or oversimplifying people’s complex lived experiences.

Existing generational definitions also may be too broad and arbitrary to capture differences that exist among narrower cohorts. A typical generation spans 15 to 18 years. As many critics of generational research point out, there is great diversity of thought, experience and behavior within generations. The key is to pick a lens that’s most appropriate for the research question that’s being studied. If we’re looking at political views and how they’ve shifted over time, for example, we might group people together according to the first presidential election in which they were eligible to vote.

With these considerations in mind, our audiences should not expect to see a lot of new research coming out of Pew Research Center that uses the generational lens. We’ll only talk about generations when it adds value, advances important national debates and highlights meaningful societal trends.

Age & Generations
Demographic Research
Generation X
Generation Z
Generations
Greatest Generation
Methodological Research
Millennials
Silent Generation

Kim Parker is director of social trends research at Pew Research Center .

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ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts .

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Examples of Form and Content in Film

Categories: Blade Runner The Odyssey

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Words: 802 |

Published: Jun 13, 2024

Words: 802 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

The role of form in film, the significance of content in film, the interplay between form and content.

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