comparing and contrast essay topics

101 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Brainstorming Tip

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

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

Apple vs. Microsoft
Coke vs. Pepsi
Renaissance Art vs. Baroque Art
Antebellum Era vs. Reconstruction Era in American History
Childhood vs. Adulthood
Star Wars vs. Star Trek
Biology vs. Chemistry
Astrology vs. Astronomy
American Government vs. British Government (or any world government)
Fruits vs. Vegetables
Dogs vs. Cats
Ego vs. Superego
Christianity vs. Judaism (or any world religion )
Republican vs. Democrat
Monarchy vs. Presidency
US President vs. UK Prime Minister
Jazz vs. Classical Music
Red vs. White (or any two colors)
Soccer vs. Football
North vs. South Before the Civil War
New England Colonies vs. Middle Colonies OR vs. Southern Colonies
Cash vs. Credit Cards
Sam vs. Frodo Baggins
Gandalf vs. Dumbledore
Fred vs. Shaggy
Rap vs. Pop
Articles of Confederation vs. U.S. Constitution
Henry VIII vs. King Louis XIV
Stocks vs. Bonds
Monopolies vs. Oligopolies
Communism vs. Capitalism
Socialism vs. Capitalism
Diesel vs. Petroleum
Nuclear Power vs. Solar Power
Saltwater Fish vs. Freshwater Fish
Squids vs. Octopus
Mammals vs. Reptiles
Baleen vs. Toothed Whales
Seals vs. Sea Lions
Crocodiles vs. Alligators
Bats vs. Birds
Oven vs. Microwave
Greek vs. Roman Mythology
Chinese vs. Japanese
Comedy vs. Drama
Renting vs. Owning
Mozart vs. Beethoven
Online vs. Traditional Education
North vs. South Pole
Watercolor vs. Oil
1984 vs. Fahrenheit 451
Emily Dickinson vs. Samuel Taylor Coleridge
W.E.B. DuBois vs. Booker T. Washington
Strawberries vs. Apples
Airplanes vs. Helicopters
Hitler vs. Napoleon
Roman Empire vs. British Empire
Paper vs. Plastic
Italy vs. Spain
Baseball vs. Cricket
Jefferson vs. Adams
Thoroughbreds vs. Clydesdales
Spiders vs. Scorpions
Northern Hemisphere vs. Southern Hemisphere
Hobbes vs. Locke
Friends vs. Family
Dried Fruit vs. Fresh
Porcelain vs. Glass
Modern Dance vs. Ballroom Dancing
American Idol vs. The Voice
Reality TV vs. Sitcoms
Picard vs. Kirk
Books vs. Movies
Magazines vs. Comic Books
Antique vs. New
Public vs. Private Transportation
Email vs. Letters
Facebook vs. Twitter
Coffee vs. an Energy Drink
Toads vs. Frogs
Profit vs. Non-Profit
Boys vs. Girls
Birds vs. Dinosaurs
High School vs. College
Chamberlain vs. Churchill
Offense vs. Defense
Jordan vs. Bryant
Harry vs. Draco
Roses vs. Carnations
Poetry vs. Prose
Fiction vs. Nonfiction
Lions vs. Tigers
Vampires vs. Werewolves
Lollipops vs. popsicles
Summer vs. Winter
Recycling vs. Landfill
Motorcycle vs. Bicycle
Halogen vs. Incandescent
Newton vs. Einstein
. Go on vacation vs. Staycation
Rock vs. Scissors
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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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Writing a research paper on ethics is not an easy task, especially if you do not possess excellent writing skills and do not like to contemplate controversial questions. But an ethics course is obligatory in all higher education institutions, and students have to look for a way out and be creative. When you find an […]

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The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Comparing and Contrasting

What this handout is about.

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

Introduction

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

Recognizing comparison/contrast in assignments

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

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

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

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

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

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

Using comparison/contrast for all kinds of writing projects

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

Discovering similarities and differences

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two historical periods or events

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

Two ideas or theories

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

Two pieces of writing or art

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

Deciding what to focus on

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

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

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

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

Your thesis

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

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

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

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

Organizing your paper

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

Subject-by-subject

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

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

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

Point-by-point

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

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

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

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

Cue words and other tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Structure and Outline

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

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

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

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

Point-by-Point Method

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

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

Body Paragraph 1 - LIFESTYLE

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

Body Paragraph 2 - FINANCES

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

Body Paragraph 3 - CITY

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

Block Method

Thesis — cover all areas of the essay in one sentence

Body Paragraph 1

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

Body Paragraph 2

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

Body Paragraph 3 ‍

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

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

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

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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How Long Should a College Essay Be: Simple Explanation

Compare And Contrast Essay

Compare And Contrast Essay Topics

Interesting Compare and Contrast Essay Topics & Ideas

13 min read

Compare and Contrast Essay - Overview

A compare and contrast essay is a type of essay that explains how two or more subjects are different or similar.

The purpose of this essay is to examine two things and find out how they are similar and different. When writing a compare and contrast essay, it's important to consider the relevance of each characteristic being compared. This will help you decide which characteristics are most worth exploring.

Here’s a video that explains compare and contrast essay in more depth:

If you have not decided on the topic as yet, get inspired by the topic ideas given below:

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for University Students

Compare the education systems of the United States and the United Kingdom.
Compare and contrast the themes and characters in two classic novels of your choice.
Compare the democratic systems of the United States and European countries.
Compare the impact of Eastern and Western philosophies on modern society.
Compare and contrast the theories of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung.
Compare the economic systems of capitalism and socialism.
Compare the theories of evolution and creationism in the context of biology.
Compare the impact of World War I and World War II on global politics and society.
Compare the role of women in society in the 19th and 21st centuries.
Compare and contrast classical music and contemporary pop music.

College Level Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Check out these compare and contrast essay topics for college students.

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students

John Locke against Thomas Hobbes
George Bush vs. Donald Trump
Bill Gates and Steve Jobs
Prince and Michael Jackson
Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi
Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill
Adolf Hitler and Mussolini
Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May
Jon Bon Jovi and Elvis Presley.
Socrates and Plato

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Middle School

Playing video games vs. reading a book
Real communication vs. texting
Apple vs. Pear
Giving vs. Getting presents - Which is more pleasant?
Long hair or short hair
Cats vs. Dogs
King Arthur vs. Zeus
Watching a film at home vs. in cinema
Dictators vs. School bullies
Hurricane vs. Tsunami

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics 9th Grade

Comparing the Dangers of On-Screen Screen Time vs Outdoor Activities
Contrasting Ancient Rome and Modern America
Online Classes vs On-campus Classes
School Uniforms vs Casual Dress Code
Homeschooling vs. Public Schooling
Video Games vs. Movies
Reading Books vs Watching Movies
Examining the Impact of Social Media on Teenage Lives
Comparing Private Schools to Public Schools
Exploring the Advantages and Disadvantages of City Life vs Country Life.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics For 7th Grade

Nighttime vs. Daytime
Sleeping vs. Being active
Running & Walking
Summer & Winter
Comic books and TV shows
Halloween or prom night? - Which one is more fun?
Riding or driving - Which is more difficult?
Swimming vs. cycling
Brazil team vs. Manning team
Evening exercise vs. morning exercise

Easy Compare And Contrast Essay Topics for 6th Grade

Compare quotes from known celebrities
Books of famous writers
Rap songs and Pop Songs
Reptiles vs. Mammals
Shaggy vs. Fred
Renting and owning things
Italy vs. Spain
Is living in a house better than a flat?
Compare and contrast between adulthood and childhood.
Superman vs. Spiderman

Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics For Elementary Students

Facebook or Instagram
Fast food vs. healthy meal
Public school vs. Private school
Parental control or full freedom
Good teacher vs. a bad teacher
Online vs. Traditional shopping
Chinese vs. American beauty concepts
Rock vs. Classical music
Apartment vs. House
University professors vs. School teachers

History Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Renaissance and Baroque Art
US President vs. British Prime Minister
Fascism and Totalitarianism
Religious Studies vs. Anthropology
America vs. Soviet Government
Gandhi and Jinnah’s political approaches
Communism vs. Liberalism
Make a comparison between Russian emperors
Iran pre and post monarchy
Karl Marx and Friedrich Hegel

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Science Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Astronomy vs. Astrology
Chemistry vs. Physics
Nature vs. Nurture in Psychology
Renewable Energy vs. Fossil Fuels
Biotechnology vs. Genetic Engineering
Climate Change vs. Natural Climate Variability
Quantum Mechanics vs. Classical Physics
Space Exploration vs. Ocean Exploration
Animal Behavior vs. Human Behavior
Artificial Intelligence vs. Human Intelligence

Sports Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Psychology and Psychiatry
Nature vs. Nurture
Therapy vs. Medication
Rehabilitation Advantages and Disadvantages
Autism vs. Down Syndrome
Suicide and Homicide
Smoking and Vaping
Impact of social media on people and depression
Stress and Depression
Compare Theories of J. Watson and B. Skinner.

Literature & Language Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Shakespearean Tragedies vs. Comedies
Poetry vs. Prose
Classic Literature vs. Contemporary Literature
Fiction vs. Non-Fiction
First-Person vs. Third-Person Narration
Modern English vs. Old English
The Use of Symbolism in Poetry vs. Prose
Gothic Literature vs. Romantic Literature
Literary Realism vs. Magical Realism
Literary Criticism vs. Reader Response Theory

Education Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

SAT vs. IELTS
Scientific Paper vs. Academic Writing
Science and Art
Professional vs. Skill Degree
Essay Writing and Research Paper
What is the difference between Public and Private School students?
Casual Clothing vs. Uniforms
University and College
Gender studies and Women's Studies
Sociology and Anthropology

Social Sciences Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Democracy vs. Authoritarianism
Capitalism vs. Socialism
Traditional Education vs. Online Learning
Urban Living vs. Rural Living
Gender Roles in Modern Society vs. Traditional Societies
Individualism vs. Collectivism
Globalization vs. Cultural Diversity
Social Media vs. Face-to-Face Communication
Environmental Conservation vs. Economic Development
Cybersecurity vs. Privacy Rights

Arts and Culture Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Classical Art vs. Contemporary Art
Film vs. Theater
Traditional Dance vs. Modern Dance
Literature vs. Film Adaptations
High Culture vs. Popular Culture
Museum Exhibitions vs. Art Galleries
Classical Music vs. Contemporary Music
Traditional Architecture vs. Modern Architecture
Fashion Trends vs. Historical Costume
Cultural Festivals vs. Music Festivals

Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Here are some fun compare and contrast essay topics for light-hearted essays

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

Controversial Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Gun Control vs. Second Amendment Rights
Pro-choice vs. Pro-life
Capital Punishment vs. Life Imprisonment
Censorship vs. Freedom of Expression
Climate Change Denial vs. Environmental Activism
Globalization vs. Protectionism
Legalization vs. Criminalization of Drugs
AI Advancements vs. Job Displacement
Universal Healthcare vs. Private Healthcare
The Role of Government vs. Individual Liberty

Movie Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Football in 20th vs. 21st Century
Sociology vs. psychology
Bipolar Disorder vs. Epilepsy
Strict Parenting vs. Relaxed Parenting
Ego vs. Superego
Soft Drugs vs. Hard Drugs
Traditional vs. online education
Homeschooling vs. traditional education
Testing or stress-free education
Studying languages vs. sciences

Fun Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Wizards vs. Witches: Magical Showdown
Summer Festivals vs. Winter Carnivals: Seasonal Celebrations
Metropolis Madness vs. Country Calm: Where to Live?
Adventures in Middle-earth vs. Galaxy Far, Far Away: Epic Journeys
Social Butterflies vs. Snap-happy Explorers: Social Media Stars
Pizza Palooza vs. Burger Bonanza: Foodie Face-off
High School Hijinks vs. College Capers: Student Life
Road Trippin' vs. Jet Settin': Travel Adventures
Campfire Chronicles vs. Hotel Hideaways: Outdoor Escapes
Mozart vs. Morrison: Musical Masterminds

Unique Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Renaissance vs. Baroque Art
Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing in the Digital Age.
Exploration of Dreams in Psychology vs. Literature.
The Impact of Video Games vs. Literature on Storytelling.
Natural Medicine vs. Conventional Medicine
Shakespearean Sonnets vs. Modern Song Lyrics
Eastern and Western Approaches to Meditation and Mindfulness.
Ancient Greek Democracy vs. Modern Democratic Systems.
The Internet's Effect on Traditional Journalism vs. Citizen Journalism.
Family members vs. Friends in tough life decisions

Deep Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Paintings vs. photos
Superman vs. Batman
Harry Potter Books vs. Movies
Pride and Prejudice vs. The Great Gatsby
Mission Impossible 1 vs. 6
Game of Thrones vs. The Witcher
Apple or Google Pixel
Free college education.
Silver vs. gold.
Old vs. new: analyzing the similarities

Medical Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Healthcare Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Traditional Medicine vs. Modern Medicine
Telemedicine vs. In-Person Doctor Visits
Mental Health vs. Physical Health Care
Vaccination vs. Natural Immunity
Traditional Chinese Medicine vs. Western Medicine
Healthcare in Developed vs. Developing Countries
Public Health vs. Personal Health
Hospital Care vs. Home Healthcare
Healthcare Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Technology

Traditional vs. Online Commerce
Mobile phones vs. tablets
E-readers vs. traditional paper books
iPhone or Smartphone
Artificial intelligence vs. cloud computing
Online photos vs. camera photos
Traditional TV or streaming platforms
Laptops or tablets
Cloud computing vs. traditional computing
Robots vs. humans

Entertainment Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Live Concerts vs. Music Streaming Services
Hollywood Films vs. Independent Movies
Video Games vs. Board Games
Fiction Books vs. Non-Fiction Books
Stand-Up Comedy vs. Improv Comedy
Theater Plays vs. Movie Adaptations
Cable TV vs. Streaming Services
Action Movies vs. Romantic Comedies
Pop Music vs. Hip-Hop Music
Classical Art vs. Street Art

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Economy

Keynesian Economics vs. Supply-Side Economics
Market Economy vs. Planned Economy
Microeconomics vs. Macroeconomics
Economic Development vs. Economic Growth
Fiscal Policy vs. Monetary Policy
Developed Countries vs. Developing Countries' Economies
Income Inequality in Capitalist vs. Socialist Economies
The Great Depression vs. the 2008 Financial Crisis
Trade Protectionism vs. Free Trade
Economic Impact of COVID-19 vs. Other Major Crises

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Politics

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

How to Choose a Topic for a Compare and Contrast Essay?

Usually, elementary school and college students are assigned topics for their essays. But if not, then it is time to show your creativity by choosing an interesting topic.

Choosing the right topic for your essay is both important and daunting. Choosing an exciting topic is mandatory to make your compare and contrast essay engaging for the readers.

If you want to select an impressive topic for your essay, follow the tips provided below:

Identify Your Interests: Identify the topics you find interesting and are passionate about discussing. Your enthusiasm will enhance the quality of your writing.
Create a List of Ideas: List down all the ideas and choose subjects that can be described in detail with various aspects.
Ensure Coherence: Make sure that the subjects you choose for your essay belong to the same group or category. This ensures a logical and coherent flow of ideas.
Consider Your Audience: Keep in mind the target audience. Structure your writing based on the readers' interests to increase your essay’s readership. Choose a topic that aligns with your audience's preferences.
Explore Current Trends: Choose topics from current trends and controversies. People are more interested in subjects that are new or controversial. This ensures your essay remains engaging and relevant to your audience.

Researching before choosing your compare and contrast essay topic is essential. In this way, you will know if your chosen topic is suitable or not.

To sum up , these are some helpful and fun writing ideas you can use in your compare and contrast essay.

However, sometimes students need more than a list of compare and contrast essay topics to guide them. You should also read some compare and contrast essay examples to get a better understanding.

Whether writing an essay or an academic paper on compare and contrast, it is essential first to pick a good topic. You can easily get help from our essay writing company online.

At MyPerfectWords.com , we provide reliable writing services that provide quality and custom academic assistance.

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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

Comparing and Contrasting: A Guide to Improve Your Essays

Walter Akolo

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

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

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

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

Let’s dive in.

What Is Comparing and Contrasting?

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

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

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

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

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

Compare is the same as similarities.

Contrast is the same as differences.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can Comparing and Contrasting Be Useful Outside of Academia?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Should You Do First?

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

Words and phrases commonly used for comparison include:

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

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

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

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

Using a Venn Diagram

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

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

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

Going Subject by Subject

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

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

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

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

Going Point by Point

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

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

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

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

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

Examples of College Level Compare and Contrast Essay Questions

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

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

So, the key takeaways to keep in mind are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

The benefits of comparing and contrasting

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

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

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Editing technology like prowritingaid provides immediate, personalized feedback that will help students to better understand grammar and writing techniques., in this guide , we walk you through exactly how to use prowritingaid in your classroom and give you tools and templates for creating a rigorous, effective independent writing practice with your students..

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

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Writing a Paper: Comparing & Contrasting

A compare and contrast paper discusses the similarities and differences between two or more topics. The paper should contain an introduction with a thesis statement, a body where the comparisons and contrasts are discussed, and a conclusion.

Address Both Similarities and Differences

Because this is a compare and contrast paper, both the similarities and differences should be discussed. This will require analysis on your part, as some topics will appear to be quite similar, and you will have to work to find the differing elements.

Make Sure You Have a Clear Thesis Statement

Just like any other essay, a compare and contrast essay needs a thesis statement. The thesis statement should not only tell your reader what you will do, but it should also address the purpose and importance of comparing and contrasting the material.

Use Clear Transitions

Transitions are important in compare and contrast essays, where you will be moving frequently between different topics or perspectives.

Examples of transitions and phrases for comparisons: as well, similar to, consistent with, likewise, too
Examples of transitions and phrases for contrasts: on the other hand, however, although, differs, conversely, rather than.

For more information, check out our transitions page.

Structure Your Paper

Consider how you will present the information. You could present all of the similarities first and then present all of the differences. Or you could go point by point and show the similarity and difference of one point, then the similarity and difference for another point, and so on.

Include Analysis

It is tempting to just provide summary for this type of paper, but analysis will show the importance of the comparisons and contrasts. For instance, if you are comparing two articles on the topic of the nursing shortage, help us understand what this will achieve. Did you find consensus between the articles that will support a certain action step for people in the field? Did you find discrepancies between the two that point to the need for further investigation?

Make Analogous Comparisons

When drawing comparisons or making contrasts, be sure you are dealing with similar aspects of each item. To use an old cliché, are you comparing apples to apples?

Example of poor comparisons: Kubista studied the effects of a later start time on high school students, but Cook used a mixed methods approach. (This example does not compare similar items. It is not a clear contrast because the sentence does not discuss the same element of the articles. It is like comparing apples to oranges.)
Example of analogous comparisons: Cook used a mixed methods approach, whereas Kubista used only quantitative methods. (Here, methods are clearly being compared, allowing the reader to understand the distinction.

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Compare And Contrast Essay Guide

Compare And Contrast Essay Examples

Last updated on: Mar 22, 2024

Good Compare and Contrast Essay Examples For Your Help

By: Barbara P.

Reviewed By: Jacklyn H.

Published on: Mar 22, 2023

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

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

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

On this Page

Good Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

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

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

SAMPLE COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY EXAMPLE

COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY INTRODUCTION EXAMPLE

BOOK COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY

CITY COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY

CATS & DOGS COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY

SCIENCE & ART COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY

E-BOOKS & HARDBACK BOOKS COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY

HOMESCHOOLING BOOKS COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY

PARENTING STYLES COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY

CONVENTIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples University

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

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

COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY EXAMPLE UNIVERSITY

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples College

COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY EXAMPLE COLLEGE

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples High School

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

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

COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY EXAMPLE HIGH SCHOOL

COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY EXAMPLE 9TH GRADE

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples Middle school

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

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

COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY EXAMPLE MIDDLE SCHOOL

COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY EXAMPLES 5TH GRADE

Literary Analysis Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

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

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

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

LITERARY ANALYSIS COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY EXAMPLE

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Compare and Contrast Essay Conclusion Example

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

COMPARE AND CONTRAST ESSAY CONCLUSION EXAMPLE

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Writing Tips

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

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

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

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

Create captivating essays effortlessly!

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

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

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

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do i write a compare and contrast essay.

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

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

How do you start a compare and contrast essay introduction?

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

What are some good compare and contrast essay topics?

Here are some good topics for compare and contrast essay:

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

How long is a compare and contrast essay?

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

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

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics: 100+ Fresh New Ideas

Compare and Contrast Essay Outline - Template & Examples

80 Intriguing Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

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

First day of school vs. the last day of school.

In compare and contrast essays , writers show the similarities and differences between two things. They combine descriptive writing with analysis, making connections and showing dissimilarities. Remind students that in this type of writing, they’re not necessarily trying to sway the reader to one opinion or another—they’re just presenting and analyzing facts. These compare and contrast essay topics will give them plenty of practice.

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

School and Life Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Going to college vs. starting work full-time

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

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

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

Entertainment Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

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

History and Politics Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Two political candidates in a current race

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

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

American president vs. U.K. prime minister

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

Just for Fun Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Dogs vs. cats as pets

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

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

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

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

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

80 Intriguing Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

34 Compelling Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for All Grades

In the complexity of life, few things fit neatly into clear-cut categories. Most aspects hover in the hazy realm of ambiguity. Ideas, people, or phenomena often get unfairly labeled, leading to misconceptions. To unravel their true essence, we rely on comparison and contrast. That's where compare and contrast essays step in!

These essays are a way to explore the differences and similarities between two or more things. They help us grasp the essence of each and form more rounded opinions. If you've already mastered how to write a compare and contrast essay , you're probably on the hunt for exciting topics.

Well, you're in luck! In this article, our essay writer suggests some intriguing and enjoyable compare and contrast essay ideas to inspire your writing. Whether you're in middle school, high school, or college, our collection is bound to spark your interest.

A List of Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Check out a list of some awesome compare and contrast essay topics below - no matter what your school level or interest area, there's something here for you. So, let's dig in and get ready to spar in some lively debates with these exciting and maybe even a bit controversial choices!

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Middle School Students

Let's start by giving a shoutout to our awesome middle schoolers, who are already gearing up to step into the debating ring. If you're eager to show off your skills, take a look at the topics below—they're packed with ideas that'll spark your imagination for your essays.

Science Fair Projects vs. In-Class Experiments
Reading Fiction vs. Reading Non-Fiction
School Lunches vs. Packed Lunches
Physical Education Classes vs. After-School Sports
Math Homework vs. Math Games
History Reports vs. History Projects
Music Lessons vs. School Band
Language Arts Essays vs. Creative Writing Assignments
School Field Trips vs. Virtual Tours
Group Projects vs. Individual Assignments
Art Classes vs. Craft Workshops
Science Fiction Books vs. Science Non-Fiction Book
Social Studies Debates vs. Current Events Discussions
School Library vs. Internet Research
Study Groups vs. Solo Studying
School Assemblies vs. Classroom Presentations
Homework Assignments vs. Extra Credit Projects
Technology Classes vs. Computer Lab Time
School Clubs vs. After-School Programs
Morning Announcements vs. School Newspaper

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students

Moving on to our high school students, here are some handpicked topics just for you. They'll stir up thought-provoking comparisons and fuel lively discussions with your classmates. So, while our compare and contrast essay writing service takes care of your other assignments, delve into these essay topics and let your creativity run wild!

Advanced Placement (AP) Classes vs. International Baccalaureate (IB) Classes
Public Speaking Classes vs. Debate Clubs
Art History Class vs. Studio Art Class
Mathematics Competitions vs. Science Fairs
Literature Circles vs. Book Reports
Student Government vs. School Newspaper
SAT Prep Courses vs. ACT Prep Courses
Extracurricular Music Programs vs. School Band
Physical Education Classes vs. Sports Teams: Physical Fitness and Teamwork
Peer Tutoring Programs vs. Academic Support Centers
Foreign Language Classes vs. Cultural Clubs
Advanced Mathematics Courses vs. Computer Science Electives
History Research Papers vs. Current Events Discussions
Chemistry Lab Experiments vs. Biology Field Studies
Film Analysis Class vs. Theater Production Club
Environmental Science Coursework vs. Ecology Club Activities
Mock Trial Club vs. Speech and Debate Team
Personal Finance Class vs. Entrepreneurship Club
Robotics Team vs. Engineering Design Class
Health Education Curriculum vs. Peer Health Advocacy Group

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College Students

Now, let's shift gears to our college students, who are ready to tackle even more challenging debates! Check out these carefully curated topics designed to spur insightful comparisons:

Study Groups vs. Solo Study: Maximizing Learning Efficiency
College Dormitories vs. Apartment Living: Pros and Cons of Student Housing
Internships vs. Research Assistantships: Gaining Professional Experience
In-State Colleges vs. Out-of-State Colleges: Financial Considerations and Benefits
On-Campus Dining vs. Meal Prep: Balancing Convenience and Nutrition
College Clubs vs. Intramural Sports: Extracurricular Engagement
Lecture-Based Classes vs. Seminar-Style Classes: Preferred Learning Environments
Living in a Single Room vs. Having Roommates: Impact on Social Life and Privacy
Taking Summer Classes vs. Taking Winter Classes: Accelerating Academic Progress
Participating in Study Abroad Programs vs. Participating in Exchange Programs: Cultural Immersion Opportunities
Majoring in Computer Science vs. Majoring in Information Technology: Career Paths in Tech
Living in a Co-ed Dormitory vs. Living in a Single-Sex Dormitory: Living Preferences
Joining a Professional Organization vs. Joining a Student Club: Career Development Opportunities
Renting Textbooks vs. Buying Textbooks: Cost-Effectiveness and Convenience
Living on-Campus for Freshman Year vs. Living Off-Campus: Transitioning to Independent Living
Attending Small College Classes vs. Large College Classes: Class Size and Academic Experience
Choosing a College Close to Home vs. Choosing a College Far from Home: Factors Influencing Decision-Making
Using Public Transportation vs. Using a Bicycle: Commuting Options for College Students
Studying in the Library vs. Studying in a Coffee Shop: Productivity and Distractions
Majoring in Business Administration vs. Majoring in Economics: Different Approaches to Understanding Markets

Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Let's broaden the horizon and explore some fantastic compare and contrast essay topics that are perfect for anyone looking for a stimulating discussion.

Reading a Book vs. Listening to an Audiobook: Absorbing Stories
Taking Notes by Hand vs. Typing Notes: Note-Taking Methods
Watching a Movie at Home vs. Watching a Movie in the Theater: Viewing Experiences
Cooking a Meal from Scratch vs. Ordering Takeout: Food Preparation
Using Public Transportation vs. Riding a Bike: Getting Around Town
Working Out at Home vs. Going to the Gym: Exercise Routines
Buying a New Item vs. Buying a Used Item: Shopping Preferences
Living in a City Apartment vs. Living in a Suburban House: Residential Living
Playing a Musical Instrument vs. Singing: Musical Expression
Traveling by Plane vs. Traveling by Train: Modes of Transportation
Growing Plants from Seeds vs. Buying Plants: Gardening Methods
Using a Smartphone vs. Using a Tablet: Digital Devices
Writing with Pen and Paper vs. Writing on a Computer: Writing Tools
Eating at a Restaurant vs. Eating at Home: Dining Experiences
Watching Sports on TV vs. Attending a Live Game: Sporting Events
Doing Homework Alone vs. Doing Homework with Friends: Study Habits
Playing Video Games vs. Playing Board Games: Gaming Activities
Running Errands on Foot vs. Running Errands by Car: Errand Running
Attending a Live Concert vs. Listening to Recorded Music: Musical Performances
Going to a Museum vs. Going to a Zoo: Cultural and Educational Outings

Fun Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Now, let's pivot to some fun compare and contrast essay topics that are sure to ramp up the fun and get everyone talking!

Pirates vs. Ninjas: Battle of the Coolest Imaginary Fighters
Unicorns vs. Dragons: Mythical Creatures Face-Off
Pancakes vs. Waffles: Breakfast Wars
Zombies vs. Vampires: Undead Showdown
Superheroes vs. Supervillains: Epic Comic Book Rivalries
Aliens vs. Robots: Intergalactic Clash of the Titans
Pineapple on Pizza vs. No Pineapple on Pizza: Tastebud Controversy
Marvel vs. DC: Superpowered Smackdown
Cats vs. Dogs: Furry Friends Face-Off
Memes vs. GIFs: Internet Humor Showdown
Pizza Delivery vs. Taco Delivery: Battle of the Midnight Munchies
Dancing vs. Singing in the Shower: Best Bathroom Performance
Star Wars vs. Star Trek: Galactic Geekiness
Game of Thrones vs. The Walking Dead: TV Showdown
Coffee vs. Energy Drinks: Caffeine Conundrum
Harry Potter vs. Lord of the Rings: Fantasy Fandom Feud
French Fries vs. Onion Rings: Side Dish Showdown
Netflix and Chill vs. Hulu and Hang: Streaming Service Shenanigans
Gym vs. Couch: Battle of the Weekend Plans
Sneakers vs. Sandals: Footwear Frenzy

Controversial Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

While comparing multiple subjects can pose a challenge, it's precisely this complexity that makes for captivating compare and contrast essay topics. Here are some controversial topics that are sure to grab your readers' attention from the get-go with just a glance at the paper title:

Capitalism vs. Socialism: Economic Systems in Modern Society
Gun Control vs. Gun Rights: Balancing Safety and Freedom
Climate Change vs. Climate Skepticism: Debating Environmental Policies
Traditional Education vs. Homeschooling: Approaches to Education
Universal Healthcare vs. Privatized Healthcare: Access to Medical Services
Death Penalty vs. Life Imprisonment: Justice and Punishment
Freedom of Speech vs. Hate Speech Regulation: Protecting Rights vs. Preventing Harm
Animal Rights vs. Animal Testing: Ethical Treatment of Animals
Traditional Medicine vs. Alternative Medicine: Approaches to Healing
Censorship vs. Freedom of Expression: Media and Cultural Control
Euthanasia vs. Right to Die: End-of-Life Decision Making
Affirmative Action vs. Meritocracy: Equality vs. Fairness in Opportunity
Privacy vs. National Security: Surveillance and Civil Liberties
Traditional Marriage vs. Same-Sex Marriage: Legal Recognition and Social Acceptance
Immigration Reform vs. Border Control: Managing Immigration Policies
Social Media Regulation vs. Free Speech Online: Managing Online Discourse
Vaccination Mandates vs. Personal Choice: Public Health and Individual Rights
Environmental Conservation vs. Economic Development: Balancing Ecology and Economy
Globalization vs. Nationalism: Impact on Culture and Sovereignty
Traditional Gender Roles vs. Gender Fluidity: Perspectives on Identity and Society

Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Designed to hone your analytical prowess, here is a wealth of intriguing compare and contrast ideas with our list of psychology essay topics:

Nature vs. Nurture: Influence on Personality Development
Freudian Psychoanalysis vs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Classical Conditioning vs. Operant Conditioning
Social Learning Theory vs. Social Cognitive Theory
Trait Theory vs. Psychodynamic Theory of Personality
Biological vs. Environmental Factors in Mental Health Disorders
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs vs. Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory
Attachment Theory vs. Erikson's Psychosocial Development Theory
Stanford Prison Experiment vs. Milgram Experiment
Trait Approach vs. Situational Approach to Leadership
Gestalt Psychology vs. Behaviorism
Emic vs. Etic Perspectives in Cross-Cultural Psychology
Self-Efficacy Theory vs. Self-Determination Theory
Cognitive Dissonance Theory vs. Self-Perception Theory
Social Identity Theory vs. Social Comparison Theory
Positive Psychology vs. Humanistic Psychology
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy vs. Gestalt Therapy
Nature of Dreams: Freudian vs. Activation-Synthesis Theory
Biopsychosocial Model vs. Biomedical Model of Health and Illness

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for a Research Paper

How about plunging into some exciting topics for your upcoming research? Let's get ready for some serious exploration, because selecting the right topic is essential for nailing that research paper.

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Research Methods
Primary vs. Secondary Data Collection
Experimental Research vs. Observational Research
Cross-Sectional vs. Longitudinal Studies
Descriptive vs. Analytical Research
Case Study vs. Survey Research
Random Sampling vs. Stratified Sampling
Action Research vs. Participatory Research
Qualitative Content Analysis vs. Thematic Analysis
Grounded Theory vs. Phenomenological Research
Mixed Methods Research: Benefits and Challenges
Ethnographic Research vs. Historical Research
Comparative Research vs. Correlational Research
Exploratory vs. Explanatory Research
Research Ethics: Ethical Considerations in Human Subjects Research
Causal Comparative Research vs. Ex Post Facto Research
Action Research vs. Case-Based Research
Cross-Sectional vs. Panel Studies
Content Analysis vs. Discourse Analysis
Quantitative vs. Qualitative Data Analysis Techniques

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Computer Science

We can't overlook some tech topics that many students will find useful for their studies:

Programming Languages: Java vs. Python
Operating Systems: Windows vs. Linux
Artificial Intelligence vs. Machine Learning
Cybersecurity Measures: Encryption vs. Biometrics
Software Development Methodologies: Agile vs. Waterfall
Cloud Computing vs. Edge Computing
Virtual Reality vs. Augmented Reality
Quantum Computing vs. Classical Computing
Mobile App Development: iOS vs. Android
Data Storage: Relational Databases vs. NoSQL Databases
Internet Protocols: IPv4 vs. IPv6
Computer Graphics: 2D vs. 3D
Computer Networking: LAN vs. WAN
Web Development: Frontend vs. Backend
Computer Hardware: HDD vs. SSD
Programming Paradigms: Object-Oriented vs. Functional
Cybersecurity Threats: Malware vs. Phishing
Computer Vision vs. Natural Language Processing
Data Structures: Arrays vs. Linked Lists
Human-Computer Interaction: GUI vs. Command Line Interface

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Historical Events

Last but certainly not least, historical events offer excellent material for a comparison essay, so why not select the best options from the list below?

American vs. French Revolution: Compare causes, leaders.
Civil War vs. Spanish Civil War: Contrast strategies, impacts.
British vs. Japanese Industrial Revolution: Compare effects.
Cold War vs. War on Terror: Analyze global impacts.
Great Depression vs. 2008 Recession: Contrast economic causes.
Renaissance vs. Enlightenment: Compare cultural movements.
Roman vs. British Empire: Contrast expansion.
Holocaust vs. Rwandan Genocide: Examine causes.
Space Race vs. Arms Race: Compare technological advancements.
Vietnam War vs. Korean War: Analyze motivations.
Women's Suffrage vs. Civil Rights Movement: Contrast strategies.
Russian Revolution vs. Chinese Revolution: Compare ideologies.
French vs. British Colonialism in Africa: Contrast legacies.
Ancient Greek vs. Modern American Democracy: Compare structures.
Crusades vs. Jihad: Analyze religious motivations.
Berlin Wall vs. Iron Curtain: Contrast division.
Fall of Constantinople vs. Fall of Rome: Compare factors.
French vs. Bolshevik Revolution: Contrast leadership.
Treaty of Versailles vs. Treaty of Westphalia: Compare negotiations.
Cuban Missile Crisis vs. Iran Hostage Crisis: Analyze resolutions.

How to Choose Topics for Compare and Contrast Essay?

Once you've got a handle on your interests and goals, it's time to select the best compare and contrast essay topics. Here are some steps and tips to help you narrow down your options:

Identify Your Interests : Begin by contemplating subjects that genuinely capture your attention. Reflect on topics related to your academic pursuits, personal interests, or experiences. Crafting an essay about something you're passionate about not only enhances the writing process but also ensures a more compelling essay. For example, you might explore the differences between classical literature and contemporary novels if you're an avid reader.
Define Your Purpose : Clarify the objective of your essay. Are you seeking to highlight disparities, similarities, or both? Understanding your purpose will steer your selection of topics accordingly.
Consider Audience Relevance : Think about your audience and what topics would resonate with them. Choose subjects that are relevant and meaningful to your readers, whether they're classmates, instructors, or a broader audience.
Focus on Comparability : Ensure that the topics you choose lend themselves well to comparison. Look for pairs of subjects that share sufficient similarities or differences to facilitate a meaningful analysis. Avoid selecting topics that are too disparate or unrelated.
Narrow Your Scope : Don't bite off more than you can chew. Keep your topic manageable. Instead of comparing all of 'technology,' maybe focus on smartphones vs. tablets.
Explore Unique Angles : Seek out unconventional or lesser-known topics that offer fresh perspectives. Look beyond the obvious comparisons and delve into niche areas that can spark insightful discussions.
Research Availability : Before you commit to a topic, make sure you can find enough good info to back up your points. It's no good picking something if you can't find anything to support what you're saying.

On a Final Note

Compare and contrast essay topics offer a chance for students of all levels to think critically and learn more about the world. Just like the saying, 'Don't compare apples and oranges,' each topic we explore has its own unique qualities. So, as we finish up here, let's keep in mind that comparing things helps us learn and grow. It's all about appreciating differences and finding common ground.

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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

Best Dissertation Methodology for Writing a Chapter

How to write a Management Essay
10 Important Skills for Every Writer
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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.

At this point, write my college essay might sound like a bright idea. Which is, actually!

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.

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

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.

Shoemaker Lumber
Harbor Outfitters
Somers Point Lumber
Super Clean 4 U
Mike’s Seafood
Fishing Report

How to Build Your Compare and Contrast Essay? Structure and Examples

A compare and contrast essay examines the topics for discussion from multiple points of view. Usually, high schoolers and college students have to submit these essays to their tutors for the evaluation of their analytical thinking skills. Also, these essays are the best way to prepare students for the advanced forms of academic writing.

Such papers become relatively easy to write when you follow a step-by-step approach and research your topic well enough. Wherever confused, you can get help from online essay writers , your tutor or peers. They can help you with crafting your homework and, hence, improve your grades.

This article explores in detail the tips for a compare and contrast essay structure and provides you with examples of successful papers. Let’s define this essay type first, and after that, we shall move towards the writing guidelines.

What Is a Compare and Contrast Essay?

As per the definition by Walden University, a compare and contrast essay highlight the differences and similarities between two or more perspectives. The essay consists of an introduction, a thesis statement, a main body where the contrast is made and then a conclusion. In such papers, students are expected to discuss both the similarities and differences of the topic under consideration.

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay?

As this is a compare and contrast paper, it goes without saying that you will discuss both the similarities and dissimilarities of the topic. It requires you to analyse your title in detail and demonstrate your critical thinking skills. Here are the tips and structure guidelines for you to follow when writing a compare and contrast essay:

1. Start by Brainstorming the Topic

The best comparison essays demonstrate a high level of analysis to the readers and that means you will have to brainstorm your topic well before you start the writing process. Usually, students use a Venn diagram to brainstorm their ideas. They draw overlapping circles in a Venn diagram and mention the characteristics of each subject in each circle. The overlapping part of the circle shows the similarities of the subjects and the side parts show the differences of both.

Drawing a Venn diagram makes it easy for students to keep track of different points in their minds. Here is an image from Lib Guides which can help you understand the concept in further detail:

2. Craft a Thesis Statement

Once you have mapped out the differences and similarities between your topics, you will start to understand the relationship between the subjects you are comparing. This, in turn, helps you craft a strong thesis statement that functions as a road map for your essay. A compare and contrast essay thesis statement should be clear, i.e., it should not only tell the readers about what you will do but also address the importance and purpose of comparing and contrasting the material.

Your statement should clearly identify the topic that is being discussed and include the central points of your essay. When crafting this section, ensure that you keep your audience in mind.

3. Make an Outline

After you are done curating the data for your work, you will move from the prewriting stage to crafting the compare and contrast essay outline. A good outline follows the format of a standard essay and has the following three parts:

Introductory paragraphs
Body paragraphs

Keep in mind that you will have to follow the same format for the rest of your paper, so make a flexible outline. An outline is exactly what distinguishes a focused essay from a mediocre one. After that, you move towards writing the compare and contrast essay introduction. For success, you should work on making the topic sentence of your introduction interesting for the readers. It would be better to add a hook to it to engage the attention of readers.

4. Structure Your Paper

The structure of a compare and contrast essay measures its success. Consider how you will present the information in your papers. It will be best if you choose to present all the similarities first and then move towards discussing the differences between both subjects. Choose if you will go with the block method or the point-by-point method (we have discussed both of them in detail later in this article).

Here is a structure template for your work from the Helpful Professor, and you can use it to organise your essay:

In the introduction section, you should introduce your topic in detail to the readers and include the research background. In the main body, you state the central similarities and main differences of both subjects. In the conclusion section, you provide the readers with a summary of your comparison and contrast. You should ensure that you have not added any new or vague information in the conclusion of your work. Just keep it simple for you to write and for the readers to understand.

5. Use Clear Transitions

When you write an essay on the comparison of two different topics, amply use the transition phrases and sentences to shift between the alternating methods of discussion. Transitions are really important for compare and contrast essays as they help you move between different perspectives and topics smoothly.

Some of the transitions that you can use in your papers for the comparison of two subjects are the following:

Consistent with, and more

Here is another bunch of transitions that you can use to show the contrast between different kinds of ideas in your essays:

On the other hand
Rather than, and more

However, you should ensure that you are not stuffing your papers with unnecessary or too many transitions because they make it exhausting for the readers to logically understand your papers. Just make sure that your ideas and arguments are expressed in a clear way and that they make complete sense to the readers.

6. Make the Comparisons

When making the contrasts between the two subjects, be sure that you are dealing with the similar qualities of each item. Check if the approaches you are comparing have something in common in them or not. Also, you should if they can be appropriately compared to each other. For instance, you can only compare the qualitative features of one subject with the qualitative traits of the other. And the same goes for the quantitative elements of both subjects.

If you are facing trouble with finding the right arguments for your work, feel free to acquire reliable essay writing services online to craft your paper. Their writers have a penchant for crafting excellent comparison essays to meet the needs of students.

7. Include the Analysis

When writing your compare and contrast essay, it may be very tempting for you to just provide the readers with the summary of your essay but not act on it. The analysis of your work focuses on the importance of contrasts and comparisons. For example, if you are writing an essay on the increasing shortage of nurses in the field of medicine and healthcare, you should help your readers understand the importance of your comparison and research work.

Also, highlight the results of your work i.e., tell the audience if there are some noticeable findings and discrepancies which need further investigation by the relevant authorities. It increases the worth and value of your research work.

8. Proofread Your Essay

When you are done writing the compare and contrast essay conclusion and the paper is finished, it is time for you to revise, edit and proofread it. Take your time to relax and you feel fresh mentally; you should come back to the papers for a final review. Your essay will not be complete until you have done a careful proofreading check. Ensure that each subject gets equal space in your document.

Of course, you will have to check for punctuation and spelling mistakes and look for overall clarity in your papers. You can also acquire the help of expert editors and proof-readers online to refine your work and improve its quality.

What Is the Structure of a Compare and Contrast Paragraph?

You can use two methods to structure the paragraphs of a compare and contrast essay. As per the EAP Foundation, you can either use a block structure or discuss the arguments point-by-point.

For the block method, you give all the information about one part of the essay first and then move towards providing the information about the second part.
In a point-by-point structure, you will discuss the main arguments in the form of tips and points.

What Are the Two Main Structures for Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay?

San Jose State University specifies a format for students to follow when working on the structure of their compare and contrast essay outline. The structures we have mentioned in the above section are to be followed when outlining your work, i.e., it will either be the block approach or the point-by-point approach.

Here is an example of how you can plan your argument in the block approach:

Now, here is an example of how you can follow the compare and contrast essay format when doing the point-by-point discussion:

What Are the Main Features of a Compare Contrast Essay?

By now, you must have an idea of how to craft a successful comparison and contrast homework in the best way. According to the instructions of Kellogg Community College, the main features of compare and contrast essays are listed below:

In such an essay, you focus on the characteristics of the objects being compared.
You will have to enlist the defining features of the objects you are comparing.
Such essays need the students to organise their ideas per the format specified by their teachers.
You will have to use multiple comparisons and phrases of contrast to let the readers know how the two objects are being analysed.

Here are some of the phrases of comparison and contrast that you can use to make your points more impactful for the readers of your work:

Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

At this point, it might be a good idea to research the top topics for such essays in 2024. Be sure to choose a topic that you can justify to both sides. Simply focusing on one side of comparison or contrast will not solve any of your problems. Some of the good compare and contrast essay ideas are listed here:

Whether the chemical drugs should be used or not?
What is the difference between allopathic and homoeopathic medications?
Should plastic surgery be done or not?
Which ones are better: iOS or Android phones?
Should economics be taken as a compulsory subject or not?
Is studying at home better than studying in school?
What is preferable: late night workout or early morning workout?
Provide a comparison of the life in college versus the life in high school.

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

It is really beneficial for college students to review a couple of comparisons and contrasts essays before choosing the perfect one for them. We have chosen this example from Helpful Professor, which you can use as a perfect compare and contrast essay template:

Bottom Line

In a nutshell, during the compare and contrast essay writing process, you must identify and explore at least 3 or more key points to discuss. Ensure that you show the differences and similarities between these points to your readers and develop a strong thesis. We have already discussed the best ways to organise your thoughts and write such essays in the above sections.

Before the submission, review your essays in great detail and make sure that you have communicated your ideas in a clear manner to your audience. Also, there must be no grammatical, structural, thematic or contextual mistakes in your papers. If you feel that you need personalised help with your papers, you can always buy essay online from professional service providers. With their years of experience, they are the best people to assist you in crafting remarkable essays.

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70 Unique Psychology Essay Topics for Your Next Assignment

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70 Unique Psychology Essay Topics for Your Next Assignment

Sometimes, it seems like coming up with unique psychology essay topics is more challenging than writing an essay itself. Psychology is a broad subject, so choosing a topic that allows you to cover the subject in depth without being stressed with information is important. A good topic not only captures the interest of the readers but also contributes meaningfully to their field of study.

In-depth research for psychology essays is important for the expansion of the understanding of human behaviour and for the treatment of various psychological conditions. Students feel burdened by the pressure of picking something new and important for their work. It leaves them feeling unsure of the approach to adopt for picking the right essay topics on psychology. During such times, you can get timely advice from your teachers, peers or expert essay writers online .

This blog explores the 70 best psychology essay topics that you can use to craft your essay papers. You can dive right in and start working on your homework after choosing a suitable topic for yourself.

A List of Trending Psychology Research Essay Topics

Whether you are a high schooler who is looking for essay topics in psychology or a college student in search of a compelling title for your paper, this piece of writing has got you covered. We have divided this list of essay topics about psychology into 7 different categories. Students at any academic level can benefit from these lists; there is something for everyone to engage with.

All of these topics for psychology essays are research-based and are related to the modern age psychology research problems. Let’s explore them in detail.

Biological Psychology Essay Topics

Sometimes known as behavioural neuroscience, biological psychology focuses on the study of neurotransmitters and the brain. Bio psychologists examine how these transmitters influence the feelings, behaviours, and thoughts of human beings. They also see how different biological processes interact with the cognitive functions of a person. If you are assigned to write an essay on this subject, but you can’t find any suitable topic, some of the best and trending biology psychology essay topics are listed here for your help:

Explain the functioning of the endocrine system in detail and highlight how the hormones and glands actually work.
What is the effect of people's multicultural background on their identity?
Explore in detail the relationships between human beings and the electromagnetic fields.
What is the impact of young maternal age on the cognitive and psychological effects, and how does it affect the elements of child development?
Describe in detail the importance of health psychology when it comes to understanding the concept of diseases and health.
To what extent can education be said to assume the scientific development that has been achieved in the study of biological integrity?
What exactly is the neuroscience of addiction? Explain the circuitry and reward pathways of the brain.
Explore the role played by hormones in controlling the social behaviour and aggression of individuals.
What are the ethical considerations related to the usage of animal models in the field of biological psychology research?
How are epigenetics and behaviour related to each other? Highlight the concept of interactions between the environment and genes.

Clinical Psychology Essay Topics

The clinical psychology research is often considered synonymous with counselling psychology. It is a discipline that is focused on the diagnosis, assessment, treatment and prevention of different emotional, mental and psychological disorders in different individuals. Here are the ten best clinical psychology essay topics that you can pick and use for your homework:

What are the assessment options, diagnosis and treatment methods for anxiety plus other personality disorders in people?
What is the impact of social media on how people behave and interact with each other?
Explore the effect of ageing on mental illnesses. What particular challenges are faced by the old people who are diagnosed with mental health problems?
Enlist the medications, therapy and psychosocial interventions associated with Schizophrenia.
Explore in detail the impact of violence shown in media and video games on the behaviour of children.
What kinds of therapy are found to be most suitable for people having behavioural issues since their childhood?
Highlight the significance of anxiety disorders and their effect on the daily functioning of humans. Are there any new therapies available that can cure this problem?
What are the ways in which the social and political climates of an environment affect the mental health of an individual?
How does the substance use disorder impact a family, and how can the family members help with the treatment of the disorder?
Is online therapy effective? Enlist its pros and cons and explore how people with no technical literacy can navigate it.

Cognitive Psychology Essay Topics

As a student of cognitive psychology, you will have to develop a systematic understanding of different cognitive processes. Since writing on such psychology topics is a bit tough, you can buy essay online from cognitive psychologists who write academic papers for students. Here are some of the best and trending cognitive psychology essay topics to consider for your work:

What is the relationship between the cognitive psychology, positive psychology and the humanist psychology?
Describe in detail some of the crucial cognitive aspects that are vital for decision-making in medical ethics.
What is the relationship between memory consolidation and sleep? Provide a detailed meta-analysis.
Investigate the effect of bilingualism on the executive functioning and cognitive flexibility of humans.
What are the cognitive mechanisms that are associated with the placebo effects? Explain in detail.
Analyse in detail the impact of socio-economic status on the cognitive performance of British students in the modern age.
Are there any cognitive differences in the decision-making skills of non-entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs? If yes, what are those?
Does sleep deprivation affect the cognitive performance of the students? Explain the reasons in further depth.
What is the reason behind the premature ageing of some people? Present a perspective from cognitive psychology.
How have the attention spans of children changed for the last 100 years? Support your answer with examples.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics Psychology

How about plunging into some exciting argumentative essay topics psychology for your homework? In such compare and contrast essays, you provide a comparison of similarities and dissimilarities for both sides of the subject. The key points of both sides should be strong enough to convince the readers. Here are some of the psychology essay topics which you can use for the contrast essays:

Behaviourism versus Gestalt psychology
Cognitive behavioural therapy versus Freudian psychoanalysis
Self-determination theory versus self-efficacy theory
Biomedical model of health and illness versus biopsychosocial model
Self-perception theory versus cognitive dissonance theory
Milgram experiment versus Stanford Prison experiment
Environmental versus biological factors in mental health disorders
Social cognitive theory versus social learning theory
The effect of nurture versus nature on the development of human personality
Operant conditioning versus classical conditioning

Criminal Psychology Essay Topics

This branch of psychology refers to the observation of the intentions, thoughts, and actions of criminals. Criminal psychology students strive to understand the motives of criminals for committing crimes and attempt to study their minds. Here are some of the latest trending criminal psychology essay topics for you to review and use for your college and university papers:

Explore the basic determinants of the incidents where a murder is committed. Provide sufficient examples and the investigative study of the serial killers.
What are the social factors which change the naïve people into criminals? Explain in depth.
Are there any loopholes in the criminal justice system that actively promote crime in our society? Discuss the social disparities between the rich and the poor.
What is the impact of natural disasters on the increase in social crimes? Provide a case study of criminal behaviour psychology during the period of Corona.
Analyse the role played by social media in inciting crimes. Provide case studies of hate speeches that were made in public and support your stance.
What are the general sentiments of the serial rapists? Highlight and support with examples.
Does pornography and vulgarity promote the rape culture in a society?
Provide a qualitative analysis of the different development stages of criminal mindset in a society.
How can you control or trickle down the harmful effects of crimes taking place in a community?
Is poverty a driving force behind the increasing crime rate in a country, especially in the impoverished societies of developing countries?

Developmental Psychology Essay Topics

Topics in this field of study range from prenatal development of childhood life to the final stages of the life of a person. It is a broad field that involves the study of how people change throughout their lives. Some of the developmental psychology essay topics that you can use for writing your academic papers are listed here:

What is the effect of different parenting styles on the personality development and the behaviour of children?
Do factors like peer influence and socialisation impact the process of identity formation in the human mind?
What are the developmental trajectories related to the mental health problems, chronic pain, and other disorders faced by people in their adolescence?
Explore in detail the diagnosis and intervention strategies related to the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders in the kids.
Describe in detail the impact of early childhood education on the academic achievements and problem-solving skills of young kids.
Explain in detail the concept of cognitive development in infancy from the Vygotskian and Piagetian perspectives.
Do the students who eat breakfast daily perform better in their classes than the students who do not have breakfast regularly?
What is the impact of bullying on the achievements of students? Are bullied students more likely to get bad grades than students who are not bullied in school?
How can technology be used for the social and emotional development of humans in the period of their adolescence?
What is the impact of social media on forming body image in the minds of teenagers?

Educational Psychology Essay Topics

Educational psychology covers topics related to children staying in educational settings. It covers topics like aptitude assessment, self-motivation, parental involvement, technology, teaching methods and more. A good essay on such topics informs the readers about learning styles, cognitive development, and impactful teaching strategies. Here are some psychological topics for essays in the field of psychology:

Is it beneficial for children to use different educational and high-quality teaching methods at different times of the day?
Does the duration and quality of sleep really impact the academic performance of students?
Can daily medication at school influence the mental health and academic performance of students?
What is the impact of regularly listening to classical music on the test scores of a student?
What is the connection between knowledge retention and sugar consumption ratios among students?
Explore the effectiveness of the interventions encompassing positive behaviours for the reduction of disruptions in the classroom.
Assess the effect of Brexit on the educational experiences of international students in the United Kingdom.
What is the relationship between the educational outcomes and the socio-economic disparities in the UK? Discuss in detail.
Analyse the role of cultural diversity in shaping the classroom dynamics in the schools of 3 rd world countries.
Provide a critical analysis of the impact of literature on parental involvement and student success.

You can choose from a diverse range of psychology essay topics that we have added in this article. You can also overlap and intersect various specialities and craft research questions for your next assignment. From clinical studies to cognitive psychology, each detailed essay focuses on a deeper understanding of human behaviour. It is important to understand the relevance of these research questions and give the readers insight across different areas of study.

If you want personalised help with the fulfilment of your homework requirements, you should hire psychology essay writing services in the UK from The Academic Papers UK. Their seasoned writing experts are best suited to cater to the needs of clients across the globe, and they can craft essay assignments tailored to your needs.

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101 Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas for Students
Recycling vs. Landfill. Motorcycle vs. Bicycle. Halogen vs. Incandescent. Newton vs. Einstein. Go on vacation vs. Staycation. Rock vs. Scissors. Cite this Article. These compare and contrast essay topics provide teachers and students with great and fun ideas for home and class work.
127 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
127 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics. 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.
75 Dynamic Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
Whether you're in middle school, high school, or college, these compare and contrast essay ideas will help you get inspired to write some great work.
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Making effective comparisons. 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 ...
50 College-Level Compare and Contrast Topics for an Essay
8. Voting rights in the past and today. 9. Immigration to the U.S. in the past and today (compare and contrast the reasons for immigration, its prevalence, requirements of the state, etc.) 10. Communism versus libertarianism. 11. The role of religion in creating legislation in different countries/cultures. 12.
70 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics to Help You Get Started
There are infinite possibilities when it comes to choosing from compare and contrast essay topics about culture and society. The trick here is to pick a topic that is very specific and interesting. Here are some ideas. 57. Korean concept of beauty vs. American concept of beauty.
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Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students - 2022 Ideas. A compare and contrast essay is an important academic assignment for school or college students. An essential point that you must keep in mind when choosing a compare and contrast essay topic is to go for the subjects that belong to the same category. For instance, you can't choose ...
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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.
Comparing and Contrasting
One of the most common is the comparison/contrast essay, in which you focus on the ways in which certain things or ideas—usually two of them—are similar to (this is the comparison) and/or different from (this is the contrast) one another. ... Notice that some topics ask only for comparison, others only for contrast, and others for both. ...
Compare and Contrast Essay: Topics, Outline, Examples
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.
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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.
200+ Best Compare And Contrast Essay Topics (2024)
Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students. John Locke against Thomas Hobbes. George Bush vs. Donald Trump. Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. Prince and Michael Jackson. Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill. Adolf Hitler and Mussolini. Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May.
31 Fun Compare and Contrast Essay Topics » JournalBuddies.com
31 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics & Prompts about Similarities and Differences— In this list of essay topics and prompts, high school students (and other grades, too) will get creative as they think about the similarities and differences between specific topics, like their family members, childhood experiences, lifestyle, and preferences.Read on to discover more…
100 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
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.
Comparing and Contrasting: A Guide to Improve Your Essays
An academic compare and contrast essay looks at two or more subjects, ideas, people, or objects, compares their likeness, and contrasts their differences. It's an informative essay that provides insights on what is similar and different between the two items. Depending on the essay's instructions, you can focus solely on comparing or ...
Academic Guides: Writing a Paper: Comparing & Contrasting
Use Clear Transitions. Transitions are important in compare and contrast essays, where you will be moving frequently between different topics or perspectives. Examples of transitions and phrases for comparisons: as well, similar to, consistent with, likewise, too. Examples of transitions and phrases for contrasts: on the other hand, however ...
15+ Outstanding Compare and Contrast Essay Examples
Compare and Contrast Essay Examples Middle school. In middle school, students have the opportunity to write a compare-and-contrast essay. It does not require an expert level of skills, but it is still a way to improve writing skills. Middle school students can easily write a compare-and-contrast essay with a little help from examples.
How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay
Contact Sales Learn More. Compare and contrast essays examine topics from multiple viewpoints. This kind of essay, often assigned in middle school and high school, teaches students about the analytical writing process and prepares them for more advanced forms of academic writing. Compare and contrast essays are relatively easy to write if you ...
80 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Kids and Teens
Learning to read vs. learning to write. The importance of any two school subjects. Wearing glasses vs. having braces. You and your best friend. Friendship vs. romantic love. Group work and individual work. Only child vs. having siblings. Nature vs. nurture. Anxiety and depression.
Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for All Academic Levels
Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics. Designed to hone your analytical prowess, here is a wealth of intriguing compare and contrast ideas with our list of psychology essay topics: Nature vs. Nurture: Influence on Personality Development. Freudian Psychoanalysis vs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
260 Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students
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.
Compare & Contrast Assignments
A compare-contrast assignment or essay shows the similarities and differences between two topics or ideas. Comparing: ... Use point-by-point method for longer essays to more closely compare and contrast the two topics. A reader won't be as likely lose track of the main ideas if they are arranged point-by-point in an essay.
160+ Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
A few compare and contrast essay topics on culture: You need to include details into your text and explain the differences using examples. Being famous vs being wealthy. Forced lockdown versus recommended quarantine. Traditional classes versus online education. Your current home vs a house of your dreams.
How to Build Your Compare and Contrast Essay? Structure and Examples
Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics. At this point, it might be a good idea to research the top topics for such essays in 2024. Be sure to choose a topic that you can justify to both sides. Simply focusing on one side of comparison or contrast will not solve any of your problems. Some of the good compare and contrast essay ideas are listed here:
70 Unique Psychology Essay Topics for Your Next Assignment
In such compare and contrast essays, you provide a comparison of similarities and dissimilarities for both sides of the subject. The key points of both sides should be strong enough to convince the readers. Here are some of the psychology essay topics which you can use for the contrast essays: Behaviourism versus Gestalt psychology

101 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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127 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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Comparing and Contrasting

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Recognizing comparison/contrast in assignments

Using comparison/contrast for all kinds of writing projects

Discovering similarities and differences

Two historical periods or events

Two ideas or theories

Two pieces of writing or art

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

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