best topics for compare and contrast essay

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
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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.

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Compare And Contrast Essay Guide

Compare And Contrast Essay Topics

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics: 100+ Fresh New Ideas

By: Barbara P.

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Mar 10, 2020

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

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

Steer forward with us!

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

On this Page

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students - 2022 Ideas

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for University Students

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College Students

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

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Middle School Students

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 6th Grade

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

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

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Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Sports Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

Art & History Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Medical Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

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Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Movies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Good Compare and Contrast Essay Examples For Your Help

• Compare and Contrast Essay Outline - Template & Examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Structure and Outline

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

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

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

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

Point-by-Point Method

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

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

Body Paragraph 1 - LIFESTYLE

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

Body Paragraph 2 - FINANCES

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

Body Paragraph 3 - CITY

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

Block Method

• Thesis — cover all areas of the essay in one sentence

Body Paragraph 1

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

Body Paragraph 2

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

Body Paragraph 3 ‍

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

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

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

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.

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150 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics to Consider

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics For College Students

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

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

Interesting Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Science

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

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

Sports & Leisure Topics

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

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

Topics About Culture

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

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

Unique Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

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

Topics About Art

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

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

Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Easy Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Sixth Graders

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

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

Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

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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.

100 Compare and contrast essay paper topics:

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

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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.

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• Essay Examples

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Tips On How To Write Superb Compare And Contrast Essays

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

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

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

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

How To Choose Your Sources

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

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

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

Steps To Writing A Compare And Contrast Essay

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

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

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

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

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

Writing Tips To Make Your Essay Stand Out

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

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

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

Best Compare And Contrast Topics For University Students

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

Political And Historical Topics

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

Compare And Contrast Topics For Starters

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

Battle Of The Opposites Essay Topics

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

Teenage Compare And Contrast Essays

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

IT And Social Media Essay Topics

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

Movie and Music Comparison Ideas

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

Compare And Contrast Literature Topics

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

Scientific Topic Ideas

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

Everyday Compare And Contrast Topics

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

Philosophy Topic Ideas

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

Main Parts of Writing a Compare Essay

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

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

• Documentaries
• Scientific magazines
• Academic journals
• Official Reports

How to Write a Comparative and Contrast Essay

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

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

• People and Fiction

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

Introduction

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

Emphasizing on your arguments

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

Refuting arguments

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

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

More Tips on Writing a Comparative and Contrast Essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6th Grade Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Middle School Essay Topics

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

High School Compare and Contrast Essay Themes

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

Day-to-day Compare and Contrast Essay Themes

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

Politics and History Compare Essay Topics

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

Easy to Approach Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Opposite Compare Essay Topics

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

Compare and Contrast Topics for Teenagers

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

Social Media and IT Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Music and Movie Compare and Contrast Essay Themes

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

Literature-Inspired Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas

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

Scientific Topics for Compare and Contrast Essays

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

Popular Compare Essay Themes

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

Philosophical Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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Free Attendance Questions Slideshow ✨

34 Compelling Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

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

Do your writers need some inspiration? If you’re teaching students to write a compare and contrast essay, a strong example is an invaluable tool. This round-up of our favorite compare and contrast essays covers a range of topics and grade levels, so no matter your students’ interests or ages, you’ll always have a helpful example to share. You’ll find links to full essays about education, technology, pop culture, sports, animals, and more. (Need compare-and-contrast essay topic ideas? Check out our big list of compare and contrast essay topics! )

What is a compare and contrast essay?

• Education and parenting essays
• Technology essays
• Pop culture essays
• Historical and political essays
• Sports essays
• Lifestyle essays
• Healthcare essays
• Animal essays

When choosing a compare and contrast essay example to include on this list, we considered the structure. A strong compare and contrast essay begins with an introductory paragraph that includes background context and a strong thesis. Next, the body includes paragraphs that explore the similarities and differences. Finally, a concluding paragraph restates the thesis, draws any necessary inferences, and asks any remaining questions.

A compare and contrast essay example can be an opinion piece comparing two things and making a conclusion about which is better. For example, “Is Tom Brady really the GOAT?” It can also help consumers decide which product is better suited to them. Should you keep your subscription to Hulu or Netflix? Should you stick with Apple or explore Android? Here’s our list of compare and contrast essay samples categorized by subject.

Education and Parenting Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Private school vs. public school.

Sample lines: “Deciding whether to send a child to public or private school can be a tough choice for parents. … Data on whether public or private education is better can be challenging to find and difficult to understand, and the cost of private school can be daunting. … According to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, public schools still attract far more students than private schools, with 50.7 million students attending public school as of 2018. Private school enrollment in the fall of 2017 was 5.7 million students, a number that is down from 6 million in 1999.”

Read the full essay: Private School vs. Public School at U.S. News and World Report

Homeschool vs. Public School: How Home Schooling Will Change Public Education

Sample lines: “Home schooling, not a present threat to public education, is nonetheless one of the forces that will change it. If the high estimates of the number of children in home schools (1.2 million) is correct, then the home-schooling universe is larger than the New York City public school system and roughly the size of the Los Angeles and Chicago public school systems combined. … Critics charge that three things are wrong with home schooling: harm to students academically; harm to society by producing students who are ill-prepared to function as democratic citizens and participants in a modern economy; and harm to public education, making it more difficult for other parents to educate their children. … It is time to ask whether home schooling, charters, and vouchers should be considered parts of a broad repertoire of methods that we as a society use to educate our children.”

Read the full essay: Homeschool vs. Public School: How Home Schooling Will Change Public Education at Brookings

Which parenting style is right for you?

Sample lines: “The three main types of parenting are on a type of ‘sliding scale’ of parenting, with permissive parenting as the least strict type of parenting. Permissive parenting typically has very few rules, while authoritarian parenting is thought of as a very strict, rule-driven type of parenting.”

Read the full essay: What Is Authoritative Parenting? at Healthline

Masked Education? The Benefits and Burdens of Wearing Face Masks in Schools During the Pandemic

Sample lines: “Face masks can prevent the spread of the virus SARS-CoV-2. … However, covering the lower half of the face reduces the ability to communicate. Positive emotions become less recognizable, and negative emotions are amplified. Emotional mimicry, contagion, and emotionality in general are reduced and (thereby) bonding between teachers and learners, group cohesion, and learning—of which emotions are a major driver. The benefits and burdens of face masks in schools should be seriously considered and made obvious and clear to teachers and students.”

Read the full essay: Masked Education? The Benefits and Burdens of Wearing Face Masks in Schools During the Pandemic at National Library of Medicine

To Ban or Not: What Should We Really Make of Book Bans?

Sample lines: “In recent years, book bans have soared in schools, reaching an all-time high in fall 2022. … The challenge of balancing parent concerns about ‘age appropriateness’ against the imperative of preparing students to be informed citizens is still on the minds of many educators today. … Such curricular decision-making  should  be left to the professionals, argues English/language arts instructional specialist Miriam Plotinsky. ‘Examining texts for their appropriateness is not a job that noneducators are trained to do,’ she wrote last year, as the national debate over censorship resurged with the news that a Tennessee district banned the graphic novel  Maus  just days before Holocaust Remembrance Day.”

Read the full essay: To Ban or Not: What Should We Really Make of Book Bans? at Education Week

Technology Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Netflix vs. hulu 2023: which is the best streaming service.

Sample lines: “Netflix fans will point to its high-quality originals, including  The Witcher ,  Stranger Things ,  Emily in Paris ,  Ozark , and more, as well as a wide variety of documentaries like  Cheer ,  The Last Dance ,  My Octopus Teacher , and many others. It also boasts a much larger subscription base, with more than 222 million subscribers compared to Hulu’s 44 million. Hulu, on the other hand, offers a variety of extras such as HBO and Showtime—content that’s unavailable on Netflix. Its price tag is also cheaper than the competition, with its $7/mo. starting price, which is a bit more palatable than Netflix’s $10/mo. starting price.”

Read the full essay: Netflix vs. Hulu 2023: Which is the best streaming service? at TV Guide

Kindle vs. Hardcover: Which is easier on the eyes?

Sample lines: “In the past, we would have to drag around heavy books if we were really into reading. Now, we can have all of those books, and many more, stored in one handy little device that can easily be stuffed into a backpack, purse, etc. … Many of us still prefer to hold an actual book in our hands. … But, whether you use a Kindle or prefer hardcover books or paperbacks, the main thing is that you enjoy reading. A story in a book or on a Kindle device can open up new worlds, take you to fantasy worlds, educate you, entertain you, and so much more.”

Read the full essay: Kindle vs. Hardcover: Which is easier on the eyes? at Books in a Flash

iPhone vs. Android: Which is better for you?

Sample lines: “The iPhone vs. Android comparison is a never-ending debate on which one is best. It will likely never have a real winner, but we’re going to try and help you to find your personal pick all the same. iOS 17 and Android 14—the latest versions of the two operating systems—both offer smooth and user-friendly experiences, and several similar or identical features. But there are still important differences to be aware of. … Owning an iPhone is a simpler, more convenient experience. There’s less to think about. … Android-device ownership is a bit harder. … Yet it’s simultaneously more freeing, because it offers more choice.”

Read the full essay: iPhone vs. Android: Which is better for you? at Tom’s Guide

Cutting the cord: Is streaming or cable better for you?

Sample lines: “Cord-cutting has become a popular trend in recent years, thanks to the rise of streaming services. For those unfamiliar, cord cutting is the process of canceling your cable subscription and instead, relying on streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu to watch your favorite shows and movies. The primary difference is that you can select your streaming services à la carte while cable locks you in on a set number of channels through bundles. So, the big question is: should you cut the cord?”

Read the full essay: Cutting the cord: Is streaming or cable better for you? at BroadbandNow

PS5 vs. Nintendo Switch

Sample lines: “The crux of the comparison comes down to portability versus power. Being able to migrate fully fledged Nintendo games from a big screen to a portable device is a huge asset—and one that consumers have taken to, especially given the Nintendo Switch’s meteoric sales figures. … It is worth noting that many of the biggest franchises like Call of Duty, Madden, modern Resident Evil titles, newer Final Fantasy games, Grand Theft Auto, and open-world Ubisoft adventures like Assassin’s Creed will usually skip Nintendo Switch due to its lack of power. The inability to play these popular games practically guarantees that a consumer will pick up a modern system, while using the Switch as a secondary device.”

Read the full essay: PS5 vs. Nintendo Switch at Digital Trends

What is the difference between Facebook and Instagram?

Sample lines: “Have you ever wondered what is the difference between Facebook and Instagram? Instagram and Facebook are by far the most popular social media channels used by digital marketers. Not to mention that they’re also the biggest platforms used by internet users worldwide. So, today we’ll look into the differences and similarities between these two platforms to help you figure out which one is the best fit for your business.”

Read the full essay: What is the difference between Facebook and Instagram? at SocialBee

Digital vs. Analog Watches—What’s the Difference?

Sample lines: “In short, digital watches use an LCD or LED screen to display the time. Whereas, an analog watch features three hands to denote the hour, minutes, and seconds. With the advancement in watch technology and research, both analog and digital watches have received significant improvements over the years. Especially in terms of design, endurance, and accompanying features. … At the end of the day, whether you go analog or digital, it’s a personal preference to make based on your style, needs, functions, and budget.”

Read the full essay: Digital vs. Analog Watches—What’s the Difference? at Watch Ranker

AI Art vs. Human Art: A Side-by-Side Analysis

Sample lines: “Art has always been a reflection of human creativity, emotion, and cultural expression. However, with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), a new form of artistic creation has emerged, blurring the lines between what is created by human hands and what is generated by algorithms. … Despite the excitement surrounding AI Art, it also raises complex ethical, legal, and artistic questions that have sparked debates about the definition of art, the role of the artist, and the future of art production. … Regardless of whether AI Art is considered ‘true’ art, it is crucial to embrace and explore the vast possibilities and potential it brings to the table. The transformative influence of AI art on the art world is still unfolding, and only time will reveal its true extent.”

Read the full essay: AI Art vs. Human Art: A Side-by-Side Analysis at Raul Lara

Pop Culture Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Christina aguilera vs. britney spears.

Sample lines: “Britney Spears vs. Christina Aguilera was the Coke vs. Pepsi of 1999 — no, really, Christina repped Coke and Britney shilled for Pepsi. The two teen idols released debut albums seven months apart before the turn of the century, with Britney’s becoming a standard-bearer for bubblegum pop and Aguilera’s taking an R&B bent to show off her range. … It’s clear that Spears and Aguilera took extremely divergent paths following their simultaneous breakout successes.”

Read the full essay: Christina Aguilera vs. Britney Spears at The Ringer

Harry Styles vs. Ed Sheeran

Sample lines: “The world heard our fantasies and delivered us two titans simultaneously—we have been blessed with Ed Sheeran and Harry Styles. Our cup runneth over; our bounty is immeasurable. More remarkable still is the fact that both have released albums almost at the same time: Ed’s third, Divide , was released in March and broke the record for one-day Spotify streams, while Harry’s frenziedly anticipated debut solo, called Harry Styles , was released yesterday.”

Read the full essay: Harry Styles versus Ed Sheeran at Belfast Telegraph

The Grinch: Three Versions Compared

Sample lines: “Based on the original story of the same name, this movie takes a completely different direction by choosing to break away from the cartoony form that Seuss had established by filming the movie in a live-action form. Whoville is preparing for Christmas while the Grinch looks down upon their celebrations in disgust. Like the previous film, The Grinch hatches a plan to ruin Christmas for the Who’s. … Like in the original Grinch, he disguises himself as Santa Claus, and makes his dog, Max, into a reindeer. He then takes all of the presents from the children and households. … Cole’s favorite is the 2000 edition, while Alex has only seen the original. Tell us which one is your favorite.”

Read the full essay: The Grinch: Three Versions Compared at Wooster School

Historical and Political Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Malcolm x vs. martin luther king jr.: comparison between two great leaders’ ideologies .

Sample lines: “Although they were fighting for civil rights at the same time, their ideology and way of fighting were completely distinctive. This can be for a plethora of reasons: background, upbringing, the system of thought, and vision. But keep in mind, they devoted their whole life to the same prospect. … Through boycotts and marches, [King] hoped to end racial segregation. He felt that the abolition of segregation would improve the likelihood of integration. Malcolm X, on the other hand, spearheaded a movement for black empowerment.”

Read the full essay: Malcolm X vs. Martin Luther King Jr.: Comparison Between Two Great Leaders’ Ideologies  at Melaninful

Contrast Between Obama and Trump Has Become Clear

Sample lines: “The contrast is even clearer when we look to the future. Trump promises more tax cuts, more military spending, more deficits and deeper cuts in programs for the vulnerable. He plans to nominate a coal lobbyist to head the Environmental Protection Agency. … Obama says America must move forward, and he praises progressive Democrats for advocating Medicare for all. … With Obama and then Trump, Americans have elected two diametrically opposed leaders leading into two very different directions.”

Read the full essay: Contrast Between Obama and Trump Has Become Clear at Chicago Sun-Times

Sports Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Lebron james vs. kobe bryant: a complete comparison.

Sample lines: “LeBron James has achieved so much in his career that he is seen by many as the greatest of all time, or at least the only player worthy of being mentioned in the GOAT conversation next to Michael Jordan. Bridging the gap between Jordan and LeBron though was Kobe Bryant, who often gets left out of comparisons and GOAT conversations. … Should his name be mentioned more though? Can he compare to LeBron or is The King too far past The Black Mamba in historical rankings already?”

Read the full essay: LeBron James vs. Kobe Bryant: A Complete Comparison at Sportskeeda

NFL: Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning Rivalry Comparison

Sample lines: “Tom Brady and Peyton Manning were largely considered the best quarterbacks in the NFL for the majority of the time they spent in the league together, with the icons having many head-to-head clashes in the regular season and on the AFC side of the NFL Playoffs. Manning was the leader of the Indianapolis Colts of the AFC South. … Brady spent his career as the QB of the AFC East’s New England Patriots, before taking his talents to Tampa Bay. … The reality is that winning is the most important aspect of any career, and Brady won more head-to-head matchups than Manning did.”

Read the full essay: NFL: Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning Rivalry Comparison at Sportskeeda

The Greatest NBA Franchise Ever: Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers?

Sample lines: “The Celtics are universally considered as the greatest franchise in NBA history. But if you take a close look at the numbers, there isn’t really too much separation between them and their arch-rival Los Angeles Lakers. In fact, you can even make a good argument for the Lakers. … In 72 seasons played, the Boston Celtics have won a total of 3,314 games and lost 2,305 or a .590 winning mark. On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers have won 3,284 of 5,507 total games played or a slightly better winning record of .596. … But while the Lakers have the better winning percentage, the Celtics have the advantage over them in head-to-head competition.”

Read the full essay: The Greatest NBA Franchise Ever: Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers? at Sport One

Is Soccer Better Than Football?

Sample lines: “Is soccer better than football? Soccer and football lovers have numerous reasons to support their sport of choice. Both keep the players physically fit and help to bring people together for an exciting cause. However, soccer has drawn more numbers globally due to its popularity in more countries.”

Read the full essay: Is Soccer Better Than Football? at Sports Brief

Lifestyle Choices Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Mobile home vs. tiny house: similarities, differences, pros & cons.

Sample lines: “Choosing the tiny home lifestyle enables you to spend more time with those you love. The small living space ensures quality bonding time rather than hiding away in a room or behind a computer screen. … You’ll be able to connect closer to nature and find yourself able to travel the country at any given moment. On the other hand, we have the mobile home. … They are built on a chassis with transportation in mind. … They are not built to be moved on a constant basis. … While moving the home again *is* possible, it may cost you several thousand dollars.”

Read the full essay: Mobile Home vs. Tiny House: Similarities, Differences, Pros & Cons at US Mobile Home Pros

Whole Foods vs. Walmart: The Story of Two Grocery Stores

Sample lines: “It is clear that both stores have very different stories and aims when it comes to their customers. Whole Foods looks to provide organic, healthy, exotic, and niche products for an audience with a very particular taste. … Walmart, on the other hand, looks to provide the best deals, every possible product, and every big brand for a broader audience. … Moreover, they look to make buying affordable and accessible, and focus on the capitalist nature of buying.”

Read the full essay: Whole Foods vs. Walmart: The Story of Two Grocery Stores at The Archaeology of Us

Artificial Grass vs. Turf: The Real Differences Revealed

Sample lines: “The key difference between artificial grass and turf is their intended use. Artificial turf is largely intended to be used for sports, so it is shorter and tougher. On the other hand, artificial grass is generally longer, softer and more suited to landscaping purposes. Most homeowners would opt for artificial grass as a replacement for a lawn, for example. Some people actually prefer playing sports on artificial grass, too … artificial grass is often softer and more bouncy, giving it a feel similar to playing on a grassy lawn. … At the end of the day, which one you will choose will depend on your specific household and needs.”

Read the full essay: Artificial Grass vs. Turf: The Real Differences Revealed at Almost Grass

Minimalism vs. Maximalism: Differences, Similarities, and Use Cases

Sample lines: “Maximalists love shopping, especially finding unique pieces. They see it as a hobby—even a skill—and a way to express their personality. Minimalists don’t like shopping and see it as a waste of time and money. They’d instead use those resources to create memorable experiences. Maximalists desire one-of-a-kind possessions. Minimalists are happy with duplicates—for example, personal uniforms. … Minimalism and maximalism are about being intentional with your life and belongings. It’s about making choices based on what’s important to you.”

Read the full essay: Minimalism vs. Maximalism: Differences, Similarities, and Use Cases at Minimalist Vegan

Vegetarian vs. Meat Eating: Is It Better To Be a Vegetarian?

Sample lines: “You’ve heard buzz over the years that following a vegetarian diet is better for your health, and you’ve probably read a few magazine articles featuring a celeb or two who swore off meat and animal products and ‘magically’ lost weight. So does ditching meat automatically equal weight loss? Will it really help you live longer and be healthier overall? … Vegetarians appear to have lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure  and lower rates of hypertension and type 2 diabetes than meat eaters. Vegetarians also tend to have a lower body mass index, lower overall cancer rates and lower risk of chronic disease. But if your vegetarian co-worker is noshing greasy veggie burgers and fries every day for lunch, is he likely to be healthier than you, who always orders the grilled salmon? Definitely not!”

Read the full essay: Vegetarian vs. Meat Eating: Is It Better To Be a Vegetarian? at WebMD

Healthcare Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Similarities and differences between the health systems in australia & usa.

Sample lines: “Australia and the United States are two very different countries. They are far away from each other, have contrasting fauna and flora, differ immensely by population, and have vastly different healthcare systems. The United States has a population of 331 million people, compared to Australia’s population of 25.5 million people.”

Read the full essay: Similarities and Differences Between the Health Systems in Australia & USA at Georgia State University

Universal Healthcare in the United States of America: A Healthy Debate

Sample lines: “Disadvantages of universal healthcare include significant upfront costs and logistical challenges. On the other hand, universal healthcare may lead to a healthier populace, and thus, in the long-term, help to mitigate the economic costs of an unhealthy nation. In particular, substantial health disparities exist in the United States, with low socio-economic status segments of the population subject to decreased access to quality healthcare and increased risk of non-communicable chronic conditions such as obesity and type II diabetes, among other determinants of poor health.”

Read the full essay: Universal Healthcare in the United States of America: A Healthy Debate at National Library of Medicine

Pros and Cons of Physician Aid in Dying

Sample lines: “Physician aid in dying is a controversial subject raising issues central to the role of physicians. … The two most common arguments in favor of legalizing AID are respect for patient autonomy and relief of suffering. A third, related, argument is that AID is a safe medical practice, requiring a health care professional. … Although opponents of AID offer many arguments ranging from pragmatic to philosophical, we focus here on concerns that the expansion of AID might cause additional, unintended harm through suicide contagion, slippery slope, and the deaths of patients suffering from depression.”

Read the full essay: Pros and Cons of Physician Aid in Dying at National Library of Medicine

Animals Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Compare and contrast paragraph—dogs and cats.

Sample lines: “Researchers have found that dogs have about twice the number of neurons in their cerebral cortexes than what cats have. Specifically, dogs had around 530 million neurons, whereas the domestic cat only had 250 million neurons. Moreover, dogs can be trained to learn and respond to our commands, but although your cat understands your name, and anticipates your every move, he/she may choose to ignore you.”

Read the full essay: Compare and Contrast Paragraph—Dogs and Cats at Proofwriting Guru via YouTube

Giddyup! The Differences Between Horses and Dogs

Sample lines: “Horses are prey animals with a deep herding instinct. They are highly sensitive to their environment, hyper aware, and ready to take flight if needed. Just like dogs, some horses are more confident than others, but just like dogs, all need a confident handler to teach them what to do. Some horses are highly reactive and can be spooked by the smallest things, as are dogs. … Another distinction between horses and dogs … was that while dogs have been domesticated , horses have been  tamed. … Both species have influenced our culture more than any other species on the planet.”

Read the full essay: Giddyup! The Differences Between Horses and Dogs at Positively Victoria Stilwell

Exotic, Domesticated, and Wild Pets

Sample lines: “Although the words ‘exotic’ and ‘wild’ are frequently used interchangeably, many people do not fully understand how these categories differ when it comes to pets. ‘A wild animal is an indigenous, non-domesticated animal, meaning that it is native to the country where you are located,’ Blue-McLendon explained. ‘For Texans, white-tailed deer, pronghorn sheep, raccoons, skunks, and bighorn sheep are wild animals … an exotic animal is one that is wild but is from a different continent than where you live.’ For example, a hedgehog in Texas would be considered an exotic animal, but in the hedgehog’s native country, it would be considered wildlife.”

Read the full essay: Exotic, Domesticated, and Wild Pets at Texas A&M University

Should Zoos Be Banned? Pros & Cons of Zoos

Sample lines: “The pros and cons of zoos often come from two very different points of view. From a legal standard, animals are often treated as property. That means they have less rights than humans, so a zoo seems like a positive place to maintain a high quality of life. For others, the forced enclosure of any animal feels like an unethical decision. … Zoos provide a protected environment for endangered animals, and also help in raising awareness and funding for wildlife initiatives and research projects. … Zoos are key for research. Being able to observe and study animals is crucial if we want to contribute to help them and repair the ecosystems. … Zoos are a typical form of family entertainment, but associating leisure and fun with the contemplation of animals in captivity can send the wrong signals to our children.”

Read the full essay: Should Zoos Be Banned? Pros & Cons of Zoos at EcoCation

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80 Intriguing Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

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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?

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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

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• Comparing and contrasting in an essay | Tips & examples

Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay | Tips & Examples

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

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

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Best Inspiration for Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students

Updated 24 Jul 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.

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Movies, Music, and Art

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

Literature Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Scientific Compare and Contrast Topics

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

Philosophy Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas

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

Religion Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Intriguing Topics for Middle School Students

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

6th Grade Comparative Essay Topics

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

General Essay Writing Prompts

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

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

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Compare And Contrast Essay

Compare And Contrast Essay Topics

Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students

13 min read

Published on: Feb 24, 2020

Last updated on: Jul 23, 2024

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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!

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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.

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Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Sports

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

Medical Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Management and Marketing

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

Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Teenagers

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

Compare and Contrast Topics on Economy

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

Social Studies Compare and Contrast Essay Topics 

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics Education 2024

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

Language Arts Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Science and Technology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024 in Politics

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas About Daily Life

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

Entertainment Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

How to Choose a Compare and Contrast Essay Topic?

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

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

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

The Bottom Line!

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

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

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.

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170 Comparative Essay Topics

Essay writing prompts vary depending on what type of essay you are asked to write. For example, for some essay writing assignments, your instructor may ask you to create a comparative essay that compares and contrasts two things. This type of essay is common in high school and college English classes, as well as in other disciplines such as history or sociology.

Unlike other essay writing styles, comparative essays present a unique challenge for students in that they require the use of both critical thinking and analytical skills. To write a successful comparative essay, you will need to understand how to compare and contrast two different subjects effectively.

This guide will provide you with some tips on getting started with writing your comparative essay and provide 170 comparative essay writing topics to help get your creative juices flowing.

The Basics of Comparative Essays

Before you start writing your comparative essay, it is important to understand the basics of this type of essay. A comparative essay is an essay that compares two or more subjects. These subjects can be anything from people, places, things, concepts, or events.

The key to writing a successful comparative essay is to find two subjects that are similar enough to be compared but different enough to provide an interesting and insightful contrast. For example, you could compare and contrast two different historical figures, two different novels, or even two different theories.

Writing Comparative Essays

Once you have selected your subjects, the next step is to determine what points of similarity and difference exist between them. This will require you to research both subjects to identify their key features.

Once you have identified the key points of similarity and difference, you can start planning your essay. A comparative essay typically consists of four paragraphs – an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Comparative Essay Introduction

In the introduction, you will need to provide background information on both subjects and explain why you have chosen to compare them. You will also need to introduce your thesis statement.

A thesis statement summarizes the essay’s main argument and should concisely state what you will be proving in your paper. For example, your thesis statement for a comparative essay about presidents of the United States could be:

“Though both John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln were great presidents, they differed in their approaches to politics. These differences can be seen in their policies on civil rights and foreign affairs.”

This thesis statement example clearly identifies the two subjects being compared (presidents Kennedy and Lincoln), the points of similarity and difference (their approaches to politics), and what will be proven in the essay (that their differences led to different outcomes).

Comparative Essay Body

The body paragraphs of your essay will each focus on one point of comparison. So, for example, if you are comparing and contrasting two different presidents, you may want to focus on their policies on civil rights in one body paragraph and their foreign policy views in another.

Within each body paragraph, you will need to provide evidence to support your claims. This evidence can come in the form of statistics, quotes from experts, or real-life examples.

It is important to make sure that your evidence is both relevant and persuasive in order to support your argument. In addition, be sure to provide counterarguments to any opposing viewpoints you anticipate your reader may have.

Comparative Essay Conclusion

The conclusion of your comparative essay should summarize the main points of comparison and contrast between the two subjects, as well as reinforce your thesis statement.

In addition, the conclusion should leave your reader with a strong impression of what they have just read. You may want to end with a thought-provoking question or an interesting quotation that will stay with your reader long after they have finished reading your essay.

Essential Aspects of Writing Comparative Essays

To ensure you are writing a comparative essay and not a simple report, there are a few key aspects you should keep in mind:

• Your essay must have a clear purpose or argument. Simply listing the similarities and differences between two subjects is not enough – you need to make an argument about why it matters that they are compared.
• You must use evidence to support your claims. This evidence can come in the form of statistics, quotes from experts, or real-life examples.
• Your essay should be well-organized and easy to follow. Be sure to introduce your thesis statement in the introduction and include topic sentences at the beginning of each body paragraph.
• You should anticipate and address counterarguments to your own argument. This shows that you are aware of different points of view and can effectively refute them.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your comparative essay is well-written and meets the assignment’s requirements.

With the knowledge above of writing a comparative essay and this list of 170 comparative essay topics, you’ll be well on your way to writing an excellent essay in no time.

Comparative Essay Topics About Countries

• Compare and contrast the education system in the United States with the education system in another country of your choice.
• Compare and contrast the healthcare systems in the United States and Canada.
• What are the similarities and differences between the political systems of the United Kingdom and France?
• How does the economy of China differ from the economy of Japan?
• What are the similarities and differences between the cultures of Spain and Mexico?
• Compare and contrast the tonal language differences between Mandarin and Cantonese.
• How does the standard of living in the United States compare to the standard of living in Norway?
• Comparative essay on the healthcare systems in France and Germany.
• Compare and contrast the immigration policies of Australia and Canada.
• How does the cost of living in Japan compare to the cost of living in the United States?
• How do the political systems of South Africa and Nigeria differ?
• Compare and contrast the cultures of Spain and Portugal.
• What are the similarities and differences between the religions of Hindus?

Comparative Essay Topics About History

• How did the American Revolution compare to the French Revolution?
• What were the causes and effects of World War I? How did it compare to World War II?
• How did Ancient Greece and Rome influence the United States’ founding?
• Compare and contrast the policies of Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson.
• Who was a more effective leader, Julius Caesar or Augustus Caesar? Why?
• Compare and contrast the American Revolution and the French Revolution.
• What are the similarities and differences between the fall of the Roman Empire and the fall of the Soviet Union?
• Compare and contrast the policies of Stalin and Trotsky.
• How did Ancient Greece differ from Ancient Rome?
• Compare and contrast the cotton gin and the spinning jenny.

Comparative Essay Topics About Literature

• Compare and contrast Homer’s Odyssey with Virgil’s Aeneid.
• What are the similarities and differences between William Shakespeare’s tragedies and comedies?
• How does the poetry of Robert Frost differ from that of Langston Hughes?
• Compare and contrast the novels of Jane Austen with the novels of Charlotte Bronte.
• How is J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye similar to Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?
• Compare and contrast the novels of Harper Lee with the novels of Toni Morrison.
• How is John Milton’s Paradise Lost similar to Dante’s Inferno?
• Compare and contrast the epics of Homer with the epics of Virgil.
• What are the similarities and differences between the plays of Sophocles and Euripides?
• How does the poetry of Sylvia Plath differ from that of Anne Sexton?
• Analyze how different authors from different historical periods have tackled the same subject matter.
• Compare and contrast the treatment of a theme or characters in two works of literature.
• How does the use of literary devices differ between two poets?
• What are the similarities and differences in how two authors use setting in their stories?

Comparative Essay Topics About Movies or Television Shows

• Compare and contrast two movies with similar themes.
• Compare and contrast two television shows with similar plots.
• How does the way television shows are written today compare to how they were written in the past?
• Compare and contrast the acting styles of two Hollywood actors.
• What are the similarities and differences between independent films and studio films?
• How does the way movies are marketed today compare to how they were marketed in the past?
• Compare and contrast two film directors and their work.
• What are the similarities and differences between black-and-white films and color films?
• Compare and contrast the role of women in film in the ’50s vs. now.
• Compare and contrast two movies with different plots but similar themes.
• How does the way movies are shot today compare to how they were shot in the past?
• What are the similarities and differences between foreign and American films?
• How has the portrayal of violence in film changed over time?
• What are the similarities and differences between documentary films and feature films?
• How does the use of special effects differ between two action movies?
• What are the similarities and differences between two sports movies?
• Compare and contrast how two different directors have adapted the same novel into a film.
• How does the use of music in two different films compare?
• What are the similarities and differences in how two different countries produce films?
• How does the film industry in India compare to the film industry in Hollywood?
• Compare and contrast how two different producers have tackled the same subject matter in a documentary film.
• How does the use of special effects differ between two science fiction movies?

Comparative Essay Topics About Education

• How does the level of education in the United States compare to the level of education in Finland?
• What are the similarities and differences between homeschooling and public schooling?
• What are the similarities and differences between private and public schools?
• Compare and contrast the higher education systems in the United Kingdom and the United States.
• How do the admission requirements for colleges and universities differ around the world?
• What are the similarities and differences between trade schools and traditional colleges?
• How does the structure of a classroom differ between elementary school and high school?
• What are the similarities and differences in how children are taught in China and the United States?
• What is the difference between a Montessori school and a traditional school?
• Compare and contrast online education with traditional classroom learning.
• How does distance learning differ from traditional education?
• What are the similarities and differences between charter and private schools?
• Compare and contrast how two different countries approach education.
• What are the similarities and differences in how boys and girls are taught in single-sex schools?
• How does the level of education in rural areas compare to the level of education in urban areas?
• Compare and contrast the education systems in developed and developing countries.
• What are the similarities and differences between vocational schools and traditional colleges?
• How has the structure of classrooms changed over time?

Comparative Essay Topics About Art

• Compare and contrast the work of two painters from different periods in history.
• How does the style of musicians from different genres differ?
• Compare and contrast the methods used by the sculptors Rodan and Michelangelo.
• How does post-impressionism differ from impressionism?
• Compare and contrast the work of two photographers from different periods in history.
• What are the similarities and differences between the techniques used by two photographers?
• What is the difference between support systems available to artists in different eras?
• What has been the impact of technology on art in recent years?
• How does the work of artists from different cultures differ?
• How have attitudes to art changed over time?
• What are the similarities and differences between how artists from different cultures approach their work?
• What is the difference between traditional and contemporary art forms?
• How has the definition of “art” changed over time?
• How have the methods used by artists to sell their work changed over time?
• What are the similarities and differences between how artists from different cultures use color in their work?

Comparative Essay Topics About Architecture

• Compare and contrast the work of two architects from different periods in history.
• How has the role of architects changed over time?
• Compare and contrast the work of two landscape architects from different historical periods.
• What are the similarities and differences between traditional and contemporary architecture?
• How does the work of architects from different cultures differ?
• What is the difference between the work of an architect and the work of a civil engineer?
• How has the function of buildings changed over time?
• What are the similarities and differences between Gothic architecture and Romanesque architecture?
• What is the difference between the work of an interior designer and the work of an architect?
• What are the similarities and differences between the work of an architect and the work of a construction worker?
• How has technology affected the work of architects? Is a specific technology better or worse than another?
• What is the difference between sustainable architecture and traditional architecture?
• What are the similarities and differences between the work of an architect and the work of an urban planner?
• How does the work of an architect differ from the work of a landscape architect?
• What is the difference between modern architecture and post-modern architecture?
• What are the similarities and differences between the work of an architect and the work of an environmental scientist?

Comparative Essay Topics About Culture

• Compare and contrast the customs and traditions of two cultures.
• How has the definition of “family” changed in different cultures?
• What are the similarities and differences between how men and women are treated in different cultures?
• Compare and contrast the customs and traditions of two religious groups.
• What is the difference between the customs and traditions of a regressive culture and a culture that is progressive?
• What are the similarities and differences between the customs and traditions of two ethnic groups?
• Compare and contrast the way that children are raised in two different cultures.
• What is the difference between how families live in rural areas and how families live in urban areas?
• What are the similarities and differences between how people in different cultures spend their leisure time?
• What is the difference between the way that people in different cultures dress?
• What is the difference between the way that people in different cultures communicate?
• What is the difference between the customs and traditions of an individualistic culture and a culture that is collectivistic?
• Compare and contrast the way that people in different cultures think about death.
• What are the similarities and differences between how people in different cultures view marriage?
• What is the difference between the customs and traditions of a monotheistic culture and a culture that is polytheistic?
• What are the similarities and differences between how people in different cultures view work?
• What is the difference between the customs and traditions of a materialistic culture and a culture that is non-materialistic?
• What are the similarities and differences between how people in different cultures view money?
• What is the difference between the customs and traditions of a collectivist culture and an individualist culture?
• What are the similarities and differences between how people in different cultures view education?

Comparative Essay Topics About Science

• How do the theories of Darwin and Lamarck differ?
• How do the findings of Copernicus differ from those of Galileo?
• What are the similarities between Newton’s laws of motion and Einstein’s theory of relativity?
• What is the difference between the Big Bang theory and the Steady State theory?
• How do the findings of archaeologists differ from those of anthropologists?
• What is the difference between the work of a chemist and the work of a physicist?
• What are the similarities and differences between the work of a biologist and the work of a zoologist?
• What is the difference between Darwin’s theory of evolution and Lamarck’s theory of evolution?
• What are the similarities and differences between Freud’s theory of psychoanalysis and Jung’s theory of psychoanalysis?
• What is the difference between the work of a psychologist and the work of a psychiatrist?
• How do the theories of Piaget and Vygotsky differ?
• What is the difference between the findings of a geologist and the findings of a meteorologist?
• What are the similarities and differences between the work of an astronomer and the work of a cosmologist?
• What is the difference between quantum mechanics and classical mechanics?
• What are the similarities and differences between the work of a chemist and the work of a toxicologist?
• What is the difference between inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry?
• What are the similarities and differences between physical geography and human geography?
• What is the difference between geology and oceanography?
• What is the difference between the work of an archaeologist and the work of a paleontologist?
• What are the similarities and differences between the work of a seismologist and the work of a volcanologist?

Comparative Essay Topics About Technology

• Compare and contrast the first automobile and the latest model you can think of.
• What are the similarities between a smartphone and a regular cell phone?
• How does the internet differ from television?
• What are the similarities and differences between a laptop and a desktop computer?
• How did the printing press compare to contemporary methods of printing?
• How did the Wright brothers’ airplane compare to contemporary models?
• What are the similarities and differences between a car and a train?
• Compare and contrast the development of the steam engine with that of the electric motor.
• How has transportation changed since the advent of the automobile?
• What are the similarities and differences between a submarine and an airplane?
• What are the similarities and differences between a tank and a battleship?
• Compare and contrast the Wright brothers’ airplane with the Apollo space shuttle.
• How has warfare changed since the development of nuclear weapons?
• What are the similarities and differences between a rocket and a missile?
• What are the similarities and differences between a satellite and a space station?
• What are the similarities and differences between a telescope and a microscope?
• Compare and contrast early forms of communication with contemporary methods.
• How has transportation changed since the development of the railroad?
• What are the similarities and differences between a blimp and a hot air balloon?
• Explore the similarities and differences between AI and the human brain.
• What are the similarities and differences between a nuclear reactor and a solar panel?

All 170 of these comparative essay topics will provide plenty of material for writing. Remember to start by outlining your essay’s intro, body, and conclusion to help guide your writing. Also, don’t forget to use concrete examples, back up your claims with evidence from reliable sources, and always write in clear and concise language.

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Sometimes you just need a jumpstart to start writing your essay – a list of compare and contrast topics. You came to the right place! We’ve got a lot of awesome ideas to choose from! Feel free to pick one of them or compare them with your own experience and generate even better ideas. This way you can be sure your school or college teacher appreciates your creativity!

What Is a Compare and Contrast Essay?

Let’s start with defining a meaning of  compare and contrast essay . Such types of writing are typically built around some outstanding or controversial subject which can be viewed from many sides. A subject can also be analyzed in comparison with other options of that kind. In this type of paper, you should highlight the contrasting aspects of a topic or the differences between some options.  

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics: How to Choose?

Picking appropriate topics for compare and contrast essay can sometimes be challenging for students. A good way to do that is making a list of several things you know well so that you would be able to say a lot about differences between them. E.g., cats vs dogs or ‘boomers’ vs. the Generation Z. Then choose the one which matches your academic field best and go on!  

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

You are lucky as we’ve done this first step for you! Here you can find lots of topics to compare and contrast for an essay. These ideas are picked from good books or from best student works available on the Web. They are divided into different topic categories, so you can choose one and then check it for worthy ideas. Another great idea is paying someone to write your essay . Don't forget to give StudyCrumb a look! Keep in mind that we have different lists of topics for various essay types. Looking for classification and division essay topics  or problem solution topics ? You will find them here.

Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Regardless of which field you are best in, history or math, we’ve got a few universal ideas for you to write an excellent essay. Check out these best compare and contrast essay topics and pick one – or come up with your own great idea.

• Being famous vs being wealthy.
• Forced lockdown versus recommended quarantine.
• Traditional classes versus online education.
• Your current home vs a house of your dreams.
• Working at home or in the office.
• Similarities between human beings & chimps.
• Plato & Socrates: their similarities & differences.
• Sociology versus psychology.
• Fiction or non-fiction books.
• British vs American English.

Cannot find any good topic? Maybe  order essays instead, it's faster this way.

Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Some good laugh would never harm the acceptance of your writing. Be it summer or winter, most people love having fun, so take a look at these funny compare and contrast essay topics.

• Harry Potter vs Ronald Weasley: who is cooler?
• Doing laundry or washing dishes: what would you drop?
• Elders vs young people: differences in lifestyle.
• Selfies versus traditional photos.
• Email vs pigeon post.
• Receiving or giving presents: which is more satisfying?
• Life in a big city versus living on a farm.
• Simpsons vs the South Park.
• Texting or talking to friends?
• Hulk vs Superman: who would win?

Coudn't find a topic for compare and contrast essay? Give our Topic Generator a try.

Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Do you need some universal ideas for a winning essay? Here you can find a number of good compare and contrast essay topics which can be utilized for nearly any academic field. They focus on general life problems and follow some general ideas of renowned writers or philosophers. Let's explore them in detail.

Unique Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Pick one of these unique compare and contrast essay topics to talk about some special contrasting occurrence in your life or some other subjects different from traditional problems of our society.

• Best day vs worst day in my life.
• Best job & worst job choices.
• Living with parents vs living alone.
• My experience with iPhones or Android phones.
• My favorite romantic movie vs my favorite comedy.
• Advantages & disadvantages of self-education.
• My daytime vs nighttime activities.
• Low carb diet versus vegetarian diet (or any other diet of your choice).
• My best friend versus my worst enemy.
• Online vs real-life interaction, according to my experience.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students

If you are a student, your topic of choice may vary depending on what class you are in. At each age students have different life interests and study in different academic fields. We have collected a set of pre-selected compare and contrast essay topics for different age groups. You can choose to write about education and maybe you would prefer talking about your hobbies – such subjects can be found below.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics Middle School

Let’s take a look at these compare and contrast essay topics for middle school. Check them out carefully and pick one best related to your field of studies or the one your teacher would like. As a student, you don’t have to write about education only: the subject also can be your family, nature, your dreams, etc. Pay attention to compare and contrast essay outline as it is very crucial for writing such kind of task.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 6th Grade

Let’s start with compare and contrast essay topics for 6th grade. If you are in this grade, you could write about your life or lives of your ancestors, family members, friends or historical figures you’ve read about. You could also discuss some well-known problems of the world.

• Pursuing your life goals or following others?
• Selfish or selfless.
• Advantages & disadvantages of migrating to a new country.
• Feeling different vs feeling the same as others.
• Your best & your worst moment(s) in life.
• Protagonist & antagonist in your favorite book.
• Homework or leisure time after school.
• Wartime & peaceful times (you can pick a period from your country's history).
• Your first & your last day in elementary school.
• Talking to a friend vs talking to a stranger.

7th Grade Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Here are several 7th grade compare and contrast essay topics. At this age students are usually expected to write about people, history, video games or other leisure activities. Pick one and write your essay without spending too much time.

• Starting & ending your typical school day.
• Your favorite movie vs the book it was based upon.
• Your mom & your dad (you may describe their daily routines).
• Your favorite cookie vs your favorite soup.
• Daily outfit versus holiday outfit.
• Walking along a familiar path vs discovering new places.
• Compare your house today & your house 100 years ago.
• Sunny weather vs rain (or snow).
• Riding a school bus vs going to school by car.
• Walking in a forest vs walking by the seaside.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 8th Grade

Check out our pre-selected compare and contrast essay topics for 8th grade. Such subjects can be picked when doing research in modern media or analyzing popular books. Feel free to choose among them.

• Being a part of a community vs being an outcast.
• Natural science vs liberal arts: what is more useful for your career?
• Accomplishments vs failures.
• Celebrating historical events: pros & cons.
• Adventure or attention: what would you prefer?
• AI technology: pros & risks.
• Half-empty or half-full glass?
• Being fast learner vs being naturally gifted at something.
• Pros & cons of getting older.
• Career in a private corporation or in the government sector?

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High-School Students

Here you can find several suggestions for compare and contrast essay topics for high school. You can pick one that is most closely related to your area of interest. Use that idea to write an excellent work your teacher would love.

• Having a bike vs having a car.
• Studying at home or studying abroad.
• Childhood friendship or high school friendship.
• Diet or workout: which approach is better?
• Facebook or Twitter.
• Office work vs freelance.
• Living in poverty or being rich.
• Childhood & adulthood.
• Tea or coffee.
• Science or superstitions.
• Family traditions or national traditions.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College

Finally let’s check out what senior level students would write about. We have several categories of pre-selected compare and contrast essay topics. College level essays are typically discussing more complicated matters as students are entering adult life. This can be about making money, pushing your career in a selected academic field, household problems, making food and so on.

Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

We will start with Psychology compare and contrast essay topics. You could use them for writing texts where you voice and prove your opinion about important psychological problems. Besides, you can just describe some phenomena that are similar to each other.

• Anthropologist vs psychologist (or sociologist).
• Anxiety vs depression.
• Ego vs superego.
• Anorexia vs bulimia.
• Agoraphobia vs claustrophobia.
• Panic attack vs phobia.
• Suicide vs homicide.
• Affection vs infatuation.
• Autism vs Down syndrome.
• B. F. Skinner theory Vs. John B. Watson theory.
• Physical vs mental needs of a human.

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Sports Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

This section contains some compare and contrast essay topics about sports. Sport plays an important role in students’ life, not only improving their fitness and preparing them for health tests but also helping to build social connections. Let’s see if you find here a proper topic for yourself:

• Chess vs Checkers.
• Aikido or judo.
• Snowboarding vs surfing (you might also choose skiing or other related sports).
• Ice climbing vs traditional climbing.
• Baseball or cricket.
• Rugby vs soccer.
• Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.
• Roger Federer Vs. Rafael Nadal.
• Women’s football or men’s football.
• Tennis or badminton.

Biology: Topics for Compare and Contrast Essay

This section contains a few biology topics for compare and contrast essay you could use. They include health related subjects which are relevant for all people. Besides you could write about life of organisms in general:

• Drugs vs herbs (or other natural alternatives).
• Warm blooded vs cold blooded animals.
• Surgery or therapy.
• Vaccination vs medications.
• Plastic surgery or cosmetic surgery.
• Cell replication vs cell division.
• Autoimmune disease vs autoinflammatory disease.
• Bacteria or viruses.
• Antibiotics vs antiviral drugs.
• Clinic vs hospital.
• Morning exercise vs evening exercise.

Topics to Write Compare and Contrast Essay About Computer Science

Let’s conclude our series of suggestions with a list of compare and contrast essay topics on computer science. Such essays could describe your work, how to do program or just talk about the place of technologies in your life.

• Programming vs testing.
• HTML or CSS.
• Windows or Mac.
• Computer-generated imagery vs computer animation.
• GIF versus video format.
• Chrome or Opera (or other browsers).
• Fiber optic cable or coaxial cable.
• Desktop vs laptop.
• SSD hard drive vs SSD.
• Windows 8 vs Windows 10 (you can also pick older operations systems).

Easy Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Why not start from something simple and understandable for anyone in the world? Here you can find easy compare and contrast essay topics. They could help you with writing a simple essay very quickly. How about starting with such easy things like pets, games or movies? Let's dive into this list of ideas and see if you could pick anything nice here.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Kids

Subjects that juniors would like to write about are not similar to those for college students. Here are some compare and contrast essay topics for kids - the things in the world that kids like. Time to explore them!

• Reading books vs watching movies.
• Superhero movies or comedies.
• Do you prefer Marvel or DC comics?
• Chocolate or ice-cream.
• Do you prefer cold or hot weather?
• What do you prefer for breakfast: cereal or bacon & eggs?
• Coke vs Pepsi (or choose your own favorite drinks).
• Fruits or vegetables: what is your choice?
• Pencil drawing vs painting.
• Compare two of your favorite movies.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Elementary Students

School children are expected to choose more complicated subjects. Let's take a look at compare and contrast essay topics for elementary students. They typically include some reflections on studying or detailed descriptions of the behavior of a dog (or some other animal).

• Best pets: cats or dogs.
• Animal behavior: wild or domesticated.
• Winter holidays vs summer holidays.
• Studying remotely or going to your class.
• Family or friends.
• Sweet vs salty food.
• Compare your two favorite kinds of sports.
• Happy end vs sad end in books (or movies).
• Short hair vs long hair.
• Going to seaside or camping in forest.

Compare and Contrast Essay About Animals: Topics

One of the best choices for a winning essay is picking up a good animal related subject. Here are a few ideas on compare and contrast essay (of animals) topics that you could use. There are lots of curious creatures aside from dogs and cats, and writing about one of them could help to captivate your audience.

• Northern versus southern animals.
• Tiger vs bear: who would win.
• Plants versus mushrooms.
• Visual differences between edible and inedible mushrooms.
• Insects vs spiders: who is the worst roommate.
• River versus marine animals.
• Apes versus monkeys.
• Bees versus wasps.
• Migratory versus resident birds.
• Parrot or canary, which one is a better pet?

Interesting Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

A key success factor for a writer is captivating their audience. The first step towards that is picking a subject that would fuel their curiosity. We have found some really interesting compare and contrast essay topics which step away from traditional school subjects. These ideas are a result of various successful books as well as online research. Feel free to pick one that you find contrasting enough.

Controversial Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

It is natural for people to argue about things. And sometimes a great idea can be born from an argument. Below are several controversial compare and contrast essay topics. Feel free to pick one if you would like to invite your audience to an argument:

• Pros & cons of being alone.
• Being an only child versus having many siblings.
• Creationism against atheism.
• Meat diet or veganism.
• Participating in political activities vs staying neutral.
• Positive & negative aspects of nuclear weapon.
• Free speech vs censure in the Internet.
• Pros & cons of death penalty.
• Private vs state-owned schools.
• Progressive tax system vs flat tax system.

Art History: Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

If you are fond of history and prefer to write about beautiful examples made by humans, consider picking from these art history compare and contrast essay topics. After all, art is immortal so you don’t need to collect only the most up-to-date data for such a subject.

• Shakespeare: a real person or a myth?
• Roman or Greek mythology.
• Eastern or western architecture in Mediterranean (you can also pick any other region with different cultural influences).
• Impressionism vs Expressionism.
• Opera or ballet.
• Mosaic or Fresco.
• Medieval or Renaissance art.
• Baroque or Neoclassicism.
• 19th vs 20th century music.
• Classical music vs jazz.
• Rock vs pop music.

Final Thoughts on Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas

Sure thing, these are far from all compare and contrast essay topics available out there. But hopefully, you have found at least one good idea to get started. Use any of these topics to generate a more specific idea for your assignment. 

Remember, these topics are just a small taste of what we have to offer. Whether you need evaluative essay topics or cause and effect topics , we've got you covered.

Buy college essay online from our writers to prevent yourself from stressing out tonight. Our academic experts are always there to help you craft a unique compare and contrast essay on any topic.

FAQ About Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas

1. what are some compare and contrast essay topics for the 4th grade.

You can use the following compare and contrast essay topics for the 4th grade:

• Some children like to play outdoors while others prefer indoors.
• Literature is your favorite subject while you dislike Mathematics.
• You love visiting your relatives during vacations but you don’t like guests in your own house.

2. What are the compare and contrast essay topics for teenagers?

Here are some helpful examples of compare and contrast essay topics for teenagers:

• Online tuitions or home tuitions.
• Getting a college degree or getting a job.
• Spending money on education vs spending money on fun.

You can also come up with similar topics related to the problems of that age.

3. What are some compare and contrast essay topics on history?

Here are several examples of compare and contrast essay topics of history:

• Democracy vs. monarchy.
• World War I & World War II.
• Renaissance vs. Baroque epoch.

Pick a proper topic for your essay and try to explain your point to your audience as plain as possible.

4. What are some compare and contrast essay topics on culture?

A few compare and contrast essay topics on culture:

• The difference between a marriage & a civil union.
• The difference between living on campus & living off campus.
• Two most profitable goods & services markets.

You need to include details into your text and explain the differences using examples.

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

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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.

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics: A+ Guaranteed

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

When you hear the words compare and contrast, the first thing that you might think of is the Venn Diagram. It is a visual representation of the similarities and differences between two subjects. However, compare and contrast topics are not limited to diagrams. They can also be the all-time favorite/nemesis of many students, representing just one type of direction they can go for when it’s time to pick a topic for the next college essay .

When you compare two subjects, you are analyzing what they have in common. On the other hand, when you contrast two subjects, you are looking at the things in which they differ. So, with that simple rule in mind, how do we write a compare and contrast essay?

Well, the goal of any compare and contrast essay topic is to analyze differences and similarities between two or more subjects. These types of essays also contain all the common essay parts, such as a thesis statement, introduction, body, and conclusion.

In this article:

1. Introduction

2. thesis statement, 4. conclusion, how to pick your compare and contrast topics, what to consider when writing a compare and contrast essay topic, you should:, you should not:, compare and contrast essay topics for college, compare and contrast essay topics for middle school, compare and contrast essay topics for high school students, funny compare and contrast essay topics, controversial compare and contrast essay topics, technology compare and contrast essay topics, economics compare and contrast essay topics, social media compare and contrast essay topics, sports compare and contrast essay topics, nature compare and contrast essay topics, movies and characters compare and contrast essay topics, literature compare and contrast essay topics, general parts of compare and contrast essays.

Let’s go over them one by one.

This is the part where you will give a general background of the subjects you will choose to compare and contrast. It should grab people’s attention and make them want to read more. Include a catchy hook to stimulate their engagement and interest. Also, this is the part where you will also introduce your thesis statement.

The statement contains the main point in your essay. Your thesis statement describes what significance you will assign to the subject matter under discussion. It is basically a road map for the paper. In other words, it explains to the reader what will follow in the body of the paper. Is an answer to the question directly asked by the reader.

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This is where you will compare and contrast your chosen subjects and elaborate even more on the topic. It is essential to emphasize specific points, use solid evidence, and make an in-depth analysis that your readers will understand. Don’t pick too many points at once. Choose the most relevant ones, present good analysis, and conclude with a sentence that explains the major point of the paragraph.

This is where you will re-emphasize your point so that your readers can finish your essay with a lasting impression. Usually, it summarizes the differences and similarities of the compare and contrast subjects you chose. Make a lasting impact on your readers by making a point that will be remembered long after your paper is graded.

Now that you know how to write a compare and contrast essay, it’s time for you to learn the three steps or tips on how to pick your topic.

1. Choose the two subjects of your interest that you want to compare and contrast. Make sure that they belong in the same category so that the comparison makes sense.

Example: Basketball vs. Volleyball

2. Brainstorm or list all things the two subjects have in common, as well as every unique thing about them and what they are both good at or worthy of. You do so to weigh their overall worth.

Example: Both are team sports and ball games, and they require teamwork too.

3. Come up with the main point you want to prove after comparing and contrasting them. Then, add the two subjects you have chosen and formulate a single topic you can write about.

Example: Basketball vs. Volleyball: Which is more strategic?

It is essential to pay attention to all details, small and large, when completing this academic assignment. The comparisons and contrasts should be connected. Brainstorm interesting topics, try to take a fresh look at them, and talk to your parents or other people to help you come up with a unique angle you may have not thought of.

It is also important to stick to a solid structure since all teachers pay attention to it. Take your audience into consideration and address matters they are interested in. Finally, make sure your essay has practical value by providing a list of comparisons and contrasts.

What should you keep in mind when writing a compare and contrast essay?

Here are the lists of things that you should follow and avoid in order to create your best compare and contrast essay paper.

1. Start every essay by providing a clear description of everything that needs to be contrasted and compared;

2. Research your chosen topic (use current and relevant data);

3. Introduce supporting information for your conclusion.

4. Ensure each section begins with a general idea and follows a certain structure.

5. Make sure all transitions and paragraphs are coherent because they ought to be interconnected logically.

1. Use more than one structure in one essay (always use the same structure throughout your piece of writing);

2. Forget transitional words (they indicate that you want to get from one idea to another and also improve the flow of your paper);

3. Have any personal feelings or preferences about the topics you chose to study, because you must remain objective and derive all necessary conclusions from existing data and not from feelings or emotions;

4. Disregard basic academic writing rules (avoid controversial language, spelling, or punctuation errors, and try to write your paper in a formal style).

Even though the compare and contrast topics we will show you are still considered topics for college students , they are a little bit more advanced mainly because they require more research, more studies, and more references. The main goal is to compare and contrast two subjects with a clear and straightforward thesis statement.

1. Written Test vs Performance Test: Which determines true excellence?

2. Regular Students vs Honor Students: Who will succeed in life faster?

3. Books vs E-books: Which is better for students?

4. Classroom Teaching vs. Online Teaching: Which is more effective?

5. Person with High EQ vs Person with High IQ: Who can make a difference?

6. Formal School vs Home School: Which works better?

7. True or False Exam vs Multiple Choice Exam: Which is more complicated?

8. Kind Teacher vs Strict Teacher: Who’s more effective?

9. Audio Presentation vs Video Presentation: Which is more effective?

10. Reading a Book or Listening to an Audio Book: Which is better?

Compare and contrast essay topics are not only for college students. In fact, they are often given to middle school students too. Even if the main flow of the essay is to compare and contrast, there are still great arguments that can arise from their young thoughts as to why they believe that one is better than the other. Speaking of arguments, if you are looking for argumentative essay topics, check out our other article on the subject. Now, back to our list of compare and contrast essay topics for middle school students:

1. Pizza vs Burger: Which is the best?

2. Super Mario vs Bomber Man: Which game is more exciting to play?

3. Yogurt vs Ice Cream: Which is better?

4. Mobile Games vs Computer Games: Which games more complicated?

5. Red Spaghetti vs White Spaghetti: Which is the best?

6. Singing a song vs Reciting a poem: Which is easier?

7. Apple vs Pear: Which tastes better?

8. Dark Chocolate vs Black Chocolate: Whis is the best?

9. Playing with friends vs Playing with classmates: Which is more enjoyable?

10. Papaya vs Avocado: Which tastes and smells better?

These compare and contrast essay topics for high school students are not that technical and not too basic at the same time. Considering they will be written by high school students, the topics should be more complicated than the topics for middle school level, but not as complicated as the college level compare and contrast topics. The bottom line is they should trigger the assessment and reasoning skilsl of high school students.

1. Private High School vs Public High Schools: Which is a better choice?

2. In a Relationship vs Self-love: Which is better for a high school student?

3. Joining a Club vs Not Joining a Club: Which assures fun high school memories?

4. Making a lot of friends vs Making few friends: Which could bring more fun?

5. Long distance travel vs Short distance travel: Which is better?

6. Paid Schooling vs Scholarship Grant: Which assures future success?

8. English vs Mathematics: Which is more complicated?

9. Science vs History: Which is easier?

10. Co-curricular vs Extracurricular: Which is more important?

If you think about it, many everyday conversations and thoughts can turn into great compare and contrast topics if you know how to handle the facts and information for the subjects that you put under comparison. Always remind yourself that if your topic is funny or unusual enough to catch the attention of your teachers, it should also contain relevant and valuable information for them to give you a high score.

1. Today vs Tomorrow: When is the best time to die?

2. Monday vs Sunday: Which should come first?

3. Copper vs. Bronze: Which is better?

4. Egg vs Chicken: Which comes first?

5. Cats vs Dogs: Which one should stay at home?

6. Nuclear Apocalypse vs Zombie Apocalypse: Which one can we overcome? 

7. Washing clothes vs Washing the dishes: Which is more annoying?

8. Young People vs Old People: Who has a better lifestyle?

9. Taking your own photos vs Others taking your photo: Which photos look better?

10. Big City vs Small Town: Which gives a better life?

11. Chatting or Calling: Which is better?

12. Eating vs Sleeping: Which is more essential?

13. Your parents give you money vs You give money to your parents: Which feels better?

14. Portrait Painting vs Portrait Photo: Which is worthy of being displayed in a gallery?

15. Pink or Violet: Which color suits Spiderman the best?

Choosing controversial essay topics to compare and contrast is not a bad idea. However, you should be very careful when explaining your thoughts without offending your readers. Considering these topics are high-profile or sensitive, prepare yourself for a lot of good research.

1. Family vs Friend: Who’s more influential to your behavior?

2. Being with other people vs Being with yourself: Which is better for your mental health?

3. Living alone vs Living with family: Which works better for a college student?

4. Atheism vs Creationism: Which one should be considered true?

5. With Siblings vs Being an Only Child: Which is a happier life?

6. Book Reading vs Audiobook Listening: Which is more effective in learning?

7. Cheating on Exam or Plagiarizing an Essay: Which is the worst student mistake?

8. Democracy vs Dictatorship: Which is needed by countries nowadays?

9. Abortion vs Giving the baby away for adoption

10. President vs Prime Minister: Who’s more respectable?

11. Islam vs Christianity: Depth of Faith

12. Buddhism vs Hinduism: Which has the most peculiar rules?

13. Muhammad vs Moses: Life of a chosen prophet

14. Quran vs Bible: Holy teachings for the humanity

15. Fasting vs Abstinence: Which is better?

Young people know everything about the latest technology so they can easily pick a topic to write about. It is both timely and relevant, which the readers would definitely enjoy. Considering the fact that you will be writing about technology, detailed how-tos, and vivid description is a must. This way, your readers would be engaged.

1. Laptop vs Desktop: Which is better?

2. Phone or Tablet: Which is more helpful?

3. Wi-Fi or Data: Which is more efficient?

4. Oven vs Microwave: Which is better?

5. Wired or Wireless: Which is the best for Internet connection?

6. Macs vs Windows: Which performs the best?

7. Android vs iPhone: Which is more efficient?

8. Physical Storage vs Cloud Storage: Which is more student-friendly?

9. Google Chrome vs Microsoft Edge: Which is the best browser?

10. MS Word vs G Documents: Which is the best writing platform?

11. Gas Cars vs Electric Cars: Which is a wiser choice?

12. Airplane vs Ship: Which is the best transportation?

13. Bus vs Train: Which is a better option?

14. Bicycle vs Motorcycle: Which is more practical?

15. Van vs SUV: Which is better?

Writing about the latest ventures in the economy can also turn into a good compare and contrast essay topic. It will show how much you know and care about the economy in your generation. Writing about the economy will not only teach you about the new trends but will also open your interest to venture into them in the future.

1. Traditional Marketing vs Digital Marketing: Which works better?

2. Branding vs Marketing: Which determines business success?

3. SEO vs GMB: Which is better for business?

4. Real Currency vs Cryptocurrency: Which will stay longer?

5. Physical Business vs Online Business: Which is better?

Social media plays a huge role in our everyday lives. So, a compare and contrast essay topic on social media is relatable for most people. Therefore, you won’t have a hard time getting people interested in reading since they can relate to any social media topic.

1. TikTok vs YouTube: Which is the best video streaming site?

2. Facebook vs Twitter: Which is more updated on trends?

3. Meet vs Zoom: Which is better?

4. Snapchat vs Instagram: Which has the best photo filters?

5. Blogger vs Medium: Which is the best blogging site?

Writing about sports is a great idea too. Sports is simply one of the most interesting things for most people. If you choose to compare and contrast two different sports games, you will definitely catch the attention of your reader especially if they are sports enthusiasts.

1. Basketball vs. Volleyball: Which is more strategic?

2. Football vs Baseball: Which is more popular?

3. Field Hockey vs Ice Hockey: Which is better?

4. Fencing vs Kendo: Which is more complicated?

5. American Football vs Rugby: Which is more physically challenging?

Nature-related topics are great too. There are so many great compare and contrast topics about nature we can come up with and write a lot about. Comparing and contrasting two ideas will always be great if your readers can visualize them too. Therefore, writing about these topics is definitely a safe move. All you need to do is to add interesting and relevant information for your reader to get engaged even more.

1. Sunny vs Rainy: Which is the best?

2. Mountains vs Seas: Which is the better view?

3. Summer vs Winter: Which is the best season?

4. Bird vs Fish: Which animal has better characteristics?

5. Hot Spring vs Cold Spring: Which is better?

6. Tornado vs Whirlpool: Which is more deadly?

7. Day or Night: Which is more important?

8. Wildlife vs Marine Life: Which is more sustainable?

9. Sun vs Moon: Which is more important?

10. Air Pollution vs Water Pollution: Which can be solved faster?

There’s nothing more interesting than comparing and contrasting two movies or two characters. The readers will also be fascinated to know more about a movie they love. Going for a compare and contrast topic that’s movie or character related will certainly trigger the curiosity of your reader, especially if you put in some extra work and present little known facts and information about those movies or characters. 

1. Harry Potter vs The Lord of the Rings: Which is the best fantasy movie?

2. Titanic vs Pearl Harbor: Which film is more tragic?

3. Conjuring vs Insidious: Which is more frightening?

4. Marvel vs DC: Which has the coolest heroes?

5. Maze Runner vs Hunger Games: Which has the best storyline?

6. Mr. Bean vs Charlie Chaplin: Who’s acts are funnier?

7. Avengers vs Justice League: Which has the strongest heroes?

8. Moana vs Raya: Who had the most interesting adventure?

9. Superman vs Batman: Who is better?

10. Zathura vs Jumanji: Which has the best storyline?

11. Dumbledore vs Gandalf: Who is stronger?

12. Iron Man vs Batman: Who’s more high-tech?

13. Zeus vs. Jupiter: Who’s the mightiest?

14. Venus vs Aphrodite: Who’s the most beautiful?

15. Captain Marvel vs Wonder Woman: Who is stronger?

Literature can be serious but it can also inspire you to come up with a great topic for your upcoming essay. Your language and literature teachers will surely appreciate your compare and contrast essay topic even more if you write about a topic they know about. It will definitely involve them because they are highly familiar with these topics. However, that over-familiarity is also a challenge. You have to go an extra mile and give them something they haven’t read or known yet.

1. Short Story vs Novel: Which is better?

2. Fiction vs Nonfiction: Which has more significance?

3. Prose or Poetry: Which is more artistic?

4. Sci-Fi vs Fantasy: Which is better?

5. Poem vs Songs: Which is more sophisticated?

In this article, you have found out that when you compare and contrast you must have two subjects that are of equal value or that belong to the same criteria. Also, we hope you found out that comparing two subjects can be fun and easy. Still, don’t forget that your essay should be factual, relevant, and logical. 

Also, you have to remember that even though you can compare and contrast two subjects throughout your essay, you have to make sure that you have stated or made your point clear. That way, your essay will be more impactful and it will make more sense.

Furthermore, most readers (especially teachers and professors), would love your compare and contrast essay if you have successfully and clearly stated your main intention or reason why you chose to put those subjects under comparison.

So, the next time your teacher asks you to pick a topic for your essay, slay the task and hit a high score with a great compare and contrast essay topic.

What do you think of this article? Did it help you find the perfect compare and contrast essay topic? If so, don’t forget to share it with your friends and classmates!

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© 2024 My Speech Class

If you are an advanced study pursuer or studying in college, you must be aware that essays have a strong impact on your academics. You are expected to write some great essays to achieve a higher grade, and that’s why we have come up with this.

This blog presents an extensive list of the top 100 best compare and contrast essay topics for 2024. With the help of these essay ideas, students can improve their critical thinking, analytical prowess, and communication skills significantly. Also, students gain a deeper understanding of the topics by identifying similarities and differences between subjects or objects. This allows them to make informed decisions. 

The Importance of Choosing the Right Topic  

Choosing the right topic is essential for a compare and contrast essay ideas. Moreover, it sets the foundation for the entire essay, shaping its direction and influencing the depth of analysis. An engaging and thought-provoking topic allows students to explore interesting aspects of the subjects or objects under comparison, capturing the attention of readers and inspiring further exploration. 

What are Compare and Contrast Essays?  

Compare and contrast essays analyze two or more subjects, discussing their similarities and differences. The purpose of these essays is to uncover differences and similarities in a well-structured manner. They explore various sub-topics, examining both commonalities, like immediate relations as well as differences.  

Now, let’s embark on an exciting journey as we explore the top 100 best compare and contrast essay topics for 2024. This curated list also covers a wide range of disciplines and interests, making it the perfect guide for students of literature, history, science, or any other field. In Addition, it provides simple and original topics to spark ideas for your compare and contrast essays, fostering academic excellence. 

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay?  

Writing a compare and contrast essay involves a careful selection of subjects that are relevant to each other. Additionally, the essay focuses on comparing the similarities and differences between the two topics. In a compare and contrast essay, the similarities form the basis of comparison, while the contrasting aspects emphasize the differences between the subjects.

Moreover, such essays offer valuable analysis by identifying and highlighting what is common and distinct among the topics. Here are tips on how to write a compare and contrast essay effectively: 

Choose Appropriate Subjects:  

• Select two subjects that have some relevance or connection to each other. 
• Ensure that the subjects have enough similarities and differences to explore. 

Identify Similarities:  

• To beging, start by examining the commonalities between the subjects. 
• Also, look for shared characteristics, features, or themes. 
• Determine the scope, nature, degree, and magnitude of the similarities. 

Establish a Basis of Comparison:  

• Use the identified similarities as a foundation for the essay. 
• Organize your essay around specific points of comparison. 
• Each paragraph should focus on one point and provide evidence or examples. 

Highlight Differences:  

• Focus on the ways in which the subjects differ from each other. 
• Give more importance to the points where they are not similar. 
• Explore the unique qualities, aspects, or perspectives of each subject. 
• Support your claims about the differences between the subjects with solid evidence or examples. 

Structure Your Essay:  

When writing a compare and contrast essay, choosing a structure that best suits your purpose is essential. Two common approaches are the point-by-point method and the block method. 

• Point-By-Point Method: This method involves examining specific points or criteria of comparison between the subjects in each paragraph. It also allows for a more detailed analysis of the similarities and differences.   
• Block Method: This method involves addressing each subject in separate paragraphs, discussing all aspects or characteristics of one subject first, and then moving on to the second subject. 

Provide Supporting Evidence:  

• Discuss your comparisons and contrasts with relevant evidence, examples, or data. 
• Use reliable sources such as books, journals, or reputable online platforms. 

Use Transition Phrases:  

• Employ transition words and phrases (e.g., similarly, on the other hand, in contrast) to guide the reader through your comparisons and contrasts. 
• Ensure a smooth flow between ideas and paragraphs. 

Conclude with a Summary:  

• Summarize the main points of comparison and contrast essay topic you are writing. 
• Emphasize why analysis of the topic is important and its implications. 
• Leave the reader with a thoughtful closing statement. 

Following these steps, you can effectively write a compare and contrast essay that offers valuable insights into the similarities and differences between two topics. 

How to Choose the Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024?  

Choosing the best compare and contrast topics for college can be tricky, as comparing two subjects that have nothing in common. However, choosing identical subjects often does not work well as it would be difficult to distinguish between the two. 

For example, if you select two subjects like “The Importance of Exercise” and “The Rapid Growth of E-commerce Websites.” Then it would be nearly impossible to write a compare and contrast essay on these topics. The reason is simple. These two subjects cannot be effectively compared or contrasted. 

Therefore, when choosing a compare and contrast essay topic for college in 2024, selecting subjects with similarities and differences is essential, allowing for meaningful comparisons and contrasts. It will also ensure that your essay will have a strong foundation and provide valuable insights to the reader. 

To summarize, consider topics to compare and contrast ideas with significant overlaps or contrasts, enabling you to explore exciting connections and provide valuable analysis in your essay. 

7 Best Tips To Choose Compare and Contrast Essay Topics For Your Academic Success  

Writing a compare and contrast essay can be challenging, but selecting the right topic can become an engaging and rewarding experience. We will provide here seven valuable tips to help you choose good compare and contrast essay topics that help you to get the high score.  

1. Understand The Essay Assignment Guidelines  

Before selecting a topic, reading and understanding the essay assignment guidelines is crucial. Moreover, pay close attention to specific requirements or instructions your instructor provides. By understanding the assignment guidelines, you will be able to focus on the specific requirements and choose a suitable topic that meets the academic objectives. Additionally, considering your essay’s purpose, length, formatting guidelines, and other relevant criteria is essential before submitting it to your college. 

2. Identify Your Personal Interest  

Selecting a topic that genuinely interests you is crucial for compelling compare and contrast essays. Furthermore, consider your preferences, hobbies, or areas of expertise. By doing so, you can choose a topic that not only engages you but also allows you to bring your passion and knowledge to the essay. When you choose topics of compare and contrast essays that resonate with you, you are more likely to remain motivated and engaged throughout the writing process. Your enthusiasm for the topic will also reflect in your work, making it more enjoyable for you and your readers. 

3. Research Extensively  

Conduct thorough research on the subjects or themes is essential to find the best compare and contrast essay topic. Moreover, gather information from reliable sources such as books, scholarly articles, reputable websites, and academic databases. Additionally, the more you explore, the better understanding you will gain about the topic you have chosen to write. Furthermore, take notes, highlight key points, and gather evidence to support your comparisons. Additionally, extensive research will provide a solid foundation for selecting a compelling and well-supported topic. 

4. Narrow Down Your Options  

 Once you have conducted in-depth research, it’s time to narrow down your options. Additionally, analyze the information you have gathered and identify topics with ample comparative elements. Moreover, look for subjects that have contrasting characteristics, similarities, or intriguing connections. Furthermore, consider the complexity of the topics and select the ones that offer rich material for analysis and exploration. Doing so lets you focus on developing a comprehensive and well-structured essay by narrowing down your options. 

5. Brainstorm Comparative Elements  

Before making your topic final, it is essential to brainstorm the comparative elements you will explore in your essay. Additionally, identify the aspects, features, or qualities you will compare and contrast between the chosen subjects. Now, create a list of these elements, which will serve as the backbone of your essay. Moreover, it is essential to define the comparative elements clearly. Furthermore, ensure that your essay has a clear and logical structure, making it easier for readers to follow your arguments. 

6. Consider Relevance and Significance  

While choosing a compare and contrast essay topic, consider its relevance and significance. Similarly, choose topics with real-world implications, societal relevance, or academic importance. Also, aim for topics that contribute to existing knowledge or provide new ideas. It will not only engage your readers but also demonstrate your understanding of the subject matter and its broader implications. 

7. Consult With Peers and Tutors  

Seeking feedback and guidance from your peers and tutors can help you to choose the best compare and contrast essay topics. So, discuss your ideas with classmates, friends, or study groups to gain different perspectives and insights. Their input can also help you evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of your compare and contrast essay examples. Additionally, consult with your instructors or expert tutors , who can provide advice and suggest alternative topics that align with your academic goals. 

Write a Winning Compare and Contrast Essay  

Before writing a compare and contrast essay, it’s essential to consider your content and create a roadmap carefully. Also, make the outlines precisely that will explain all the points and also decide the sequence of these pointers.  

To ensure a well-organized essay, it is important to divide it into appropriate sections, including the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Firstly, in the introduction, provide an overview of your essay and clearly state the purpose for comparing and contrasting the subjects. Then, in dedicated sections of the body paragraphs, delve into the comparison and contrast topics. Additionally, for added structure and organization, divide these sections into subsections that group various categories of similarities and differences. Moreover, maintaining clarity and precision throughout your essay is essential to convey your ideas effectively. 

If you need guidance or support while writing your compare and contrast essay, there is a solution available for students. TutorBin, a reliable academic help platform, can offer the assistance you need to create a winning essay. With TutorBin expertise, you can gain valuable insights, refine your arguments, and improve the overall quality of your work. By utilizing TutorBin services, you can confidently tackle your essay assignment and achieve academic success. 

To strengthen your essay, utilize facts and figures to support your points and lend credibility to your arguments. Also, include the compare and contrast essay examples or stories that illustrate the authenticity of your claims. Similarly, it is crucial to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguous statements. By thoroughly understanding the relationship between the subjects, as well as their similarities and differences, writing a compare and contrast essay will become a straightforward task for you. 

But still, if you find essay writing challenging, it would be best to avail the support of Instasolving Homework Help USA . With expert help, pen down impressive essays without breaking a sweat would be easy.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

At this point, it might be a good idea to take a sneak peek into the good compare and contrast topics for writing essays. Also, make sure to pick a topic that you can build both sides on. Simply focusing on either comparison or contrast will not solve your purpose. 

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College Students  

• E-learning vs. Classroom Learning 
• School vs. College Writing Center: What’s New? 
• Students, Who Work vs. Unemployed Students: Who Takes the Best of This Life? 
• Research Paper and Essay: What Is More Responsible? 
• Comparing Life with Parents to Living on Campus 
• Part-Time Jobs vs. Seasonal Jobs 
• Traditional classes vs. Online Courses 
• Bachelor’s Degree vs. Associate degree 
• College vs. Job 
• Fiction vs. NonFiction 
• Virtual Reality vs. Augmented Reality
• Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing
• Plant-Based Diet vs. Meat-Based Diet
• Electric Cars vs. Gasoline Cars
• Online Privacy vs. Security
• Traditional Banking vs. Digital Banking
• Classical Music vs. Modern Pop Music
• Remote Learning vs. Traditional Classroom Learning
• Freelancing vs. Traditional Employment
• Urban Living vs. Rural Living
• Social Media Influencers vs. Traditional Celebrities
• Home Schooling vs. Public Schooling
• Renewable Energy vs. Fossil Fuels
• Modern Art vs. Classical Art
• Artificial Intelligence vs. Human Intelligence
• Online Shopping vs. In-Store Shopping
• Fast Food vs. Home-Cooked Meals
• Eastern Medicine vs. Western Medicine
• Streaming Services vs. Traditional Television
• Climate Change Mitigation vs. Adaptation Strategies
• Public Transportation vs. Personal Vehicles
• Introverts vs. Extroverts in the Workplace
• Veganism vs. Omnivorous Diets
• 3D Movies vs. 2D Movies
• Physical Books vs. E-books

Healthcare Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

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

Technology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024   

• Mac OS vs. Windows 
• Spotify vs. Apple Music 
• Social Media: Positive impact or negative impact 
• Twitter vs. Instagram 
• Contrasting Features in Different Generations of Intel Processors 
• Buying things online vs. Buying things at a shopping mall 
• Video Conference vs. In-person meeting 
• Apple or Google Pixel 
• Machine learning or deep learning 
• Comparison of different cloud services 

Economy Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024   

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

History Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

• World War I vs. World War II 
• Ancient Greek Civilization vs. Ancient Roman Civilization 
• The Cold War vs. The War on Terror 
• The French Revolution vs. The Russian Revolution 
• The Renaissance vs. The Enlightenment 
• The British Empire vs. The Roman Empire 
• The American Civil War vs. The Spanish Civil War 
• The Civil Rights Movement vs. The Women’s Suffrage Movement 
• The Industrial Revolution in Europe vs. The Industrial Revolution in the United States 

Politics Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

• Which is better: Free trade or certified trade? 
• Fascism vs. Nazism 
• Republicans vs. Democrats 
• Lincoln vs. Washington 
• Autocracy vs. Democracy 
• Oratory or Agenda in Politics 
• Christian vs. Islamic political thoughts 
• Use of Technology in Politics 
• American Government vs. Soviet Government 
• Socialism vs. communism 

Education Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024   

• Ebooks vs. Paper Textbooks 
• Facts vs. Truth 
• Manual Writing Or Essay Generator  
• Modern and Ancient Philosophers 
• Homework help online or home tuition 
• Indian vs. American education system 
• Difference Between Ph.D. and Master’s Degree 
• Oral learning vs. written learning 
• After-school job or internship 
• Vocational education vs. academic education 
• Biology vs. Chemistry 

Sports Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

• Chess vs. Checkers 
• Aikido vs. Judo 
• Roger Fedrer or Rafel Nadal 
• Ice climbing vs. Traditional climbing 
• Early morning workout vs. late night workout 
• Ballet vs. Breakdance 
• American soccer vs. basketball 
• Ronaldo vs. Messi 
• Gymming vs. sports 
• Indigenous sports or modern sports 

Science Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

• Renewable Energy vs. Fossil Fuels 
• Evolution vs. Intelligent Design 
• Classical Physics vs. Quantum Physics 
• Nature Conservation vs. Economic Development 
• Genetic Engineering vs. Natural Selection 
• Space Exploration vs. Ocean Exploration 
• Traditional Medicine vs. Modern Medicine 
• Animal Testing vs. Alternative Methods 
• Climate Change: Natural Causes vs. Human Causes 
• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) vs. Organic Farming 
• Nature vs. Nurture: The Influence of Genetics and Environment

Natural Sciences Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

• Similarities between Jupiter and Saturn 
• Physics vs. anatomy 
• Fossil & nuclear energy 
• The correlation between science and technology 
• Disputable scientific claims 
• The difference between the sun & moon 
• Is it possible to live on other planets? 
• Are hurricanes more dangerous than tornadoes? 
• Can people apply theories in physics to interpret every life aspect? 
• Which type of natural disaster does more harm: earthquake vs. tsunami 

Teenagers Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

• University or College: Which is better? 
• Life in high school vs. life in college 
• Online tuition or home tuition 
• Acting vs. Lying 
• Parental Control vs. Complete Freedom 
• Spending money on education vs. spending money on fun 
• Math vs. English: which class is easier? 
• Childhood vs. Adulthood 
• Extracurricular activities vs. academics 
• Boys vs. girls: differences in behavior 

Literature & Language Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

• Classic vs. Modern Literature 
• Shakespearean Comedies vs. Tragedies 
• Poetry vs. Prose 
• British English vs. American English 
• Novels vs. Movies 

Subjects Specific Compare and Contrast Essay Topics:  

Social sciences compare and contrast essay topics for 2024  .

• Nature vs. Nurture 
• Capitalism vs. Socialism 
• Traditional Family vs. Modern Family 
• Urban Life vs. Rural Life 
• Online Shopping vs. Brick-and-Mortar Retail 

Arts and Culture Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

• Renaissance Art vs. Baroque Art 
• Pop Music vs. Classical Music 
• Impressionism vs. Cubism 
• Contemporary Dance vs. Traditional Ballet 
• Hollywood Movies vs. Bollywood Movies 

Science & Mathematics Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

• Chemistry vs. Biology 
• Newtonian Physics vs. Quantum Mechanics 
• Arithmetic vs. Algebra 
• Psychology vs. Sociology 
• Climate Change vs. Global Warming 

Social Justice & Equality Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024   

• Gender Equality vs. Gender Equity 
• Racial Discrimination vs. Systemic Racism 
• LGBTQ+ Rights vs. Heteronormativity 
• Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation 
• Immigration vs. Nationalism 

Environmental Sustainability Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

• Sustainable Transportation vs. Conventional Transportation 
• Organic Farming vs. Conventional Farming 
• Renewable Energy vs. Non-Renewable Energy 
• Deforestation vs. Afforestation 
• Plastic Pollution vs. Zero-Waste Movement 

Other Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

• Virtual friends vs. real friends 
• Judaism vs. Christianity 
• The way how people live in: Asia vs. Europe 
• Steve Jobs vs. Bill Gates 
• Are aliens real or not? 
• Pizza or Burger? 
• Comic books vs. Tv shows 
• Netflix vs. Amazon Prime 
• Harry Potter: Book vs. Movie 
• Summer vs. Winter 

Still Need Help To Choose Among Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics!  

This blog has explored an extensive list of the top 100 compare and contrast essay topics for 2024. These topics also cover a wide range of subjects, providing ample options based on your interests and academic requirements. Whether you’re fascinated by history, science, literature, or contemporary issues, there is a topic that will captivate your curiosity and engage your critical thinking skills. 

However, we understand that selecting the right topic can still be daunting, even with many options. Moreover, if you find yourself overwhelmed or uncertain, don’t fret! TutorBin is here to assist you. Furthermore, our expert essay writers possess profound knowledge across various subjects and are ready to help you overcome any writing challenges. Additionally, simply submit your queries, and our dedicated team will provide you with the guidance as well as support you need. 

By seeking essay writing help from TutorBin, you can rest assured that your compare and contrast essays will be of highest quality. Moreover, our skilled writers will deliver exceptional essays on the chosen topics, ensuring you meet your deadlines and achieve outstanding grades. 

So, don’t let the stress of essay writing hold you back. Embrace the challenge, select an intriguing topic from our list.  

Most Popular FAQs on Compare and Contrast Essay Topics   

How to write a compare and contrast essay   .

To write a compare and contrast essay, select subjects, identify key points of comparison, and structure your essay with an introduction, body paragraphs, as well as a conclusion. Also, support your arguments with evidence and ensure a clear flow throughout.  

How to start a compare and contrast essay?   

Start a compare and contrast essay with an engaging introduction that introduces the subjects as well as ends with a strong thesis statement highlighting the main points of comparison.  

What are the main parts of compare and contrast essays?   

Compare and contrast essays develop critical thinking skills and enhance understanding of subjects. It also demonstrates the writer’s ability to present a balanced argument and make meaningful connections between ideas.  

How to find an original compare and contrast essay topic?   

Find an original compare and contrast essay topic by considering your interests, brainstorming ideas, conducting research, and exploring unique angles as well as perspectives. Also, seek inspiration from real-life situations, personal experiences, or pop culture. 

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How to Use Transitions to Start a Paragraph [Tips with Examples]

Transition words are essentially bridges that help you move smoothly from one topic to another, ensuring your writing maintains its flow and relevance. These words and phrases are particularly useful when starting a new paragraph, as they signal a shift to a new aspect of the main topic under discussion. Understanding and using transition words effectively is a subtle yet powerful skill that can significantly enhance the coherence of your writing. As a writer, I'll demonstrate the best ways to incorporate transition words so your passages flow seamlessly and make sense to your readers.

What are Transitions?

Transition words are words or phrases that connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs to ensure a smooth flow in writing. They serve as bridges, guiding readers from one point to the next without losing coherence. These transitions can indicate relationships such as addition (e.g., "furthermore," "moreover"), contrast (e.g., "however," "on the other hand"), or cause and effect (e.g., "therefore," "consequently").

The importance of transition words in essays cannot be overstated. They enhance the overall structure, making the text more readable and logical. By clearly signaling shifts in ideas or arguments, transition words help readers follow the writer's train of thought and understand the connections between different points. This not only improves comprehension but also keeps the readers engaged, making the writing more effective and persuasive.

Transition Words in Academic Writing

Transition words are valuable in academic writing as they help with the flow of presenting your idea or argument. However, students are often confused, either by not knowing which one to use where or by how many to use. So, while transitions are important, misuse or overuse can both be a nuisance. Let's explore five important categories of transition words for essays and how you can use them effectively in your essays, reports, and research papers.

1. Addition and Emphasis

When you're building your argument or explaining complex ideas, addition and emphasis transition words are invaluable. Use these to introduce new information, provide examples, or stress key points. They'll help you expand on your thoughts and strengthen your arguments, showing your professor that you've thoroughly explored the topic.

2. Cause and Effect

In academic writing, you'll often need to explain how one thing leads to another. Cause and effect transition words help you clearly demonstrate these relationships. Whether you're discussing scientific processes or historical events, these transitions will make your reasoning more logical and easier to follow.

3. Contrast and Comparison

Sometimes you'll need to show how things are similar or different in your assignments. That's when contrast and comparison transition words come in handy. They help you present different ideas side by side, making it easier for your readers to see connections and differences. These transitions are especially useful when you're analyzing literature, comparing historical periods, or discussing pros and cons in a debate.

4. Sequence and Order

Organizing your ideas logically is key to successful academic writing. Sequence and order transition words help you present information in a clear, step-by-step manner. Whether you're describing a process, narrating events, or structuring an argument, these transitions will make your writing more coherent and easier to understand.

5. Summary and Conclusion

As you wrap up your essays or reports, summary and conclusion transition words signal to your reader that you're bringing your thoughts together. Use these to restate your main points, offer final insights, or suggest areas for further research. They'll help you end your writing on a strong note, leaving your professor with a clear understanding of your argument or analysis.

How to Choose the Right Transition Words

Choosing the right transition words can significantly improve the flow and clarity of your writing. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to transition between paragraphs and sentences to help you select the most appropriate transition words:

1.Identify the relationship between ideas

First, analyze how your sentences or paragraphs connect. Are you:

Adding information?

Showing contrast?

Explaining cause and effect?

Providing an example?

Emphasizing a point?

Understanding this relationship will guide you towards the right category of transition words. For instance, if you're adding information, you might use words like "furthermore" or "in addition." If you're showing contrast, "however" or "on the other hand" could be appropriate. For cause and effect, consider "therefore" or "as a result".

2.Consider the purpose of your transition

Think about what you're trying to achieve with your transition. Are you:

Moving to a new topic?

Elaborating on a previous point?

Concluding your thoughts?

This will help you narrow down your choices within the category you've identified. For example, if you're moving to a new topic, you might use "shifting gears" or "turning to." If you're elaborating, "to illustrate" or "specifically" could work well. For conclusions, consider "in summary" or "ultimately."

3.Look at the context

Consider the tone and style of your writing. Some transitions are more formal, while others are more casual. Choose one that fits the overall voice of your essay.

4.Avoid overuse

Don't feel pressured to use a transition word for every sentence. Use them where they truly add value and improve the flow of your writing.

5.Experiment with different options

If you're unsure, try out a few different transition words to see which one sounds best. Reading your work aloud can help you decide.

For example, let's say you're transitioning:

Between two paragraphs:

Transitioning between related ideas

Transitioning from a general idea to a specific example

These examples demonstrate how transition words can improve the flow and coherence of your writing. The "bad" examples aren't necessarily incorrect, but the "good" examples show how transitions can make the connections between ideas clearer and more explicit. Each transition word subtly changes the relationship between the ideas, so choose the one that best represents your intended meaning.

Once we understand the purpose of transition words, using them in essays becomes a lot easier. But then a question that often arises is: how many transition words are appropriate in an essay? The answer is simple: look at the points where you're transitioning from one idea to another. These are your opportunities to use transition words effectively.

This can be a little challenging, which is why I recommend using WPS Office . WPS Office offers an AI spell check feature, which allows students to ensure that not only are there no spelling or grammatical errors in their content, but it also provides checks for clarity, engagement, and delivery.

Let's look at a paragraph I wrote in WPS Office, where I thought I had used a few transition words appropriately. However, when I had it checked by WPS AI spell check, it turned out there were a couple of unnecessary transition words in the article.

This shows how even when we think we're using transition words correctly, there's always room for improvement. Tools like WPS Office can be invaluable in helping us refine our writing and use transition words more effectively.

Using WPS AI to Perfect Your Essay

WPS AI is an AI tool incorporated within the WPS Office suite, offering a multitude of features that leverage advanced artificial intelligence to support your essay writing needs. From helping you refine and build up your ideas to making them more definite, WPS AI assists at every stage of your writing process. If you have already written your essay, it will ultimately help you refine it further.

Here’s how WPS AI can assist you in crafting an outstanding essay:

1.Check the Grammar and Syntax

WPS AI meticulously checks your essay for grammatical errors and syntax issues. It ensures that your writing is free from common mistakes, such as incorrect verb tenses, misplaced commas, and subject-verb disagreements. By providing suggestions for corrections, WPS AI helps you maintain a high level of professionalism and clarity in your writing.

2.Rewrite Your Statement for Clarity

WPS AI can improve the clarity and coherence of your essay by rewriting complex or awkwardly phrased sentences. It identifies areas where your writing may be ambiguous or convoluted and offers alternative phrasing that enhances readability. This feature ensures that your ideas are communicated effectively and your arguments are presented logically.

To access this function, simply look for the WPS AI list of options and click on "Improve Writing". This will generate a more refined version of your essay, making your writing more polished and professional.

3.Automatically Expand Content

When you need to elaborate on a point or expand a section of your essay, WPS AI can automatically generate additional content. This feature helps you continue writing seamlessly, providing suggestions and content that align with your essay's theme and tone. It’s particularly useful for developing supporting arguments, providing more examples, or elaborating on complex ideas.

To use this function, simply click on the "Continue Writing" option from the WPS AI list of options. This will generate additional content that extends your current paragraph or section.

1. Can using too many transition words be a problem?

Overusing transition words can diminish the quality of your writing. These words are meant to link sentences and ideas, but using them too much can make your writing repetitive and dull. Striking a balance in their application ensures your writing remains concise and effectively communicates your ideas without unnecessary repetition.

2. Can transition words be used in formal writing?

Transition words and phrases are essential in formal writing as they promote coherence, navigate readers through arguments, and improve the overall flow of your text, guaranteeing clarity and logical progression.

Transitions 101: Your Guide to Smoother, Clearer Writing

Once you get the hang of transition words, you can bet you can write an essay in its full flow. But even if you're short on time, you can use WPS AI to help with where and how you want to add transition words.

With WPS Office, you get these advanced features and more, all designed to support your academic writing needs. Its AI-powered tools help you write, edit, and refine your essays, ensuring they are polished and professional. Plus, WPS Office is free, making it an accessible and invaluable resource for students and academics. Download WPS Office today and take your essay writing to the next level!

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Trump’s Tax Plan Could Add to Debt Burden. Harris’s Plan Tracks Biden’s.

The former president’s proposals to cut taxes would lose far more revenue than his plans to raise tariffs. The vice president has not released specifics.

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By Jim Tankersley

Jim Tankersley has covered economic policy in presidential elections going back to 2004.

Former President Donald J. Trump keeps adding new tax cuts to his list of campaign promises, and their projected costs keep piling up.

Independent analyses suggest Mr. Trump’s plans could add close to $4 trillion over the next decade to America’s already fast-growing national debt, even after factoring in additional revenues from new taxes he wants to impose on imports.

It is impossible to make a similarly precise estimate for Vice President Kamala Harris, Mr. Trump’s Democratic opponent this fall. She has not laid out any tax or spending plans, or other economic policy proposals, with enough detail to estimate whether they would add to deficits or reduce them.

But on Friday, after this article published online, Harris campaign officials said they would point to President Biden’s most recent budget proposal as an indicator of Ms. Harris’s future fiscal policy plans. That budget, released in March, calls for about $3 trillion in deficit reduction over the next decade, largely by raising taxes on corporations and high earners.

Total federal debt is now about $35 trillion, up from about $20 trillion when Mr. Trump took office in 2017, Treasury Department data shows. It grew by about $7.8 trillion on Mr. Trump’s watch and has increased by about $7.3 trillion on Mr. Biden’s watch thus far.

Deficit hawks in Washington warn that a further acceleration would elevate risks of an economically debilitating spiral, where rising debt pushes up borrowing costs in financial markets. That would then cause the debt to further balloon.

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