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
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  • M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Florida
  • B.A., History, University of Florida

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

Brainstorming Tip

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

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

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

compare and contrast

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

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

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

Explanation of What Is a Compare and Contrast Essay

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

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

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

topic of comparison essay

How to Start a Compare and Contrast Essay

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Outline

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

compare contrast essay structure

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

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

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

Point-by-Point Structure

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

Introduction

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

Body Paragraphs

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

Transition Sentences

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

Repeat for Each Point

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

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

Block Structure

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

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

Transition to Second Subject

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

Body Paragraphs (Second Block)

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

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

Present Your Supporting Evidence

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

Valuable Compare and Contrast Essay Tips

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

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

How to Brainstorm Compelling Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

compare contrast topics

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

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

How to Choose Compare and Contrast Topics That Resonate with Readers

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

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

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

110 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College Students

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

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

Interesting Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Movie Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Informative Essay Topics for 6th Graders

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

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

Compare and Contrast History Essay Topics

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

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

Best Topics for Compare and Contrast Essays

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

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

Easy Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Controversial Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

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

topic of comparison essay

What Is the Example of Compare and Contrast Essay?

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

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50 College-Level Compare and Contrast Topics for an Essay

Compare and contrast essays are common college assignments that test your critical thinking skills as well as your essay writing. The task may seem daunting, but don’t panic – I am here to help with any possible hurdles:

  • Getting started: what does compare and contrast actually mean?
  • Good compare and contrast essay topics: what should I write about?
  • Making your case: how should I write in the essay introduction and body paragraphs?

Follow this simple guide to write a successful compare and contrast essay!

What Does Compare and Contrast Mean?

Very simply, to compare and contrast is to consider two (or more) things and observe what is similar about those things and what is different about them. Think of it this way: to compare is to find the qualities, attributes, etc, that are the same and to contrast is to find the ways in which they differ. In a compare and contrast essay, you write about and analyze the observations you have made.

For example, let’s compare and contrast a penguin and a pigeon. When we compare the two, we can observe that both are birds, both have feathers, both have beaks, and both lay eggs. They are different in that pigeons can fly and penguins cannot, penguins are excellent swimmers and pigeons are not, and they both live in very different climates. Those are the contrasts. In an essay, we’d then go on to discuss those observations in detail.

Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas

Writing a good essay largely depends on what you choose to write about, as you need to find two comparable subjects – people, books, traditions, phenomena, etc. Here are some ideas, grouped by subject, to help get you started!

Ideas for a Compare and Contrast Essay

Sociological Change 

1. Family life now and 100 years ago (consider the age people enter the marriage, attitude to sex life before marriage, attitude to and prevalence of divorce, the prevalence of married women in labor, child-rearing practices, etc.) 

2. Environmental impact of humanity now and 100 years ago

3. Awareness of personal footprint and striving for sustainability in society over the last two decades (go beyond sorting of the waste; consider the impact of the rising awareness on the fur industry, the reluctance of the young generation to work in oil companies, refusing from meat due having overpopulation reasons in mind, etc.)

4. Portrayal of women in advertisements of mid-20s century vs now

5. Common jobs in the 18th century and today

6. Funerals in the past and today

7. Important holidays in the past and today

8. Voting rights in the past and today

9. Immigration to the U.S. in the past and today (compare and contrast the reasons for immigration, its prevalence, requirements of the state, etc.) 

10. Communism versus libertarianism

11. The role of religion in creating legislation in different countries/cultures 

12. Socializing in the past and now

13. Offline vs online business in 2021   

14. The use of robotics now vs 10 years ago

15. The 2020s in the fantastic movies and prediction of the past vs “the future” as it is now

16. NASA vs SpaceX

Related : Sociology Research Topics

Things to Compare and Contrast

Education 

1. Public vs private education  

2. Traditional school vs homeschooling

3. Online vs offline education

4. Old vs new methods of teaching

5. Accessibility of higher education in the last two decades (consider what barriers have been tackled; have the rising student debt and Covid become the new barriers to consider?) 

6. School curriculum change over the last two decades (what has changed, what is no longer taught, what new classes and teaching methods appeared; note the increased focus on STEM, sustainability, disappearing cursive classes, sex education, etc.)    

Related : Argumentative Essay Topics on Education  

1. Healthcare systems in America and elsewhere in the world (this is a helpful article to start with)

2. Cloning vs gene modification

3. Healthy living over the last decade/ in different socio-economic groups (compare the attitudes to healthy food, Macdonalds, smoking, binge drinking, exercising, etc. now and twenty years ago; alternatively, compare and contrast the statistics for the affluent and poor citizens)

4. Abortion laws in the U.S. and other countries (this is a useful article to start with)

5. Traditional doctor appointments vs telemedicine

6. How is depression diagnosed and treated now compared to the past decades (you may also consider the change in the treatment of other illnesses and conditions that are believed to be medicalized, such as obesity, alcoholism, menopause, etc.)  

7. Traditional medicine vs. homeopathy

8. Covid-19 vs Spanish flu epidemics  

9. The response to Covid-19 in two different states (see this post for more Covid-related essay topics and facts)   

10. Aguments for and against mandadory vacination   

11. Nursing home care vs assisted living  

Related : Controversial Medical Topics for an Essay

Philosophy and Ethics

1. Compare and compare two Abrahamic religions. 

2. Plato versus Aristotle.

3. Utilitarian ethics versus deontological ethics. 

4. The influence of philosophy historically compared to today.

5. Interpretations of philosophical texts in different cultures/countries.

6. Pro-life vs pro-choice arguments in the abortion debate (if you struggle to find similarities other than relating to one topic, consider what these arguments fail to account for; for example, both have men out of the equation, see more ideas for an abortion essay here ). 

7. Work ethics vs personal ethics. 

8. Compare and contrast two leadership theories. 

9. Compare and contrast liberal and radical feminism (the other two types of feminism that can be compared are equality feminism and difference feminism). 

10. Patriotism versus nationalism/ cosmopolitanism (see this guide on writing a patriotism essay )

Related : Philosophy and Ethics Essay Topics

topic of comparison essay

Art and Literature 

1. art by the same artist at different points in their career (for example, Picasso’s The Old Fisherman and Le Matador ).

2. art depicting the same subject in very different styles (for example, a park by in Pointillist style and another in Cubist style).

3. the work of two artists working in the same time/place (for example, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni).

4. the reception of an artists’ work during their lifetime compared to today; attitudes towards art and artists in different cultures.

5. Two pieces of work by the same writer at different times in their life (for example, A Streetcar Named Desire and Sweet Bird of Youth by Tenessee Williams).

6. Novels written at the same time portraying the same place (for example, Great Expectations by Charles Dickens and Jane Austen’s Emma )

7. Work by poets regarded as part of the same movement (for example, Keats and Coleridge of the Romantics)

8. Exploration of the same theme (for example, the portrayal of ‘good versus evil’ in Lord of the Rings and Alice in Wonderland )

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay 

Chosen your topic? Okay, good! Let’s think about actually writing the essay. 

Introduction

An introduction is an opportunity to set expectations for the rest of the work – so let’s set them high! It’s important to begin the essay with a hook that will draw in your reader. Then, introduce the two (or more) things you will be discussing. Briefly outline the similarities and differences you will discuss. Lastly, clearly state your thesis . 

Here’s an example of an introduction to an essay comparing and contrasting traditional television and online streaming services:

Almost half of Americans born after the year 1978 do not own a television ( hook ). Young people seem to have fallen out of love with television in just a few short decades; in the year 2000, most Americans watched their television set for at least two hours a day . But why have we abandoned this once-loved pastime? The answer is simple: online streaming services (both things have been introduced ). In its heyday, television was extremely popular among young people, as streaming services are now. Both provide entertainment, show a wide range of media of different genres, inform us about what’s going on in the world around us and connect us as a society ( outline of similarities). However, there are several differences between the two. Television lacks the diversity of modern streaming services, viewers are forced to watch programs curated by the channel, and there is far less freedom of choice. That said, less time in front of the television means less time watching the news and less community spirit. Streaming services can also be expensive ( outline of differences). It would, however, seem that modern streaming services are overall superior to good, old-fashioned TV ( thesis statement ).

For more help on writing introductions, check out Essay Introduction Paragraph: Essential Elements and Examples .

Thesis Statement

Here are top rules for creating a strong thesis statement for a compare and contrast essay:

  • Relevant to the type of essay you’re writing. In an essay where we’re going to compare two things, the thesis statement should compare two things!
  • Debatable. Show that you’ve come to your own conclusion about something and are sharing your findings. “Cake is delicious” would not, for example, be a successful thesis statement.
  • Narrow. Make sure you haven’t bitten off more than you can chew with a thesis statement covering an enormous topic. 
  • Well-structured. A parallel structure will make a long thesis statement easier to read and understand.

For more help on thesis statements, take a look at A Strong Thesis Statement: Tips and Examples .

topic of comparison essay

In the first paragraph after your introduction, provide some context for your essay. Why are you writing about this? Why now? For the example given above, you can further back up the introductory statement with some statistics , showing that you have done your research about the subject. For example, compare the number of TV sets bought in 2000 compared to 2020, or show the fall in live viewing ratings for popular programs. For streaming services, you might mention how many people subscribe to Netflix or Hulu, or how much money streaming sites are making. Make sure you cite any sources you use properly, for maximum marks!

Next, discuss the similarities between the two things you are discussing. How long this section will depend on how similar your subjects are! For some topics, you can have a fairly long section on similarities. However, if you were writing about radically different political systems, points of view, or works of art, then your comparison section may be shorter.

Discuss the differences in the order you’ve outlined them in the introduction. Make sure the similar and different points are contributing to your thesis. For example, if I were to argue that there are too many cartoons on Netflix and too many soaps on mainstream TV, that wouldn’t contribute to my argument. However, if you were to argue that television can offer live updates on current affairs, in a way that Hulu does not, that would contribute to an argument about which one is, overall, superior.

Other Writing Tips

Choose the right topic: Before you get started, you might find it helpful to make a list of all the similarities and differences between the things you are comparing. Make sure there are enough similarities to make your argument seem sensible. For example, pop music and classical music are both music genres but, beyond that, there’s no real reason to compare them. However, if you compare something like family life in the past and now, there are lots of things you can discuss in your essay and this leads to larger inferences about the social change that has taken place. 

Do your research: Research the topic you will discuss as much as possible and be prepared to discuss the positive aspects of both things you are comparing. In the long run, this will actually make your argument stronger.

What would you compare and contrast if you could write about anything? Share your idea in the comments!

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The ultimate topic list: 81 comparative essay topics.

December 27, 2018

During your career as a student, you will no doubt encounter the comparative essay – if you haven’t encountered it already. It is also known as the compare and contrast essay. This is a pretty complex writing assignment, we agree. However, we can assure you that you can surely write it. Furthermore, we are certain that you will manage to get a top grade. All you need to do is learn how to write comparative essay and then find some exceptional, original comparative essay topics. In this blog post, we will focus on helping you find the best comparative essay topics possible with minimal effort. In fact, we will provide 81 topics for you to choose from. Of course, you can change these best topics 2018 as you like. And yes, the topics are free for you to use as you desire. We are here to help college students with their assignments, and our professional writers are more than happy to provide you with the tips and topics you need to succeed.

comparative essay topics

What Is a Comparative Essay?

Before we start, let’s talk a bit about the comparative essay. We noticed that many students are having a hard time understanding what this assignment is and what it implies.

Basically, a comparative essay requires you to compare two subjects. Of course, these subjects must have at least some similarities. In your essay, you will compare the subjects – which can be anything you can think of – and note the similarities and the differences. It may sound easy, but be aware that everything you write needs to be properly researched and referenced. Remember, this paper must be written following all relevant academic writing standards.

If you are not familiar with academic writing, we suggest you start learning about it. Another option is to get some help online from an academic writer who has extensive experience with this kind of assignment (and with original comparative essay topics).

Why Comparative Essay Topics Are So Important

Most often, college students who know how to write an academic paper will start writing about the easiest topic they can come across. This is not the way to do it though! You need very interesting comparative essay topics if want a top grade on your paper. Why? Because professors pay a lot of attention to the topic you choose to write about. Think of it this way: your teacher has read hundreds of papers, all of them written on the same couple of topics. It tends to get boring. When you come up with some original, intriguing comparative essay topics, you instantly get bonus points. When you pique the interest of your professor, you can be sure that your paper will stand out from the rest in your class. This is why comparative essay topics are so important.

Ultimate List of 81 Comparative Essay Topics

Beginner’s topics.

  • Comparing apples and pears
  • Feeling sad versus feeling lonely comparison
  • A comparison between hiking and surfing
  • Comparing coffee and tea (with effects)
  • Driving the car or taking the bus: which is better?
  • Stay in a village or move to a big city?
  • Humans and orangutans: similarities

General Interest Topics

  • The differences between high school and college
  • The PhD versus the Master’s degree
  • Are education and employment so different after all?
  • The major similarities between US and UK English
  • Comparing Donald Trump to Barrack Obama
  • Are argumentative and persuasive essays the same thing?
  • Major differences between the Catholic and the Orthodox churches.
  • The differences between legal cannabis use in two states of your choosing.

History Topics

  • Comparing the Baroque Epoch to the Renaissance Epoch
  • Are there any similarities between the Soviet government and the American government?
  • Was King Louis the XIV better than King Henry the VIII?
  • Differences between the North and the South ideologies during the Civil War.
  • What changed from World War I to World War II (why casualties were far higher in WWII)?
  • Comparing Stalin’s regime to Hitler’s regime.
  • How similar were Washington’s ideas to Lincoln’s ideas?
  • Comparing the United States to the European Union in terms of prosperity.

Political Topics

  • Comparing the attributes of the UK Prime Minister to the US President
  • Were Fascism and Nazism the same? If not, why?
  • Similarities between Barrack Obama and George W. Bush
  • President Trump’s border protection measures compared to Obama’s measures
  • All political parties are the same in many aspects. Why?
  • Compare the situation in Ukraine to the Syrian war.
  • The differences between civil union and marriage in the United States
  • Comparing the 1950s political regime to Trumps’ administration

Opposite Subjects

  • The major differences between male humans and female humans
  • Compare eBooks to printed books and find out which is better
  • A quick comparison between the Moon and the Sun
  • Coke versus Pepsi: which one is better?
  • Attending university or getting hired: which is better?
  • Comparing red and green: any similarities?
  • What are the major similarities between asylums and jails?
  • A comparison between Star Trek and Star Wars: Why they are different in all aspects

Social Media Topics

  • Facebook and Twitter – Which one to choose?
  • Facebook image posting or video posting?
  • Comparing Facebook in the US with Facebook in Russia
  • Facebook or Myspace when it comes to opportunities to interact with other users
  • Social media marketing versus traditional marketing
  • Online dating or real-life dating: which is better and why?
  • Selling products on Facebook compared to selling products on eBay
  • Facebook or Instagram – which is more damaging to college students?
  • Comparing emails to traditional mailing: the similarities
  • Which is more engaging, video games or smartphone games?
  • Searching for jobs traditionally versus searching for jobs online
  • Comparing Booking.com to AirBnb: major differences
  • Comparing Kaspersky Labs antivirus to BitDefender antivirus
  • Wide screen monitors versus ultra-wide monitors for productivity
  • AMD or Intel processor? Why?
  • Virtual Reality versus real life: similarities
  • Comparing Alphabet to Microsoft in terms of product innovation

Philosophy Topics

  • Comparing the philosophical views about life and death
  • The difference between physical needs and mental needs of human beings
  • Choosing a fantasy world over the real world: why?
  • Hamlet and Macbeth: comparing the main ideas
  • Are historians and philosophers similar? If not, why?
  • What makes good good and evil bad?
  • Humans are as wild as wild animals in some cases: comparing the two

Literature Topics

  • Comparing the Indo-European languages to the Sino-Tibetan languages
  • Comparing a drama to a comedy: major differences
  • Non-fiction versus fiction literature
  • What do you prefer, prose or poetry? Why?
  • Comparing Lord of the Rings to Harry Potter (the books, not the movies)
  • Comparing Shakespeare’s Othello to his Hamlet
  • Comparing a British author to an American Author: Similarities and Differences
  • Comparing the Greek Mythology to the Roman Mythology
  • Comparing your two most bellowed authors. Any similarities between writing styles?

Most Popular Compare Topics

  • Which is more difficult, driving a car or a bicycle?
  • Which one do you like most, comic books or novels? Why?
  • Comparing the Japanese vision of beauty to the American vision of beauty
  • Things that Julius Caesar and Macbeth have in common
  • Hillary Clinton versus Donald Trump. Any striking similarities?
  • Comparing textbooks to tablets for use in schools in the United States
  • Which is better, communism or capitalism? Explain why.
  • Comparing paid OS (Windows) to free OS (Linux).
  • The major differences between South Korea and North Korea

How to Write Comparative Essay: Tips and Tricks

Now that you understand why you need new essay topics and have selected a topic from the comprehensive list above, it’s time for some comparative essay tips. The first tip is to start early – as early as possible. Make sure you have plenty of time to finish your work and then proofread it at least twice (this is the second tip). Make effective use of an outline, which must be created before you start writing the sections. Speaking of sections, make sure you familiarize yourself with the five paragraph essay structure. It’s simple to use, and you don’t even need to know how to write comparative essay to use it. Of course, another tip would be to find the most interesting comparative essay topics. However, make sure that you know at least something about the topic, otherwise it can be pretty difficult to write a paper about it. These tips will surely help you write the best comparative essay in your class. And remember, our best topics 2020 are free to use. Good luck!

topic of comparison 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

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  • A Research Guide
  • Essay Topics

120 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Compare and contrast health essay topics.

  • The impact of physical exercise vs sedentary lifestyle on overall health
  • Comparing the benefits and drawbacks of vegetarian and omnivorous diets
  • The effects of smoking vs vaping on respiratory health
  • Comparing the effectiveness of traditional medicine and alternative therapies in treating common ailments
  • The impact of stress vs relaxation techniques on mental health
  • Comparing the benefits and risks of prescription medications and natural remedies for common illnesses
  • The effects of regular sleep patterns vs irregular sleep patterns on cognitive function
  • Comparing the benefits and drawbacks of traditional gym workouts and outdoor activities for physical fitness
  • The impact of excessive sugar consumption vs artificial sweeteners on overall health
  • Comparing the benefits and risks of cosmetic surgery and natural aging processes on self-esteem and body image
  • The effects of regular meditation vs medication on managing anxiety and depression
  • Comparing the benefits and drawbacks of traditional medical treatments and holistic approaches for chronic diseases
  • The impact of regular dental care vs neglecting oral hygiene on overall health
  • Comparing the benefits and risks of consuming organic vs conventionally grown foods
  • The effects of regular social interactions vs isolation on mental and emotional well-being

Compare and Contrast Education Essay Topics

  • Traditional Education vs Online Education
  • Public Schools vs Private Schools
  • Homeschooling vs Traditional Schooling
  • Single-Sex Education vs Co-education
  • Standardized Testing vs Alternative Assessment Methods
  • Montessori Education vs Traditional Education
  • Vocational Education vs Academic Education
  • Inclusive Education vs Special Education
  • Charter Schools vs Magnet Schools
  • Online Learning vs Classroom Learning
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) vs Advanced Placement (AP) Programs
  • Project-Based Learning vs Lecture-Based Learning
  • Public Education vs Private Education
  • Early Childhood Education vs Primary Education
  • Education in Developed Countries vs Education in Developing Countries

Compare and Contrast Psychology Essay Topics

  • Nature vs Nurture
  • Classical vs Operant Conditioning
  • Freudian Psychoanalysis vs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Social Learning Theory vs Social Cognitive Theory
  • Developmental Psychology vs Social Psychology
  • Psychodynamic vs Humanistic Approaches
  • Implicit vs Explicit Memory
  • Individualism vs Collectivism
  • Nature of Intelligence
  • Psychopathy vs Antisocial Personality Disorder
  • Emotional Intelligence vs IQ
  • Behaviorism vs Cognitive Psychology
  • Attachment Theory vs Social Exchange Theory
  • Gender Differences in Psychology
  • Abnormal Psychology vs Positive Psychology

Compare and Contrast Environment Essay Topics

  • Urban vs Rural Living
  • Renewable Energy Sources vs Fossil Fuels
  • Natural vs Artificial Lighting
  • Forest Conservation vs Deforestation
  • Organic Farming vs Conventional Agriculture
  • Public Transportation vs Private Vehicles
  • Coastal Ecosystems vs Inland Ecosystems
  • Traditional vs Modern Waste Management Systems
  • National Parks vs Urban Parks
  • Water Conservation vs Water Consumption
  • Natural Disasters vs Human-Induced Disasters
  • Environmental Policies in Developed vs Developing Countries
  • Air Pollution in Industrialized Cities vs Rural Areas
  • Wildlife Conservation vs Urban Expansion
  • Environmental Education in Schools vs Community Initiatives

Compare and Contrast Technology Essay Topics

  • Smartphones vs Traditional Cell Phones
  • Online Shopping vs Traditional Shopping
  • E-books vs Printed Books
  • Virtual Reality vs Augmented Reality
  • Social Media vs Face-to-Face Communication
  • Laptops vs Tablets
  • Online Learning vs Traditional Classroom Education
  • Streaming Services vs Cable TV
  • Artificial Intelligence vs Human Intelligence
  • Electric Cars vs Gasoline Cars
  • Cloud Storage vs Physical Storage
  • Wearable Technology vs Traditional Accessories
  • Video Games vs Outdoor Activities
  • Online Banking vs Traditional Banking
  • Drones vs Manned Aircraft

Compare and Contrast Philosophy Essay Topics

  • Dualism vs Materialism
  • Rationalism vs Empiricism
  • Determinism vs Free Will
  • Objectivism vs Subjectivism
  • Idealism vs Realism
  • Hedonism vs Stoicism
  • Existentialism vs Nihilism
  • Utilitarianism vs Deontology
  • Egoism vs Altruism
  • Pragmatism vs Essentialism
  • Relativism vs Absolutism
  • Skepticism vs Dogmatism
  • Aesthetics vs Ethics
  • Epistemology vs Metaphysics
  • Feminism vs Masculism

Compare and Contrast History Essay Topics

  • Ancient Egypt vs Ancient Mesopotamia
  • The American Revolution vs the French Revolution
  • The Roman Empire vs the Han Dynasty
  • The Industrial Revolution in Britain vs the Meiji Restoration in Japan
  • The Civil Rights Movement in the United States vs Apartheid in South Africa
  • The Byzantine Empire vs the Islamic Caliphates
  • The Renaissance in Italy vs the Golden Age of Spain
  • The Russian Revolution vs the Chinese Revolution
  • The Age of Exploration in Europe vs the Silk Road in Asia
  • World War I vs World War II
  • The Cold War in the United States vs the Cold War in the Soviet Union
  • The French Revolution vs the Haitian Revolution
  • The Mongol Empire vs the Aztec Empire
  • The Protestant Reformation vs the Counter-Reformation
  • The American Civil War vs the Spanish Civil War

Compare and Contrast Sociology Essay Topics

  • Traditional gender roles vs contemporary gender roles in society
  • Individualism vs collectivism in Western and Eastern cultures
  • Social media’s impact on interpersonal relationships vs face-to-face communication
  • The effects of urbanization on rural communities vs urban communities
  • The role of religion in shaping social norms in Western and Middle Eastern societies
  • The impact of globalization on cultural diversity vs cultural homogenization
  • The influence of socioeconomic status on educational attainment in developed vs developing countries
  • The portrayal of race and ethnicity in the media in Western societies vs non-Western societies
  • The impact of immigration on social cohesion in multicultural societies vs homogeneous societies
  • The role of family structure in shaping child development in single-parent households vs two-parent households
  • The effects of social class on access to healthcare in developed vs developing countries
  • The influence of technology on social interactions in rural communities vs urban communities
  • The impact of social media on political activism in democratic vs authoritarian regimes
  • The role of religion in shaping attitudes towards gender and sexuality in conservative vs liberal societies
  • The effects of income inequality on social mobility in capitalist vs socialist economies

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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

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

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!

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

Barbara P.

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

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  • Compare and Contrast Essay Outline - Template & Examples

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80 Intriguing Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

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

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

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

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

School and Life Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Going to college vs. starting work full-time

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

Friendship vs. romantic love

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

Car ownership and public transportation

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

Entertainment Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Xbox vs. PlayStation

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

Vegetarian and vegan

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

Shopping online and shopping in person

History and Politics Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Two political candidates in a current race

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

Any two U.S. states

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

American president vs. U.K. prime minister

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

Just for Fun Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

  • Dogs vs. cats as pets

Dogs vs. cats as pets

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

Mornings vs. evenings

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

Appetizers and desserts

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

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

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

80 Intriguing Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

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100+ Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Writing a typical comparison essay involves critiquing two or more subjects. It requires some critical thinking skills to ensure you capture the different aspects of these subjects. Coming up with great contrast essay ideas will help you demonstrate your expertise in the field as you can compare relevant subjects effectively, making it a favorite among professors.

We have compiled a list of more than 100 topics you could choose for your comparative essays. Join us as we look at the best ideas you could use to develop excellent compare-and-contrast essay topics.

  • Compare and contrast the effect of online media on shaping public opinion
  • Compare and contrast capitalism and socialism as administrative designs
  • Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of online learning
  • Compare and contrast the ideologies of Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud on the understanding of dreams
  • Compare and contrast the writings of Mark Twain and William Shakespeare
  • Compare and contrast the key actors in “Macbeth” and “The Odyssey”
  • Compare and contrast the causes and outcomes of the first and the second world war
  • Compare and contrast the French and American Revolutions
  • Compare and contrast the dystopian societies in “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley and “1984” by George Orwell
  • Compare and contrast the impact of chewing tobacco and smoking on wellbeing
  • Compare and contrast the disparities between Western and Eastern philosophies
  • Compare and contrast the effect of global warming on the Arctic and Antarctic areas
  • Compare and contrast the benefits and drawbacks of coal and nuclear energy sources
  • Compare and contrast the perceptions of obligate and facultative psychological adaptations
  • Compare and contrast the environmental impact of European and Asian countries
  • Compare and contrast the principles of evolution as discussed by Lamarck and Charles Darwin
  • Compare and contrast the electrical systems of Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla
  • Compare and contrast the concept of quantum mechanics by Niels Bohr and Erwin Schrödinger
  • Compare and contrast the underlying issues behind the International Debt Crisis of 1982 and the Global economic recession of 2008-2009  
  • Compare and contrast the gender wage difference in Japan and China
  • Compare and contrast the comparisons between Buddhism and Hinduism
  • Compare and contrast the moral philosophies of Socrates and Plato
  • Compare and contrast the psychological philosophies of classical and operant conditioning
  • Compare and contrast the impact of whole meals and fast food on health
  • Compare and contrast the impact of technology on healthcare and education
  • Compare and contrast the concepts of color vision by Hermann von Helmholtz and Thomas Young
  • Compare and contrast artificial selection and natural selection in evolution
  • Compare and contrast the effects of online platforms on adolescents and young adults
  • Compare and contrast the attributes of a manager and a leader in a company
  • Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of rural and urban living
  • Compare and contrast the benefits and drawbacks of public and private schools
  • Compare and contrast the responsibilities of men and women in parenting
  • Compare and contrast the benefits and drawbacks of social media and regular activism
  • Compare and contrast the healthcare structures in the Netherlands and Belgium
  • Compare and contrast the morphology of a butterfly and a bee
  • Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of gasoline cars and electric cars
  • Compare and contrast the effects on job loss between the digital revolution and the industrial revolution
  • Compare and contrast the depictions of bravery in contemporary superhero films and ancient mythology
  • Compare and contrast the effects of newspapers and online news media
  • Compare and contrast the moral development theories by Judith Smetana and Jean Piaget
  • Compare and contrast the traits of a protagonist and antagonist in film and literature
  • Compare and contrast the causes and consequences of the California gold rush and the Texas oil boom
  • Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of studying locally and abroad
  • Compare and contrast outdated and contemporary approaches to engineering
  • Compare and contrast the qualities of friendship and romantic love
  • Compare and contrast the depiction of women in traditional and modern Greece
  • Compare and contrast the effects of nature versus nurture on intelligence
  • Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of globalization
  • Compare and contrast the impact of water and air pollution on ecosystems
  • Compare and contrast the separation between church and state in medieval and modern France
  • Compare and contrast the principles of psychoanalysis and behaviorism in psychology
  • Compare and contrast the features of a comic and a tragic hero in fiction
  • Compare and contrast the consequences of the Spanish and American Civil War
  • Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of dictatorship and democracy
  • Compare and contrast the depiction of love in medieval sonnets and contemporary love songs
  • Compare and contrast the effects of conventional sports and e-sports on the entertainment field
  • Compare and contrast the impact of desertification and deforestation on the Brazilian environment
  • Compare and contrast the impact of traditional and digital art on civilization
  • Compare and contrast the concepts of humanism and behaviorism in social psychology
  • Compare and contrast the roles of men in traditional Rome and modern Italy
  • Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of conventional and organic farming
  • Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of active troops and drones in modern combat
  • Compare and contrast the principles of attachment advanced by Sigmund Freud and Mary Main
  • Compare and contrast the qualities of a science fiction and fantasy novel
  • Compare and contrast the foundations and outcomes of European colonization in Asia and Africa
  • Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of veganism and the Atkins diet
  • Compare and contrast the depiction of fashion in 16th and 17th century England
  • Compare and contrast the impact of overfishing on the Japanese and Norwegian marine ecosystems
  • Compare and contrast the impact of jazz and rock music on American culture
  • Compare and contrast the causes and effects of the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

Any contrast essay topic you choose among these will make for an exemplary research paper. You can get instant   essay writing help from us if you find the process too tasking. We understand school can be a doozie. However, ensure you integrate relevant evidence in scholarly articles for your comparison paper if you want to go at it yourself.

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics For Elementary Students

Though academic writing for young kids differs significantly from their older compatriots, they are not too young to distinguish between two subjects. The writing process is similar to the one used by university students despite the difference in the depth of arguments. Let's look at some unique compare-and-contrast topics for elementary kids.

  • Compare and contrast how lions vs. tigers live
  • Compare and contrast clothing connected to winter and summer
  • Compare and contrast the purposes of based-on-a-true-story vs. fictional movies
  • Compare and contrast the different types of animals you can find on a farm and in a zoo
  • Compare and contrast the features of an ocean and a lake
  • Compare and contrast the benefits of being small and being big
  • Compare and contrast what you would need to live in the countryside versus living in a city
  • Compare and contrast the dietary value of fruits and carbohydrates
  • Compare and contrast the features of snow and slate
  • Compare and contrast the use and security features of skateboards and bicycles
  • Compare and contrast the duties connected with daytime vs. nighttime
  • Compare and contrast the life of an adolescent in your country with another in a different country
  • Compare and contrast the educational workload of a student in first grade and a student in fourth grade
  • Compare and contrast the feeding habits of cats versus dogs as pets
  • Compare and contrast the parallels between university and high school
  • Compare and contrast the taste, texture and ingredients in ice cream and yoghurt
  • Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of studying and watching movies
  • Compare and contrast your personal hero and a famous historical figure
  • Compare and contrast the attributes of video games and sports as leisure activities
  • Compare and contrast the benefits and drawbacks of using a notebook and pen and using a laptop for studying

These topics of contrast essay examples show simple ideas that kids could use for their contrast essays.

Compare and Contrast Topics For Middle School

  • Compare and contrast traditional meetings vs. zoom meetings
  • Compare and contrast living in the city vs. living in rural areas
  • Compare and contrast rugby vs. American football
  • Compare and contrast fiction vs. non-fiction books
  • Compare and contrast motorbikes vs. cars
  • Compare and contrast Apple vs. Microsoft
  • Compare and contrast playing the guitar vs. jogging
  • Compare and contrast the Dark Ages vs. the Renaissance
  • Compare and contrast hip-hop vs. classical music
  • Compare and contrast donkeys vs. horses
  • Compare and contrast protein vs. fats in metabolism
  • Compare and contrast spring vs. autumn seasons
  • Compare and contrast horror vs. thriller movies
  • Compare and contrast China vs. Japan
  • Compare and contrast desktops vs. tablets
  • Compare and contrast engineering vs. medicine
  • Compare and contrast streaming vs. cable media
  • Compare and contrast global warming vs. plastic pollution
  • Compare and contrast cubinism vs. surrealism
  • Compare and contrast   capitalism vs. socialism

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics For High School Students

  • Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of private and public schools
  • Compare and contrast the effects of social media on human interaction
  • Compare and contrast the representation of love in “Better than The Movies” by Lynn Painter and “Pretty Reckless” by L. J. Shen
  • Compare and contrast authoritarianism versus democracy
  • Compare and contrast the roots and consequences of world war I and world war II
  • Compare and contrast the effects of technology on job loss during the Industrial Revolution and internet 3.0 eras
  • Compare and contrast the portrayal of Willy Wonka in the book versus the film adaptation
  • Compare and contrast the duties assigned to men and women in modern society
  • Compare and contrast Waldorf and Steiner's educational philosophies
  • Compare and contrast the ecological effects of nuclear and diesel energy
  • Compare and contrast the symbolism and themes in “London, 1802” by William Wordsworth and “England in 1819” by Percy Shelley
  • Compare and contrast project-based education and traditional teaching methods
  • Compare and contrast the benefits and drawbacks of buying versus leasing property
  • Compare and contrast the influence of J.F. Kennedy versus Abraham Lincoln on society
  • Compare and contrast anarchism and fascism
  • Compare and contrast how imagery is used in Vladimir Tatlin and Robert Delaunay’s artworks
  • Compare and contrast the experiences of Chinese and Middle Eastern immigrants in the United States
  • Compare and contrast the application of technology in “1984” by George Orwell and “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury
  • Compare and contrast the moral predicaments faced by lawyers and doctors
  • Compare and contrast the depiction of capitalism and socialism in “Goodbye, Lenin!”

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics For College Students

  • Compare and contrast conventional classrooms vs. digital learning
  • Compare and contrast living in school vs. living off-school
  • Compare and contrast public vs. private high schools
  • Compare and contrast group projects vs. individual assignments
  • Compare and contrast studying sciences vs. learning humanities
  • Compare and contrast brick-and-mortar shopping vs. online shopping
  • Compare and contrast DIY projects vs. getting expert assistance
  • Compare and contrast working for others vs. self-employment
  • Compare and contrast working studying at home vs. studying abroad
  • Compare and contrast normal college attendance vs. attending college after a gap year
  • Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of going to large higher education institutions vs. attending small schools
  • Compare and contrast the benefits and drawbacks of conventional education vs. online learning
  • Compare and contrast students’ renting apartments or living in dormitories
  • Compare and contrast the effects of the internet on social interaction vs. education
  • Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of going to college vs. learning online
  • Compare and contrast what student-athletes vs. non-athletes undergo in college
  • Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of attending a four-year-course vs. going to a community college
  •  Compare and contrast the effect of participating in a co-op program vs. going to university abroad
  • Compare and contrast the advantages and drawbacks of going to college with college-educated parents vs. attending it as a first-generation student
  • Compare and contrast the benefits of working in a rural vs. urban area

Comparison Essay Topics on Location

  • Compare and contrast beaches in Dubai and those in Miami
  • Compare and contrast the social experiences of Istanbul and Berlin
  • Compare and contrast the natural landscapes of Yellowstone national park and Redwood national park
  • Compare and contrast the architectural styles of the Segovia castle and the Prague castle
  • Compare and contrast the attractions of the Redlight District and New York nightlife
  • Compare and contrast the local cuisines of Argentina and Mexico
  • Compare and contrast the outdoor recreational activities of the Caucus mountains and the Himalayas
  • Compare and contrast the informative prospects of Harvard and Massachusetts universities
  • Compare and contrast the wholesale contributions of Harbour City and Cheung Sha Wan Road
  • Compare and contrast the public transit systems of Hong Kong and New York
  • Compare and contrast the traditions of Norway and the United Kingdom
  • Compare and contrast the natural habitats of pandas and polar bears
  • Compare and contrast the ancient architectures of the Mayans and the Celts
  • Compare and contrast music festivals in Rio de Janeiro and Caracas
  • Compare and contrast art galleries in London and Paris
  • Compare and contrast the natural attractions of Lake Victoria and Lake Bled
  • Compare and contrast the pilgrimage sites of Kusinara and Sarnath
  • Compare and contrast the green spaces of Sydney and the Marina Bay area of Singapore
  • Compare and contrast the job opportunities in Macau and Hong Kong
  • Compare and contrast the traditions of the Comanche and Hopi people

Comparison Essay Topics about Areas

  • A comparative study of Singapore and developed economies
  • A comparative analysis of German and Chinese automotive industries
  • A comparative study of Dubai and Qatar tourism industries
  • Compare and contrast residential areas and business districts
  • A comparative study of the Amazon and the Nile rivers
  • A comparative study of dairy farming in Germany and the US
  • A comparative study of the beef industries in Brazil and Australia
  • Compare and contrast the wildlife in the Himalayas and marine life in the Mariana Trench
  • Compare and contrast the ecology of salty lakes and fresh-water lakes
  • Compare and contrast the topography of Norway and Indonesia and its impact on these cultures
  •  Compare and contrast the Mongolian Steppes and the Tibetan plateau
  • Compare and contrast metropolitan administration and shire administration in Australia
  • A comparative analysis of the American Civil war based on land economics
  • A comparative study of high-density and low-density residential areas in terms of amenities
  • Compare and contrast mangrove and alpine environments
  • A comparative analysis of the social dynamics in Greece and Japan
  • Compare and contrast homogenous and culturally diverse areas
  • Compare and contrast the Namib and Gobi deserts
  • Compare and contrast developing and developed countries in terms of social amenities
  • A comparative analysis of agricultural and industrial regions in terms of pollution

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

  • Compare and contrast scripted and reality TV shows
  • Compare and contrast rock and hip-hop music genres
  • A comparative analysis of sitcom and stand-up comedies
  • Compare and contrast live-action and animated movies
  • A comparative study of original film scripts and reboots
  • Compare and contrast drama series and horror films
  • Compare and contrast rock and country music
  • Compare and contrast sci-fi movies and sitcom series
  • A comparative analysis of mental thrillers and horror films
  • A comparative study of biographies and documentary films
  • A comparative analysis of Bollywood and Hollywood
  • A comparative study of indie and animated films
  • A comparative analysis of classical and jazz music genres
  • A comparative study of dystopian and sci-fi films
  • Compare and contrast big-budget movies and film noir
  • A comparative analysis of adult and teen dramas
  • A comparative study of rap and rock music genres
  • Compare and contrast 20th-century dramas and contemporary dramas
  • A comparative analysis of old and modern movies
  • A comparative study of satire and comedy movies

Comparison Essay Topics in Art

  • A comparative analysis of the distinct artistic styles of Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso
  • Investigating the disparities between Baroque and Renaissance art in subject matters
  • Comparing the techniques of impressionism and realism art movements
  • Investigating the similarities in Roman versus classical Greek sculpture’ style
  • Contrasting Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci’s mastery of numerous art forms
  • Examining the differences in cultural significance of Japanese ukiyo-e versus historical Chinese painting
  • Examining the opposing activities in pop art and abstract expressionism in terms of techniques
  • Investigating the cultural symbols used in Native American and African artistic traditions
  • Evaluating the symbolic art forms of Byzantine and Islamic art
  • Examining the disparities in public perceptions surrounding Gallery and Street art

The Best Compare and Contrast Essay Structure

Writing a compare and contrast essay requires you to develop a clear structure to arrange your arguments and thoughts. Let’s look at a suggested structure to organize your paper.

  • Introduction
  • Body paragraphs
  • Point-by-point method
  • Block method
  • Subject-by-subject pattern
  • Editing and revising

1. Introduction

Start your paper with a catchy hook. This will help you maintain your audience’s attention. Do you need help writing great hooks? Read this article to learn how you can  grab your reader’s attention   using clever techniques. Give your audience some background information on the subject to provide them with an understanding of what you intend to address.

The thesis statement is the most important part of your compare and contrast paper. You should demonstrate your main points clearly, indicating what you seek to compare and contrast.

2. Body Paragraphs

A topic sentence is the most effective way to start your body paragraphs. It should clearly distinguish one criterion or aspect of comparison or contrast. Your topic sentences must be backed by sufficient examples or evidence. Connect your ideas using transition phrases and words, signaling the shift between the issues being compared. Offer a fair analysis where your essay does not posit bias towards the similarities or differences.

3. Point-by-point Method

The point-by-point approach requires a student to transition between deliberating a particular idea of comparison for each topic. Offer your reader an in-depth analysis and detailed examples for every theme. Make sure that your contrasts are logical and clear.

4. Block Method

The block method requires you to determine all the ideas linked to a subject before proceeding to the next. You should clearly demonstrate your transitions to new themes and comprehensively analyse every topic.

5. Subject-by-subject Pattern

Developing a subject-by-subject comparison allows you to discuss each topic independently. Take note to utilize a similar comparison base to choose your points and structure them in the same order for each case. You should organize your points from the least significant to the most significant to maintain your audience’s attention.

6. Conclusion

The culmination of your essay should be a summary of the main points you compared and contrasted. Remember to paraphrase your thesis statement in this section and give your reader insights or final thoughts on the topic.

7. Editing and Revising

Your essay may have ambiguities, punctuation, spelling, and grammar mistakes. Editing and revising it will ensure your paragraphs seamlessly flow into each other. Ensure your paper is logical and observes the formatting guidelines and assigned length.

Remember that we have only provided a suggested framework. We offer essay writing services that could help you beat your assignment’s deadline. However, if you want to go the DIY way, make the paper unique and adjust this framework to fit your school’s requirements for the essay and the subject you are comparing and contrasting.

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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

topic of comparison essay

11. Native American Cultures vs. Indigenous Australian Cultures

topic of comparison essay

12. Colonialism vs. Imperialism

topic of comparison essay

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

13. Viking Lore vs. Egyptian Mythology

topic of comparison essay

14. Traditional vs. Modern Olympic Games

topic of comparison essay

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

topic of comparison essay

25. Monarchies vs. Republics

topic of comparison essay

26. Prohibition vs. Legalization of Drugs

topic of comparison essay

27. Secularism vs. Religious States

topic of comparison essay

28. Youth Rights vs. Elderly Rights

topic of comparison essay

29. Urbanization vs. Rural Development

topic of comparison essay

30. LGBTQ+ Rights Movement

topic of comparison essay

31. Grassroots Movements vs. Top-Down Reforms

topic of comparison essay

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

topic of comparison essay

38. Biodiversity vs. Monocultures

topic of comparison essay

39. Organic vs. GMO Foods

topic of comparison essay

40. Passive vs. Active Solar Designs

topic of comparison essay

41. Forest Conservation vs. Urban Forests

topic of comparison essay

42. Water Scarcity: Desalination vs. Conservation

topic of comparison essay

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

topic of comparison essay

50. Experiential Learning vs. Rote Memorization

topic of comparison essay

51. Continuous Assessment vs. Final Exams

topic of comparison essay

52. Traditional Libraries vs. Digital Libraries

topic of comparison essay

53. Student-Centered vs. Teacher-Centered Learning

topic of comparison essay

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

topic of comparison essay

62. Cloud Storage vs. Physical Storage Devices

topic of comparison essay

63. Electric Vehicles vs. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles

topic of comparison essay

64. Drones vs. Manned Aircraft

topic of comparison essay

65. Analog vs. Digital Signals

topic of comparison essay

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

topic of comparison essay

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

71. Art Nouveau vs. Art Deco

topic of comparison essay

72. Baroque vs. Rococo Art Styles

topic of comparison essay

73. Modernism vs. Postmodernism in Literature

topic of comparison essay

74. Animated Films vs. Live-Action Films

topic of comparison essay

75. Poetry vs. Prose

topic of comparison essay

76. Classical Music vs. Jazz

topic of comparison essay

77. Street Art vs. Gallery Art

topic of comparison essay

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

topic of comparison essay

86. Dieting vs. Intuitive Eating

topic of comparison essay

87. Acupuncture vs. Physical Therapy

topic of comparison essay

88. Mental Health vs. Emotional Well-being

topic of comparison essay

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

topic of comparison essay

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

topic of comparison essay

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

96. Endurance Sports vs. Strength Sports

topic of comparison essay

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

97. Winter vs. Summer Sports

topic of comparison essay

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

98. Recreational vs. Competitive Gaming

topic of comparison essay

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

topic of comparison essay

106. Backpacking vs. Glamping

topic of comparison essay

107. Island Getaways vs. Mountain Retreats

topic of comparison essay

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

topic of comparison essay

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

topic of comparison essay

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

topic of comparison essay

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

118. Building Personal Brand vs. Corporate Identity

topic of comparison essay

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

119. Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

topic of comparison essay

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

topic of comparison essay

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

127. Empiricism vs. Rationalism

topic of comparison essay

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

128. Ethical Consumerism vs. Capitalist Consumption

topic of comparison essay

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

129. Virtue Ethics vs. Care Ethics

topic of comparison essay

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

topic of comparison essay

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

topic of comparison essay

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

137. The Brain vs. The Mind

topic of comparison essay

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

topic of comparison essay

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

topic of comparison essay

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

144. Nature of Memory: Recall vs. Recognition

topic of comparison essay

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

145. Infant Attachment: Secure vs. Insecure

topic of comparison essay

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

146. Dream Analysis: Symbolic vs. Literal Interpretation

topic of comparison essay

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

topic of comparison essay

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

153. Farmers Markets vs. Supermarkets

topic of comparison essay

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

154. Traditional Dating vs. Online Dating

topic of comparison essay

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

topic of comparison essay

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

topic of comparison essay

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

157. DIY Projects vs. Professional Services

topic of comparison essay

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

158. Public vs. Private Spaces

topic of comparison essay

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

159. Baking vs. Cooking

topic of comparison essay

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

160. Satire vs. Parody

topic of comparison essay

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

161. Owning vs. Renting Properties

topic of comparison essay

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.

  • How It Works
  • Essay Examples

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Tips On How To Write Superb Compare And Contrast Essays

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

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

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

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

How To Choose Your Sources

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

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

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

Steps To Writing A Compare And Contrast Essay

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

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

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

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

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

Writing Tips To Make Your Essay Stand Out

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

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

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

Best Compare And Contrast Topics For University Students

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

Political And Historical Topics

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

Compare And Contrast Topics For Starters

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

Battle Of The Opposites Essay Topics

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

Teenage Compare And Contrast Essays

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

IT And Social Media Essay Topics

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

Movie and Music Comparison Ideas

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

Compare And Contrast Literature Topics

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

Scientific Topic Ideas

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

Everyday Compare And Contrast Topics

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

Philosophy Topic Ideas

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

Final Thoughts

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

compare and contrast essay topics

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

Main Parts of Writing a Compare Essay

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

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

  • Documentaries
  • Scientific magazines
  • Academic journals
  • Official Reports

How to Write a Comparative and Contrast Essay

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

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

  • People and Fiction

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

Introduction

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

Emphasizing on your arguments

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

Refuting arguments

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

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

More Tips on Writing a Comparative and Contrast Essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6th Grade Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Middle School Essay Topics

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

High School Compare and Contrast Essay Themes

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

Day-to-day Compare and Contrast Essay Themes

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

Politics and History Compare Essay Topics

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

Easy to Approach Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Opposite Compare Essay Topics

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

Compare and Contrast Topics for Teenagers

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

Social Media and IT Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Music and Movie Compare and Contrast Essay Themes

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

Literature-Inspired Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas

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

Scientific Topics for Compare and Contrast Essays

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

Popular Compare Essay Themes

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

Philosophical Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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Compare And Contrast Essay

Compare And Contrast Essay Topics

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Interesting Compare and Contrast Essay Topics & Ideas

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Learn How to Create a Compare and Contrast Essay Outline - With Examples & Tips

Drawing comparisons to make the right decisions is part of our day-to-day life. However, students feel confused and puzzled when asked to draft a compare and contrast essay.

The first difficulty that a writer witnesses while drafting a compare and contrast essay is choosing the right essay topic. The more interesting topic you will choose for your essay, the better grades you will achieve in the assignment. 

To make the selection process easier, we have gathered some great compare and contrast essay topics. 

Read on to find out how to find good and easy compare and contrast essay ideas that you can pick from our extensive list of prompts. 

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  • 1. Compare and Contrast Essay - Overview
  • 2. Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for University Students
  • 3. College Level Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
  • 4. Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students
  • 5. Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Middle School
  • 6. Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics For Elementary Students 
  • 7. History Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
  • 8. Science Compare and Contrast Essay Topics 
  • 9. Sports Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
  • 10. Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
  • 11. Literature & Language Compare and Contrast Essay Topics 
  • 12. Education Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
  • 13. Social Sciences Compare and Contrast Essay Topics 
  • 14. Arts and Culture Compare and Contrast Essay Topics 
  • 15. Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
  • 16. Controversial Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
  • 17. Movie Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
  • 18. Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
  • 19. Fun Compare and Contrast Essay Topics  
  • 20. Unique Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
  • 21. Deep Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
  • 22. Medical Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
  • 23. Healthcare Compare and Contrast Essay Topics 
  • 24. Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Technology
  • 25. Entertainment Compare and Contrast Essay Topics 
  • 26. Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Economy
  • 27. Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Politics
  • 28. How to Choose a Topic for a Compare and Contrast Essay? 

Compare and Contrast Essay - Overview

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

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for University Students

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

College Level Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Middle School

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics 9th Grade 

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics For 7th Grade 

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

Easy Compare And Contrast Essay Topics for 6th Grade

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

Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics For Elementary Students 

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

History Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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Science Compare and Contrast Essay Topics 

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

Sports Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Literature & Language Compare and Contrast Essay Topics 

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

Education Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Social Sciences Compare and Contrast Essay Topics 

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

Arts and Culture Compare and Contrast Essay Topics 

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

Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Controversial Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Movie Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Fun Compare and Contrast Essay Topics  

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

Unique Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Deep Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Medical Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Healthcare Compare and Contrast Essay Topics 

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Technology

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

Entertainment Compare and Contrast Essay Topics 

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Economy

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Politics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay

As we all know, essay writing is an important part of a student’s academic life. During the course of their journey, each student has to write at least a handful of essays . Consequently, they may be a part of the academic curriculum or maybe a requisite for some extracurricular activity or other.

Thus, the bottom line is that essay writing is an essential part of getting good grades in academics. As a result, compare and contrast essay topics for 2024 are exciting and thought-provoking.

Like other essays, compare and contrast essays are also very important for the cognitive growth of an individual. Additionally, compare-contrast essays are important because they enable students to enlist the positive and negative sides of any subject at hand. Subsequently, once students are able to understand both sides of the story, their learning is more comprehensive and robust. 

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

What are Compare and Contrast Essays?

As the name suggests, compare and contrast essays focus on comparison and contrast. As a form of academic assignment, compare and contrast essays discuss two or more subjects. Subsequently, the objective is to explore and produce differences and similarities in the subjects at hand.

Let us Guide To The College Essay with a small example here. Suppose you have to prepare a compare and contrast essay on the topic ‘Growing up in a nuclear family, v/s growing up in a joint family’ The essay should explore sub-topics on similarities, for instance, the presence of immediate relations (parents, siblings, etc). Additionally, it should discuss the differences like the social and emotional connection with grandparents, etc. 

Building a Compare and Contrast Essay

If you have to build a compare and contrast essay, you should break down the phrase into individual words. Compare here refers to identifying the similarities that exist in the 2 unique subjects you have chosen. The similarities can vary in nature, scope, degree, and magnitude. The only rule of thumb is that some commonalities must exist.

The similarities, thus, become the basis of comparison. The other part discusses the contrast. As the name suggests, contrast refers to differences between the subjects in hand. As two unique topics of discussion, these subjects will have ample differences to discuss and elucidate. Therefore, compare and contrast essays are all about understanding and highlighting what is common and what is different between two topics.

The process is not extremely complex, though you may need expert guidance for it. If you feel the same, you can get in touch with Instasolving Assignment help USA services for personalized assistance on essay writing.

How to pick Compare and contrast essay topics for 2024?

Picking the right compare-and-contrast essay topics for 2024 is an important task. The key point is to ensure that the two subjects you pick have a relation to share. For instance, if you pick 2 subjects like ‘why dogs bark’ and ‘ humans on the moon, building a compare and contrast essay is impossible. The reason simply is that these two subjects can neither be compared nor contrasted.

Therefore, if you are picking compare and contrast essay topics for 2024, make sure that the topics have something in common. However, you also need to make sure that they are not identical in nature. In such a situation, you will be unable to distinguish between the two. Thus, you will not be able to contrast the subjects. This will again defeat the purpose of a compare and contrast essay. 

compare and contrast essay topics

Write a winning essay

To write a winning essay, divide it into the proper sections. Introduce your essay by highlighting why you think the subjects at hand should be compared and contrasted. Consequently, this is set the tone of the essay. Next in line would be to deal with the two sections on comparison and contrast. Again, divide these broader sections into sub-sections grouping together various categories of similarities and differences.

It might be a good idea to add facts and figures to your essay, wherever possible, to lend it authenticity. When you are building on your comparison section, think as though you are defending your stand from someone who can only see differences between the two subjects.

Imagine you have to convince them of the similarities. Similarly, focus on advocating differences to a believer in the commonalities of the subjects when working on the contrast. If you are absolutely clear about how the two or more subjects in hand are related and how they are similar or different from one another, writing a compare and contrast essay will be a piece of cake for you. Whereas, if you still find it difficult to write an essay, you can seek help from essay writing services .

Compare and contrast essay topics for 2024

At this point, it might be a good idea to take a sneak peek at the top Compare and contrast essay topics for 2024. Make sure to pick a topic that you can build both sides on. Simply focusing on either comparison or contrast will not solve your purpose.

Compare and contrast essay topics for 2024 on Healthcare

  • To use chemical drugs or not
  • Homeopathic vs allopathic medication
  • Using alternative healthcare or not
  • Psychologist vs psychiatrist: What’s the difference?
  • Medicines vs natural remedies
  • Plastic surgery or not
  • Clinics or hospitals: Better for care?
  • Female vs male doctors
  • Mobile healthcare units or stationary clinics
  • Care at hospital vs care at home

Compare and contrast essay topics for 2024 on Technology

  • iOS or android
  • Mobile phones vs tablets
  • Netflix vs amazon prime
  • Facebook vs Twitter
  • 3D movies or 4D movies
  • To be on social media or not
  • Conversations with humans or bots
  • E-learning vs classroom learning
  • Apple or One Plus
  • Machine learning or IoT

Compare and contrast essay topics for 2024 in College

  • Saving money or not
  • Getting a part-time job vs partying in college
  • High school vs college
  • Public vs private college
  • E-books or textbooks
  • Virtual vs real classrooms
  • Cloud classrooms or not
  • Picking the right disciplines and career success
  • Attending classes vs attending seminars
  • Taking college seriously or not

Compare and contrast essay topics for 2024 on the Economy

  • Economics as a compulsory discipline or not
  • Economic growth and political unrest
  • Importance of understanding economics vs no need
  • Economics vs sociology
  • Economy vs Economics
  • Economics or business studies
  • Economic upliftment vs better standard of living
  • Economic growth or per capita income
  • Rich vs poor
  • Economic growth: good or bad?

Compare and contrast essay topics for 2024 on Politics

  • Monarchy vs democracy
  • Capitalism vs communism
  • Socialism vs communism
  • Free trade: merits and demerits
  • Presidential system or parliamentary system
  • The political system of the US vs the UK
  • Legislature vs executive
  • Fundamental rights or directive principles of state policy
  • Equal opportunities vs affirmative action
  • Freedom of expression and restraints on freedom

Compare and contrast essay topics for 2024 on Education

  • Theory vs practical
  • Research paper writing or creative writing
  • A study from home vs studying in school
  • Homework help online or home tuition
  • Indian vs American education system
  • Professional vs vocational courses: What’s better?
  • Oral learning vs written learning
  • Collaborative Writing or Essay Generator  
  • Report writing vs research paper writing
  • What is easier: learning from books or learning from the internet?
  • Visiting the library or studying in the room: what is more productive?

Compare and contrast essay topics for 2024 in Sports 

  • Football vs basketball
  • Marathons vs walkathons
  • Indoor sports or outdoor sports
  • Spending time in sports vs studying
  • Early morning workout vs late night workout
  • Running vs gymming
  • Exercising at home or exercising at the gym
  • Tennis vs badminton
  • Rugby vs Soccer
  • Indigenous sports or modern sports

Compare and contrast essay topics for 2024 on Career

  • Joining a startup vs joining a corporate
  • Higher education or job
  • Working as a freelancer or an employee
  • Joining an MNC vs a small organization
  • Marketing or sales
  • Engineering or Medical
  • Science vs arts
  • Spending or saving your first salary
  • Internship vs fellowship
  • Stipend vs salary

Compare and contrast essay topics for 2024 on Teenagers

  • Paying for college or getting a scholarship
  • Life in high school vs life in college
  • Online tuition or home tuition
  • Getting a college degree or getting a job
  • Working in college vs freelancing in college
  • Spending money on education vs spending money on fun
  • Math vs English: which class is easier?
  • Community projects vs school games
  • Extracurricular activities vs academics
  • Boys vs girls: differences in behavior

Compare and contrast essay topics for 2024 on Science

  • Physics vs chemistry: what’s better for you
  • Mechanical Homework help vs chemical help: which topic of engineering to choose
  • Renewable energy vs nonrenewable energy
  • Plastic vs paper
  • Traditional methods or modern scientific methods
  • Nuclear power or other forms of energy
  • Hurricanes vs tornadoes
  • Herbs vs shrubs vs trees
  • Mammals vs reptiles
  • Bacteria or viruses

Are you stuck in writing your compare and contrast essay and the deadline is approaching? Just shift the pressure to our shoulders at TutorBin . Our expert writers have in-depth knowledge about a range of subjects and can deliver state-of-the-art essays on the top compare and contrast essay topics for 2024. So if you ever find yourself stuck and unable to write the top essays, count on us. We will make sure that you submit the best compare-and-contrast essays and get the best grades.

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Current Trends and Topics in Pop Culture: a 2024 Perspective

This essay about pop culture explores the significant role that popular culture plays in reflecting and shaping societal norms and values. It discusses how various elements of pop culture, such as films, television, and music, serve as mirrors to societal changes and forums for addressing complex social issues like gender, race, and morality. The essay highlights the transformative impact of digital culture, particularly through social media, which has democratized the creation and dissemination of cultural content, allowing users and influencers to shape cultural narratives alongside traditional media. It also touches on the real-world influence of pop culture, exemplified by its effect on fashion trends and tourism. Overall, the essay argues that pop culture is not only a reflection of current societal dynamics but also a powerful force in driving societal change and understanding, making its study essential for comprehending modern social trends and behaviors.

How it works

Pop culture, a truncation for mainstream culture, denotes the extensive assortment of attitudes, ideologies, visuals, perspectives, and other phenomena within the hegemony of a given culture, particularly Western culture during the belated 20th and premature 21st centuries. Profoundly influenced by mass media, this compendium of notions saturates the quotidian lives of individuals in society. Presently, mainstream culture is frequently articulated and disseminated via commercial media channels such as periodicals, journals, television, cinema, melodies, and online content. Comprehending the profundity and expansiveness of mainstream culture can furnish us with insights into communal norms, ethics, and the collective fascinations of diverse factions.

One pivotal facet of mainstream culture is its function in signifying societal metamorphoses and mirroring modern apprehensions, frequently acting as a gauge for societal quandaries. For instance, cinematographic productions and television series can echo or confront societal standards, tendering commentary on matters such as gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic status. The surge of superhero cinematography over the bygone two decades, for instance, not solely denotes a change in recreational predilections but also reflects deeper societal quandaries concerning integrity, morality, and individual versus communal responsibility.

Melody, another momentous domain of mainstream culture, functions as a potent mode of articulation and a utensil for cultural identity amid juveniles. From the inception of rock and roll in the 1950s to present-day hip-hop, the metamorphosis of musical genres is intimately interwoven with civic movements and the evolving principles of society. Artisans frequently employ their platform to draw attention to political predicaments, influence communal sentiment, and galvanize aficionados. The sway of musical carnivals and live performances also highlights the communal facet of music in shaping cultures and subcultures.

Cybernetic culture, predominantly the ascension of social media, has metamorphosed the panorama of mainstream culture by amplifying trends and erecting platforms where virtually anyone can partake in cultural origination and diffusion. Memes, viral videos, and trending hashtags can now proliferate across the globe in a matter of hours, engendering instantaneous, albeit sometimes ephemeral, cultural phenomena. This egalitarianism of content production has transmuted the dynamics of who is deemed a ‘cultural arbiter’. Influencers and ordinary users can now attain a level of influence that was once reserved for prominent media channels and luminaries.

Furthermore, the repercussion of mainstream culture extends beyond mere amusement; it shapes real-world behaviors and perspectives. For instance, vogue trends can emanate from a solitary influential luminary appearance and promptly become mainstream, impacting sartorial preferences globally. Similarly, prevalent television series like “Game of Thrones” can profoundly sway tourism, with aficionados voyaging to shooting locales, underscoring mainstream culture’s capacity to sway economies.

In summation, mainstream culture subjects are not solely reflections of present communal principles and norms but are also momentous catalysts of metamorphosis. They furnish a framework through which we discern the progression of society and tender a medium for individuals to articulate themselves, commune with others, and mold their milieu. Grasping mainstream culture is imperative for anyone seeking to comprehend the intricacies of contemporary societal dynamics and the forces shaping communal sentiment and consumer demeanor today. Through its scrutiny, we can better discern the zeitgeist of disparate epochs and prognosticate future trends in our expeditiously evolving world.

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Current Trends and Topics in Pop Culture: A 2024 Perspective. (2024, Apr 22). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/current-trends-and-topics-in-pop-culture-a-2024-perspective/

"Current Trends and Topics in Pop Culture: A 2024 Perspective." PapersOwl.com , 22 Apr 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/current-trends-and-topics-in-pop-culture-a-2024-perspective/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Current Trends and Topics in Pop Culture: A 2024 Perspective . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/current-trends-and-topics-in-pop-culture-a-2024-perspective/ [Accessed: 23 Apr. 2024]

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PapersOwl.com. (2024). Current Trends and Topics in Pop Culture: A 2024 Perspective . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/current-trends-and-topics-in-pop-culture-a-2024-perspective/ [Accessed: 23-Apr-2024]

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Common App announces 2024–2025 Common App essay prompts

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We are happy to announce that the Common App essay prompts will remain the same for 2024–2025.

Our decision to keep these prompts unchanged is supported by past research showing that overall satisfaction with the prompts exceeded 95% across our constituent groups - students, counselors, advisors, teachers, and member colleges. Moving forward, we want to learn more about who is choosing certain prompts to see if there are any noteworthy differences among student populations and incorporate feedback into future decisions.

While some schools are beginning discussions with juniors and transfer students about college options, it's important to clarify that this doesn't mean students need to start writing their essays right away. By releasing the prompts early, we hope to give students ample time for reflection and brainstorming. As you guide students with their planning, feel free to use our Common App Ready essay writing resource, available in both English and Spanish .

For students who wish to start exploring the application process, creating a Common App account before August 1 ensures that all their responses, including their personal essays, will be retained through account rollover .

Below is the full set of essay prompts for 2024–2025.

  • Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
  • The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
  • Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
  • Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
  • Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
  • Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
  • Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

We will retain the optional community disruption question within the Writing section. Over the next year, we'll consult with our member, counselor, and student advisory committees to ensure we gather diverse perspectives and make informed decisions.

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Why Did U.S. Planes Defend Israel but Not Ukraine?

There are lessons for other nations in the events of the past few days.

Collage showing images of missiles in the sky and car explosions

On April 13, the Islamic Republic of Iran launched missiles and drones at Israel. Also on April 13, as well as on April 12, 14, and 15, the Russian Federation launched missiles and drones at Ukraine—including some designed in Iran.

Few of the weapons launched by Iran hit their mark. Instead, American and European airplanes, alongside Israeli and even Jordanian airplanes, knocked the drones and missiles out of the sky.

By contrast, some of the attacks launched by Russia did destroy their targets. Ukraine, acting alone, and—thanks to the Republican leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives—running short on defensive ammunition, was unable to knock all of the drones and missiles out of the sky. On April 12 Russian strikes badly damaged an energy facility in Dnipropetrovsk. On April 13, a 61-year-old woman and 68-year-old man were killed by a Russian strike in Kharkiv. On April 14, an aerial bomb hit an apartment building in Ocheretyne, killing one and injuring two. On April 15, a Russian guided missile hit a school and killed at least two more people in the Kharkiv region.

Eliot A. Cohen: The ‘Israel model’ won’t work for Ukraine

Why the difference in reaction? Why did American and European jets scramble to help Israel, but not Ukraine? Why doesn’t Ukraine have enough matériel to defend itself? One difference is the balance of nuclear power. Russia has nuclear weapons, and its propagandists periodically threaten to use them. That has made the U.S. and Europe reluctant to enter the skies over Ukraine. Israel also has nuclear weapons, but that affects the calculus in a different way: It means that the U.S., Europe, and even some Arab states are eager to make sure that Israel is never provoked enough to use them, or indeed to use any serious conventional weapons, against Iran.

A second difference between the two conflicts is that the Republican Party remains staunchly resistant to propaganda coming from the Islamic Republic of Iran. Leading Republicans do not sympathize with the mullahs, do not repeat their talking points, and do not seek to appease them when they make outrageous claims about other countries. That enables the Biden administration to rush to the aid of Israel, because no serious opposition will follow.

By contrast, a part of the Republican Party, including its presidential candidate, does sympathize with the Russian dictatorship, does repeat its talking points, and does seek to appease Russia when it invades and occupies other countries. The absence of bipartisan solidarity around Ukraine means that the Republican congressional leadership has prevented the Biden administration from sending even defensive weapons and ammunition to Ukraine. The Biden administration appears to feel constrained and unable to provide Ukraine with the spontaneous assistance that it just provided to Israel.

Open sympathy for the war aims of the Russian state is rarely stated out loud. Instead, some leading Republicans have begun, in the past few months, to argue that Ukraine should “shift to a defensive war,” to give up any hope of retaining its occupied territory, or else stop fighting altogether. Senator J. D. Vance of Ohio, in a New York Times essay written in what can only be described as extraordinary bad faith, made exactly this argument just last week. So too, for example, did Republican Representative Eli Crane of Arizona, who has said that military aid for Ukraine “should be totally off the table and replaced with a push for peace talks.”

Eliot A. Cohen: The war is not going well for Ukraine

But Ukraine is already fighting a defensive war. The matériel that the Republicans are refusing to send includes—let me repeat it again—defensive munitions. There is no evidence whatsoever that cutting off any further aid to Ukraine would end the fighting or bring peace talks. On the contrary, all of the evidence indicates that blocking aid would allow Russia to advance faster, take more territory, and eventually murder far more Ukrainians, as Vance and Crane surely know. Without wanting to put it that boldly, they seem already to see themselves in some kind of alliance with Russia, and therefore they want Ukraine to be defeated. They do not see themselves in alliance with Iran, despite the fact that Iran and Russia would regard one another as partners.

For the rest of the world, there are some lessons here. Plenty of countries, perhaps including Ukraine and Iran, will draw the first and most obvious conclusion: Nuclear weapons make you much safer. Not only can you deter attacks with a nuclear shield, and not only can you attack other countries with comparative impunity, but you can also, under certain circumstances, expect others to join in your defense.

Perhaps others will draw the other obvious conclusion: A part of the Republican Party—one large enough to matter—can be co-opted, lobbied, or purchased outright. Not only can you get it to repeat your propaganda, but you can also get it to act directly in your interests. This probably doesn’t cost even a fraction of the price of tanks and artillery, and it can be far more effective.

No doubt many will make use of both of these lessons in the future.

Nikki Haley's husband, Michael Haley, returns from year-long deployment

topic of comparison essay

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley’s husband, Maj. Michael Haley, has returned to the United States after completing his year-long deployment with the South Carolina National Guard.

Michael Haley had been serving as a staff officer with the 218th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in the Horn of Africa, deploying while his wife was campaigning for the Republican presidential nomination.

Haley and her husband have been married for 27 years. She included a photo of them embracing on X on Saturday, announcing that he had returned to the U.S.

“That moment when you finally take a breath…It’s been a long year but even longer without each other,” she wrote on the social media platform. “Thankful for Michael’s safe return and the end of a year long prayer.”

As former President Donald Trump faced off against Nikki Haley for the GOP nomination, the former president attacked Michael Haley and targeted his absence from the campaign trail.

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"Where’s your husband? ... Oh, he’s away ... He’s away,” Trump said at a rally earlier this year. “What happened to her husband? What happened to her husband? Where is he? ... He’s gone!”

Haley responded on X at the time.

"Michael is deployed serving our country, something you know nothing about," Haley wrote. "Someone who continually disrespects the sacrifices of military families has no business being commander in chief."

President Joe Biden and New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu were also among those who also criticized Trump for his remarks.

Trump has repeatedly faced allegations of disparaging members of the military.  The Atlantic  reported in 2020 that the former president called American war victims “losers” and “suckers.” In 2015 during his first presidential campaign, he said former Sen. John McCain, who served in Vietnam and was a prisoner of war, was  “not a war hero.”

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  1. 101 Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas for Students

    Recycling vs. Landfill. Motorcycle vs. Bicycle. Halogen vs. Incandescent. Newton vs. Einstein. Go on vacation vs. Staycation. Rock vs. Scissors. Cite this Article. These compare and contrast essay topics provide teachers and students with great and fun ideas for home and class work.

  2. 75 Dynamic Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

    Whether you're in middle school, high school, or college, these compare and contrast essay ideas will help you get inspired to write some great work.

  3. 100+ Interesting Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

    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.

  4. Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

    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. Prevent plagiarism.

  5. 34 Compelling 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.

  6. 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.

  7. How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay [Outline, Tips and Topics]

    4.1 Comparison Essay Outline Example. 5 Tips to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay. 5.1 Comparison Essay Format. 6 Bringing It All Together. As we navigate our lives, we can't help but notice the elements in our environment, whether it's the latest car, a fashion trend, or even some experiences. Think about your favorite Mexican restaurant ...

  8. Compare and Contrast Essays Guide: Tips, Topics, & Examples

    Tia. January 4, 2024. Compare and contrast essays represent a unique style of writing that highlights both the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. This approach is ideal for elucidating what distinguishes and connects related concepts or things, especially when subjects are prone to confusion or unjust amalgamation.

  9. How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay

    Contact Sales Learn More. Compare and contrast essays examine topics from multiple viewpoints. This kind of essay, often assigned in middle school and high school, teaches students about the analytical writing process and prepares them for more advanced forms of academic writing. Compare and contrast essays are relatively easy to write if you ...

  10. 50 College-Level Compare and Contrast Topics for an Essay

    8. Voting rights in the past and today. 9. Immigration to the U.S. in the past and today (compare and contrast the reasons for immigration, its prevalence, requirements of the state, etc.) 10. Communism versus libertarianism. 11. The role of religion in creating legislation in different countries/cultures. 12.

  11. 81 Excellent Comparative Essay Topics for College Students

    The Ultimate Topic List: 81 Comparative Essay Topics. During your career as a student, you will no doubt encounter the comparative essay - if you haven't encountered it already. It is also known as the compare and contrast essay. This is a pretty complex writing assignment, we agree. However, we can assure you that you can surely write it.

  12. 100 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

  13. 120 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

    Compare and Contrast Education Essay Topics. Traditional Education vs Online Education. Public Schools vs Private Schools. Homeschooling vs Traditional Schooling. Single-Sex Education vs Co-education. Standardized Testing vs Alternative Assessment Methods. Montessori Education vs Traditional Education. Vocational Education vs Academic Education.

  14. 15+ Outstanding Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

    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.

  15. 80 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

    Learning to read vs. learning to write. The importance of any two school subjects. Wearing glasses vs. having braces. You and your best friend. Friendship vs. romantic love. Group work and individual work. Only child vs. having siblings. Nature vs. nurture. Anxiety and depression.

  16. 100+ Compare and Contrast Essay Topics For Students

    Compare and Contrast Essay Topics For High School Students. Compare and contrast the advantages and disadvantages of private and public schools; Compare and contrast the effects of social media on human interaction; Compare and contrast the representation of love in "Better than The Movies" by Lynn Painter and "Pretty Reckless" by L. J ...

  17. 31 Fun Compare and Contrast Essay Topics » JournalBuddies.com

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

  18. 170 Creative Compare And Contrast 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.

  19. 260 Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students

    Scientific Topics for Compare and Contrast Essays. Microwave vs Oven. Chemistry vs Physics. Andromeda and Milky Way. What are the differences between Mars and Earth. Differences and similarities of the two moon missions. DaVinci vs Thomas Jefferson. Tsunami vs Earthquakes - what's the worse natural phenomenon.

  20. 200+ Best Compare And Contrast Essay Topics (2024)

    Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students. John Locke against Thomas Hobbes. George Bush vs. Donald Trump. Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. Prince and Michael Jackson. Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill. Adolf Hitler and Mussolini. Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May.

  21. 160+ Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

    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.

  22. Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

    As a result, compare and contrast essay topics for 2024 are exciting and thought-provoking. Like other essays, compare and contrast essays are also very important for the cognitive growth of an individual. Additionally, compare-contrast essays are important because they enable students to enlist the positive and negative sides of any subject at ...

  23. Current Trends and Topics in Pop Culture: a 2024 Perspective

    This essay about pop culture explores the significant role that popular culture plays in reflecting and shaping societal norms and values. It discusses how various elements of pop culture, such as films, television, and music, serve as mirrors to societal changes and forums for addressing complex social issues like gender, race, and morality.

  24. Religious restrictions around the world

    For more details on restrictions on religion around the world, read our latest report on the topic, "Globally, Government Restrictions on Religion Reached Peak Levels in 2021, While Social Hostilities Went Down." Note: Government restrictions include laws, policies and actions by authorities that impinge on religious beliefs and practices, while social hostilities involving religion ...

  25. Common App announces 2024-2025 Common App essay prompts

    February 27, 2024. We are happy to announce that the Common App essay prompts will remain the same for 2024-2025. Our decision to keep these prompts unchanged is supported by past research showing that overall satisfaction with the prompts exceeded 95% across our constituent groups - students, counselors, advisors, teachers, and member colleges.

  26. Why Republicans Defend Israel and Ignore Ukraine

    April 15, 2024. On April 13, the Islamic Republic of Iran launched missiles and drones at Israel. Also on April 13, as well as on April 12, 14, and 15, the Russian Federation launched missiles and ...

  27. NPR editor Uri Berliner resigns after essay accusing outlet of bias

    0:00. 1:42. A senior business editor at National Public Radio has resigned after writing an essay for an online news site published last week accusing the outlet of a liberal bias in its coverage ...

  28. NPR suspends editor Uri Berliner over essay accusing outlet of bias

    Berliner rails against NPR's coverage of COVID-19, diversity efforts. Berliner, a senior business editor who has worked at NPR for 25 years, argued in the Free Press essay that "people at every ...

  29. Haley's husband, subject of Trump attacks, returns from deployment

    Michael Haley, former GOP candidate Nikki Haley's husband and subject of Donald Trump's attacks on campaign trail, has returned back to US after a deployment.

  30. A year's worth of rain plunges normally dry Dubai underwater

    CNN —. A year's worth of rain unleashed immense flash flooding in Dubai Tuesday as roads turned into rivers and rushing water inundated homes and businesses. Shocking video showed the tarmac ...