essay topics for compare and contrast essays

Essay Papers Writing Online

Tips for crafting effective compare and contrast essays.

Comparing and contrasting is a common method used in academic writing to analyze the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. Whether you are a student working on an assignment or a professional writing a research paper, mastering the art of compare and contrast essays can greatly enhance your writing skills.

In this article, we will explore useful tips and provide examples to help you create compelling and well-structured compare and contrast essays. From understanding the purpose of the essay to organizing your thoughts and arguments effectively, we’ll cover key strategies to ensure your essay is clear, concise, and engaging.

Guide to Writing Successful Compare and Contrast Essays

Compare and contrast essays can be a challenging but rewarding type of academic writing. By comparing and contrasting two or more subjects, you can deepen your understanding of complex topics and improve your critical thinking skills. To help you write effective compare and contrast essays, follow these tips:

1. Choose an appropriate topic: Select two or more subjects that have some similarities and differences. This will make it easier to compare and contrast them effectively.

2. Develop a clear thesis statement: Your thesis statement should clearly state the purpose of your essay and the main points you will be comparing and contrasting.

3. Create a structure: Organize your essay in a way that makes it easy for the reader to follow. You can use a point-by-point or block structure, depending on your preference.

4. Provide evidence: Support your comparisons with evidence from the subjects you are analyzing. This could include quotes, statistics, or examples.

5. Use transitions: Transition words and phrases help to guide the reader through your essay and make it easier to follow your arguments.

6. Revise and edit: After you have written your essay, be sure to revise and edit it carefully. Check for grammar and spelling errors, as well as clarity and coherence.

By following these tips, you can write successful compare and contrast essays that impress your readers and demonstrate your understanding of the subjects you are analyzing.

Understanding the Essay Structure

When writing a compare and contrast essay, it is crucial to follow a clear structure to ensure that your arguments are presented effectively. The basic structure of this type of essay typically includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Introduction: This section provides an overview of the topics being compared and contrasted. It should also include a thesis statement that highlights the main point of the essay.

Body Paragraphs: The body of the essay is where you provide detailed comparisons and contrasts between the two subjects. Each paragraph should focus on a specific point of comparison and include evidence to support your arguments.

Conclusion: In the conclusion, you should summarize the main points of the essay and restate the thesis. This section should also provide a final thought or insight to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

By following this structure, you can ensure that your compare and contrast essay is well-organized and easy for readers to follow.

Choosing the Right Topics

When it comes to writing a compare and contrast essay, choosing the right topics is crucial. The topics you select will determine the focus of your essay and set the tone for the rest of your writing. Here are some tips for choosing the right topics:

• Choose topics that have a clear connection: Make sure the topics you choose have some similarities and differences that you can explore in your essay. This will help you create a meaningful comparison.
• Opt for topics that interest you: Select topics that you find engaging and meaningful. This will make the writing process more enjoyable and will help you stay motivated throughout.
• Consider your audience: Think about who will be reading your essay and choose topics that will resonate with them. Consider their interests and preferences when selecting your topics.
• Avoid overly broad topics: Make sure the topics you choose are specific enough to allow for a focused comparison. Overly broad topics can lead to a lack of depth in your analysis.
• Look for unique angles: Try to find topics that offer a fresh perspective or unique angle for comparison. This will make your essay more interesting and engaging to your readers.

Gathering and Organizing Information

Before you start writing a compare and contrast essay, it is essential to gather and organize all the necessary information. Begin by selecting the subjects you want to compare and contrast. Make sure they have enough similarities and differences to make your essay informative and engaging.

Once you have chosen your topics, gather relevant information from credible sources. This can include books, academic journals, articles, and reputable websites. Take detailed notes and highlight key points that you can use in your essay. Organize your information in a systematic way to make it easier to reference and use while writing.

Consider creating a T-chart or Venn diagram to visually map out the similarities and differences between your subjects. This can help you see the relationships between the two topics more clearly and guide your essay structure.

By effectively gathering and organizing information, you will set a strong foundation for your compare and contrast essay and ensure that your arguments are well-supported and coherent.

Developing a Strong Thesis Statement

One of the key elements of a successful compare and contrast essay is a strong thesis statement. Your thesis statement should clearly outline the main points you will compare and contrast in your essay. It should also convey your overall argument and the significance of the comparison. Here are some tips for developing a strong thesis statement:

By following these tips, you can develop a strong thesis statement that sets the foundation for a well-organized and effective compare and contrast essay.

Writing the Essay: Tips and Tricks

When writing a compare and contrast essay, it’s important to keep in mind a few tips and tricks to make your essay effective and engaging. Here are some strategies to help you craft a compelling piece:

1. Begin with a Strong Thesis Statement:

Start your essay with a clear and concise thesis statement that highlights the main points of comparison and contrast. This will help guide your reader through the rest of the essay and provide a roadmap for your argument.

2. Organize Your Essay Carefully:

Structure your essay in a logical and coherent manner. You can choose to arrange your points by subject or point-by-point, but make sure your essay flows smoothly from one section to the next.

3. Use Transition Words:

Transition words and phrases like “similarly,” “in contrast,” and “however” can help signal the relationship between different ideas and improve the overall coherence of your essay.

4. Provide Concrete Examples:

To illustrate your points effectively, include specific examples and evidence to support your comparisons. This will add depth and credibility to your argument.

5. Revise and Edit:

Finally, don’t forget to revise and edit your essay before submitting it. Check for spelling and grammar errors, ensure your ideas are clear and well-supported, and make any necessary adjustments to improve the overall quality of your writing.

By following these tips and tricks, you can write an effective compare and contrast essay that engages your reader and effectively communicates your ideas.

Examples of Compare and Contrast Essays

1. Online Learning vs. Traditional Classroom Learning

This essay compares and contrasts the benefits and drawbacks of online learning and traditional classroom learning. It discusses factors such as convenience, interaction with instructors, and learning outcomes.

2. iOS vs. Android: A Comparison of Smartphone Operating Systems

This essay delves into the differences between iOS and Android operating systems, comparing their user interface, app availability, customization options, and overall performance. It aims to help readers make informed decisions when choosing a smartphone.

3. Vegetarianism vs. Veganism: Contrasting Plant-Based Diets

This essay explores the distinctions between vegetarianism and veganism, focusing on their dietary restrictions, ethical considerations, environmental impact, and health benefits. It aims to assist individuals in understanding the differences and choosing the diet that aligns with their values and goals.

Related Post

How to master the art of writing expository essays and captivate your audience, convenient and reliable source to purchase college essays online, step-by-step guide to crafting a powerful literary analysis essay, unlock success with a comprehensive business research paper example guide, unlock your writing potential with writers college – transform your passion into profession, “unlocking the secrets of academic success – navigating the world of research papers in college”, master the art of sociological expression – elevate your writing skills in sociology.

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.

The 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
• Questions for Each Level of Bloom's Taxonomy
• 61 General Expository Essay Topic to Practice Academic Writing
• Use Popular Songs to Teach Similes
• Beef Up Critical Thinking and Writing Skills: Comparison Essays
• How to Teach the Compare and Contrast Essay
• 25 Essay Topics for American Government Classes
• Compare-Contrast Prewriting Chart
• Organizing Compare-Contrast Paragraphs
• How to Teach Topic Sentences Using Models
• Higher Level Thinking: Synthesis in Bloom's Taxonomy
• What to Include in a Student Portfolio
• Bloom's Taxonomy: Analysis Category
• 6 Skills Students Need to Succeed in Social Studies Classes
• Mini-Lessons to Upgrade Downtime
• Expository Essay Genre With Suggested Prompts
• Social Studies Warmups: Exercises to Get Students Thinking

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 […]

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• 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.

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

Table of contents

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.

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

• Academic style
• Vague sentences
• Style consistency

See an example

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.

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.

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.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

College essays

• Choosing Essay Topic
• Write a College Essay
• Write a Diversity Essay
• College Essay Format & Structure
• Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

 (AI) Tools

• Grammar Checker
• Paraphrasing Tool
• Text Summarizer
• AI Detector
• Plagiarism Checker
• Citation Generator

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.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2023, July 23). Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay | Tips & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved August 19, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/compare-and-contrast/

Is this article helpful?

Jack Caulfield

Other students also liked, how to write an expository essay, how to write an argumentative essay | examples & tips, academic paragraph structure | step-by-step guide & examples, what is your plagiarism score.

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.

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.

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.

Need a Great Essay From Us?

Our professionals are ready to help you asap! Contact us 24/7.

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

Feeling Overwhelmed While Writing a COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY?

Give us your paper requirements, set the deadline, choose a writer and chill while we write an original paper for you.

Which Is The Most Effective Topic For A Compare-and-contrast Essay?

How to start a compare and contrast essay, how to write a thesis for a compare and contrast essay.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Get Your Free 21st Century Timeline Poster ✨

80 Intriguing Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

Android vs. iPhone? Capitalism vs. communism? Hot dog vs. taco?

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. Remind students that in this type of writing, they’re not necessarily trying to sway the reader to one opinion or another—they’re just presenting and analyzing facts. These compare and contrast essay topics will give them plenty of practice.

• School and Life Essay Topics
• Entertainment Essay Topics
• History and Politics Essay Topics
• Just for Fun Essay Topics

School and Life Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• Public and private schools
• Online school and in-person school
• Any two schools or colleges
• Going to college vs. starting work full-time

• Working your way through college as you go or taking out student loans
• Parents and grandparents
• Elementary school and high school
• Learning to read vs. learning to write
• The importance of any two school subjects
• Wearing glasses vs. having braces
• You and your best friend
• Friendship vs. romantic love

• Group work and individual work
• Only child vs. having siblings
• Nature vs. nurture
• Anxiety and depression
• Old friends and new friends
• Your teacher vs. your parent/guardian
• Car ownership and public transportation

• Learning to ride a bike vs. learning to drive a car

Entertainment Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• iPhone vs. Android
• Instagram vs. Twitter (or choose any other two social media platforms)
• Xbox vs. PlayStation

• Any two sports, like American football vs. soccer
• Cooking at home and dining out
• A movie based on a book and the book it was based on
• Reading and watching TV
• Opera music and pop music (or any two music genres)
• Vegetarian and vegan

• Giving and receiving gifts
• Going to a play vs. going to a movie
• Playing a video game and watching a movie
• Horse racing vs. NASCAR
• Laptop vs. tablet
• Sprint vs. marathon
• Poetry and rap music
• Ping-Pong vs. tennis
• DC vs. Marvel
• Netflix and YouTube
• Shopping online and shopping in person

History and Politics Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• Capitalism vs. communism
• Socialism vs. communism
• Monarchy/dictatorship and democracy
• Two political candidates in a current race

• Spanish flu pandemic vs. COVID-19 pandemic
• World War I and World War II
• American pioneers vs. first space explorers
• Gen X vs. Gen Z
• Abraham Lincoln vs. Barack Obama (or any other two presidents)
• Any two U.S. states

• Any two historic eras
• Queen Elizabeth I vs. Queen Elizabeth II
• Republicans and Democrats
• Hitler and Stalin
• The first airplane flight vs. the first manned spaceflight
• American president vs. U.K. prime minister

• Fox News vs. CNN
• Legislative branch and executive branch and/or judicial branch
• Equality and equity
• Elected politicians vs. lobbyists

Just for Fun Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• Dogs vs. cats as pets

• Paper books or e-books
• Hot dogs vs. tacos
• Summer and winter
• Fall and spring
• Big Mac vs. Whopper
• Coke vs. Pepsi
• Chocolate shake vs. hot chocolate
• Any two superheroes or villains
• Mondays and Fridays
• Mornings vs. evenings

• First day of school vs. last day of school
• Christmas vs. birthdays
• Hurricane vs. tornado
• Birthday as a kid and birthday as an adult
• Going barefoot vs. wearing shoes
• Appetizers and desserts

• Phone calls and texting
• Pants vs. skirts
• Electric cars vs. gas-powered cars

What are some of your favorite compare and contrast essay topics? Come share your prompts on the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the big list of essay topics for high school (100+ ideas).

You Might Also Like

34 Compelling Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Topics cover education, technology, pop culture, sports, animals, and more. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Teaching Expertise

• Classroom Ideas
• Teacher’s Life
• Deals & Shopping
• Privacy Policy

170 Creative Compare And Contrast Essay Topics

November 3, 2023 //  by  Lauren Du Plessis

From analyzing historical events and time periods to taking a deep dive into topics such as environmentalism, social and political issues, and more, we invite your learners to compare and contrast some of the most remarkable topics! Whether they work through these topics alone or in groups, they’re sure to find a wealth of information and exciting facts! Get reading to discover 170 intriguing essay topics!

Historical and Cultural Topics

1. Ancient Greece vs. Ancient Rome

Compare the political systems, architecture, and cultural achievements of these civilizations.

2. Aztecs vs. Mayans

Analyze the similarities and differences in their cultural practices, beliefs, and societal structures.

3. European Renaissance vs. Harlem Renaissance

Contrast the artistic, intellectual, and societal changes that defined each movement.

4. The American Revolution vs. The French Revolution

Compare the causes, key events, and outcomes of these historical upheavals.

5. Eastern vs. Western Art Traditions

Discuss the stylistic differences, themes, and influences in these artistic traditions.

6. Greek vs. Roman Mythology

Analyze the similarities and differences in gods, myths, and cultural impacts.

7. World Religions

Compare and contrast the rituals and practices in Christianity and Islam.

8. American vs. British English

Discuss the linguistic variations, cultural influences, and global implications of each dialect.

9. Multiculturalism

Contrast the melting pot and salad bowl models of cultural integration in diverse societies.

10. Medieval Europe vs. Feudal Japan

11. Native American Cultures vs. Indigenous Australian Cultures

12. Colonialism vs. Imperialism

Dive into the distinctions and commonalities between colonialism’s direct rule and imperialism’s broader influence.

13. Viking Lore vs. Egyptian Mythology

14. Traditional vs. Modern Olympic Games

Social and Political Issues

15. Socialism vs. Capitalism

Examine social welfare policies, wealth distribution, and government intervention in these economic systems.

16. Communism vs. Democracy

Contrast the governance models, political freedoms, and historical examples of each system.

17. Immigration Policies

Compare and contrast the approaches, challenges, and outcomes of U.S. and Canadian immigration policies.

18. Gun Control Policies

Analyze the effectiveness, cultural factors, and public opinions surrounding U.S. and Australian policies.

19. Women’s Rights

Discuss the gender wage gap in developed and developing countries and the social factors contributing to these disparities.

20. Abortion Debate

Compare the pro-life and pro-choice perspectives, laws, and social implications of each stance.

21. Censorship vs. Freedom of Speech

Contrast the boundaries, justifications, and consequences of restricting or protecting expression.

22. News Reporting

Analyze the differences, credibility, and impact of objective journalism and opinion journalism.

23. Online Privacy

Compare the risks, benefits, and implications of government surveillance and corporate data collection.

24. Universal Healthcare vs. Private Healthcare

25. Monarchies vs. Republics

26. Prohibition vs. Legalization of Drugs

27. Secularism vs. Religious States

28. Youth Rights vs. Elderly Rights

29. Urbanization vs. Rural Development

30. LGBTQ+ Rights Movement

31. Grassroots Movements vs. Top-Down Reforms

Explore the dynamics, effectiveness, and challenges of grassroots movements in comparison to top-down, institutional reforms.

Environmental Issues

32. Climate Change

Analyze adaptation measures, such as sea level rise management and drought management, and their long-term viability.

33. Environmentalism

Compare wildlife conservation efforts to habitat preservation, and the implications of each approach.

34. Renewable Energy

Discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and potential of solar power and wind power as sustainable energy sources.

35. Animal Rights

Contrast the ethical debates surrounding zoos and sanctuaries, and the role they play in conservation efforts.

36. Urban Development

Compare smart cities and sustainable cities, and the strategies employed to achieve their respective goals.

37. Preservation vs. Conservation

38. Biodiversity vs. Monocultures

39. Organic vs. GMO Foods

40. Passive vs. Active Solar Designs

41. Forest Conservation vs. Urban Forests

42. Water Scarcity: Desalination vs. Conservation

43. Traditional Classroom vs. Online Learning

Analyze the effectiveness, accessibility, and student outcomes of each approach.

44. Homeschooling vs. Public Schooling

Contrast the benefits, challenges, and results of these educational models.

45. Liberal Arts vs. STEM Education

Discuss the goals, skill development, and career prospects associated with each path.

46. Education Systems

Compare standardized testing in the U.S. and Finland, and the impacts on student achievement and well-being.

47. College vs. Vocational School

Contrast post-secondary education pathways and their outcomes for students.

48. Co-ed Schools vs. Single-Sex Schools

Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each educational setting, focusing on academic performance, social development, and gender stereotypes.

49. Early Childhood Education vs. Secondary Education

50. Experiential Learning vs. Rote Memorization

51. Continuous Assessment vs. Final Exams

52. Traditional Libraries vs. Digital Libraries

53. Student-Centered vs. Teacher-Centered Learning

Contrast the collaborative environment of student-centered learning with the structured guidance of teacher-centered approaches.

54. Impact of Social Media on Personal Relationships vs. Professional Networking

Discuss the ways social media has transformed both spheres.

55. E-books vs Print Books

Analyze the accessibility, environmental impact, and reading experience of each format.

56. Virtual Reality vs. Augmented Reality

Compare the applications, experiences, and potential future developments of these technologies.

57. Technological Advancements

Contrast the impact of artificial intelligence on employment and education, discussing the benefits and potential drawbacks.

58. Space Exploration

Analyze the advantages and challenges of manned missions vs. robotic missions in terms of cost, safety, and scientific discovery.

59. Smartphones vs. Traditional Cell Phones

Discuss the features, functionality, and societal changes brought about by the rise of smartphones.

60. Streaming Services vs. Traditional TV

Compare the convenience, content, and pricing models of each media platform.

61. Internet of Things vs. Edge Computing

62. Cloud Storage vs. Physical Storage Devices

63. Electric Vehicles vs. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles

64. Drones vs. Manned Aircraft

65. Analog vs. Digital Signals

Literature, Film, and Arts

66. American Literature vs. British Literature

Contrast the themes, styles, and historical contexts of these literary traditions.

67. Shakespeare’s Tragedies vs. Comedies

Analyze the differences in plot, character development, and thematic content between these two genres of Shakespeare’s works.

68. Film Adaptations vs. Original Novels

Discuss the challenges, successes, and changes that occur when adapting literature for the screen.

69. Hollywood vs. Bollywood Film Industries

Compare the production, cultural influence, and global reach of these two dominant film industries.

70. African Art vs. South American Art

Discover the artistic differences and common threads that weave through African and South American art forms.

71. Art Nouveau vs. Art Deco

72. Baroque vs. Rococo Art Styles

73. Modernism vs. Postmodernism in Literature

74. Animated Films vs. Live-Action Films

75. Poetry vs. Prose

76. Classical Music vs. Jazz

77. Street Art vs. Gallery Art

Compare the spontaneous, public appeal of street art with the curated, formal setting of gallery art.

Lifestyle and Health

78. Vegetarianism vs. Veganism

Compare the benefits and challenges of these two diets, considering factors like nutritional content, environmental impact, and ethical considerations.

79. Traditional Exercise vs. Yoga

Analyze the differences in health benefits, mental focus, and flexibility gained through traditional exercise routines and yoga practices.

80. City Life vs. Country Life

Contrast the lifestyle, cost of living, social interactions, and environmental aspects of urban and rural living.

81. Living Alone vs. Living with Roommates

Examine the financial, social, and psychological implications of living independently or sharing a living space with others.

82. Owning a Pet vs. Not Owning a Pet

Discuss the emotional, financial, and time commitments of pet ownership compared to a pet-free lifestyle.

83. Meditation vs. Therapy for Stress Relief

Compare the effectiveness, accessibility, and overall benefits of meditation and therapy for managing stress.

84. Organic vs. Conventional Farming

Analyze the environmental, health, and economic implications of organic and conventional agricultural practices.

85. Holistic Medicine vs. Allopathic Medicine

86. Dieting vs. Intuitive Eating

87. Acupuncture vs. Physical Therapy

88. Mental Health vs. Emotional Well-being

Examine the clinical aspects of mental health in contrast to the personal and subjective nuances of emotional well-being.

89. Buying Local vs. Globalized Trade

Contrast the personal and community benefits of buying local with the diversity and scale of globalized trade.

Sports and Recreation

90. Team Sports vs. Individual Sports

Contrast the physical, mental, and social benefits of participating in team-based and individual sports.

91. Professional Athletes vs. Amateur Athletes

Compare the lifestyle, training, and commitment levels of professional and amateur athletes.

92. Watching Sports vs. Participating in Sports

Contrast the physical, psychological, and social aspects of being a sports spectator and an active participant.

93. Physical Sports vs. Esports

Analyze the skill sets, mental agility, and physical demands of traditional sports compared to competitive video gaming.

94. Olympic Games vs. Paralympic Games

Discuss the similarities and differences in the organization, competition, and global impact of these two major sporting events.

95. Indoor vs. Outdoor Activities

Compare the controlled environments of indoor activities with the dynamic settings of outdoor recreations.

96. Endurance Sports vs. Strength Sports

Contrast the stamina-driven challenges of endurance sports with the muscle-focused feats of strength sports.

97. Winter vs. Summer Sports

Explore the chilly thrills of winter sports in comparison to the heated competition of summer sports.

98. Recreational vs. Competitive Gaming

Delve into the relaxed, personal joys of recreational gaming against the high-stakes world of competitive gaming.

Travel and Tourism

99. Budget Travel vs. Luxury Travel

Contrast the experiences, affordability, and accommodations of budget-conscious and high-end travel options.

100. Domestic Travel vs. International Travel

Discuss the cultural, logistical, and financial differences between exploring one’s own country and traveling abroad.

101. Cultural Tourism vs. Adventure Tourism

Compare the goals, experiences, and benefits of engaging with local cultures or seeking adrenaline-fueled activities while traveling.

102. Sustainable Tourism vs. Mass Tourism

Contrast the environmental, social, and economic impacts of responsible tourism practices with large-scale tourism operations.

103. Cruises vs. All-Inclusive Resorts

Compare the experiences, costs, and amenities of cruise ships and all-inclusive vacation properties.

104. Solo Travel vs. Group Travel

Compare the freedom, safety, and social aspects of traveling alone or with a group.

105. Eco-Tourism vs. Cultural Tourism

106. Backpacking vs. Glamping

107. Island Getaways vs. Mountain Retreats

Weigh the pros and cons of the tranquil oceanic vibes of an island getaway against the serene elevation of a mountain retreat.

108. Historical Sites vs. Natural Wonders

Contrast the cultural narratives and manufactured marvels of historical sites with the raw beauty of natural wonders.

Personal Development and Career

109. Work-Life Balance vs. Work-Life Integration

Analyze the effectiveness, mental health implications, and personal satisfaction of these two strategies for managing professional and personal responsibilities.

110. Entrepreneurship vs. Traditional Employment

Contrast the risks, rewards, and challenges of starting a business and working for an established company.

111. Networking: Online vs. In-Person

Compare the effectiveness, accessibility, and relationship-building potential of digital and face-to-face networking opportunities.

112. Job Satisfaction: Money vs. Meaning

Discuss the importance of financial rewards and personal fulfillment in achieving overall job satisfaction.

113. Leadership Styles: Autocratic vs. Democratic

Analyze the effectiveness, employee satisfaction, and decision-making processes of these two contrasting leadership approaches.

114. Workplace Environment: Remote Work vs. Office Work

Compare the productivity, collaboration, and work-life balance implications of remote and in-office work arrangements.

115. Career Choices: Following Passion vs. Pursuing Financial Stability

Contrast the long-term satisfaction, work-life balance, and stability of these two career decision-making approaches.

116. Side Hustles vs. Full-Time Jobs

Contrast the flexibility of multiple projects of side hustles with the stability and commitment of full-time jobs.

117. Skill Acquisition: Self-Taught vs. Formal Education

Compare the self-driven exploration of self-taught skill acquisition versus the structured guidance of formal education.

118. Building Personal Brand vs. Corporate Identity

Explore the individualistic approach of building a personal brand with the collective representation of a corporate identity.

119. Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

Contrast the limitations of a fixed mindset with the adaptability and potential of a growth mindset.

Philosophy and Ethics

120. Free Will vs. Determinism

Contrast the philosophical arguments for and against the existence of free will and the concept of determinism.

121. Theories of Reality: Idealism vs. Materialism

Analyze the differences in these two philosophical theories regarding the nature of reality and the role of human perception.

122. Nature vs. Nurture Debate

Discuss the contributions of genetics and environmental factors in shaping human behavior, intelligence, and personality.

123. Moral Absolutism vs. Moral Relativism

Contrast the principles and implications of these two ethical perspectives on the universality of moral values.

124. Theories of Intelligence

Multiple Intelligences vs. Emotional Intelligence: Compare the concepts, practical applications, and educational implications of these two theories of intelligence.

125. Utilitarianism vs. Deontological Ethics

Compare these two ethical theories, focusing on their principles, decision-making processes, and potential outcomes.

126. Existentialism vs. Absurdism

Compare existentialism’s quest for individual meaning against absurdism’s acceptance of life’s inherent randomness.

127. Empiricism vs. Rationalism

Contrast the sensory-based knowledge acquisition of empiricism with the emphasis on reasoning found in rationalism.

128. Ethical Consumerism vs. Capitalist Consumption

Compare the morally conscious decisions of ethical consumerism against the profit-driven motives of capitalist consumption.

129. Virtue Ethics vs. Care Ethics

Delve into the character-driven moral compass of virtue ethics versus the relationship-centered perspective of care ethics.

130. Quantum Mechanics vs. Classical Mechanics

Contrast the principles, applications, and limitations of these two fundamental branches of physics.

131. Scientific Method

Deductive Reasoning vs. Inductive Reasoning: Discuss the differences between these two reasoning processes and their roles in scientific inquiry.

132. Microbiology vs. Molecular Biology

Compare the research focus, techniques, and applications of these two branches of biological science.

133. Astronomy vs. Astrology

Contrast the scientific study of celestial objects with the pseudoscientific interpretation of their influence on human affairs.

134. Evolution vs. Creationism

Analyze the scientific evidence and religious beliefs behind these two perspectives on the origin of life.

135. Paleontology vs. Anthropology

Contrast the study of ancient life through fossils in paleontology with the focus on human societies found in anthropology.

136. The Study of Light: Optics vs. Photonics

Explore the properties and behavior of light in optics versus the quantum properties of light in photonics.

137. The Brain vs. The Mind

Delve into the physical, neurological intricacies of the brain compared to the intangible, conscious experiences of the mind.

138. The Universe: Big Bang Theory vs. Steady State Theory

Compare the explosive, singular beginning of the universe in the Big Bang Theory against the unchanging, eternal nature proposed by the Steady State Theory.

139. Cognitive Psychology vs. Behavioral Psychology

Contrast the research focus, methods, and applications of these two approaches to understanding human behavior.

140. Theories of Motivation: Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic

Discuss the effectiveness, potential drawbacks, and applications of these two motivational strategies.

141. Mental Health: Psychotherapy vs. Medication

Compare the benefits, limitations, and appropriate uses of psychological counseling and pharmacological treatments for mental health conditions.

142. Freud’s Psychoanalytic Theory vs. Jung’s Analytical Psychology

Analyze the differences between these two influential theories of personality and the unconscious mind.

143. Gestalt vs. Humanistic Psychology

Contrast the holistic approach of Gestalt psychology with the personal growth focus of Humanistic psychology.

144. Nature of Memory: Recall vs. Recognition

Delve into the nature of memory, contrasting active retrieval in recall with the recognition of familiar stimuli.

145. Infant Attachment: Secure vs. Insecure

Compare the stable and trusting nature of secure infant attachment with the varying forms of insecure attachment.

146. Dream Analysis: Symbolic vs. Literal Interpretation

Contrast the symbolic, deeper meanings in dream analysis with the straightforward, face-value interpretations.

Miscellaneous

147. Online Shopping vs. In-Store Shopping

Compare the convenience, pricing, and sensory experiences of these two retail environments.

148. Public Transportation vs. Private Transportation

Discuss the financial, environmental, and practical considerations of using public transit or owning a personal vehicle.

149. Extroversion vs. Introversion

Contrast the social preferences, energy sources, and communication styles of these two personality traits.

150. Owning a Car vs. Using Rideshare Services

Compare the costs, convenience, and environmental impacts of car ownership and ridesharing.

151. Coffee vs. Tea: Health Benefits and Preferences

Contrast the flavors, cultural significance, and health effects of these two popular beverages.

152. Digital vs. Film Photography

Contrast the tangible, chemical process of film photography with the pixel-based, electronic nature of digital photography.

153. Farmers Markets vs. Supermarkets

Compare the fresh, local offerings found at farmers’ markets with the wide, commercial variety offered at supermarkets.

154. Traditional Dating vs. Online Dating

Contrast the traditional face-to-face dynamics of traditional dating with the digital, screen-based experience of online dating.

155. Real vs. Artificial Plants in Home Décor

Compare the natural, organic aesthetics and benefits of real plants with the maintenance-free, lasting visuals of artificial plants.

156. Live Theater vs. Movie Theaters

Contrast the intimate, live experience of theater with the cinematic, large-scale experience of movie theaters.

157. DIY Projects vs. Professional Services

Delve into the personalized, hands-on nature of DIY projects versus the expertise and convenience of professional services.

158. Public vs. Private Spaces

Compare the shared, communal nature of public spaces with the intimate, controlled environments of private spaces.

159. Baking vs. Cooking

Contrast the precise, formulaic art of baking with the versatile, adaptive nature of cooking.

160. Satire vs. Parody

Delve into the subtle, societal critiques of satire versus the exaggerated, humorous imitations of parody.

161. Owning vs. Renting Properties

Compare the commitment and long-term benefits of owning properties with the flexibility and short-term nature of renting.

162. Parenting Styles: Authoritarian vs. Permissive

Discuss the long-term outcomes, child-parent relationships, and discipline strategies associated with these contrasting parenting approaches.

163. Sleep Patterns: Night Owls vs. Early Birds

Compare the productivity, lifestyle, and health implications of these two sleep preferences.

164. Traditional Books vs. Audiobooks

Contrast the sensory experiences, accessibility, and comprehension outcomes of reading print books and listening to audiobooks.

165. Fast Food vs. Home-Cooked Meals

Discuss the nutritional, financial, and time-related factors influencing the choice between these two meal options.

166. Saving Money vs. Spending Money

Compare the long-term financial stability, lifestyle, and personal satisfaction associated with these two approaches to managing personal finances.

167. Fiction vs. Nonfiction

Contrast the literary elements, educational value, and entertainment potential of these two genres of writing.

168. Handwritten Letters vs. Emails

Discuss the emotional impact, convenience, and permanence of these two forms of written communication.

169. Traditional Newspapers vs. Online News Sources

Compare the reliability, accessibility, and presentation of news in print and digital formats.

170. Cats vs. Dogs as Pets

Contrast the temperament, care requirements, and companionship qualities of these two popular pets.

5 Compare and Contrast Essay Examples (Full Text)

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

A compare and contrast essay selects two or more items that are critically analyzed to demonstrate their differences and similarities. Here is a template for you that provides the general structure:

A range of example essays is presented below.

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

#1 jean piaget vs lev vygotsky essay.

1480 Words | 5 Pages | 10 References

(Level: University Undergraduate)

Thesis Statement: “This essay will critically examine and compare the developmental theories of Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky, focusing on their differing views on cognitive development in children and their influence on educational psychology, through an exploration of key concepts such as the role of culture and environment, scaffolding, equilibration, and their overall implications for educational practices..”

#2 Democracy vs Authoritarianism Essay

Thesis Statement: “The thesis of this analysis is that, despite the efficiency and control offered by authoritarian regimes, democratic systems, with their emphasis on individual freedoms, participatory governance, and social welfare, present a more balanced and ethically sound approach to governance, better aligned with the ideals of a just and progressive society.”

#3 Apples vs Oranges Essay

1190 Words | 5 Pages | 0 References

(Level: 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade)

Thesis Statement: “While apples and oranges are both popular and nutritious fruits, they differ significantly in their taste profiles, nutritional benefits, cultural symbolism, and culinary applications.”

#4 Nature vs Nurture Essay

1525 Words | 5 Pages | 11 References

(Level: High School and College)

Thesis Statement: “The purpose of this essay is to examine and elucidate the complex and interconnected roles of genetic inheritance (nature) and environmental influences (nurture) in shaping human development across various domains such as physical traits, personality, behavior, intelligence, and abilities.”

#5 Dogs vs Cats Essay

1095 Words | 5 Pages | 7 Bibliographic Sources

(Level: 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade)

Thesis Statement: “This essay explores the distinctive characteristics, emotional connections, and lifestyle considerations associated with owning dogs and cats, aiming to illuminate the unique joys and benefits each pet brings to their human companions.”

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay

I’ve recorded a full video for you on how to write a compare and contrast essay:

Get the Compare and Contrast Templates with AI Prompts Here

In the video, I outline the steps to writing your essay. Here they are explained below:

1. Essay Planning

First, I recommend using my compare and contrast worksheet, which acts like a Venn Diagram, walking you through the steps of comparing the similarities and differences of the concepts or items you’re comparing.

I recommend selecting 3-5 features that can be compared, as shown in the worksheet:

Grab the Worksheet as Part of the Compare and Contrast Essay Writing Pack

2. Writing the Essay

Once you’ve completed the worksheet, you’re ready to start writing. Go systematically through each feature you are comparing and discuss the similarities and differences, then make an evaluative statement after showing your depth of knowledge:

Get the Rest of the Premium Compare and Contrast Essay Writing Pack (With AI Prompts) Here

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Thesis Statement

Compare and contrast thesis statements can either:

• Remain neutral in an expository tone.
• Prosecute an argument about which of the items you’re comparing is overall best.

To write an argumentative thesis statement for a compare and contrast essay, try this AI Prompts:

💡 AI Prompt to Generate Ideas I am writing a compare and contrast essay that compares [Concept 1] and [Concept2]. Give me 5 potential single-sentence thesis statements that pass a reasonable judgement.

Ready to Write your Essay?

Take action! Choose one of the following options to start writing your compare and contrast essay now:

Read Next: Process Essay Examples

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 15 Green Flags in a Relationship
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 15 Signs you're Burnt Out, Not Lazy
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 15 Toxic Things Parents Say to their Children
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 15 Red Flags Early in a Relationship

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay: Everything You Need to Know

Samuel Gorbold

Compare and contrast essays represent a unique style of writing that highlights both the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. This approach is ideal for elucidating what distinguishes and connects related concepts or things, especially when subjects are prone to confusion or unjust amalgamation.

While compare and contrast essays share commonalities with other essay types, they also possess distinctive features – that's where the essence of comparison lies! By discerning the differences and similarities, readers gain a deeper understanding of each subject, using the contrasted subject as a valuable frame of reference.

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the art of writing a compare and contrast essay, offering advanced tips regarding the compare and contrast essay thesis and illustrative examples. We’ll explore essay structure and thesis framing and, before delving into specifics, illuminate the broader significance of why comparison essays are such powerful tools. In case you’re in a hurry, use our college essay writing service to achieve the desired result faster. 

Explanation of What Is a Compare and Contrast Essay

A compare and contrast essay is a distinctive form of academic writing that delves into the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. This genre offers a platform to explore the relationships and distinctions among various concepts, ideas, or objects. By presenting a balanced examination, it aims to highlight nuanced insights that might not be immediately apparent. Unlike other essay types, the essence of compare and contrast essays lies in juxtaposing elements to reveal a deeper understanding and to encourage critical thinking.

The primary objective of a compare and contrast essay is to dissect the chosen subjects, showcasing their unique characteristics and shared traits. This approach allows you as an author to present a comprehensive analysis, offering readers a more profound comprehension of each subject by virtue of their relation to one another. Whether comparing historical events, literary works, scientific theories, or any other topics, this essay form prompts a thoughtful examination that goes beyond mere surface observations.

When contemplating a compare and contrast essay format, the author not only explores the content but also navigates the terrain of structural nuances. This involves carefully framing a thesis statement that encapsulates the central theme and purpose of the essay. The subsequent paragraphs are dedicated to meticulously examining each point of comparison or contrast, often leading to insightful conclusions that contribute to a more holistic understanding of the subjects at hand. Through this process, the essay serves as a tool for fostering critical thinking skills and encouraging a deeper engagement with the subject matter.

How to Start a Compare and Contrast Essay

As we’ve just learned what is compare and contrast essay, it’s time to learn how to engage your readers and set the stage for the exploration of similarities and differences between the chosen subjects. Begin with a compelling introduction that provides context and captures the audience's attention. Consider employing a thought-provoking quote, a relevant anecdote, or a striking statistic to pique interest. This initial section should introduce the subjects to be compared and contrasted, offering a glimpse of why the comparison is significant or intriguing.

Following the introduction, create a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the main points of comparison or contrast. This statement serves as the essay's roadmap, guiding both you and the reader through the ensuing analysis. Experts from essay writers service know that a well-crafted thesis not only succinctly conveys the essence of the essay but also hints at the broader significance of the chosen subjects' similarities or differences. This can involve identifying patterns, revealing insights, or highlighting implications that will be explored in the subsequent paragraphs. Below, we will share an example of compare and contrast essay for your inspiration and practical guidance. 

As you transition to the body of the essay, set the stage for the comparison by providing necessary background information about the subjects. This ensures that your readers have a foundational understanding of the topics before delving into the detailed analysis. Establish the relevant context, highlight key characteristics, and address any critical aspects that will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the subjects. As a compare and contrast essay writer, apply this smooth transition from introduction to body paragraphs to prepare your audience for the in-depth exploration of comparisons and contrasts that will follow. If at any moment you find the material too time-consuming or challenging, simply order an essay from seasoned academic penmen for quicker and more consistent outcomes. 

Compare and Contrast Essay Outline

To learn how to write a compare and contrast essay, you can choose between two outline methods at your disposal – namely, the block method and the point-by-point method. In the block structure, all information pertaining to the first subject is presented, elucidating its characteristics and specific details in one block. The second block then adopts the same approach for the second subject. 

On the other hand, the point-by-point structure of a compare and contrast essay entails listing each similarity and difference concurrently, providing notes on both subjects. For instance, you can highlight a characteristic specific to one subject, followed by its similarity or difference to the other subject.

Each format, whether block or point-by-point, comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. The block method is notably simpler for the essay writer, as it involves presenting all information about the two subjects and leaving the comparison to the reader. On the other hand, the point-by-point format necessitates a more in-depth analysis by the writer, making similarities and differences explicit for easier comprehension by the reader. How do you structure this compare and contrast paper? A detailed structure for each type is provided below.

The point-by-point method is a popular approach used in writing compare and contrast essays. In this method, the writer systematically addresses points of comparison and contrast between two or more subjects. Unlike the block method, where information about one subject is presented in a block followed by information about the second subject in another block, the point-by-point method integrates the discussion of similarities and differences throughout the essay.

Point-by-Point Structure

Here's how the point-by-point structure of a compare and contrast essay typically works:

Introduction

• Introduce the subjects you will be comparing and contrasting.
• Provide a brief overview of the main points of comparison.

Body Paragraphs

• Each body paragraph focuses on a specific point of comparison or contrast.
• Discuss one aspect of the first subject and immediately follow it with the corresponding aspect of the second subject.
• For example, if you're comparing two cities, a body paragraph might address the climate of City A and then immediately discuss the climate of City B.

Transition Sentences

• Use clear transition sentences to guide the reader from one point to the next.
• These sentences help maintain the flow and coherence of the essay.

Repeat for Each Point

• Continue addressing points of comparison and contrast, dedicating a separate paragraph to each aspect.
• Ensure a balanced discussion of both subjects, presenting an equitable number of points for each.
• Summarize the main points of comparison and contrast.
• Reiterate the significance of the similarities or differences discussed.
• Conclude with a statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

The point-by-point method allows for a more detailed and intertwined analysis of the subjects, making it easier for the reader to follow the comparison throughout the essay.

Block Structure

The block structure is one of the common methods used in writing compare and contrast essays. In this approach, the writer organizes the information about one subject in a block or chunk and then presents the information about the second subject in another block. Each block addresses all the aspects, characteristics, or details related to the respective subject. Here's a breakdown of the block structure:

• Introduce the subjects to be compared and contrasted.
• Each body paragraph focuses on a specific aspect or characteristic of one subject.
• Present all the information related to the first subject in the first block.
• Address various aspects, supporting details, or examples within this block.

Transition to Second Subject

• Use a clear transition sentence or paragraph to move from the discussion of the first subject to the second subject.

Body Paragraphs (Second Block)

• Similar to the first block, each body paragraph in this section concentrates on a specific aspect or characteristic of the second subject.
• Provide comprehensive details, examples, or evidence for the second subject within this block.
• Reinforce the significance of the similarities or differences discussed.
• Conclude with a final statement that leaves an impression on the reader.

The block structure is straightforward and easy to follow. It allows for a thorough examination of each subject independently, making it clear for the reader to understand the characteristics of both subjects. However, it may lack the interconnected analysis provided by other methods, such as the point-by-point method.

Present Your Supporting Evidence

In compare and contrast essays, it's crucial to substantiate your arguments with ample evidence. Draw upon various sources such as personal experiences, books, scholarly articles, magazine and newspaper features, movies, or any relevant material that lends credibility to your argument. For instance, if your essay compares attending college on campus versus distance-based learning, incorporate personal experiences as a student, discussing the daily attendance patterns on campus. Additionally, share insights from your online learning experiences, bolstering the credibility of your argument concerning online classes.

Valuable Compare and Contrast Essay Tips

One of the key pieces of advice from dissertation writing services is to approach writing a compare and contrast essay with the right attitude, actively involving the reader in the discussion. If you find the topic intriguing, chances are your reader will too! Here are additional tips to refine your compare and contrast essay:

• Learn about crafting effective transition sentences using the words provided in the 'Compare and Contrast Essay Outline' section.
• Always provide clear explanations for the concepts introduced in your essay. Assume your reader may not be familiar with lesser-known information.
• Small errors, when numerous, can impact your grade. Pay meticulous attention to grammar and punctuation during the proofreading process.
• Have a friend or family member review your essay; they may identify elements you might have overlooked. Their fresh perspective can contribute to enhancing the overall quality of your work.

How to Brainstorm Compelling Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

As you learned about the compare and contrast essay structure, we should move on to brainstorming compare and contrast essay topics that engage readers. It is a creative process that involves exploring connections between different ideas or subjects. To begin, consider your areas of interest or the themes covered in your course. Think about topics that not only capture your attention but also present rich material for meaningful comparisons. For instance, you might explore the contrast between traditional education and online learning, the similarities and differences in cultural practices, or the evolution of technology in different decades. By tapping into your personal interests, you can identify subjects that will engage both you and your readers.

Another effective strategy for generating compare and contrast essay topics is to consider current events, societal issues, or trends. Reflect on contemporary debates or contrasting perspectives on relevant topics. This could involve comparing different approaches to environmental conservation, contrasting political ideologies, or examining the impact of social media on interpersonal relationships. Choosing topics rooted in current affairs not only ensures relevance but also provides an opportunity to contribute to ongoing discussions and showcase the significance of your analysis.

Furthermore, exploring literature, history, or scientific domains can inspire unique and thought-provoking topics for your essay. Delve into literary works, historical events, or scientific theories and identify aspects that lend themselves to comparison. For example, you might compare the portrayal of gender roles in two novels, analyze the impact of two historical movements, or contrast the methodologies of two scientific experiments. Drawing from diverse fields allows you to explore a wide range of topics and demonstrate the versatility of the compare and contrast essay format.

How to Choose Compare and Contrast Topics That Resonate with Readers

Selecting a topic for your compare and contrast essay writing process is a critical step in ensuring the success of your essay. Begin by considering your interests and expertise. Choose a topic that genuinely intrigues you and aligns with your knowledge base. When you are passionate about the subject matter, your enthusiasm will naturally reflect in your writing, making the essay more engaging for both you and your readers. Another approach is to think about the relevance of the topic to your audience. 

• Consider your audience's interests, educational background, and the context in which they'll be reading your essay. 
• Opt for a topic that not only captivates you but also has the potential to captivate and resonate with your readers. 
• Whether your audience is academic peers, instructors, or a general readership, relevance is key to maintaining interest.
• Look for topics that offer room for meaningful comparison and contrast. 

A great topic should have distinct elements or characteristics that can be thoroughly analyzed. Avoid overly broad or simplistic topics and, instead, focus on those that allow for a nuanced exploration of similarities and differences. For example, comparing two different genres of literature, contrasting historical events with similar repercussions, or examining the cultural impact of two art movements can provide rich material for a comprehensive analysis.

110 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Selecting a suitable topic can pose a challenge, but fear not, as there's a plethora of options available. In the subsequent sections, we've curated a list of 110 compare and contrast essay ideas to assist you in initiating your exploration. Encompassing diverse subjects, from education and technology to history and politics, these topics cater to a broad spectrum of interests. Regardless of whether you're a high school or college student, you're bound to encounter a topic that piques your curiosity. Dive into the following sections to uncover a myriad of awesome ideas.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College Students

While enrolled in college, your professor may assign you the responsibility of crafting this type of essay at any given moment. Explore the following topics curated by our team, designed specifically for college students, to ensure you attain the grades you rightfully deserve.

• Traditional learning and online education.
• Classic literature and modern literature.
• Environmental conservation and industrial development.
• Democratic and authoritarian governance.
• Traditional art and digital art.
• Urban living and rural living.
• World War I and World War II.
• Nature and nurture in human development.
• Traditional medicine and alternative medicine.
• Individualism and collectivism.

Interesting Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

From thought-provoking societal debates to fascinating examinations of cultural nuances, this collection offers a rich array of subjects to spark engaging discussions. 

• The influence of science fiction literature on film: A comparative analysis.
• The evolution of traditional photography vs. digital photography in the modern era.
• The impact of traditional classroom learning and virtual reality learning environments on student engagement.
• A comparative exploration of Eastern and Western philosophy on the concept of happiness.
• The portrayal of heroes in ancient mythology vs. contemporary superhero movies.
• The influence of Shakespearean tragedies on contemporary television drama.
• A comparative study of traditional family structures and non-traditional family arrangements.
• The impact of traditional and e-learning approaches in language education.
• The representation of gender roles in classic literature vs. modern graphic novels.
• A comparative analysis of sustainable agriculture practices and conventional farming methods.

Movie Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Explore the nuances of various films, from timeless classics to contemporary masterpieces, as we delve into the unique themes, characters, and cinematic techniques that define each cinematic journey. 

• The cinematic styles of Alfred Hitchcock and Quentin Tarantino: A comparative analysis.
• Classic novels vs. their film adaptations: Examining narrative choices.
• The impact of special effects in vintage sci-fi films vs. modern blockbusters.
• Animated Disney classics vs. Pixar animated films: A journey through animation styles.
• The evolution of superhero movies: Marvel Cinematic Universe vs. DC Extended Universe.
• The portrayal of historical events in Hollywood vs. independent films.
• The representation of gender roles in Golden Age Hollywood films vs. contemporary cinema.
• Original films vs. remakes: A critical analysis of storytelling and artistic choices.
• Classic black and white films vs. contemporary color cinema: examining visual aesthetics.
• The influence of literature on film: A comparative study of book-to-movie adaptations.

Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

From quirky everyday situations to amusing cultural phenomena, these topics offer a delightful twist to the traditional essay format. Make your readers smile!

• The daily struggles of owning a cat vs. a dog: A humorous examination.
• Living with roommates vs. living with ghosts: Unexpected challenges.
• Dating in high school vs. dating in senior citizenship: A humorous perspective.
• The humor in failed cooking experiments vs. successful culinary ventures.
• The quirks of traditional superheroes vs. unconventional, everyday heroes.
• The hilarity of family holiday gatherings vs. solo Netflix marathons.
• The comedy of traditional love letters vs. modern emoji-infused texts.
• The absurdity of morning people vs. night owls: A sleep-deprived comedy.
• The humorous adventures of traveling solo vs. traveling with a stuffed animal companion.
• The comedy in embracing procrastination vs. attempting productivity: A satirical exploration.

Informative Essay Topics for 6th Graders

Ignite the curiosity of young minds with our thoughtfully curated collection of topics for 6th graders. Designed to inspire learning and exploration, these topics cover a wide spectrum of subjects, allowing students to delve into new realms of knowledge.

• The life cycle of butterflies: A comprehensive exploration.
• Renewable energy sources: Understanding solar and wind power.
• The ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and their contributions.
• The water cycle: Unraveling the mysteries of Earth's hydrological system.
• Volcanoes and earthquakes: Forces of nature and their impact.
• The importance of healthy eating habits and nutrition for kids.
• Exploring the solar system: Planets, moons, and beyond.
• The history and significance of ancient Egyptian pyramids.
• Endangered species: Understanding the threats and conservation efforts.
• The scientific method: A step-by-step guide to conducting experiments.

Compare and Contrast History Essay Topics

This list of topics invites you to explore pivotal moments, historical figures, and societal transformations, providing a nuanced lens to analyze the intricate tapestry of human history. 

• The French Revolution vs. the American Revolution: A comparative analysis of revolutionary ideals and outcomes.
• The Roman Empire vs. the British Empire: Exploring imperial expansions and legacies.
• The Renaissance vs. the Enlightenment: Contrasting movements in European intellectual history.
• Feudalism vs. Manorialism: Examining medieval social and economic structures.
• World War I vs. World War II: A comparative study of causes, impact, and global changes.
• The Byzantine Empire vs. the Ottoman Empire: Examining Eastern Mediterranean powers.
• The Industrial Revolution in Britain vs. the industrialization of the United States: Economic transformations.
• The Civil Rights Movement vs. the Women's Suffrage Movement: Struggles for equality.
• The Chinese dynasties vs. the Japanese shogunates: Comparing East Asian historical developments.
• The Cold War vs. the Space Race: Analyzing political tensions and scientific advancements.

Best Topics for Compare and Contrast Essays

Whether you're a student delving into academic pursuits or an avid writer seeking creative inspiration, this topic list offers a wealth of engaging topics to elevate your essay-writing experience.

• The impact of traditional learning vs. online education on student success.
• The representation of gender roles in classic literature vs. modern media.
• The evolution of communication: From letters to emails and instant messaging.
• The advantages and disadvantages of living in a city vs. living in the countryside.
• The portrayal of superheroes in Marvel vs. DC Comics: A comparative analysis.
• The influence of nature vs. nurture on human personality and behavior.
• The effects of traditional medicine vs. alternative medicine on health.
• The rise of social media vs. traditional forms of communication in society.
• The impact of traditional art vs. digital art on visual expression.
• The consequences of environmental conservation vs. industrial development.

Easy Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Designed to simplify the essay writing process, these topics offer a user-friendly penmanship start for students and aspiring writers alike. 

• Dogs and cats: Comparing two popular pets.
• Summer versus winter: Exploring seasonal differences.
• City life or rural life: Contrasting lifestyles.
• Books or movies: Analyzing different storytelling formats.
• High school versus college: Comparing educational environments.
• Pizza or burgers: Contrasting fast food preferences.
• Biking or walking: Comparing exercise options.
• Facebook or Instagram: A look at social media platforms.
• Sunrise or sunset: Comparing daily phenomena.
• Apple or Android: Exploring smartphone preferences.

Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Each topic is meticulously chosen to inspire insightful discussions and analytical explorations. Join us as we present a diverse array of subjects that invite you to explore the intricacies of thought-provoking juxtapositions.

• Traditional classroom learning and online education reveal a spectrum of similarities and differences in educational approaches.
• The impact of city living versus suburban lifestyles prompts reflections on individual preferences and lifestyle implications.
• Owning a small business versus working for a large corporation involves contrasting advantages and disadvantages in the professional realm.
• Parenting styles across different cultures exhibit intriguing similarities and differences, influencing child development.
• The effects of a healthy diet versus regular exercise on overall well-being raise questions about lifestyle priorities and choices.
• Experiences of traveling by plane versus train vary, presenting contrasting perspectives on efficiency and comfort.
• Classical music and modern pop music offer a rich canvas for exploring the evolving landscape of musical expression.
• Freelancing versus a traditional 9-to-5 job entails comparing the diverse challenges and rewards within the professional sphere.
• Environmental impacts of electric cars versus traditional gas-powered vehicles underscore the trade-offs in sustainable transportation.
• The portrayal of female and male characters in literature and film unveils nuanced similarities and differences, reflecting societal norms and evolving perspectives.

Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

This compilation offers a captivating exploration of psychological theories, perspectives, and phenomena, providing an enriching platform for analytical discussions. 

• Behavioral and cognitive approaches in psychology present distinct perspectives, influencing our understanding of human behavior.
• The nature versus nurture debate in personality development contrasts inherent factors with environmental influences.
• Freudian and Jungian psychoanalytic theories offer unique insights, yet their similarities and differences provoke ongoing discussions.
• Classical and operant conditioning's impact on learning and behavior varies, shedding light on effective teaching methods.
• The theories of emotional intelligence versus traditional intelligence prompt reflections on diverse measures of human cognitive abilities.
• Cognitive therapy and behavioral therapy differ in their approaches but also share commonalities in addressing psychological issues.
• Nature and nurture's effects on mental disorder development prompt inquiries into the interplay of genetics and environment.
• Positive psychology and traditional clinical psychology represent contrasting approaches to mental health, emphasizing strengths versus pathology.
• Similarities and differences between social cognitive theory and social identity theory unveil complex insights into human social cognition.
• The neurological foundations of psychological disorders vary, emphasizing the diverse factors contributing to mental health challenges.

Controversial Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

From ethical dilemmas to societal taboos, each topic offers a platform to delve into the heart of contentious discussions, allowing for a nuanced examination of contrasting viewpoints. 

• The ethical implications of animal testing versus the benefits of scientific research prompt debates on morality and progress.
• Capital punishment sparks controversy as legal systems worldwide grapple with its pros and cons.
• The impact of censorship on freedom of speech raises questions about the balance between protection and restriction.
• Recreational drug legalization discussions reveal diverse perspectives on public health and personal freedom.
• Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture stir debates over their benefits and potential risks.
• Abstinence-only education and comprehensive sex education present varied approaches to promoting sexual health.
• Ethical considerations surrounding physician-assisted suicide and palliative care highlight complex end-of-life decisions.
• Affirmative action in college admissions elicits arguments on fairness, diversity, and meritocracy.
• The regulation of social media sparks debates over its societal benefits and potential drawbacks.
• Perspectives on gun control and the right to bear arms vary, reflecting societal attitudes towards safety and individual freedoms.

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Having gained comprehensive insights into compare and contrast essays, let's delve into practical examples to kickstart your writing journey or seek assistance from our dedicated essay helper. With a solid understanding of the principles, examining real-life examples can provide valuable inspiration and guidance for creating your own compelling paper.

What Is the Example of Compare and Contrast Essay?

How do you compare and contrast in an essay, how do you compare and contrast essay topic sentences, how to write a compare and contrast essay introduction.

Samuel Gorbold , a seasoned professor with over 30 years of experience, guides students across disciplines such as English, psychology, political science, and many more. Together with EssayHub, he is dedicated to enhancing student understanding and success through comprehensive academic support.

• Plagiarism Report
• Unlimited Revisions
• 24/7 Support

Compare And Contrast Essay Guide

Compare And Contrast Essay Examples

Last updated on: Mar 22, 2024

Good Compare and Contrast Essay Examples For Your Help

By: Barbara P.

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Mar 22, 2023

Are you ready to challenge your critical thinking skills and take your writing to the next level? Look no further than the exciting world of compare and contrast essays! 

As a college student, you'll have the unique opportunity to delve into the details and differences of a variety of subjects. But don't let the pressure of writing the perfect compare-and-contrast essay weigh you down. 

To help guide you on this journey, we've got some great compare-and-contrast essay examples. It will make the writing process not only manageable but also enjoyable. So grab a pen and paper, and let's get started on this exciting adventure!

On this Page

Good Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

A compare and contrast essay is all about comparing two subjects. Writing essays is not always easy, but it can be made easier with help from the examples before you write your own first. The examples will give you an idea of the perfect compare-and-contrast essay. 

We have compiled a selection of free compare-and-contrast essay examples that can help you structure this type of essay. 

SAMPLE COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY EXAMPLE

COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY INTRODUCTION EXAMPLE

BOOK COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY

CITY COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY

CATS & DOGS COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY

SCIENCE & ART COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY

E-BOOKS & HARDBACK BOOKS COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY

HOMESCHOOLING BOOKS COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY

PARENTING STYLES COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY

CONVENTIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY

Don't know how to map out your compare and contrast essay? Visit this link to learn how to perfectly outline your essay!

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples University

Compare and contrast paper is a common assignments for university students. This type of essay tells the reader how two subjects are the same or different from each other. Also, show the points of comparison between the two subjects.

Look at the example that is mentioned below and create a well-written essay.

COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY EXAMPLE UNIVERSITY

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples College

COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY EXAMPLE COLLEGE

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples High School

Compare and contrast essays are often assigned to high school students to help them improve their analytical skills .

In addition, some teachers assign this type of essay because it is a great way for students to improve their analytical and writing skills.

COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY EXAMPLE HIGH SCHOOL

COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY EXAMPLE 9TH GRADE

Check out the video below to gain a quick and visual comprehension of what a compare and contrast essay entails.

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples Middle school

In middle school, students have the opportunity to write a compare-and-contrast essay. It does not require an expert level of skills, but it is still a way to improve writing skills.

Middle school students can easily write a compare-and-contrast essay with a little help from examples. We have gathered excellent examples of this essay that you can use to get started.

COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY EXAMPLE MIDDLE SCHOOL

COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY EXAMPLES 5TH GRADE

Literary Analysis Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

The perfect way to inform readers about the pros and cons of two subjects is with a comparison and contrast essay.

It starts by stating the thesis statement, and then you explain why these two subjects are being compared in this essay.

The following is an example that you can use for your help.

LITERARY ANALYSIS COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY EXAMPLE

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Compare and Contrast Essay Conclusion Example

The conclusion of an essay is the last part, in which you wrap up everything. It should not include a story but rather summarize the whole document so readers have something meaningful they can take away from it.

COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY CONCLUSION EXAMPLE

Struggling to think of the perfect compare-and-contrast essay topic ? Visit this link for a multitude of inspiring ideas.

Compare and Contrast Essay Writing Tips

A compare and contrast essay presents the facts point by point, and mostly, the argumentative essay uses this compared-contrasted technique for its subjects.

If you are looking for some easy and simple tips to craft a perfectly researched and structured compare and contrast essay, we will not disappoint you.

Following are some quick tips that you can keep in mind while writing your essay:

• Choose the essay topic carefully.
• Research and brainstorm the points that make them similar and different.
• Create and add your main statement and claim.
• Create a Venn diagram and show the similarities and differences.
• Choose the design through which you will present your arguments and claims.
• Create compare and contrast essay outline. Use either the block method or the point-by-point structure.
• Research and add credible supporting evidence.
• Transitioning is also important. Use transitional words and phrases to engage your readers.
• Edit, proofread, and revise the essay before submission.

Create captivating essays effortlessly!

In conclusion, writing a compare and contrast essay can be an effective way to explore the similarities and differences between two topics. By using examples, it is possible to see the different approaches that can be taken when writing this type of essay. 

Whether you are a student or a professional writer, these examples can provide valuable insight to enhance your writing skills. You can also use our AI-powered essay typer to generate sample essays for your specific topic and subject.

However, if you don’t feel confident in your writing skills, you can always hire our professional essay writer.

5StarEssays.com offer comprehensive essay writing service for students across the globe. Our experts are highly trained and qualified, making sure all of your essays will meet academic requirements while receiving top grades. 

Don't wait - take advantage of our 50% introductory discount today and get ahead of the game with us! 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i write a compare and contrast essay.

Here are some steps that you should follow and write a great essay.

• Begin by brainstorming with a Venn diagram.
• Create a thesis statement.
• Develop an outline.
• Write the introduction.
• Write the body paragraphs.
• Write the conclusion.
• Proofreading.

How do you start a compare and contrast essay introduction?

When writing a compare and contrast essay, it is important to have an engaging introduction that will grab the reader's attention. A good way to do this would be by starting with a question or fact related to the topic to catch their interest.

What are some good compare and contrast essay topics?

Here are some good topics for compare and contrast essay:

• E-books or textbooks.
• Anxiety vs. Depression.
• Vegetables and fruits.
• Cinnamon vs. sugar.
• Similarities between cultural and traditional fashion trends.

How long is a compare and contrast essay?

Usually, a compare and contrast essay would consist of five paragraphs but there are no hard and fast rules regarding it. Some essays could be longer than five paragraphs, based on the scope of the topic of the essay.

What are the two methods for arranging a comparison and contrast essay?

The two ways to organize and arrange your compare and contrast essay. The first one is the Point-by-Point method and the second one is the Block method.

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.

Was This Blog Helpful?

Keep reading.

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

• Compare and Contrast Essay Topics: 100+ Fresh New Ideas

• Compare and Contrast Essay Outline - Template & Examples

People Also Read

• writing narrative essay
• evaluation essay
• how to write a synopsis
• writing an analytical essay
• informative essay writing

Burdened With Assignments?

Advertisement

• Homework Services: Essay Topics Generator

© 2024 - All rights reserved

Verify originality of an essay

Get ideas for your paper

Cite sources with ease

Best Inspiration for Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students

Updated 20 Aug 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 struggle with finding inspiration, 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 learn how to write my essay about them.

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay?

As a student, you are assigned to various types of tasks. Compare and contrast essay writing explores the resemblance between two themes or topics and how they differ. 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 fully. 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 USA colleges and 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: an introduction, a discussion of the 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.

Paragraphs should be of equal weight and importance. All should contain relevant evidence that gives your paper credibility and 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 your research 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, and historical events, investigate past events, or the 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, and 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 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 a 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 comprise 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 more logical and 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. Choosing the right compare and contrast essay topics is essential for a compelling essay, and a personal statement writing service can help you articulate your thoughts and experiences effectively. 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.

Need more writing assistance?

Connect with our top writers and receive a paper sample crafted to your needs.

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.

Popular Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students

• Online education vs. Traditional education: Flexibility and effectiveness.
• Renewable energy vs. Non-renewable energy: Environmental impact.
• Plant-based diet vs. Meat-based diet: Health implications.
• Modern architecture vs. Classical architecture: Aesthetic and functional aspects.
• Introverts vs. Extroverts: Social interaction and energy sources.
• Self-study vs. Tutoring: Learning outcomes.
• Fast fashion vs. Sustainable fashion: Environmental and ethical considerations.
• Freelancing vs. Full-time employment: Work-life balance.
• Public speaking vs. Written communication: Expressing ideas.
• Classical literature vs. Contemporary literature: Themes and relevance.
• Plastic vs. Glass packaging: Environmental impact.
• Traditional cinema vs. Streaming services: Entertainment consumption.
• Physical books vs. Audiobooks: Reading experiences.
• Living in the past vs. Living in the present: Lifestyle and technology.
• Paper vs. Plastic: Environmental sustainability.
• Self-driving cars vs. Human-driven cars: Safety and efficiency.
• Traditional vs. Digital marketing: Reach and engagement.
• Living alone vs. Living with a roommate: Independence and companionship.
• Reality TV vs. Documentary films: Educational value.
• Working individually vs. Working in a team: Productivity and creativity.

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?

Finding appropriate comparison and contrast essay topics for your upcoming assignment is tricky. But getting help from professional writers can be the answer to your problems. A reliable academic writing service provides professional support so you can submit your assignment on time.

All you have to do is to place your order and wait to receive the needed help from an expert who is qualified enough to help you. Our online essay editing service provides a great value for the money because you can get the best grades without sweating over it. An expert can help you choose a wonderful subject for your compare and contrast essay topics or can finish the task on your behalf. We at Edubirdie can also edit the paper you’ve written if you are not sure about your skills.

Timely delivery and excellent quality are guaranteed. We have a full money back guarantee if we don’t deliver the assignment you asked for. We are that confident that we can change your life. Contact us today, and we’ll deliver what we promise.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback.

Written by David Kidwell

David is one of those experienced content creators from the United Kingdom who has a high interest in social issues, culture, and entrepreneurship. He always says that reading, blogging, and staying aware of what happens in the world is what makes a person responsible. He likes to learn and share what he knows by making things inspiring and creative enough even for those students who dislike reading.

Related Blog Posts

Diversity essay: effective tips for expressing ideas.

In today's interconnected and rapidly evolving world, the importance of diversity in all its forms cannot be overstated. From classrooms to workpla...

Learn how to write a deductive essay that makes you proud!

Learning how to write a deductive essay may sound like a challenging task. Yet, things become much easier when you master the definition and the ob...

Learn how to write an extended essay correctly

This helpful article will provide all the necessary information to show you how to write an extended essay without mistakes. You will learn about a...

Join our 150K of happy users

• Get original papers written according to your instructions
• Save time for what matters most

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: Jul 23, 2024

People also read

Compare and Contrast Essay - An Ultimate Guide

Compare and Contrast Essay Outline - Step by Step Guide

Interesting Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Share this article

Are you a student seeking inspiration for your next compare and contrast essay? You are in the right place!

We've compiled over 200 captivating compare and contrast essay topics in this blog to help you get started on your essay. 

Essay writing is a crucial part of your academic journey, and we understand the importance of choosing a good topic. So whether you're passionate about literature, science, history, or technology we have got you covered!

So without further ado let’s get started!

On This Page On This Page -->

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 ‘ compare ’ refers to the similarities, and ‘ contrast ’ 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: ‘relevance’.

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 parents’?
• 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 Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony
• The moonwalk and Gangnam style
• Soccer and American football
• McDonald’s 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.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

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.

However, if you feel like you need help writing your essay, it is best to reach out to a professional.

At CollegeEssay.org  we provide the perfect solution for your essay writing problems. 

Our compare and contrast essay writing service is here to help you through each step of the essay writing process. 

So whether you need help refining your essay topic or organizing your thoughts, our team is here for you. 

Our college paper writing service is dedicated to helping students achieve academic excellence.

Our team of skilled essay writers makes sure to deliver the best quality essays.

However, if you are on a tight deadline and don't have time to hire an essay writer, you should try our AI essay writer today to start your journey toward success!

Cathy A. (Education)

For more than five years now, Cathy has been one of our most hardworking authors on the platform. With a Masters degree in mass communication, she knows the ins and outs of professional writing. Clients often leave her glowing reviews for being an amazing writer who takes her work very seriously.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Legal & Policies

• Privacy Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Terms of Use
• Refunds & Cancellations
• Our Writers
• Success Stories
• Our Guarantees
• Affiliate Program
• Referral Program
• AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

• Environment
• Information Science
• Social Issues
• Argumentative
• Cause and Effect
• Classification
• Compare and Contrast
• Descriptive
• Exemplification
• Informative
• Controversial
• Exploratory
• What Is an Essay
• Length of an Essay
• Generate Ideas
• Types of Essays
• Structuring an Essay
• Outline For Essay
• Essay Introduction
• Thesis Statement
• Body of an Essay
• Writing a Conclusion
• Essay Writing Tips
• Drafting an Essay
• Revision Process
• Fix a Broken Essay
• Format of an Essay
• Essay Examples
• Essay Checklist
• Essay Writing Service
• Pay for Research Paper
• Write My Research Paper
• Write My Essay
• Custom Essay Writing Service
• Admission Essay Writing Service
• Pay for Essay
• Academic Ghostwriting
• Write My Book Report
• Case Study Writing Service
• Dissertation Writing Service
• Coursework Writing Service
• Lab Report Writing Service
• Do My Assignment
• Buy College Papers
• Capstone Project Writing Service
• Buy Research Paper
• Custom Essays for Sale

Can’t find a perfect paper?

• Essay Topics

100 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Can you name 10 catchy compare and contrast essay topics? If you can, that’s great! But as practice shows, most students struggle with thinking of this many themes, and when they have to write an essay, they waste days on figuring out what it should be about.  Comparing and contrasting  something is a frequent task professors of various colleges assign. It entails choosing two or more objects of a common nature and exploring their differences as well as similarities.

The goal of such essays is to stimulate writers’ critical thinking and make them learn the basics of analysis. As time goes on, you’ll be facing more and more complex academic assignments where you’ll have to conduct many-layered research and look into the core of a subject. Comparison & contrast is one of the first stages of work that help develop these skills, so it’s extremely important. But before you proceed, you must settle on an interesting topic. We’re going to assist you in doing that.

Tips for Selecting Topics for Compare and Contrast Essay

So, how to find what to write about? You could always brainstorm with your friends or classmates. Even professors could be of great help — in many cases, they provide lists with topics, so your choice is already limited. But if you’re given an option of researching your own idea, there are some tips that could help you make a decision.

• Think back on your interests.  The first rule of essay writing is, choose a topic you like. If you have no interest in the subject, it’s doubtful that you’ll be able to evoke any enthusiasm in your readers. So consider your hobbies or things that make your eyes light up in excitement. Maybe you love reading and feel frustrated because your friends choose computer games over books. Comparing and contrasting these activities could be interesting. Or perhaps you love a country few people know about: compare it against one of the tourists’ favorites. Opportunities are never-ending here.
• Choose the nature of your subject.  For this kind of essay, you’ll need objects that fall roughly into the same category. For example, you cannot compare an animal with a fruit because they represent two different spheres with no real similarities. Your topic has to make sense, so select between activities, books, movies, approaches, music styles, etc. You could choose compare and contrast essay topics for kids, high schoolers, or adults — there is virtually endless space for explorations.
• Check your objectivity.  An important thing is that you shouldn’t write about a topic that’s too abstract, generic, or personal. The last point seemingly contradicts the first tip (about choosing something you love), but all depends on a good balance here. Being invested in your subject is a must, but being intensely passionate about it might not be the best idea. For instance, if you want to compare two different versions of Sherlock Holmes adaptation, where you hate one but love another, you might lose objectivity. Remember that essays should be academic and evidence-based — your feelings shouldn’t take precedence.
• Look through inspirational lists.  You could always consult online lists for getting more tips. You’ll find different ideas there — even if you don’t locate something that fits your interests 100%, you could twist these ideas until they work for you.

100 Unique Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College Students

We brainstormed and made up 100 possible topics for your exploration. For helping you narrow them down, we further broke them into 10 various categories, so check them all out carefully. Feel free to pick anything you like and change it in accordance with your own preferences.

Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas For College Students

Education has different levels of complexity. If you are a college student, then you might be interested in the following comparison topics.

• Cockney vs. Received Pronunciation: What Makes Them Different?
• How Does College Differ From High School?
• Why Do Some Authors Write Short Stories While Others Prefer Long Ones?
• Difference Between Argumentative and Persuasive Essays: Which Are Easier to Write?
• Tea or Coffee: What Drink Is Healthier
• American vs. Australian System of Education in Terms of Efficiency
• Learning Foreign Language with a Tutor versus By Oneself
• High School and College Parties: What Differentiates Them?
• Funeral Traditions in Different Countries
• Two Cars Competing for the Title of the Safest

Topics For High School Students

Now let’s regard some compare and contrast essay topics for high school students. They are a bit easier than the ones for college level.

• Living with Father or Mother: What Differentiates Such Upbringings?
• How Male Communication Tactics Differs From Female Ones
• What Do Love and Hatred Have in Common & How Are They Different?
• Ice-cream or Cake: Tastier and Healthier Choice
• Using Cars or Riding a Bicycle?
• Academic vs. Fictional Kinds Essays: Common and Different Aspects
• Should Elders Get a Dog or a Cat?
• Adopting Pets versus Buying Them
• Travelling by Car or by Bus: Advantages & Disadvantages
• Chinese vs. Japanese Culture: Intricacies and Stereotypes Surrounding Them

Medical Field

Medicine is a complex and fascinating sphere, especially now, when it’s so relevant. If you like it, check these college level compare contrast essay topics.

• Life Before & After Coronavirus: Main Common and Opposite Features
• Old-Fashioned or Unique Ways of Treatment?
• Medical Education in Australia and US: Complexities and Length
• Eating Ice-Cream During a Cold versus Staying Away From It
• How Doctors Work in Real Life vs. How Their Actions Are Portrayed in Fiction
• Surgeons Operating on Humans & Animals: How Does Their Work Differ?
• Being a Nurse or a Doctor: Scope of Responsibilities & Payment
• Working as a Doctor in Third-World versus First-World Countries
• Compare & Contrast Two Different Medical Universities
• Injections Done by Nurses versus Family Members

Art and Literature Compare and Contrast Essay Topic Ideas

If you are an art lover, look through these ideas for compare and contrast essays. Maybe something will resonate with you: after all, there are billions of books and paintings in the world.

• Bella Swan and Katniss Everdeen: What Makes These Characters Similar & Different?
• Art History of France and Italy: What Unites Them?
• What Helps to Differentiate Between Biography and Autobiography?
• Fiction vs. Nonfiction: What People Prefer Which Genre?
• Art Created by Able and Disabled People
• Popular Artists Now vs. In the Past: What Determined People’s Love for Them?
• Writing by Following a Prompt vs Focusing on One’s Own Ideas
• What Is Constructive & Cruel Criticism?
• Movie and Book With the Same Plot: How Are They Different?
• Working Daily vs. Working Only When Inspiration Strikes

History Compare and Contrast Essay Prompts

There are so many events in history that you could choose practically any good compare and contrast essay topics.

• WW1 Against WW2: What Different and Similar Reasons Did They Have?
• Communism and Fascism: Are There Any Significant Differences or Similarities?
• Obama or Trump: What Was Their Presidency About?
• Two Most Influential Kings in the World: How Could They Be Defined?
• Fascist Germany with the US: What Do These Giant Countries Have in Common?
• How Homosexuality Was Treated Before 2010 and After It
• Female Rights in First-World vs. Third-World Countries
• Queen Victoria vs. King Louis XIV: Differences in Governments
• How Propaganda Worked in 20th & 21st Centuries: Methods and Degrees of Effectiveness
• Two Most Cruel Punishments of the Past and In Modern Times: What Unites Them?

Suffer from writer’s block?

Your unique essay is just a few clicks away!

Sports and Games

This sector has lots of funny compare and contrast essay topics. If you like having a good time and want to explore something in this sphere, you might like these options.

• How Sport Was Performed Before & After Covid
• Selling Players versus Buying Players: Principle of Operations
• Teens Who Committed Crimes After Playing Violent Video Games & Those Who Did Not
• Playing Online Games or Physical Ones: Key Linking Elements
• Online sport vs. Physical Sport: How Are They Classified?
• Football in the US & Argentina: Are They the Same?
• Professional Boxing versus Amateur Boxing: Dangers and Rewards
• Chess or Baseball Matches: Levels of Excitement
• Running or Swimming: Ways of Becoming Healthy
• Being a Sportsman or a Fan: Which Is More Exciting?

Psychology Compare and Contrast Topics

Understanding people or reasons for their behaviour is extremely captivating, so if you feel passionate about this sector, choose a similar topic for compare and contrast essay.

• Getting Married & Getting Divorced: Two Natural Life Occurrences
• Children Growing Up in Abusive Households vs. Those From Healthy Families: Life Adjustment
• Mindsets of People Choosing to be Doctors & Killers: What Motivates Them?
• How Poor versus Rich View Life
• What People Think That Dark Fiction Should Be Banned & Which Ones Welcome It
• People Who Quit Their Work versus Those Who Stay No Matter What
• How Girls Treat Their Mothers & How Boys Do That
• Parents Who Punish Children Physically and Those Who Use Psychological Methods
• Bad & Good Psychologists: What Harm They Could Cause
• People Who Scream When Angry vs. People Who Cry Under the Same Circumstances

Philosophical Ideas

Check these compare and contrast topic ideas: philosophy is so full of possibilities that exploring them never gets old.

• Loving Rain & Hating It
• Staying Home or Going to Paris? Pros & Cons
• Fans of Escapism & Those Who Despise It
• Compare & Contrast Two Known Philosophers, Their Ideas, & Beliefs
• People Who Choose Love and Those Choosing Hatred
• Forgiveness & Rejection: Describe Everything That Unites and Differentiates Them
• Real Differences Between People & Animals
• How Philosophy Is Defined in Greece & Russia
• Contrast and Compare Any Three People From Philosophical Viewpoint
• Compare the Most Dangerous Philosophies

Business and Economics Compare and Contrast Essays Topics

Business is a vast as well as controversial sector. We’ve chosen the best compare and contrast essay topics that students could explore.

• Benefits Coming From Honest vs. Dishonest Business Strategies
• Compare Two Economic Principles
• Starting Company in Ukraine & in Britain
• Poor & Good Economy: How to Tell a Difference?
• Going to Business School or Self-Teaching Oneself?
• Strategies Used by the Poorest vs. the Richest Firms
• Contrast & Compare Two Prominent Businessman : How They Reached Success
• Compare How Old & New Economics Function
• Analyze Two Different Business Models
• People Interested in Economy and Those Bored By It

Technology and Social Media Ideas

It is difficult to find a person who wouldn’t be using technology or social platforms these days. Look at these easy compare and contrast essay topics — you might like some of them!

• iPhone or Smartphone: What Is More Popular & Convenient?
• Facebook or Twitter: Compare Their Target Group
• Possibilities Offered by Tumblr vs. Facebook
• Having Friends Online or Having Them in Real Life?
• Writing Essay by Yourself & Having Someone Do It Instead
• Online Editions of Newspapers & Their Physical Copies
• Calling or Texting: Which Way Is Better & More Useful?
• People Working from Home & Those Working in Offices: Who Is More Satisfied?
• Paying for Discs or Pirating Movies: Advantages & Disadvantages
• Paying for Online or Physical Ads: Benefits

Choose Among Good Compare and Contrast Topics

Writing an essay could be interesting as long as you enjoy your research. With how many things surround us, choosing a topic for an essay is far easier than it seems. Look around yourself: what are your hobbies? What are things that you argued about or wanted to explore? Make them into a topic. If you’re feeling you cannot cope on your own, turn to the Internet: this platform is vital because it could boost your creativity together with inspiration. Find a comparison and contrast topic you love and you’ll see how enjoyable essay writing could be.

Can’t come up with a topic for you paper? We’ve prepared a collection of essay topics for you

Want to write a winning essay but lack experience? Browse our free essay samples

Related Topics

Related essays to compare and contrast essays.

Words: 1817

Words: 1425

Words: 1435

Got to the bottom and still stuck with essay ideas?

Academic Editing and Proofreading

• Tips to Self-Edit Your Dissertation
• Guide to Essay Editing: Methods, Tips, & Examples
• Journal Article Proofreading: Process, Cost, & Checklist
• The A–Z of Dissertation Editing: Standard Rates & Involved Steps
• Research Paper Editing | Guide to a Perfect Research Paper
• Dissertation Proofreading | Definition & Standard Rates
• Thesis Proofreading | Definition, Importance & Standard Pricing
• Research Paper Proofreading | Definition, Significance & Standard Rates
• Essay Proofreading | Options, Cost & Checklist
• Top 10 Paper Editing Services of 2024 (Costs & Features)
• Top 10 Essay Checkers in 2024 (Free & Paid)
• Top 10 AI Proofreaders to Perfect Your Writing in 2024
• Top 10 English Correctors to Perfect Your Text in 2024
• Top 10 Essay Editing Services of 2024
• 10 Advanced AI Text Editors to Transform Writing in 2024

Academic Research

• Research Paper Outline: Templates & Examples
• How to Write a Research Paper: A Step-by-Step Guide
• How to Write a Lab Report: Examples from Academic Editors
• Research Methodology Guide: Writing Tips, Types, & Examples
• The 10 Best Essential Resources for Academic Research
• 100+ Useful ChatGPT Prompts for Thesis Writing in 2024
• Best ChatGPT Prompts for Academic Writing (100+ Prompts!)
• Sampling Methods Guide: Types, Strategies, and Examples
• Independent vs. Dependent Variables | Meaning & Examples

Academic Writing & Publishing

• Difference Between Paper Editing and Peer Review
• What are the different types of peer review?
• How to deal with rejection from a journal?
• Editing and Proofreading Academic Papers: A Short Guide
• How to Carry Out Secondary Research
• The Results Section of a Dissertation
• Checklist: Is my Article Ready for Submitting to Journals?
• Types of Research Articles to Boost Your Research Profile
• 8 Types of Peer Review Processes You Should Know
• The Ethics of Academic Research
• How does LaTeX based proofreading work?
• How to Improve Your Scientific Writing: A Short Guide
• Chicago Title, Cover Page & Body | Paper Format Guidelines
• How to Write a Thesis Statement: Examples & Tips
• Chicago Style Citation: Quick Guide & Examples
• The A-Z Of Publishing Your Article in A Journal
• What is Journal Article Editing? 3 Reasons You Need It
• 5 Powerful Personal Statement Examples (Template Included)
• Complete Guide to MLA Format (9th Edition)
• How to Cite a Book in APA Style | Format & Examples
• How to Start a Research Paper | Step-by-step Guide
• APA Citations Made Easy with Our Concise Guide for 2024
• A Step-by-Step Guide to APA Formatting Style (7th Edition)
• Top 10 Online Dissertation Editing Services of 2024
• Academic Writing in 2024: 5 Key Dos & Don’ts + Examples
• What Are the Standard Book Sizes for Publishing Your Book?
• MLA Works Cited Page: Quick Tips & Examples
• 2024’s Top 10 Thesis Statement Generators (Free Included!)
• Top 10 Title Page Generators for Students in 2024
• What Is an Open Access Journal? 10 Myths Busted!
• Primary vs. Secondary Sources: Definition, Types & Examples
• How To Write a College Admissions Essay That Stands Out
• How to Write a Dissertation & Thesis Conclusion (+ Examples)
• APA Journal Citation: 7 Types, In-Text Rules, & Examples
• What Is Predatory Publishing and How to Avoid It!
• What Is Plagiarism? Meaning, Types & Examples
• How to Write a Strong Dissertation & Thesis Introduction
• How to Cite a Book in MLA Format (9th Edition)
• How to Cite a Website in MLA Format | 9th Edition Rules
• 10 Best AI Conclusion Generators (Features & Pricing)
• Top 10 Academic Editing Services of 2024 [with Pricing]
• Additional Resources
• Plagiarism: How to avoid it in your thesis?
• Final Submission Checklist | Dissertation & Thesis
• 7 Useful MS Word Formatting Tips for Dissertation Writing
• How to Write a MEAL Paragraph: Writing Plan Explained in Detail
• Em Dash vs. En Dash vs. Hyphen: When to Use Which
• The 10 Best Citation Generators in 2024 | Free & Paid Plans!
• 2024’s Top 10 Self-Help Books for Better Living
• The 10 Best Free Character and Word Counters of 2024
• Citation and Referencing
• Citing References: APA, MLA, and Chicago
• How to Cite Sources in the MLA Format
• MLA Citation Examples: Cite Essays, Websites, Movies & More
• Citations and References: What Are They and Why They Matter
• APA Headings & Subheadings | Formatting Guidelines & Examples
• Formatting an APA Reference Page | Template & Examples
• Research Paper Format: APA, MLA, & Chicago Style
• How to Create an MLA Title Page | Format, Steps, & Examples
• How to Create an MLA Header | Format Guidelines & Examples
• MLA Annotated Bibliography | Guidelines and Examples
• APA Website Citation (7th Edition) Guide | Format & Examples
• APA Citation Examples: The Bible, TED Talk, PPT & More
• APA Header Format: 5 Steps & Running Head Examples
• APA Title Page Format Simplified | Examples + Free Template
• How to Write an Abstract in MLA Format: Tips & Examples
• 10 Best Free Plagiarism Checkers of 2024 [100% Free Tools]
• 5 Reasons to Cite Your Sources Properly | Avoid Plagiarism!
• Dissertation Writing Guide
• Writing a Dissertation Proposal
• The Acknowledgments Section of a Dissertation
• The Table of Contents Page of a Dissertation
• The Introduction Chapter of a Dissertation
• The Literature Review of a Dissertation
• The Only Dissertation Toolkit You’ll Ever Need!
• 5 Thesis Writing Tips for Master Procrastinators
• How to Write a Dissertation | 5 Tips from Academic Editors
• The 5 Things to Look for in a Dissertation Editing Service
• Top 10 Dissertation Editing & Proofreading Services
• Why is it important to add references to your thesis?
• Thesis Editing | Definition, Scope & Standard Rates
• Expert Formatting Tips on MS Word for Dissertations
• A 7-Step Guide on How to Choose a Dissertation Topic
• 350 Best Dissertation Topic Ideas for All Streams in 2024
• A Guide on How to Write an Abstract for a Research Paper
• Dissertation Defense: What to Expect and How to Prepare
• Creating a Dissertation Title Page (Examples & Templates)
• Essay Writing Guide
• Essential Research Tips for Essay Writing
• What Is a Mind Map? Free Mind Map Templates & Examples
• How to Write an Essay Outline: 5 Examples & Free Template
• How to Write an Essay Header: MLA and APA Essay Headers
• What Is an Essay? Structure, Parts, and Types
• How to Write an Essay in 8 Simple Steps (Examples Included)
• 8 Types of Essays | Quick Summary with Examples
• Expository Essays | Step-by-Step Manual with Examples
• Narrative Essay | Step-by-Step Guide with Examples
• How to Write an Argumentative Essay (Examples Included)
• Guide to a Perfect Descriptive Essay [Examples & Outline Included]
• How to Start an Essay: 4 Introduction Paragraph Examples
• How to Write a Conclusion for an Essay (Examples Included!)
• How to Write an Impactful Personal Statement (Examples Included)
• Literary Analysis Essay: 5 Steps to a Perfect Assignment

Compare and Contrast Essay | Quick Guide with Examples

• Top 10 Essay Writing Tools in 2024 | Plan, Write, Get Feedback
• Top AI Essay Writers in 2024: 10 Must-Haves
• 100 Best College Essay Topics & How to Pick the Perfect One!
• College Essay Format: Tips, Examples, and Free Template
• Structure of an Essay: 5 Tips to Write an Outstanding Essay

Still have questions? Leave a comment

Add Comment

Checklist: Dissertation Proposal

Enter your email id to get the downloadable right in your inbox!

Examples: Edited Papers

Need editing and proofreading services.

• Tags: Academic Writing , Essay , Essay Writing

A compare and contrast essay, as the name suggests, is used to analyze the similarities and differences between two or more congruent topics. Contrary to popular belief, a compare and contrast essay doesn’t simply list out the similarities and distinctions between two subjects. Rather, it analyzes these similarities or distinctions and explains their significance. 

Do you have difficulty writing a compare and contrast essay? In this article, we will walk you through the basics of this essay and how to write it. To give you a gist of how these essays are written, we will also provide plenty of compare and contrast essay formats and examples. 

Eliminate all errors with our expert essay editing services! Get started

Let’s start with the basics: What is a compare and contrast essay?

What is a compare and contrast essay?

A compare and contrast essay is a type of essay in which the similarities and differences between two or more corresponding subjects are highlighted and analyzed. The main goal of this essay is to come up with an original argument based on the breakdown of two or more topics.

1. Comparing two subjects that can be better analyzed as a pair.

A compare and contrast essay can be used to highlight the similarities or differences between two subjects that cannot be explained on their own. For instance, comparing the marketing strategies of two competing fast-food chains can uncover similarities in their advertising techniques and consumer appeal. In this way, a compare and contrast essay can help you analyze two subjects that cannot be explained on their own.

2. Highlighting differences between two seemingly identical subjects.

You can use this essay to highlight the distinction between two subjects that are often confused. For instance, poisonous and venomous are two terms often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and implications. Your compare and contrast essay could highlight the differences between these two kinds of organisms. 

3. Highlighting similarities between two seemingly unrelated subjects.

You can also use the compare and contrast essay to point out similarities between seemingly dissimilar subjects. For instance, the 1970s and the 2020s are separated by several decades and have distinct characteristics. However, both these eras have been marked by significant sociopolitical activism. 

To guide you further, we’ve included additional topics for compare and contrast essays.

Compare and contrast essay topics

While choosing an essay topic, it is important enough to pick topics that are comparable yet not too similar. The goal is to find dissimilarities to analyze the assets and drawbacks of each subject. However, the subjects should still be analogous enough to be compared. 

To better understand this let’s take a look at a few good compare and contrast essay topics:

• Traditional education vs. online education
• Ancient Greek vs. Roman civilization
• Examining the similarities between the American and French Revolution
• Eastern philosophies vs. Western philosophies 
• Capitalism vs. socialism
• Examining the differences between Romanticism and Realism in Literature
• Traditional medicine vs. alternative medicine
• Comprehensive analysis of dystopian societies in George Orwell’s “1984” and Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World.”
• Examining the similarities and differences between classical and operant conditioning.
• Psychiatry vs. Psychology

Now that we’ve got the gist of standard compare and contrast essay topics, let’s move on to the tricky part of actually writing compare and contrast essays.

How to write a compare and contrast essay

Before you begin writing your compare and contrast essay, it is important to make sure that you are using the same metrics to compare both your subjects. For instance, you cannot make a comparison by stating that an apple is red or green while a papaya produces a large number of seeds!

You must use identical metrics for comparison. For instance:

• An apple is red or green in color while a papaya is yellow or orange.
• The apple is a winter fruit, whereas the papaya grows in a tropical climate.
• Both apples and papayas are seed-bearing fruits.

Let’s take a look at writing a comparative essay in a bit more detail:

1. Establish similarities and differences between the two subjects

If you’re still debating how to start a compare and contrast essay, you can follow this simple step. You can create two or more columns for your subjects and note down their major characteristics. You can then compare their characteristics and note down any similarities or differences. 

Now that we’ve listed the characteristics of each bird, let’s note down the similarities and differences between the two:

• Both sparrows and hummingbirds feed on nectar.
• The sparrow is much larger in size as compared to the hummingbird. The average sparrow measures 15–18cm. whereas the average hummingbird only measures 7–13cm.
• The sparrows are much more adaptable and can be found in grasslands, woodlands as well as urban areas. However, the hummingbird is confined to the Americas, generally residing in subtropical regions. 

If you are more of a visual learner, you can also make use of a Venn diagram. You can simply draw two circles with an overlapping portion. Note down the characteristics unique to each subject in the portion that does not overlap, and note down the similarities in the overlapping portion. Here’s an example:

2. Create a meaningful argument and thesis statement

A thesis statement explains the reason why two subjects need to be compared. It establishes the significance of their comparison. Although developing a meaningful thesis statement can be tricky, you can figure it out by asking yourself “So what?”.

For instance, if you’re comparing the lifestyle of the royal families in the Eastern and Western civilizations, you must have a reason to choose those particular subjects. One reason could be to study the impact of these civilizations on modern-day society. Here’s an example thesis statement based on this premise: 

The contrasting lifestyles of royal families in Eastern and Western civilizations, rooted in cultural traditions and historical developments, have shaped their roles as figureheads and influencers, impacting modern-day society through ceremonial symbolism, media presence, cultural preservation, and fashion trends.

3. Create an essay outline

If you’re still contemplating how to start a compare and contrast essay, you can create a flow for all your ideas with the help of an essay structure. This structure or outline divides your essay into three basic sections:

• Introduction
• Body paragraphs

Most school and college essays consist of an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. You can certainly extend the number of body paragraphs of your essay depending on the topic and complexity of your essay. However, the number of paragraphs in the introduction and conclusion remains the same.

An essay introduction consists of an opening line, relevant background information, and the thesis statement. The body paragraphs are arranged according to different topic sentences. Relevant explanations, facts, and statistics are provided to substantiate the claims made in these topic sentences. The conclusion, like the introduction, also consists of three facets. It includes an updated version of your thesis statement, a summary of the main points of your essay, and a conclusion.

The outline for your compare and contrast essay serves as a base you can build upon. You can use it as a guide while writing your essay. We will take a closer look at compare and contrast essay outlines in the next section of the article. 

4. Begin writing your first draft

After constructing a well-structured outline, you can start building your essay with the help of the key points that you’ve jotted down. The comparisons that you’ve noted down earlier can provide the talking points in your essay. Each paragraph consists of three main aspects:

• Topic sentence : The aspect paragraph revolves around
• Explanation : For compare and contrast essays this may include the characteristics of both your subjects and how they relate to each other
• Transition statement : A connecting link to the subject of the next topic sentence

Since you’ve already created a rough outline, your job becomes much easier. You can elaborate on the main talking points of your essay by data collated from various reputed sources. This can include facts, statistics, experiments/studies conducted, or even expert opinions. To make your argument stronger, you can also include tables, figures, or diagrams. 

Here’s an example of how you can build on your basic outline:

Topic sentence : A comparison of the Aztecs and Mayans reveals distinct differences in their social structures shedding light on the unique characteristics of these two Mesoamerican civilizations.

Explanation: The Aztecs and Mayans, two prominent Mesoamerican civilizations, displayed striking disparities in their social structures, religious beliefs, and artistic expressions. The Aztecs established a centralized empire with a powerful government headed by an emperor, wielding supreme authority. This hierarchical society comprised nobles, commoners, and slaves, offering limited social mobility. In contrast, the Mayans organized themselves into independent city-states, each with its own ruler and governing system. Their social structure encompassed rulers, nobles, priests, merchants, farmers, and artisans, allowing for some degree of social mobility.

Translation statement: Along with the social structure, the Mayans and Aztecs also had very different everyday routines.

5. Revise and edit

After completing the first draft of your essay, take a break for a day or two before getting back to it. This not only helps you look at your work from an objective point of view but also makes room for new ideas. 

In case you notice an abundance of errors while revising your essay, don’t fret, it’s a part of the process. You may need two or three revisions, but make sure to tweak and revise your essay until it is up to the mark. If required, you can also get help from friends, seniors, or even family members.

Once you’re satisfied with the structure and content of your essay, you can start with the editing process. The editing process involves everything from making major structural adjustments for the sake of clarity to correcting mechanical and typesetting errors for the sake of readability.

If the deadline is drawing closer and there’s not enough time, you can also consider working with an essay editing service . These services help you avoid the convoluted and time-consuming process of editing your essay.

Compare and contrast essay outline

Although the introduction and conclusion paragraphs of a compare and contrast essay format remain the same, there are three main methods by which body paragraphs can be arranged. They are:

• Block method: Discussing one subject in its entirety before moving on to the other
• Alternating method: Discussing the stance of both the subjects on one metric, before moving on to the other.
• Similarities and differences: Discussing all the similarities between the two subjects before moving on to the differences.

Depending on the purpose and topic of your essay, you can make use of any of the three formats. Let’s take a closer look at the outlines of each of these compare and contrast essay formats:

Block outline

In the block outline, the analysis of the characteristics of one subject is completed before moving on to the next. Although this method discusses a subject in its entirety and creates a flow, it’s often difficult to draw parallels between the two subjects. 

Let’s understand this outline with the help of an example. The following comparative essay block outline example analyzes the positive effects of the color green and the drawbacks of the color red on the human mind.

The Impact of Colors on Your State of Mind

I. Introduction

A. Engaging opening statement about the impact of colors on human perception

B. The significance of colors and their effects on emotions

C. Main argument stating that green is more soothing to the eye than red and should be implemented more often

A. Discussion of Green

1. Characteristics of green and its association with nature and tranquility

2. Examples, statistics, or research findings that demonstrate the soothing effects of green on the human eye

3. Positive impact of green on mental well-being and stress reduction

B. Discussion of Red

1. Characteristics of red and its association with intensity and stimulation

2. Examples, statistics, or research findings that show the potentially overwhelming or agitating effects of red on the human eye

3. Negative impact of red on mental state and a potential increase in stress levels as a result

C. Comparison of Green and Red

1. Visual contrast between the calming effect of green and the stimulating effect of red

2. Emotional responses elicited by green and red, that emphasize the soothing nature of green and the potentially disruptive nature of red

3. Surveys or studies that indicate a higher preference for green in various settings

III. Conclusion

A. Updated main argument: Green is more soothing to the eye than red and should be implemented more often

B. Summary of the key points from the body paragraphs: The benefits of green and the drawbacks of red

C. Using green in various environments, such as interior design, healthcare facilities, and urban planning, to promote a soothing visual experience for individuals

D. Impactful ending sentence: The importance of color choices for a harmonious environment

Alternating outline

If you want to establish a stronger connection between your different points of comparison, consider using the alternating outline. In this type of outline, the comparison between subjects is much more blatant as both of the subjects are evaluated against a particular metric. However, the alternating outline can result in two disjointed sections. 

Each body paragraph consists of a single metric against which both subjects are measured. Let’s better understand the alternating essay outline with the help of the same example: 

A. Captivating hook about the influence of colors on human perception

B. Overview of the significance of colors and their impact on emotions

C. Thesis statement stating that green is more soothing to the eye than red and should be implemented more often

II. Body Paragraph 1: Comparison of Green and Red

A. Visual Characteristics

1. Green: Associated with nature, calmness, and tranquility

2. Red: Associated with intensity, excitement, and stimulation

B. Emotional Impact

1. Green: Elicits feelings of relaxation, harmony, and rejuvenation

2. Red: Evokes emotions like passion, energy, and even agitation or stress

C. Effects on Eye Fatigue

1. Green: More restful for the eyes due to its position in the color spectrum

2. Red: Prolonged exposure to red can strain the eyes and potentially lead to eye fatigue

III.  Body Paragraph 2: Benefits of Implementing Green

A. Psychological Well-being

1. Green: Promotes a sense of calmness, reduces stress, and improves overall mental well-being

2. Red: Excessive exposure to red can potentially increase stress levels and negatively impact psychological health

B. Environmental Impact

1. Green: Incorporating green elements in urban environments, interior design, and healthcare facilities can create a soothing atmosphere

2. Red: Potential disruptive effects of excessive red usage in certain settings and its contrasting impact on visual comfort

IV. Conclusion

A. Updated thesis statement: Green is more soothing to the eye than red and should be implemented more often

B. Summary of key points in body paragraphs:  Difference between green and red, emphasizing the soothing qualities of green and the potential drawbacks of red

C. Implementation of green in various contexts, and its positive impact on well-being and creating visually comfortable environments

D. Impactful concluding statement: The significance of color choices and their influence on our daily lives

Similarities and differences outline

If you want the focus to be on the comparison between the two topics, it is a good idea to implement the similarities and differences outline. This format bears a resemblance to the alternating outline. 

However, the metrics of comparison are the similarities and differences between the two subjects, as opposed to certain characteristics. A single paragraph lists all the similarities between the two topics, followed by a paragraph that lists all the distinctions. 

Here’s an example outline for a compare and contrast essay using the similarities and differences method: 

A. Intriguing statement about the impact of colors on visual perception

B. Brief overview of the significance of colors and their effects on emotions

II. Body Paragraph 1: Similarities between Green and Red

1. Green: Visual characteristics of green, such as its association with nature and tranquility

2. Red: Visual characteristics of red, such as its association with intensity and stimulation

1. Green: Both green and red can evoke emotional responses, such as calmness or excitement, albeit to different degrees

2. Red: Both green and red can elicit emotions, but red tends to evoke more intense and stimulating feelings

III. Body Paragraph 2: Differences between Green and Red

A. Soothing Qualities

1. Green: Green is inherently soothing to the eye due to its position in the color spectrum and its association with nature

2. Red: Red, on the other hand, can be visually intense and potentially overwhelming, making it less soothing

B. Psychological Effects

1. Green: Green promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and enhances mental well-being

2. Red: Prolonged exposure to red can potentially increase stress levels and negatively impact psychological health

C. Eye Fatigue

1. Green: Green is considered more restful for the eyes, as it requires less eye strain and can reduce eye fatigue

2. Red: Excessive exposure to red can strain the eyes and potentially lead to eye fatigue

IV. Body Paragraph 3: Benefits of Implementing Green

A. Environmental Impact

1. Incorporating green elements in various environments, such as interior design, urban planning, and healthcare facilities, can create a soothing atmosphere

2. Potential positive effects on mental well-being and overall quality of life

V. Conclusion

B. Summary of key points in body paragraphs: Similarities and differences between green and red, that emphasize the soothing qualities of green and the potential drawbacks of red

C. Need for the implementation of green in different settings, and its positive impact on visual comfort and well-being

D. Thought-provoking statement: Significance of color choices and their influence on our daily lives

Now that we’ve understood the three basic outlines for compare and contrast essays let’s take a look at compare and contrast essay examples for these three formats. 

Compare and contrast essay examples

There are three main formats that you can use to write a compare and contrast essay. You can select one of these formats depending on what you’d like to convey to the reader. We will provide example essays for all three formats and pick a topic best suited for each essay format. 

Let’s take a look:

Block method essay example

The following compare and contrast essay example is based on the comparative analysis of two of Edgar Allan Poe’s greatest works. 

A Comparative Analysis of The Raven and The Tell-Tale Heart

Edgar Allan Poe, a master of Gothic literature, created two captivating and chilling tales, The Raven and The Tell-Tale Heart . While both stories delve into the realms of madness, guilt, and obsession, they differ in their narrative structures, character portrayals, and themes. Take a closer look at and uncover the unique elements that make these literary masterpieces enduring classics in the world of dark fiction.

The Raven is a narrative poem composed of eighteen stanzas, employing a rhyming scheme of ABCBBB. It follows a straightforward linear progression, recounting the narrator’s interaction with the mysterious raven, which repeatedly utters the word “nevermore.” The narrator is a grieving man consumed by sorrow and melancholy, haunted by the loss of his beloved Lenore. The raven assumes a symbolic role, representing an otherworldly and ominous presence that fuels the narrator’s descent into madness. The poem primarily explores themes of grief, loss, and the inability to escape from painful memories, while also delving into the supernatural, the macabre, and the fragility of the human mind when faced with the unknown.

On the other hand, The Tell-Tale Heart is a short story narrated in the first person by an unnamed protagonist who is determined to prove their sanity. The story follows a non-linear structure, with the narrator recounting the events leading up to and after the murder of the old man with a “vulture eye.” The protagonist is an unnamed and unreliable narrator whose intense obsession with the old man’s eye leads to murder. The old man, with his “vulture eye,” becomes a symbol of the narrator’s guilt and paranoia, fueling the story’s suspense. The Tell-Tale Heart explores themes of guilt, paranoia, and the dark recesses of the human mind. It delves into the thin line between sanity and insanity, highlighting the overwhelming power of a guilty conscience.

The Raven and The Tell-Tale Heart , both masterpieces by Edgar Allan Poe, showcase his profound understanding of the human psyche. While The Raven takes the form of a narrative poem and focuses on grief, loss, and the supernatural, The Tell-Tale Heart is a short story with an unreliable narrator, delving into guilt, paranoia, and the blurred boundaries of sanity. Despite their structural and thematic differences, both works captivate readers with their exploration of the darkest aspects of the human soul. Through their masterful storytelling, Poe leaves an indelible mark on literature, inviting readers to confront their own fears and delve into the depths of the human psyche.

Alternating method essay example

The following compare and contrast essay example highlights the stark contrast between life during the 1800s and the present day. 

Contrasting Life During the 1800s and Life Today

Society during the 1800s and present-day society are characterized by stark differences in technological advancements, societal norms, and overall quality of life. There have been significant developments areas of communication, transportation, healthcare, and social dynamics between the two eras. By examining the contrasting aspects of life during the 1800s and present-day life, we can gain a deeper insight into how society has evolved.

In the 1800s people relied primarily on written letters, which often took weeks or even months to reach their destination. The introduction of the telegraph provided a faster means of long-distance communication but remained limited in accessibility. Today, communication is instant and global, thanks to the widespread use of smartphones, social media platforms, and the internet. People can connect through video calls, messaging apps, and social networking sites, bridging distances and facilitating real-time conversations.

People in the 1800s primarily relied on horse-drawn carriages, ships, and railways as modes of transportation. Long-distance travel was slow and arduous, often taking weeks or even months to complete, while local transportation was limited to walking or horseback riding. In contrast, modern transportation is characterized by the advent of automobiles, airplanes, and high-speed trains. These advancements enable swift and efficient travel across the globe. Air travel has become commonplace, allowing people to reach distant locations in a matter of hours, while cars provide individual mobility and flexibility.

Healthcare in the 1800s was marked by rudimentary medical knowledge and practices. There was often a lack of scientific understanding and proper sanitation measures, resulting in limited and ineffective medical treatments. This led to high mortality rates for common illnesses and diseases. In recent times, advances in medical science, technology, and research have revolutionized healthcare. Cutting-edge treatments, vaccines, and surgical procedures have significantly increased life expectancy and improved overall well-being.

The 1800s were characterized by strict social hierarchies, class divisions, and limited opportunities for social mobility. Gender roles were rigidly defined, with limited rights and opportunities for women. However, contemporary society has made significant strides toward equality and inclusivity. Movements advocating for gender, racial, and LGBTQ+ rights have pushed for social progress. Social mobility and opportunities for personal and professional growth have expanded, promoting a more diverse and inclusive society.

In conclusion, life during the 1800s and life today differ significantly in terms of communication, transportation, healthcare, and social dynamics. Technological advancements, scientific progress, and societal changes have transformed the way we live and interact with the world. While the 1800s were marked by limitations and hardships, the modern era offers unprecedented convenience, connectivity, and opportunities for personal growth. By examining these contrasting aspects, we gain a deeper appreciation for the advancements that have shaped our lives today and a better understanding of the progress humanity has made over time.

Similarities and differences method essay example

The following example of a compare and contrast essay studies the similarities and differences between amphibians and reptiles.

Exploring the Fascinating Worlds of Amphibians and Reptiles 

Amphibians and reptiles are two distinct groups of animals that belong to the larger classification of vertebrates. While they share some similarities, they also exhibit significant differences in their physical characteristics, life cycles, habitats, and reproductive strategies. Let’s take a closer look at both these species by highlighting their unique features and adaptations to their respective environments.

Although different species, amphibians, and reptiles share several similarities. Both groups are cold-blooded, or ectothermic, which means their body temperatures are regulated by the environment. This characteristic influences their behavior and activity levels, as they rely on external heat sources to warm their bodies. Both species also lay eggs for reproduction. The eggs of both groups are covered by protective membranes, which provide a suitable environment for development outside the parent’s body. Additionally, amphibians and reptiles have a similar general body plan, characterized by a backbone, four limbs (or remnants of limbs), and a well-developed skull.

Despite these similarities, there are notable differences between the two species. Amphibians have a dual life cycle, which involves an aquatic larval stage and a terrestrial adult stage. They typically lay their eggs in water and undergo metamorphosis from aquatic larvae, into terrestrial adults with lungs. A frog is one classic example of an amphibian. In contrast, reptiles have a direct life cycle, with offspring hatching from eggs that are laid on land. They bypass the aquatic larval stage and are born as miniature versions of the adults, equipped for a terrestrial existence. Alligators and crocodiles are the most commonly known reptiles.

Another significant difference lies in their respective habitats. Amphibians are often associated with moist environments, such as swamps, rivers, and ponds, as they require 

water for breeding and maintaining skin moisture. They are highly adapted to live in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Reptiles, on the other hand, have evolved to inhabit a wider range of environments. They can be found in various habitats, including deserts, forests, grasslands, and even oceans. Reptiles have developed strategies to conserve water, such as the ability to excrete uric acid instead of urea, allowing them to thrive in arid conditions.

Physiologically, amphibians and reptiles differ in their skin structure and respiration. Amphibians have moist and permeable skin that serves multiple functions, including gas exchange and water absorption. This unique characteristic allows them to respire through their skin, particularly during their larval stage. In contrast, reptiles have dry and scaly skin that acts as a protective barrier against water loss. They rely on lungs for respiration and have more efficient respiratory systems compared to amphibians.

In conclusion, while amphibians and reptiles share some similarities, such as being ectothermic and laying eggs, they have distinct differences in their life cycles, habitats, and physiological characteristics. Amphibians undergo metamorphosis and have a dual life cycle, adapting to both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Reptiles, on the other hand, have a direct life cycle and are adapted to a wide range of habitats. Understanding these similarities and differences helps us appreciate the diverse adaptations that have allowed these fascinating creatures to thrive in different ecosystems across the world.

We hope that these examples of compare and contrast essays guide you in acing your essay assignment! As editing and proofreading experts, we realize the importance of submitting error-free essays. 

To help you minimize errors, we have created detailed resources about several important aspects of essay writing. Go through the following resources to enhance your essay-writing skills! 

• Guide to Essay Editing: Methods, Tips, & Examples
• How to Format a College Essay: Format Template & Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

How to write an introduction paragraph for a compare and contrast essay, how to write a conclusion paragraph for a compare and contrast essay, how to title a compare and contrast essay, what is a good title for a compare and contrast essay, what is a good topic sentence for a compare and contrast essay.

Found this article helpful?

Leave a Comment: Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Your vs. You’re: When to Use Your and You’re

Your Organization Needs a Technical Editor: Here’s Why

Your Guide to the Best eBook Readers in 2024

Writing for the Web: 7 Expert Tips for Web Content Writing

Subscribe to our Newsletter

How to Copyright Your Book?

If you’ve thought about copyrighting your book, you’re on the right path.

© 2024 All rights reserved

• Terms of service
• Privacy policy
• Self Publishing Guide
• Pre-Publishing Steps
• Fiction Writing Tips
• Traditional Publishing
• Academic Writing and Publishing
• Partner with us
• Annual report
• Website content
• Marketing material
• Job Applicant
• Cover letter
• Resource Center
• Case studies

100 Compare and contrast essay paper topics:

Published March 26, 2021. Updated December 22, 2021.

This page will cover the following points:

Actionable ideas to help focus your research

What is a compare and contrast essay, tips for choosing the best compare and contrast topics, easy compare/contrast essay topics, art compare/contrast essay topics, engineering compare/contrast essay topics, financial compare/contrast essay topics, historical compare/contrast essay topics, language compare/contrast essay topics, legal compare/contrast essay topics, literature compare/contrast essay topics, medical compare/contrast essay topics, philosophy compare/contrast essay topics, political compare/contrast essay topics, psychology compare/contrast essay topics, religious compare/contrast essay topics, science compare/contrast essay topics, technology compare/contrast essay topics, planning your compare/contrast essay, additional tips for writing a compare/contrast essay, why are compare and contrast essays important, how is a compare and contrast essay different from other essays.

Compare and contrast essays can be really interesting writing assignments! You just have to choose your topic wisely. If you’re feeling a little stuck and need some inspiration, check out these ideas for compare and contrast essay topics. It’s better to select an interesting, relevant topic rather than write about the first thing that comes to mind.

Worried about your writing? Submit your paper for a Chegg Writing essay check , or for an Expert Check proofreading . Both can help you find and fix potential writing issues.

The main purpose of a compare and contrast essay is to carefully analyze the relationship between two subjects . As the name suggests, this type of essay points out both differences and similarities between two subjects. Often, these two subjects will fall under the same general category while having notable distinctions.

By now, you probably have a few ideas for compare/contrast topics. However, narrowing down the options isn’t always easy. This process becomes much easier when you consider these helpful tips:

• Choose a topic that you want to learn about: It’s much easier to write about topics that genuinely interest you. You’ll find it more rewarding to research these topics, and you’ll clearly convey a sense of passion in your writing.
• Do some research to narrow down your options: Even a few minutes of “pre-research” can help you narrow down your options. A certain topic might sound interesting at first, but a quick web search could reveal that it’s much less amazing than you initially thought. Alternatively, you might find that a topic is much less boring than you first predicted.
• Don’t choose topics that have nothing to do with one another: Compare/contrast essays require you to find the connections between two subjects, and this is impossible if the subjects have nothing to do with one another. Make sure you pick subjects that have a meaningful connection. For example, the mere fact that two historical figures lived in the same era may not be enough to draw meaningful comparisons.
• Don’t choose topics that are too alike: On the other hand, if you choose two compare/contrast two subjects that are virtually identical, your essay won’t be very interesting. This is because you’ll be doing a whole lot of comparing and not much contrasting.

Overview of essay idea categories

• Summer vs. Winter
• Biking vs. Driving
• Apples vs. Oranges
• Being an adult vs. Being a child
• Facebook vs. Instagram
• Harry Potter books vs. Harry Potter movies
• Dogs vs. Cats
• Reading a book vs. Watching TV
• Crocheting vs. Knitting
• Men vs. Women
• Dieting vs. Healthy eating
• College vs. High school
• Classical art vs. Modern art
• Eastern vs. Western
• Romanticism vs. Impressionism
• Cubism vs. Abstract Expressionism
• Realism vs. Pop art
• Postmodernism vs. Modernism
• Painting vs. Sculpting
• Engineer vs. Architect
• Modern vs. Classical architecture
• Empire State Building vs. Shanghai Tower
• Roman aqueducts vs. Modern irrigation systems
• Egyptian vs. Aztec pyramids
• Aeronautical vs. Aerospace pyramids
• Capitalism vs. Communism
• Gold-backed currency vs. Fiat currency
• Stock market vs. Gambling
• Bitcoin vs. Money
• Stocks vs. Bonds
• Investing vs. Saving
• Traditional budgeting methods vs. Budgeting apps
• Napoleon’s Russian campaign vs. Hitler’s Russian campaign
• Abraham Lincoln and George Washington’s political ideologies
• American and Soviet militaries during the Cold War
• Military doctrines of the North and South during the Civil War
• Nazism vs. Communism during the World War II era
• The cause of World War I vs. the cause of World War II
• Greek vs. Roman Empires
• Languages that write with orthographies vs. Cyrillic alphabet
• Ancient vs. Extinct languages
• The use of the English language in America vs. the rest of the world
• Formal language vs. Vernacular
• Passive vs. Active verbs
• Writing vs. Speaking
• Federal vs. State laws
• Supreme Court vs. Court of Appeals
• Chapter 7 bankruptcy vs. Chapter 13 bankruptcy
• Constitutional vs. Statuary law
• Juris Doctor vs. Doctor of Juridical Science Degrees
• Judges vs. Lawyers
• 1984 vs. Brave New World
• Kafka vs. Conrad
• Greek vs. Roman mythology
• The Iliad vs. The Epic of Gilgamesh
• Shakespeare vs. Oscar Wilde
• Short Stories vs. Poetry
• Naturopathy vs. pharmacology
• Nationalized healthcare service vs. Private healthcare
• Chiropractor vs. physical therapist
• The bubonic plague vs. Covid-19
• Psychology vs. Psychiatry
• Western vs. Holistic medicine
• Stoicism vs. Nihilism
• Atheism vs. Religion
• Monogamy vs. Polygamy
• Paganism vs. Wicca
• Socrates vs. Plato
• Utopia vs. Dystopia
• The political institutions of Sparta and Athens
• Republics vs. Democracy
• Socialism vs. Communism
• Senate vs. Congress
• Hate speech vs. Freedom of speech
• Republican vs. Democratic political views
• Sigmund Freud vs. Carl Jung
• Person-Centered Therapy (PCT) vs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Social vs. Medical views of mental health and wellness
• Anxiety vs. Mood Disorders
• Addiction vs. Dependence
• Hinduism vs. Buddhism
• Christianity vs. Atheism
• Catholicism vs. Protestantism
• Early British Baptists vs. Southern Baptists
• Secular Judaism vs. Orthodox Judaism
• Mythology vs. Religion
• Milky Way vs. Andromeda
• Venus vs. Mars
• Thomas Edison vs. Nikola Tesla
• Nuclear power vs. Solar power
• Bacteria vs. Viruses
• Scientific theory vs. Scientific law
• iOS vs. Android
• Virtual reality vs. Augmented reality
• F-35 vs. Su-35
• The Renaissance vs. The birth of the internet
• Cloud computing vs. Traditional computing
• Apple vs. Microsoft

Choose your topic

Your teacher may assign a topic, give you a range of potential subjects to compare/contrast, or allow you to choose your own.

The brainstorming stage

Brainstorming is crucial when writing a compare/contrast essay. The goal is to assess as many similarities and differences as possible between the two subjects.

A Venn diagram is an efficient way to achieve this goal. Draw two overlapping circles. Write the differing characters of one subject in one circle and those of the other subject in the other circle. Write the similar characters in the overlapping area.

Choose how to structure your essay

Generally, compare/contrast essays adopt one of two structures: point-by-point or alternating method, or the block method.

Point-by-point or alternating method

The first method focuses on points of comparison rather than individual subjects.

For example, one paragraph might explain that both Catholicism and Protestant forms of Christianity recognize one God and Jesus Christ (a similarity). The next paragraph might discuss how most Catholics recognize the Pope as the ultimate head of the church and a direct conduit to God, while Protestants do not (a difference). This approach allows you to immediately compare/contrast various points as they emerge.

Here is a point-by-point paper outline based on the example:

1. Introduction

2. Point 1 – One God and Jesus Christ

a. Catholics believe in one God and Jesus Christ

b. Protestants also believe in one God and Jesus Christ

3. Point 2 – The Pope

a. Catholics recognize the Pope as the head of the Church and a conduit to God

b. Protestants do not recognize the Pope as the head of the Church

4. Conclusion

Block method

The other structure is the “block method,” which focuses on one individual subject at a time. The first section focuses on the first subject and discusses all points related to that subject. The next section focuses on the second subject and discusses all points related to that subject, but also makes comparisons between the first and second subjects. This method is best used for short papers.

As an example, let’s use the same topic as before but outline the paper using the block method:

2. Catholicism

a. Point 1 – Recognizes one God and Jesus Christ

b. Point 2 – Recognizes the Pope as the ultimate head of the church

3. Protestantism

a. Point 1- Like Catholics, Protestants recognize one God and Jesus Christ

b. Point 2 – Unlike Catholics, Protestants do not recognize the Pope

Creating an outline

The last part of the planning stage is creating an outline. Like many other essay types, a compare/contrast essay includes an introductory paragraph, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The body paragraphs should order your points in the most effective manner. You should include as much evidence as possible when writing your outline.

You might grab the reader’s attention with a particularly interesting similarity or difference in the first paragraph. The final body paragraph should contain an impactful idea that supports your overall thesis statement.

Remember, the best compare and contrast essays involve a degree of subtlety. It’s always interesting to hear about the similarities between two subjects that appear to be quite different at first glance. On that same note, it can be illuminating to read about the differences between two subjects that appear to be very similar on the surface.

It’s important to be aware of some common mistakes. Many students choose compare and contrast two subjects that are too similar. This can lead to an obvious, heavy-handed, and predictable finished product. Your instructor wants to see whether you can truly “connect the dots” between two different concepts and thus uncover new information while writing your essay. Always choose topics that allow you to talk about ideas that are relevant to your course material.

Before you turn in that paper, don’t forget to cite your sources in APA format , MLA format , or a style of your choice.

• Do not state the obvious
• Use transitional words throughout the essay
• Think about new ideas that can be revealed in your essay
• Think about how subjects in the past can be applied to the present day
• Always support your claims with strong evidence
• Think about the tone or mood of the subjects when discussing forms of art
• Think about the most defining characteristics when discussing individuals
• Always focus on information relevant to your course
• Make your essay more interesting by pointing out similarities and differences that no one else has considered

Teachers assign compare/contrast essays because they want to see if you can “connect the dots.” As you write the essay, you will make new connections between different ideas and concepts. This often requires strong critical-thinking skills, and it challenges you to go beyond a simple description or summary. In other words, compare/contrast essays require you to go beyond the surface-level aspects of the concepts at play, digging deeper and discovering subtle similarities and differences.

Compare/contrast essays are useful learning tools because you inevitably end up with a greater understanding of the subject matter. You’ll also develop an understanding of the role these subjects play in the world and why they’re relevant today. In addition, compare/contrast essays can provide readers with tons of valuable information on historical periods, political ideas, products, and a limitless range of other subjects.

Since compare/contrast essays are argumentative in nature and explore relationships between two subjects, they are sometimes confused with cause and effect essays and argumentative essays. However, these essays are not the same thing.

Not the same as a cause/effect essay

While both compare/contrast essays and cause/effect essays explore the relationship between two subjects, a cause/effect essay only shows the influence that one has on the other. These essays deal with the chronology of events, showing how one thing leads to another.

On the other hand, a compare/contrast essay only deals with similarities and differences, and it is not limited by the chronology of events. Many compare/contrast essays focus on two events that are thousands of years apart with no chronological relationship to one another.

Is it an argumentative essay?

Compare/contrast essays are argumentative in nature, so they fall into the same general category as critical analysis essays and persuasive essays . Convincing the reader of your argument is important when writing a compare/contrast essay, but not in the same way as other argumentative essays.

A critical analysis essay usually involves breaking down a piece of literature, while a persuasive essay has the writer take a stance on a particular issue.

A strictly argumentative paper requires you to write an argumentative essay on either a topic of your choice or a topic assigned by the instructor.  Your teacher will typically allow you to write in a standard essay style or use a more structured format like Classical or Rogerian argument. On the other hand, the “argument” in a compare/contrast should revolve solely around the similarities and differences between two subjects.

What’s included with a Chegg Writing subscription

• Unlimited number of paper scans
• Plagiarism detection: Check against billions of sources
• Expert proofreading for papers on any subject
• Grammar scans for 200+ types of common errors
• Automatically create & save citations in 7,000+ styles
• Cancel subscription anytime, no obligation

270+ Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Engaging Writing [2025]

Aug 20, 2024 | 0 comments

Aug 20, 2024 | Topics | 0 comments

When it comes to honing writing skills in middle school, compare and contrast essay topics engage students and encourage critical thinking and analysis. These topics not only help students navigate various subjects but also enable them to explore relationships between different ideas, behaviors, and cultural contexts. 

Teachers can significantly enhance lesson plans by selecting effective compare-and-contrast essay ideas, particularly in classes focused on English as a second or foreign language. 

By analyzing the similarities and differences in themes from literature, the arts, or societal hierarchies, students learn to articulate their thoughts clearly and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. This analytical approach fosters creativity and enhances communication skills, making it essential to middle school education. 

Let’s explore the curated list of compare-and-contrast essay topics below.

Table of Contents

🤔 How to Choose a Compare & Contrast Essay Topic

Selecting the right compare-and-contrast essay topic is crucial for creating an engaging and informative piece. Students’ success in essay writing often hinges on their ability to choose a subject that interests them and offers rich material for comparison. Here’s a guide to help you pick one that works best for you and get started on your essay.

• Consider your interests and knowledge

When choosing a topic, start with subjects you’re passionate about or have substantial knowledge in. For example, if you enjoy science and technology, you might compare and contrast technological advancements or scientific theories. Your genuine interest will boost your motivation and make writing more enjoyable.

• Evaluate the complexity of the topic

Ensure the topic you choose is neither too broad nor too narrow. A topic that’s too broad may lead to an inadequate analysis, while one that’s too narrow might not provide enough material to compare and contrast. For example, comparing “cats and dogs” might suit younger students, while teens might prefer to write about more complex topics like “renewable energy sources vs. fossil fuels.”

• Brainstorm and generate ideas

Dive into a brainstorming session to generate a list of potential topics. Feel free to jot down any ideas that come to mind, no matter how unconventional they might seem. This process can inspire fresh ideas and help you discover unique angles for your essay.

• Consider your audience

Think about who will be reading your essay. Topics for different age groups or academic levels will vary depending on their complexity. Contrast essay topics for kids will be simpler than for college students or professionals. Also, pick topics that are relevant and interesting to your intended audience.

• Look for clear points of comparison

Choose topics that have clear similarities and differences. This will make it easier to create a well-structured essay. For instance, comparing Macs and PCs offers several obvious points of comparison, such as operating systems, design, and user interface.

• Check the assignment requirements

Make sure your chosen topic aligns with your assignment’s requirements. Pay attention. Respond to instructions your educator might have provided regarding topic selection, essay length, or focus areas. This will help you avoid choosing a topic that doesn’t fit the assignment criteria.

• Provide a variety of perspectives

Select a topic that allows you to explore multiple viewpoints. This could include examining pro and con arguments or analyzing different aspects of the subject. For example, when comparing online and traditional education, you could also discuss the perspectives of students, teachers, and administrators.

• Consider current events and relevance

Choosing a topic related to current events or ongoing debates can make your essay more engaging and relevant. However, ensure you have access to reliable sources of information to support your arguments.

• Outline your ideas

Before you finalize your topic choice, create a rough outline of your main points. This will help you evaluate whether the topic provides enough material for a full essay and allows you to organize your thoughts efficiently.

• Seek feedback

Don’t hesitate to ask peers, teachers, or family members for input on the suit. They’re often able to provide valuable insights or suggest angles you might not have considered. This feedback can help you refine your topic choice and ensure it’s suitable for your essay.

English Paper Writing Service

Before you start writing, don\'t forget to check out our incredibly affordable English Paper Writing Service where our professional writers can take that entire essay off your plate!

🌋 Top Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• Traditional education vs. online learning
• Artificial intelligence in medicine and education
• Reading physical books vs. digital e-books
• Social media communication vs. face-to-face interactions
• Mindfulness practices in Eastern and Western cultures
• Art therapy vs. traditional psychotherapy methods
• Exam-based assessment vs. project-based evaluation
• Language acquisition in children and adults
• Science education in elementary and secondary schools
• Writing blogs vs. academic essays
• Social studies curriculum in 2024 vs. a decade ago
• Confidence building through arts education and sports
• Research methods in educational psychology and social sciences
• Community-based learning vs. traditional classroom settings
• Foreign language acquisition: immersion vs. textbook-based approaches

Read Also: How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay

💭 Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• Behavioral therapy vs. cognitive therapy
• Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in learning
• Family therapy approaches: systemic vs. psychodynamic
• Self-compassion and self-esteem development
• Mind-body connection in Eastern and Western psychology
• Gender differences in emotional expression
• Nature vs. nurture in personality development
• Freudian and Jungian dream analysis techniques
• Positive psychology vs. traditional clinical psychology
• Cultural influences on mental health perceptions
• Thought processes in bilingual and monolingual individuals
• Behavioral patterns in online and offline communities
• Mind-body connection in Eastern and Western psychological practices
• Confidence levels in introverted and extroverted personalities
• Educational assessment impacts on student mental health

Read Also: Best Essay Topics and Ideas for Essay Writing

List of Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Middle School Students

• Bloom’s Taxonomy: original vs. revised versions
• Instructional scaffolding in math and language arts
• Educational technology: benefits and drawbacks
• Traditional vs. Montessori teaching methods
• Public and private school educational structures
• Standardized testing vs. alternative assessment methods
• Learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic
• Homeschooling vs. traditional classroom education
• STEM vs. liberal arts education
• Teacher-centered vs. student-centered learning approaches
• Benjamin Bloom’s taxonomy: cognitive and affective domains
• English as a second language vs. English-language learner programs
• Exam preparation strategies for visual and auditory learners
• Social studies integration in STEM and humanities curricula
• Concept mapping and traditional note-taking techniques

Computer Science Assignment Help

Struggling with your computer science assignments? Check out our Computer Science Assignment Help services for expert solutions that will skyrocket your grades!

🎨 Art History Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• Classical and modern art movements
• Oil painting vs. digital art creation
• Abstract expressionism and surrealism
• Western and Eastern artistic traditions
• Street art vs. gallery exhibitions
• Sculpture and installation art
• Photography as documentation and artistic expression
• Impressionism and post-impressionism techniques
• Art as therapy vs. art as social commentary
• Folk art traditions across different cultures
• Abstract expressionism and minimalism in 2024 art scenes
• Digital art tools vs. traditional mediums in art education
• Community-based art projects and individual studio practices
• Art therapy applications in educational and clinical settings
• Hierarchical structures in classical and contemporary art movements

Read Also: Profile Essay Topics

👭🏼 Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Gender

• Gender roles in different societies
• Male and female communication styles
• Gender representation in media and literature
• STEM field participation among genders
• Parenting styles across genders
• Gender-specific health concerns and treatments
• Leadership styles: gender influences and stereotypes
• Gender equality progress in developed and developing nations
• Sports participation and opportunities for different genders
• Gender identity expression in various cultures
• Gender representation in STEM fields: 2024 vs. previous decades
• Confidence-building strategies for different genders in education
• Gender-specific approaches in educational psychology research
• Social studies curriculum: gender roles across cultures
• Language use and thought patterns among genders

Read Also: Medea Essay Topics

School and Life Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• Academic knowledge vs. practical life skills
• School friendships and workplace relationships
• Time management in school and professional life
• Structured learning vs. self-directed education
• Extracurricular activities and professional networking
• School dress codes and workplace attire policies
• Teacher-student and employer-employee dynamics
• Academic writing and business communication
• School bullying and workplace harassment
• Collaborative projects in education and career settings
• Educational assessment methods in school vs. workplace performance reviews
• Social studies concepts applied in community engagement and civic life
• Foreign language proficiency: academic settings vs. real-world applications
• Information literacy skills taught in schools vs. required in daily life
• Teacher-student relationships compared to mentor-mentee dynamics in careers

Pay Someone To Take My Online Exam

Struggling to keep up with your exams, quizzes and tests? Click here to discover how you can get someone else to take them for you!

Entertainment Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• Streaming services vs. traditional television
• Video games and traditional board games
• Live music performances and studio recordings
• Comedy in different cultural contexts
• Book adaptations and original screenplays
• Social media influencers and traditional celebrities
• Independent films and big-budget productions
• Reality TV shows and scripted series
• Podcasts and radio talk shows
• Virtual reality and traditional theme park experiences
• Educational value in documentaries vs. fictional entertainment
• Storytelling techniques in literature and video games
• Art forms in traditional theater and modern streaming content
• Language evolution in classic and contemporary music lyrics
• Thought-provoking elements in educational and commercial entertainment

Read Also: Language Essay Topics

History and Politics Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• Ancient and modern democracy systems
• Cold War era and current global political tensions
• Monarchy and republic forms of government
• Industrial Revolution and Digital Revolution impacts
• Political ideologies: liberalism vs. conservatism
• Colonial and post-colonial educational systems
• Civil rights movements in different countries
• World War I and World War II strategies and outcomes
• Ancient and modern propaganda techniques
• Historical and contemporary refugee crises
• Political ideologies shaping educational policies: past and present
• Social studies curriculum focuses on democratic and authoritarian regimes
• Information dissemination in historical political campaigns vs. 2024 strategies
• Community organizing methods: grassroots movements and established political parties
• Foreign language diplomacy: historical significance and modern applications

Read Also: Communication Essay Topics

Just for Fun, Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• Cats vs. dogs as pets
• Summer and winter vacation activities
• Fast food and home-cooked meals
• Superhero movies and classic literature adaptations
• Social media platforms: Instagram vs. TikTok
• Coffee shops and tea houses
• Outdoor and indoor exercise routines
• Minimalist and maximalist interior design styles
• Sci-fi and fantasy genre elements
• Binge-watching TV series and weekly episode releases
• Superhero origin stories and mythological hero narratives
• Emoji language evolution and hieroglyphic communication
• Fictional wizarding schools vs. real-world educational institutions
• Time travel concepts in literature and scientific theories
• Alien civilizations imagined in 1950s sci-fi vs. 2024 depictions

School Application Essay Writing Help

Feeling overwhelmed by the task of writing a standout school application essay that highlights your leadership abilities? Our proven step-by-step guide and personalized essay writing assistance will help you craft a compelling narrative that leaves a lasting impression on admissions committees.

Easy Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College Students

• Rural and urban lifestyles
• High school vs. college experiences
• Fruits and vegetables: nutritional benefits
• Handwritten notes and typed documents
• Morning routines and evening rituals
• Introverted and extroverted personality traits
• Team sports and individual sports
• Fiction and non-fiction reading preferences
• Fast fashion and sustainable clothing choices
• Traditional and modern wedding customs
• Handwritten letters and email communication
• Pets as companions and working animals
• Seasonal changes in urban and rural environments
• Fast food and home-cooked meals: nutritional aspects
• Hobbies that exercise the body vs. those that challenge the mind

Read Also: Humanity Essay Topics

Interesting Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• Biodiversity in rainforests and coral reefs
• Ancient and modern architectural marvels
• Renewable and non-renewable energy sources
• Space exploration: manned missions vs. robotic probes
• Traditional medicine and modern medical practices
• Artificial intelligence in art creation and curation
• Endangered species conservation approaches
• Cryptocurrency and traditional banking systems
• Virtual and in-person international cultural exchanges
• Futuristic city designs and current urban planning
• Biodiversity in polar regions and tropical rainforests
• Ancient and modern methods of predicting weather
• Cultural significance of silence in different societies
• Evolution of currency: from bartering to cryptocurrency
• Human memory processes and artificial intelligence data storage

Read Also: Persepolis Essay Topics

😂 Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• Dad jokes and mom jokes
• Emoji communication vs. interpretive dance
• Superhero capes and blanket forts
• Unicorns and narwhals: mythical vs. real
• Zombie apocalypse survival skills and adulting skills
• Alien invasion movies and family reunion dynamics
• Internet memes and ancient cave paintings
• Procrastination techniques: students vs. professionals
• Talking to plants vs. conversing with pets
• Extreme sports and extreme napping
• Dad jokes across cultures: universal groan-worthiness
• Roomba navigation skills vs. human vacuum cleaning techniques
• Playground politics and office dynamics: surprising similarities
• Pets’ reactions to vacuum cleaners vs. their reflections
• Effectiveness of student excuses in 1990 vs. 2024

College Application Essay Writing Help

Are you struggling to craft a leadership essay that truly captures your unique experiences and qualifications? Our step-by-step guide and expert college application essay writing help will transform your leadership narrative and propel you towards your dreams!

📚 Compare and Contrast Topics: Languages and Literature

• Shakespeare’s tragedies and comedies
• Poetry and prose writing styles
• Classic novels and their modern retellings
• Bilingualism and monolingualism: cognitive effects
• Idiomatic expressions across different languages
• Written and oral storytelling traditions
• Formal and informal language use in various contexts
• Literary symbolism in Eastern and Western literature
• Language evolution: Old English vs. Modern English
• Translated works and original language publications
• Onomatopoeia in different languages: sound representation
• Classic fairy tales and their modern retellings
• Haiku and sonnet: structured poetic forms across cultures
• Language preservation efforts for Indigenous and constructed languages
• Narrative techniques in epistolary novels and modern blog fiction

Read Also:  Wuthering Heights Essay Topics

🖥️ Compare & Contrast: Technology Topics

• Cloud computing and local data storage
• Open-source and proprietary software
• Artificial intelligence and human intelligence
• Virtual reality and augmented reality applications
• Cybersecurity measures: individuals vs. corporations
• 5G technology and previous wireless generations
• Blockchain technology in finance and other industries
• Social media algorithms and human content curation
• Smart home devices and traditional home appliances
• Coding boot camps and traditional computer science degrees
• Wearable tech for fitness vs. medical monitoring
• Cybersecurity measures in financial and educational institutions
• Artificial intelligence in creative writing and data analysis
• Virtual reality applications in entertainment and therapy
• Blockchain technology in voting systems and cryptocurrency

Read Also: Poverty Essay Topics

🏫 Unique Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students

• Traditional lectures and flipped classroom models
• Homeschooling and conventional schooling
• STEM education and liberal arts curriculum
• School uniforms and casual dress policies
• Year-round schooling vs. traditional academic calendar
• Vocational training and university education
• Montessori and Waldorf educational philosophies
• International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs
• Single-gender and co-educational learning environments
• Project-based learning and textbook-centered instruction
• Outdoor classrooms and traditional indoor learning spaces
• Peer tutoring programs and teacher-led instruction
• Gamification in education: digital and non-digital approaches
• Interdisciplinary projects vs. subject-specific assignments
• School garden programs and traditional physical education

Narrative Essay Writing Help

If you\'re looking to take your storytelling abilities to new heights, be sure to check out our comprehensive Narrative Essay Writing help – your ultimate guide to crafting captivating tales that will leave readers hungering for more!

🎭 Culture Comparison Paper Topic Ideas

• Individualistic and collectivistic societies
• Religious and secular holiday celebrations
• Eastern and Western philosophical traditions
• Indigenous and modern agricultural practices
• Traditional and contemporary art forms
• Oral history preservation and written historical records
• Cuisine as cultural identity in different regions
• Rites of passage across various cultures
• Non-verbal communication in diverse cultural contexts
• Cultural attitudes towards time: monochronic vs. polychronic
• Coming-of-age rituals in technology-focused and nature-based societies
• Street food culture in Asian and European cities
• Storytelling traditions: oral histories vs. written records
• Cultural attitudes towards aging in Eastern and Western societies
• Artistic expressions of cultural identity in immigrant communities

Read Also: Middle Ages Essay Topics

🏥 Comparison Topics in Health and Medicine

• Alternative medicine and conventional medical treatments
• Mental and physical health: integrated approaches
• Preventive healthcare and reactive medical interventions
• Traditional healing practices and modern medical technologies
• Personalized medicine and one-size-fits-all treatments
• Telemedicine and in-person medical consultations
• Holistic and specialized medical approaches
• Public and private healthcare systems
• Pharmaceutical and natural remedies
• Acute care and chronic disease management strategies
• Traditional herbal remedies and modern pharmaceuticals
• Mental health treatment approaches in collectivist and individualist cultures
• Nutritional guidelines: government recommendations vs. traditional diets
• Childbirth practices in home and hospital settings
• Chronic disease management: lifestyle changes vs. medical interventions

Read Also: Geography Essay Topics

⚾ Sports Comparison Topics

• Individual and team sports: psychological impacts
• Professional and amateur athletic training regimens
• Traditional sports and extreme sports: risk factors
• Sports in education: competitive and recreational approaches
• Male and female sports coverage in media
• Winter and summer Olympic events
• E-sports and physical sports: skills and challenges
• National and international sports competitions
• Contact and non-contact sports: safety considerations
• Sports as entertainment and cultural phenomena
• Sports psychology techniques in individual and team sports
• Traditional sports and esports: athlete training regimens
• Gender-specific sports equipment design and functionality
• Olympic sports selection criteria: ancient games vs. 2024
• Fan engagement strategies in local and international sports leagues

Experienced writer and dedicated professor with a passion for crafting compelling narratives and nurturing the next generation of critical thinkers

People Also Read

• 244+ Best Essay Topics and Ideas for Essay Writing
• 105+ 6Th Grade Argumentative Essay Topics and Thought-Provoking Writing Prompts
• 145+ Engaging Computer Science Essay Topics

Most Popular Articles

Racism thesis statement example, how to rephrase a thesis statement, capstone project topic suggestions, how to write an abortion essay, should students wear school uniforms essay, list causal essay topics write, respect essay, signal words, great synonyms, informative speech examples, essay writing guide, introduction paragraph for an essay, argumentative essay writing, essay outline templates, write an autobiographical essay, personal narrative essay ideas, descriptive essay writing, how to write a reflective-essay, how to write a lab report abstract, how to write a grant proposal, point of view in an essay, debate topics for youth at church, theatre research paper topics, privacy overview.