contrast essay topics

101 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Great Ideas for Essays

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

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

Brainstorming Tip

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

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

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

13 December, 2020

13 minutes read

Author: Elizabeth Brown

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to write a compare and contrast essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

What makes good compare and contrast essay topics

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

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

Availability of trusted sources.

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

Recommendation of a tutor.

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

Proper formatting style.

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

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

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

Sources of interesting topics

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

Social media.
Scientific journals.

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

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

Easy compare and contrast essay topics for college students

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

Funny compare and contrast essay topics

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

Historical topics

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

Compare and contrast essay between two jobs

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

Compare and contrast essay between two cultures

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

Interesting topics about literature

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

Topics related to movies and cinematography

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

Music and arts-related topics

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

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

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Best Inspiration for Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students

Updated 20 Aug 2024

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

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

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

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay?

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

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

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

Right Compare and Contrast Essay Structure

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

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

Get your Paper Started

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

Work on the Body

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

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

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

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

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

Choosing Suitable Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas

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

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

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

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

Best Writing Tips for Your Success

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024

Are you stressed about finding suitable topics to compare and contrast? Don’t worry. Choosing the right compare and contrast essay topics is essential for a compelling essay, and a personal statement writing service can help you articulate your thoughts and experiences effectively. We can help you find the necessary inspiration by offering astounding comparative essay topics that you can use. Here are different compare and contrast essay topics divided into several categories:

Compare and Contrast Topics on Education

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

History, Anthropology, and Political Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Opposite Things to Compare and Contrast

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

Compare and Contrast Topics for Beginners

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

IT and Social Media Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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Movies, Music, and Art

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

Literature Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Scientific Compare and Contrast Topics

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

Philosophy Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas

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

Religion Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Intriguing Topics for Middle School Students

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

6th Grade Comparative Essay Topics

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

General Essay Writing Prompts

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

Everyday Matters

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

Read also: 50 Unique Problem Solutions Topics in 2023

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170 Creative Compare And Contrast Essay Topics

November 3, 2023 // by Lauren Du Plessis

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

Historical and Cultural Topics

1. Ancient Greece vs. Ancient Rome

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

2. Aztecs vs. Mayans

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

3. European Renaissance vs. Harlem Renaissance

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

4. The American Revolution vs. The French Revolution

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

5. Eastern vs. Western Art Traditions

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

6. Greek vs. Roman Mythology

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

7. World Religions

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

8. American vs. British English

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

9. Multiculturalism

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

10. Medieval Europe vs. Feudal Japan

11. Native American Cultures vs. Indigenous Australian Cultures

12. Colonialism vs. Imperialism

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

13. Viking Lore vs. Egyptian Mythology

14. Traditional vs. Modern Olympic Games

Social and Political Issues

15. Socialism vs. Capitalism

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

16. Communism vs. Democracy

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

17. Immigration Policies

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

18. Gun Control Policies

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

19. Women’s Rights

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

20. Abortion Debate

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

21. Censorship vs. Freedom of Speech

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

22. News Reporting

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

23. Online Privacy

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

24. Universal Healthcare vs. Private Healthcare

25. Monarchies vs. Republics

26. Prohibition vs. Legalization of Drugs

27. Secularism vs. Religious States

28. Youth Rights vs. Elderly Rights

29. Urbanization vs. Rural Development

30. LGBTQ+ Rights Movement

31. Grassroots Movements vs. Top-Down Reforms

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

Environmental Issues

32. Climate Change

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

33. Environmentalism

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

34. Renewable Energy

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

35. Animal Rights

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

36. Urban Development

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

37. Preservation vs. Conservation

38. Biodiversity vs. Monocultures

39. Organic vs. GMO Foods

40. Passive vs. Active Solar Designs

41. Forest Conservation vs. Urban Forests

42. Water Scarcity: Desalination vs. Conservation

43. Traditional Classroom vs. Online Learning

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

44. Homeschooling vs. Public Schooling

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

45. Liberal Arts vs. STEM Education

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

46. Education Systems

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

47. College vs. Vocational School

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

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

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

49. Early Childhood Education vs. Secondary Education

50. Experiential Learning vs. Rote Memorization

51. Continuous Assessment vs. Final Exams

52. Traditional Libraries vs. Digital Libraries

53. Student-Centered vs. Teacher-Centered Learning

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

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

Discuss the ways social media has transformed both spheres.

55. E-books vs Print Books

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

56. Virtual Reality vs. Augmented Reality

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

57. Technological Advancements

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

58. Space Exploration

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

59. Smartphones vs. Traditional Cell Phones

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

60. Streaming Services vs. Traditional TV

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

61. Internet of Things vs. Edge Computing

62. Cloud Storage vs. Physical Storage Devices

63. Electric Vehicles vs. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles

64. Drones vs. Manned Aircraft

65. Analog vs. Digital Signals

Literature, Film, and Arts

66. American Literature vs. British Literature

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

67. Shakespeare’s Tragedies vs. Comedies

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

68. Film Adaptations vs. Original Novels

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

69. Hollywood vs. Bollywood Film Industries

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

70. African Art vs. South American Art

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

71. Art Nouveau vs. Art Deco

72. Baroque vs. Rococo Art Styles

73. Modernism vs. Postmodernism in Literature

74. Animated Films vs. Live-Action Films

75. Poetry vs. Prose

76. Classical Music vs. Jazz

77. Street Art vs. Gallery Art

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

Lifestyle and Health

78. Vegetarianism vs. Veganism

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

79. Traditional Exercise vs. Yoga

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

80. City Life vs. Country Life

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

81. Living Alone vs. Living with Roommates

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

82. Owning a Pet vs. Not Owning a Pet

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

83. Meditation vs. Therapy for Stress Relief

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

84. Organic vs. Conventional Farming

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

85. Holistic Medicine vs. Allopathic Medicine

86. Dieting vs. Intuitive Eating

87. Acupuncture vs. Physical Therapy

88. Mental Health vs. Emotional Well-being

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

89. Buying Local vs. Globalized Trade

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

Sports and Recreation

90. Team Sports vs. Individual Sports

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

91. Professional Athletes vs. Amateur Athletes

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

92. Watching Sports vs. Participating in Sports

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

93. Physical Sports vs. Esports

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

94. Olympic Games vs. Paralympic Games

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

95. Indoor vs. Outdoor Activities

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

96. Endurance Sports vs. Strength Sports

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

97. Winter vs. Summer Sports

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

98. Recreational vs. Competitive Gaming

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

Travel and Tourism

99. Budget Travel vs. Luxury Travel

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

100. Domestic Travel vs. International Travel

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

101. Cultural Tourism vs. Adventure Tourism

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

102. Sustainable Tourism vs. Mass Tourism

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

103. Cruises vs. All-Inclusive Resorts

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

104. Solo Travel vs. Group Travel

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

105. Eco-Tourism vs. Cultural Tourism

106. Backpacking vs. Glamping

107. Island Getaways vs. Mountain Retreats

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

108. Historical Sites vs. Natural Wonders

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

Personal Development and Career

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

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

110. Entrepreneurship vs. Traditional Employment

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

111. Networking: Online vs. In-Person

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

112. Job Satisfaction: Money vs. Meaning

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

113. Leadership Styles: Autocratic vs. Democratic

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

114. Workplace Environment: Remote Work vs. Office Work

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

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

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

116. Side Hustles vs. Full-Time Jobs

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

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

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

118. Building Personal Brand vs. Corporate Identity

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

119. Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

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

Philosophy and Ethics

120. Free Will vs. Determinism

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

121. Theories of Reality: Idealism vs. Materialism

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

122. Nature vs. Nurture Debate

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

123. Moral Absolutism vs. Moral Relativism

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

124. Theories of Intelligence

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

125. Utilitarianism vs. Deontological Ethics

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

126. Existentialism vs. Absurdism

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

127. Empiricism vs. Rationalism

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

128. Ethical Consumerism vs. Capitalist Consumption

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

129. Virtue Ethics vs. Care Ethics

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

130. Quantum Mechanics vs. Classical Mechanics

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

131. Scientific Method

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

132. Microbiology vs. Molecular Biology

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

133. Astronomy vs. Astrology

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

134. Evolution vs. Creationism

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

135. Paleontology vs. Anthropology

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

136. The Study of Light: Optics vs. Photonics

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

137. The Brain vs. The Mind

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

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

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

139. Cognitive Psychology vs. Behavioral Psychology

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

140. Theories of Motivation: Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic

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

141. Mental Health: Psychotherapy vs. Medication

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

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

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

143. Gestalt vs. Humanistic Psychology

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

144. Nature of Memory: Recall vs. Recognition

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

145. Infant Attachment: Secure vs. Insecure

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

146. Dream Analysis: Symbolic vs. Literal Interpretation

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

Miscellaneous

147. Online Shopping vs. In-Store Shopping

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

148. Public Transportation vs. Private Transportation

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

149. Extroversion vs. Introversion

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

150. Owning a Car vs. Using Rideshare Services

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

151. Coffee vs. Tea: Health Benefits and Preferences

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

152. Digital vs. Film Photography

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

153. Farmers Markets vs. Supermarkets

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

154. Traditional Dating vs. Online Dating

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

155. Real vs. Artificial Plants in Home Décor

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

156. Live Theater vs. Movie Theaters

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

157. DIY Projects vs. Professional Services

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

158. Public vs. Private Spaces

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

159. Baking vs. Cooking

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

160. Satire vs. Parody

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

161. Owning vs. Renting Properties

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

162. Parenting Styles: Authoritarian vs. Permissive

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

163. Sleep Patterns: Night Owls vs. Early Birds

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

164. Traditional Books vs. Audiobooks

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

165. Fast Food vs. Home-Cooked Meals

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

166. Saving Money vs. Spending Money

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

167. Fiction vs. Nonfiction

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

168. Handwritten Letters vs. Emails

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

169. Traditional Newspapers vs. Online News Sources

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

170. Cats vs. Dogs as Pets

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

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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Comparing and contrasting in an essay | Tips & examples

Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay | Tips & Examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The alternating method

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

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

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

The block method

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

Point of comparison A
Point of comparison B

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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100 + Top Notch Compare and Contrast Essays Topics

Bob cardens.

August 3, 2022
Essay Topics and Ideas , Nursing

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

What You'll Learn

Compare and Contrast Essays

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

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

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

You can also be instrested in Best Argumentative Essay Topics

Steps to Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay

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

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

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

There are basically four types:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Choose a Compare and Contrast Essay Topic?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Structure

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

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

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

Get your Paper Started

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

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

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

Work on the Body

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

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

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

Paragraphs should be of equal weight and importance. All should contain relevant evidence that gives your paper credibility, shows that you’ve worked hard to finish it. Use reliable scientific resources.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Compare and Contrast Essays Topics

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for University Students

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

They include:

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College Students

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

History Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Sports compare and contrast essay topics.

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

Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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Education Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Politics

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2022 in Economy

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2022 on Healthcare

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

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Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Controversial Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Movie Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Medical Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Philosophy Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas

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

Religion Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

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

Related FAQs

1. how to write a compare and contrast essay.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

Compare and Contrast College Essay Topics

We've all been there. You've been assigned an essay of your choosing. Where do you even begin?

How about with a compare and contrast essay ?

Compare and contrast is a great tactic to use when you're stuck searching for an essay topic. These essays follow a relatively easy pattern, and, fortunately, there is no shortage of ideas for subjects to compare and contrast.

Compare and contrast essays are a great way to share your ideas and demonstrate your writing skills. Best of all, there are so many topics available that make a great fit for this essay type.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Once you've decided to write a compare and contrast essay, you'll need some ideas. Like we mentioned above, there are so many topics available that you can easily analyze in this type of essay format.

Of course, the flip side of this is that there are so many options...how do you know what to pick?

Our advice: Start by choosing an overarching topic that fits within your personal interests (think art, history, music, science, etc.).

Once you've identified the topic you want to cover, you can begin making a list of subjects under that topic you can potentially write about.

Here's a list of topics and subjects under each topic to help get your brainstorming kickstarted.

Interested in History?

Periods of history (Dark Ages vs. Middle Ages, before vs. after the Civil War)
World governments (Swiss vs. U.S. governments, Iraqi vs. Chinese governments)
Types of government (democracy vs. socialism, dictatorship vs. oligarchy)
Wars (World War I vs. World War II, Vietnam vs. Korean War)
Presidents (Trump vs. Nixon, Kennedy vs. Clinton)
Types of leaders (Presidents vs. dictators, senators vs. members of congress)
Specific leaders (Hitler vs. Stalin, Napoleon vs. Charlemagne)
Tragedies (9/11 vs. D-Day, Hiroshima vs. Chernobyl)

Interested in Reading and Language Arts?

Characters in a play (Willy Loman vs. Evan Hansen, Lady Macbeth vs. Lady MacDuff)
Characters in a novel (Jay Gatsby vs. Tom Buchanan, Boo Ridley vs. Scout)
Books (1984 vs. The Handmaid's Tale, Lord of the Rings vs. Harry Potter)
Plays (Macbeth vs. Hamlet, Death of a Salesman vs. Fences)
Authors (J.K. Rowling vs. J. R. Tolkien, Jeannette Walls vs. Tara Westover)
Poets (Keats vs. Wordsworth, Dickinson vs. Akhmatova)
Speeches (Gettysburg Address vs. I Have a Dream, Duties of American Citizenship vs. JFK's Inauguration Address)
Languages (British vs. American English, France French vs. Canadian French)

Interested in Fine Arts?

Periods of art (Renaissance vs. Impressionist, Baroque vs. Romanticism)
Musical genres (Hip-hop vs. Jazz, Country vs. Bluegrass)
Artists (Picasso vs. Dali, Cassatt vs. O'Keefe)
Singers (Sinatra vs. Lady Gaga, The Beatles vs. The Backstreet Boys)
Methods of art (murals vs. statues, watercolor vs. pastels)

Interested in Religion?

Religions (Islam vs. Christianity, Hindu vs. Judaism)
Religious leaders (Pope Francis vs. Dalai Lama, Archibishop Tutu vs. Billy Graham)
Philosophers (Socrates vs. Plato, Locke vs. Rousseau)
Religious ideas (reincarnation vs. resurrection, heaven vs. purgatory)
Texts (Bible vs. Quran, Talmud vs. Tipitaka)

Interested in Science?

Energy (solar vs. wind, nuclear vs. chemical)
Animals (reptiles vs. amphibians, polar bears vs. black bears)
Planets (Earth vs. Mars, Jupiter vs. Saturn)
Innovators (Elon Musk vs. Steve Jobs, Bill Gates vs. Stephen Hawking)
Disasters (tsunamis vs. hurricanes, earthquakes vs. tornados)

Interested in Popular Culture?

Television Shows (Friends vs. New Girl, Simpsons vs. Family Guy)
Games (board games vs. online, violent vs. non-violent)
Fashion (1970s vs. 1990s, 1960s vs. 1980s)
Movies (Rocky vs. Creed, The Green Mile vs. Shawshank Redemption)
Comedians (Dave Chapelle vs. Eddie Murphy, Ellen DeGeneres vs. Sarah Silverman)
Actors (Tom Hanks vs. Leonardo DiCaprio, Meryl Streep vs. Octavia Spencer)

Interested in Debates?

Online education vs. on-campus education
Homeschooling vs. traditional education
Online vs. face-to-face communication
Male vs. female genders
Nature vs. nurture
Creation vs. evolution

Each of these lists could go on and on. You can also narrow many of these ideas down even further to be more specific.

Take homeschooling vs. traditional education, for example. You could narrow the focus of your essay to cover the career paths of students who come from a homeschooling background vs. those who come from traditional education.

Still need help brainstorming? Get even more ideas by looking at examples of compare and contrast essays . As a bonus, this step will also give you a better idea of how this type of essay should be written.

There are numerous essay examples to show how others have crafted compare and contrast essays. A step-by-step breakdown of an essay is provided on some sites. (Check out EAP Foundation's site to get you started.) Other sites offer a variety of compare and contrast essay examples, such as this academic help site .

Just remember to keep your topic broad enough that you can write an entire essay on the topic that includes a full argument.

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay

After choosing the ideal topic for you, there are a few simple steps to help you get started in writing your essay.

1. Draw a Venn diagram

The whole point of a compare and contrast essay is to cover the similarities and differences of two ideas. A Venn diagram is an easy way to help you begin identifying what those are.

What overlaps in your two ideas? What's completely different? What are some linking ideas that you can use to tie these two ideas together?

Plot these thoughts out to see where your essay is heading.

2. Make a simple outline

Next, take your list of similarities and differences you've identified and place them in an outline. A basic outline is: introduction, compare, contrast, conclusion. Where do your Venn diagram thoughts belong?

Most students skip over this step, but an outline is actually a crucial part of the writing process. Not only does it help you to organize your thoughts, but it actually will save you time in the writing and editing process later on.

So do yourself a favor: create an outline.

3. Use compare and contrast words

Have a list ready of compare and contrast words to use when you start your writing.

Common compare words include: like, as well as, similar to, similarly, and in common. Contrast words include: although, yet, contrary to, in contrast, and however. It's important to vary your words, so pepper a variety of these words throughout the essay.

Compare and contrast essays are a great option when you have to come up with your own writing topic. With limitless topic choices and a relatively simple format, these essays can be a great way to show off your writing skills and to celebrate your interests in a variety of diverse topics.

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34 Compelling Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

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

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

What is a compare and contrast essay?

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

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

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

Education and Parenting Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Private school vs. public school.

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

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

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

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

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

Which parenting style is right for you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Technology Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

iPhone vs. Android: Which is better for you?

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

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

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

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

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

PS5 vs. Nintendo Switch

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

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

What is the difference between Facebook and Instagram?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pop Culture Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Christina aguilera vs. britney spears.

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

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

Harry Styles vs. Ed Sheeran

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

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

The Grinch: Three Versions Compared

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

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

Historical and Political Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

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

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

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

Contrast Between Obama and Trump Has Become Clear

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

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

Sports Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Lebron james vs. kobe bryant: a complete comparison.

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

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

NFL: Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning Rivalry Comparison

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

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

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

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

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

Is Soccer Better Than Football?

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

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

Lifestyle Choices Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

Artificial Grass vs. Turf: The Real Differences Revealed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Healthcare Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pros and Cons of Physician Aid in Dying

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

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

Animals Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Compare and contrast paragraph—dogs and cats.

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

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

Giddyup! The Differences Between Horses and Dogs

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

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

Exotic, Domesticated, and Wild Pets

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

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

Should Zoos Be Banned? Pros & Cons of Zoos

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

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

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Plus, if you liked these compare and contrast essay examples check out intriguing compare and contrast essay topics for kids and teens ..

A good compare and contrast essay example, like the ones here, explores the similarities and differences between two or more subjects.

What are some reasons a teacher may ban cell phones in class?

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

What Is a Compare and Contrast Essay?

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics: How to Choose?

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

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

Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

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

Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Unique Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics Middle School

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 6th Grade

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

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

7th Grade Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 8th Grade

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High-School Students

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College

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

Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

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Sports Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Biology: Topics for Compare and Contrast Essay

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

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

Topics to Write Compare and Contrast Essay About Computer Science

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

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

Easy Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Kids

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Elementary Students

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay About Animals: Topics

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

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

Interesting Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Controversial Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Art History: Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Final Thoughts on Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas

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

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

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

FAQ About Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A few compare and contrast essay topics on culture:

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

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

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

Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students

13 min read

Published on: Feb 24, 2020

Last updated on: Jul 23, 2024

What is a Compare and Contrast Essay?

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

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

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for University Students

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College Students

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Middle School Students

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 6th Grade

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Elementary School

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

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

Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Easy Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Movies

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

Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Sports

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

Medical Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Management and Marketing

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

Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Teenagers

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

Compare and Contrast Topics on Economy

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

Social Studies Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics Education 2024

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

Language Arts Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Science and Technology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024 in Politics

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas About Daily Life

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

Entertainment Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

How to Choose a Compare and Contrast Essay Topic?

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

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

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

The Bottom Line!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is a compare and contrast essay?

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

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

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

2. Highlighting differences between two seemingly identical subjects.

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

3. Highlighting similarities between two seemingly unrelated subjects.

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

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

Compare and contrast essay topics

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

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

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

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

How to write a compare and contrast essay

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

You must use identical metrics for comparison. For instance:

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

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

1. Establish similarities and differences between the two subjects

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

Here’s an example:

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

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

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

2. Create a meaningful argument and thesis statement

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

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

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

3. Create an essay outline

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

Introduction
Body paragraphs

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

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

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

4. Begin writing your first draft

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. Revise and edit

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

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

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

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

Compare and contrast essay outline

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

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

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

Block outline

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

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

The Impact of Colors on Your State of Mind

I. Introduction

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

B. The significance of colors and their effects on emotions

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

A. Discussion of Green

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

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

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

B. Discussion of Red

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

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

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

C. Comparison of Green and Red

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

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

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

III. Conclusion

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

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

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

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

Alternating outline

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

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

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

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

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

II. Body Paragraph 1: Comparison of Green and Red

A. Visual Characteristics

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

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

B. Emotional Impact

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

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

C. Effects on Eye Fatigue

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

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

III. Body Paragraph 2: Benefits of Implementing Green

A. Psychological Well-being

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

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

B. Environmental Impact

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

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

IV. Conclusion

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

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

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

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

Similarities and differences outline

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

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

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

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

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

II. Body Paragraph 1: Similarities between Green and Red

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

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

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

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

III. Body Paragraph 2: Differences between Green and Red

A. Soothing Qualities

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

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

B. Psychological Effects

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

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

C. Eye Fatigue

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

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

IV. Body Paragraph 3: Benefits of Implementing Green

A. Environmental Impact

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

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

V. Conclusion

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

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

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

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

Compare and contrast essay examples

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

Let’s take a look:

Block method essay example

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alternating method essay example

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

Contrasting Life During the 1800s and Life Today

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

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

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

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

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

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

Similarities and differences method essay example

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

Exploring the Fascinating Worlds of Amphibians and Reptiles

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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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.

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

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A comprehensive guide to crafting a successful comparison essay.

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

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

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

Understanding the Basics

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

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

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

Choosing a Topic for Comparison Essay

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

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

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

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

Finding the Right Pairing

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

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

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

Structuring Your Comparison Essay

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

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

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

Creating a Clear Outline

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Engaging the Reader

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

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

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

Point-by-Point vs Block Method

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

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

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

Selecting the Best Approach

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

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

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

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

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Research Paper Topics for 2024: Explore Ideas Across Various Fields

When you start writing a research paper, it’s like diving into a big pool of exploration and analysis. A good research paper goes beyond just gathering facts. It’s more about exploring a topic, asking the right questions, and coming up with thoughtful answers. Whether you're looking at historical events, scientific discoveries, or cultural trends, the trick is to find interesting research topics that catch your interest and keep you motivated throughout the process.

This article is here to help with that sometimes tricky job of picking a topic. We’ll cover a variety of interesting research topics from different areas, making it easier for you to find one that not only fits your assignment but also grabs your attention.

But let’s be honest, picking the right topic isn’t always easy. If you’re still unsure after reading this article, EssayService is a great place to turn for help, whether you need assistance choosing a topic or writing the entire paper.

How to Pick a Topic for a Research Paper

Choosing the right topic can make or break your research paper. Here's how to make it easier:

Start with your interests: Pick a few areas or subjects that genuinely interest you. Narrow it down to the one that excites you the most. If you’re interested, it’ll show in your writing.
Check for resources: Before committing, do a quick search to ensure there are enough references available. You’ll want a topic that’s well-discussed so you have plenty of material to work with.
Stick to guidelines: Make sure your topic fits within any guidelines your teacher has set. Whether it's avoiding certain subjects or meeting specific requirements, this step is crucial for getting your paper off to a good start.

If you’re looking for easy research paper topics, keep these tips in mind to ensure you choose one that’s both manageable and engaging.

What Are Good Research Topics?

Choosing a successful research topic isn’t just about what sounds interesting — it’s about finding a topic that will help you produce a strong, insightful paper. Good research topic ideas should tick a few key boxes to ensure they’re both impactful and manageable.

Feature	Description
🔍 Specific and Focused	Narrow down broad areas like “climate change” to something more specific, like “the impact of urban development on local microclimates.” This gives your research a clear direction.
✨ Unique Angle	Instead of rehashing well-covered topics like “social media and mental health,” explore a niche, such as “the effects of social media detox on productivity in college students.”
🌍 Significant Impact	Choose topics that matter, like “renewable energy adoption in developing countries,” which could contribute to important discussions in your field or society.
📚 Accessible Sources	Make sure there’s enough material available by checking databases for studies on topics like “the history of vaccine development” to ensure you have the resources you need.
🔥 Current and Relevant	Focus on emerging issues, such as “the role of AI in cybersecurity,” which are timely and likely to interest both readers and reviewers.

Best Research Paper Topics for 2024

In 2024, new challenges and innovations are shaping the world around us, making it an exciting time to dive into research. Here are 15 detailed and highly relevant topics that will keep your paper ahead of the curve:

The impact of remote work on urban development in major U.S. cities.
Ethical implications of AI-driven decision-making in healthcare.
The role of social media algorithms in shaping public opinion during elections.
Effects of climate change on global food security and crop yields.
The influence of blockchain technology on supply chain transparency.
Mental health outcomes related to long-term social media use among teenagers.
Renewable energy adoption in emerging economies and its impact on local communities.
The rise of electric vehicles and its effect on traditional automotive industries.
Privacy concerns surrounding the use of biometric data in consumer devices.
The evolution of cybersecurity threats in the age of quantum computing.
Gender disparities in STEM education and their long-term effects on the workforce.
The economic impact of climate migration on coastal regions.
Implications of CRISPR technology in human genetic modification.
The effectiveness of universal basic income trials in reducing poverty.
The role of telemedicine in improving access to healthcare in rural areas.

College Research Paper Topics

These topics explore some of the most relevant and intriguing issues facing college students today, offering plenty of angles to explore in your research:

How student loan debt shapes career paths and financial stability after graduation.
Comparing online learning to traditional classrooms: What works best for today’s college students?
Social media’s influence on mental health and academic success among college students.
Diversity and inclusion: How initiatives are changing campus life and student experiences.
University sustainability efforts: How climate change is driving new campus policies.
The rise of esports: Transforming college athletics and student engagement.
Campus housing: How living arrangements affect academic success and student retention.
Balancing part-time jobs with academics: The impact on college students’ grades and well-being.
Navigating controversial topics: The importance of academic freedom in college debates.
Digital vs. traditional libraries: How technology is reshaping student research habits.
Study abroad programs: Enhancing global awareness and boosting future career opportunities.
Evaluating campus mental health services: Are they meeting students’ needs?
Fraternities and sororities: Examining their influence on college culture and student life.
Free college tuition: Exploring the economic and social outcomes in different countries.
Standardized testing: How it’s affecting college admissions and the diversity of student bodies.

Research Paper Topics By Subject

Choosing a good research topic that aligns with your academic focus can make your work more relevant and engaging. Below, you’ll find topics organized by subject to help you get started.

Research Paper Topics on Health

Health is a dynamic field with ongoing developments and challenges, making it a rich area for research. These topics cover a range of health-related issues, from public health policies to advancements in medical technology:

How COVID-19 has changed the approach to mental health care.
Adoption rates of telemedicine among different age groups.
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria: Exploring new treatment options.
Barriers to healthcare access in low-income neighborhoods.
Ethical dilemmas in using genetic testing for personalized treatments.
Success rates of mental health programs in high schools.
Comparing dietary patterns in managing type 2 diabetes across cultures.
Teen vaping trends and their connection to lung health issues.
Strategies for supporting healthcare needs in rapidly aging populations.
Tracking climate-related health issues in coastal communities.
Innovations in vaccine development for emerging diseases.
Social isolation during pandemics and its link to anxiety disorders.
Recent changes in U.S. healthcare laws and their influence on patient choices.
Exploring how traditional beliefs shape approaches to medical treatment.
Evaluating progress in global vaccination campaigns against childhood diseases.

Research Paper Topics on Medicine

Medicine is a vast field with plenty of areas to explore. Here are some specific topics that focus on medical advancements, practices, and challenges:

New techniques in minimally invasive surgery for heart conditions.
Developments in gene therapy for treating inherited diseases.
Challenges in diagnosing and treating rare diseases.
The role of AI in improving diagnostic accuracy in radiology.
Progress in personalized cancer treatments based on genetic profiling.
The rise of antibiotic alternatives in treating infections.
Stem cell research advancements for spinal cord injuries.
Managing chronic pain: Exploring non-opioid treatment options.
Trends in telemedicine for rural healthcare delivery.
Breakthroughs in vaccine technology for emerging viruses.
Long-term outcomes of organ transplants in pediatric patients.
Advances in robotic surgery and their impact on patient recovery.
New approaches to treating drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Innovations in prenatal care and fetal surgery techniques.
The future of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

Research Paper Topics on Media

Explore the ever-changing world of media with these fresh and relevant topics. Each one dives into the trends and challenges shaping how we consume and create content today.

Analyze the impact of TikTok on modern marketing strategies.
Investigate the role of influencers in shaping public opinion during elections.
Explore the effects of streaming services on traditional cable TV viewership.
Examine how social media platforms handle misinformation and its consequences.
Study the rise of podcasts and their influence on news consumption.
Compare the portrayal of mental health in TV shows across different cultures.
Track the evolution of digital journalism and its impact on print media.
Look into the ethics of deepfake technology in video production.
Research the effects of binge-watching on viewer behavior and mental health.
Explore the relationship between video game streaming and the gaming industry.
Analyze the shift from traditional news outlets to social media for breaking news.
Investigate how algorithms curate personalized content and influence user behavior.
Study the changing landscape of advertising in the age of ad-blockers.
Examine the role of memes in political discourse and cultural commentary.
Explore the use of virtual reality in media and entertainment.

Research Paper Topics on Politics

Politics is a field that’s constantly evolving, with new issues and debates emerging all the time. Whether you're interested in global dynamics, domestic policies, or the role of technology in politics, there’s no shortage of interesting topics to explore:

How social media is influencing voter behavior in recent elections.
The rise and impact of grassroots movements on political change.
Fake news and its role in shaping public perception of political events.
The effects of immigration policies on relationships between countries.
Populism’s growth in global politics and what it means for the future.
How economic inequality contributes to political instability.
The power of political lobbying in creating and shaping laws.
Challenges faced by democracies under authoritarian regimes.
Youth activism and its growing influence in modern politics.
How climate change policies are impacting national security.
The role of technology in improving election security and voter turnout.
Government approval ratings and their connection to pandemic responses.
Influence of international organizations on a country’s domestic policies.
Shifts in global trade agreements and their effects on international relations.
The impact of gerrymandering on election results and fairness.

Research Paper Ideas on Technology

Technology is rapidly transforming our world, offering endless opportunities for research. Here are some intriguing ideas to explore:

The ethics of artificial intelligence in decision-making processes.
How blockchain technology is revolutionizing financial transactions.
The role of 5G networks in shaping the future of communication.
Cybersecurity challenges in the era of smart homes and IoT devices.
The environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining.
Virtual reality’s influence on education and training programs.
How autonomous vehicles are changing urban planning and infrastructure.
The potential of quantum computing in solving complex global problems.
Social media algorithms and their impact on public discourse.
The digital divide: Access to technology in rural versus urban areas.
How wearable tech is transforming personal health management.
The implications of deepfake technology in media and politics.
The future of remote work and its long-term effects on productivity.
Advancements in drone technology for disaster management and rescue operations.
The role of big data in personalizing online shopping experiences.

Research Topic Ideas on Culture

Whether you’re interested in examining specific cultural practices or looking at how modern trends reshape traditional customs, these research topics will provide you with a focused and detailed starting point:

Adoption of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies in contemporary urban settings.
Practices of food preservation among Inuit communities in the Arctic.
The revival of Celtic languages in Wales and Ireland through education programs.
Depiction of queer relationships in Netflix original series from 2015 to 2024.
Evolution of traditional African hairstyles in Black communities across the U.S.
Transformation of street art in Berlin post-German reunification.
Cultural significance of Día de los Muertos celebrations in Mexican-American neighborhoods.
Popularity of Korean skincare routines among Western beauty bloggers.
Modern interpretations of Norse mythology in Scandinavian literature.
Changes in wedding rituals among Indian diaspora in the UK.
Resurgence of indigenous Australian painting techniques in contemporary art.
Representation of disability in children’s books published in the last decade.
Use of traditional Māori patterns in New Zealand’s fashion industry.
Changes in burial customs in urbanized areas of Southeast Asia.
Incorporation of First Nations symbols in Canadian public architecture.

Research Paper Topics on Math

If you're looking to explore the depth and applications of math, these research topics are both specific and engaging:

Applications of fractal geometry in modeling natural phenomena.
Mathematical approaches to solving complex optimization problems in logistics.
Development of new algorithms for large-scale data encryption.
Mathematical modeling of population dynamics in ecology.
The use of game theory in economic decision-making processes.
Exploring the mathematics behind machine learning algorithms.
Advancements in numerical methods for solving partial differential equations.
Topological data analysis and its applications in computational biology.
Mathematical analysis of voting systems and fairness.
The role of number theory in modern cryptography.
Predictive models for financial markets using stochastic calculus.
Mathematical foundations of quantum computing and quantum algorithms.
Applications of chaos theory in weather prediction.
Geometry of space-time in the context of general relativity.
Mathematical techniques for analyzing big data in social networks.

Research Paper Topics on Art

Art is full of fascinating details and stories waiting to be explored. If you’re into art research, here are some research topics that might catch your interest:

How Caravaggio used light and shadow in his religious paintings.
The way Cubism shaped Picasso’s "Les Demoiselles d’Avignon."
Gustav Klimt’s "The Kiss" and its ties to Viennese culture.
Hokusai’s woodblock techniques in "The Great Wave off Kanagawa."
Bauhaus principles that still influence graphic design today.
Emotions and color in Mark Rothko’s abstract paintings.
Leonora Carrington’s role in the Surrealist movement.
Gaudí’s architectural genius in designing La Sagrada Familia.
Industrial scenes captured in Charles Sheeler’s Precisionist art.
Jean-Michel Basquiat’s take on graffiti and cultural identity.
Frida Kahlo’s evolving self-portraits through her life.
Claude Monet’s unique use of light in his Impressionist works.
Diego Rivera’s murals as powerful political statements.
The simplicity and impact of Donald Judd’s minimalist sculptures.
How African art influenced Henri Matisse during his Fauvist period.

Research Topics on Sports

Sports offer a wide range of topics that are both intriguing and highly relevant. Here are some specific research ideas to consider if you're looking to explore the world of sports:

The biomechanics behind sprinting techniques in elite athletes.
The psychological effects of team sports on adolescent development.
Injury prevention strategies in professional football (soccer).
The impact of altitude training on endurance performance in marathon runners.
Gender equity in sports: The evolution of women’s participation in the Olympics.
The role of nutrition in recovery and performance for endurance athletes.
How advanced analytics are changing strategies in basketball.
The effects of early specialization in youth sports on long-term athletic development.
The influence of sports media coverage on public perceptions of athletes.
Technology in sports: The use of wearable devices to monitor athlete performance.
Doping scandals and their long-term impact on athletes' careers.
Mental health challenges faced by retired professional athletes.
The economics of hosting major sporting events like the World Cup or Olympics.
How climate change is affecting outdoor sports events and training schedules.
The evolution of sports science in enhancing athlete training programs.

In 2024, some of the most popular research topics include the impact of technology on sports, the psychological aspects of team dynamics, and the evolution of gender equity in athletics.

If you’re still unsure about which topic to choose or need help with your essay, EssayService is a great option. Our research paper writing service can assist with everything from selecting the perfect topic to crafting a well-written paper, making the whole process a lot easier.

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101 Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas for Students
The following is a list of 101 topics for compare and contrast essays that you are welcome to use in your classroom. As you look through the list, you will see that some items are academic in nature while others are included for interest-building and fun writing activities. Apple vs. Microsoft. Coke vs. Pepsi. Renaissance Art vs. Baroque Art.
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Find out how to write a compare and contrast essay with this guide that includes tips, structure, and sources. Explore 127 topics for different levels of education and interests, from easy to funny.
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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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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.
300 Amazing Compare and Contrast Essay Topics & Prompts
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.
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Compare and Contrast Essay Topics: Culture and Society. 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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3. European Renaissance vs. Harlem Renaissance. Contrast the artistic, intellectual, and societal changes that defined each movement. 4. The American Revolution vs. The French Revolution. Compare the causes, key events, and outcomes of these historical upheavals. 5. Eastern vs. Western Art Traditions.
Compare and Contrast Essays: The Ultimate Guide
Unlike argumentative essays or persuasive essays, compare-and-contrast essays deal with multiple topics instead of focusing on one. The downside is that they don't describe the individual subjects as much as single-topic essays. They're also a common assignment for college essays since they show the instructor how well you grasp both subjects.
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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.
Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay
The block method. In the block method, you cover each of the overall subjects you're comparing in a block. You say everything you have to say about your first subject, then discuss your second subject, making comparisons and contrasts back to the things you've already said about the first. Your text is structured like this: Subject 1.
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History and Politics Compare and Contrast Essay Topics. Capitalism vs. communism. Socialism vs. communism. Monarchy/dictatorship and democracy. Two political candidates in a current race. Spanish flu pandemic vs. COVID-19 pandemic.
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Controversial Compare and Contrast Essay Topics. Saving money or not. Public vs private college. Monarchy vs democracy. Theory vs practical. Higher education or job. Plastic vs paper. The political system of US vs the UK. 3D movies or 4D movies.
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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.
How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay
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 follow a simple step-by-step approach.
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How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay. After choosing the ideal topic for you, there are a few simple steps to help you get started in writing your essay. 1. Draw a Venn diagram. The whole point of a compare and contrast essay is to cover the similarities and differences of two ideas. A Venn diagram is an easy way to help you begin ...
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Plus, if you liked these compare and contrast essay examples check out Intriguing Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Kids and Teens. Share this article. Yes, I want teaching tips & resources! Subscribe. Choose your grade level: Elementary Secondary Recommended. 60+ College Essay Prompts From Actual 2023-2024 Applications ...
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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.
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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.
220+ Unique Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students. Below is a list of topics that will help you to pick the right idea for your essay. Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for University Students. Sciences or Arts: which has more worth in the job market? Difference between Essays and research papers. Benefits and disadvantages of homeschooling
Compare and Contrast Essay
To better understand this let's take a look at a few good compare and contrast essay topics: Traditional education vs. online education. Ancient Greek vs. Roman civilization. Examining the similarities between the American and French Revolution. Eastern philosophies vs. Western philosophies. Capitalism vs. socialism.
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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.
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Here are a few examples of essay topics and accompanying thesis statements: Topic: Changing the legal voting age. Thesis statement: When nations lower the legal voting age to 16, youth civic participation increases. To combat low voter turnout among young adults, the United States should reduce the voting age to 16.
Ultimate Guide to Writing a Comparison Essay: Tips and Examples
Make sure they have enough similarities and differences to make a meaningful comparison. 2. Brainstorm key points: Once you have chosen the subjects, brainstorm the key points you want to compare and contrast. These could include characteristics, features, themes, or arguments related to each subject. 3.
165 Research Paper Topics for Students [2024]
Below, you'll find topics organized by subject to help you get started. Research Paper Topics on Health. Health is a dynamic field with ongoing developments and challenges, making it a rich area for research. These topics cover a range of health-related issues, from public health policies to advancements in medical technology:

101 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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127 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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170 Creative Compare And Contrast Essay Topics

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

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