101 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Great Ideas for Essays

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

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

Brainstorming Tip

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

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

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

13 December, 2020

13 minutes read

Author:  Elizabeth Brown

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

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

How to write a compare and contrast essay

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

how to write a compare and contrast essay outline

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

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

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

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

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

What makes good compare and contrast essay topics

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

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

Availability of trusted sources.

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

Recommendation of a tutor.

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

Proper formatting style.

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

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

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

Sources of interesting topics

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

  • Social media.
  • Scientific journals.

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

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

compare contrast essay topics

Easy compare and contrast essay topics for college students

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

Funny compare and contrast essay topics

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

Historical topics

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

Compare and contrast essay between two jobs

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

Compare and contrast essay between two cultures

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

Interesting topics about literature

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

Topics related to movies and cinematography

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

Music and arts-related topics

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

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

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Compare And Contrast Essay Guide

Compare And Contrast Essay Topics

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics: 100+ Fresh New Ideas

By: Barbara P.

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Mar 10, 2020

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Steer forward with us!

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students - 2022 Ideas

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for University Students

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College Students

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

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Middle School Students

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 6th Grade

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

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

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Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Sports Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

Art & History Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Medical Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

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Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Movies

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

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

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

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

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

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

But don’t worry! We have got your back.

5StarEssays.com is a writing company that holds a remarkable place in the market due to its unbeatable services and customer satisfaction. Our highly qualified professionals are ready to take your orders round the clock.

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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

Compare And Contrast Essay Topics

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Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students

13 min read

Published on: Feb 24, 2020

Last updated on: Mar 12, 2024

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

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

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

So without further ado let’s get started!

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What is a Compare and Contrast Essay?

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

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

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for University Students

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College Students

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Middle School Students

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 6th Grade

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Elementary School

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

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

Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Easy Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Movies

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

Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Sports

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

Medical Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Management and Marketing

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

Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Teenagers

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

Compare and Contrast Topics on Economy

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

Social Studies Compare and Contrast Essay Topics 

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics Education 2024

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

Language Arts Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Science and Technology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024 in Politics

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas About Daily Life

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

Entertainment Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

How to Choose a Compare and Contrast Essay Topic?

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

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

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

The Bottom Line!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

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

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Example of compare and contrast

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Structure and Outline

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

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

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

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

Point-by-Point Method

  • Introduce the topic;
  • Specify your theme;
  • Present your thesis - cover all areas of the essay in one sentence.
Example thesis: Cars and motorcycles make for excellent means of transportation, but a good choice depends on the person’s lifestyle, finances, and the city they live in.

Body Paragraph 1 - LIFESTYLE

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

Body Paragraph 2 - FINANCES

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

Body Paragraph 3 - CITY

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

Block Method

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

Body Paragraph 1

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

Body Paragraph 2

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

Body Paragraph 3 ‍

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

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

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

For the section where you compare two subjects, you can include any of the following words: similarly, likewise, also, both, just like, similar to, the same as, alike, or to compare to. When contrasting two subjects, use: in contrast, in comparison, by comparison, on the other hand, while, whereas, but, to differ from, dissimilar to, or unlike.

Show Your Evidence

Arguments for any essay, including compare and contrast essays, need to be supported by sufficient evidence. Make good use of your personal experiences, books, scholarly articles, magazine and newspaper articles, movies, or anything that will make your argument sound credible. For example, in your essay, if you were to compare attending college on campus vs. distance-based learning, you could include your personal experiences of being a student, and how often students show up to class on a daily basis. You could also talk about your experience taking online classes, which makes your argument about online classes credible as well.

Helpful Final Tips

The biggest tip dissertation writing services can give you is to have the right attitude when writing a compare contrast essay, and actively engage the reader in the discussion. If you find it interesting, so will your reader! Here are some more compare and contrast essay tips that will help you to polish yours up:

types of writing

  • Compare and contrast essays need powerful transitions. Try learning more about writing transition sentences using the words we provided for you in the 'Compare and Contrast Structure and Outline' section.
  • Always clarify the concepts you introduce in your essay. Always explain lesser known information—don’t assume the reader must already know it.
  • Do not forget to proofread. Small mistakes, but in high quantities, can result in a low grade. Pay attention to your grammar and punctuation.
  • Have a friend or family member take a look at your essay; they may notice things you have missed.

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Now that you know everything there is to know about compare and contrast essays, let’s take a look at some compare and contrast examples to get you started on your paper or get a hand from our essay helper .

Different countries across the world have diverse cultural practices, and this has an effect on work relationships and development. Geert Hofstede came up with a structured way of comparing cultural dimensions of different countries. The theory explains the impacts of a community’s culture on the values of the community members, and the way these values relate to their behaviors. He gives scores as a way to help distinguish people from different nations using the following dimensions: long-term orientation, individualism, power distance, indulgence, necessity avoidance, and masculinity. Let us examine comparisons between two countries: the United Kingdom and China — based on Hofstede’s Six Dimensions of Culture.
Over the last two decades, the demand from consumers for organic foods has increased tremendously. In fact, the popularity of organic foods has exploded significantly with consumers, spending a considerably higher amount of money on them as compared to the amount spent on inorganic foods. The US market noted an increase in sales of more than 10% between 2014 and 2015 (Brown, n.p). The increase is in line with the views of many consumers that organic foods are safer, tastier, and healthier compared to the inorganic foods. Furthermore, considering the environmental effects of foods, organic foods present less risk of environmental pollution — compared to inorganic foods. By definition, organic foods are those that are grown without any artificial chemical treatment, or treatment by use of other substances that have been modified genetically, such as hormones and/or antibiotics (Brown, n.p).

Still feeling confused about the complexities of the compare and contrast essay? Feel free to contact our paper writing service to get a professional writing help.

Finding the Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics For You

When choosing a topic for your comparison essay, remember that subjects cannot be drastically different, because there would be little to no points of comparison (similarities). The same goes for too many similarities, which will result in poor contrasts. For example, it is better to write about two composers, rather than a composer and a singer.

It is extremely important to choose a topic you are passionate about. You never want to come across something that seems dull and uninspiring for you. Here are some excellent ways to brainstorm for a topic from essay writer :

  • Find categories: Choose a type (like animals, films or economics), and compare subjects within that category – wild animals to farm animals, Star Wars to Star Trek, private companies to public companies, etc.
  • Random Surprising Fact: Dig for fun facts which could make great topics. Did you know that chickens can be traced back to dinosaurs?
  • Movie vs. Book: Most of the time, the book is better than the movie — unless it’s Blade Runner or Lord of the Rings. If you’re a pop culture lover, compare movies vs. books, video games, comics, etc.

Use our rewrite essay service when you need help from professionals.

How to Choose a Great Compare and Contrast Topic

College students should consider providing themselves with a chance to use all topic examples. With enough revision, an advantage is gained. As it will be possible to compare arguments and contrast their aspects. Also, discuss numerous situations to get closer to the conclusion.

For example:

  • Choose a topic from the field of your interests. Otherwise you risk failing your paper.
  • It is a good idea to choose a topic based upon the class subject or specialist subject. (Unless the requirements say otherwise.)
  • Analyze each argument carefully. Include every detail for each opposing idea. Without doing so, you can definitely lower grades.
  • Write a conclusion that summarizes both arguments. It should allow readers to find the answer they’re looking for.
  • It is up to you to determine which arguments are right and wrong in the final conclusion.
  • Before approaching the final conclusion, it’s important to discuss each argument equally. It is a bad idea to be biased, as it can also lower grades.

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150 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics to Consider

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics For College Students

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

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

Interesting Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Science

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

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

Sports & Leisure Topics

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

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

Topics About Culture

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

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

Unique Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

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

Topics About Art

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

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

Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Easy Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Sixth Graders

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

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

Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

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Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay | Tips & Examples

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

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

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Table of contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The alternating method

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

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

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

The block method

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

  • Point of comparison A
  • Point of comparison B

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Compare And Contrast Essay

Compare And Contrast Essay Topics

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Interesting Compare and Contrast Essay Topics & Ideas

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Your Ultimate Guide to Compare and Contrast Essays

Compare And Contrast Essay Examples & Samples

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 essay writing companies online, such as  MyPerfectWords.com .

We provide reliable  writing services  that provides quality and custom academic assistance. 

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Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Tips On How To Write Superb Compare And Contrast Essays

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

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

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

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

How To Choose Your Sources

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

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

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

Steps To Writing A Compare And Contrast Essay

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

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

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

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

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

Writing Tips To Make Your Essay Stand Out

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

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

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

Best Compare And Contrast Topics For University Students

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

Political And Historical Topics

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

Compare And Contrast Topics For Starters

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

Battle Of The Opposites Essay Topics

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

Teenage Compare And Contrast Essays

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

IT And Social Media Essay Topics

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

Movie and Music Comparison Ideas

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

Compare And Contrast Literature Topics

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

Scientific Topic Ideas

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

Everyday Compare And Contrast Topics

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

Philosophy Topic Ideas

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

Final Thoughts

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

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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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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100 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Tips for Selecting Topics for Compare and Contrast Essay

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

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

100 Unique Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College Students

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas For College Students

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

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

Topics For High School Students

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

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

Medical Field

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

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

Art and Literature Compare and Contrast Essay Topic Ideas

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

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

History Compare and Contrast Essay Prompts

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

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

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Sports and Games

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

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

Psychology Compare and Contrast Topics

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

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

Philosophical Ideas

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

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

Business and Economics Compare and Contrast Essays Topics

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

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

Technology and Social Media Ideas

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

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

Choose Among Good Compare and Contrast Topics

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

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

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

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250+ Topics for Compare and Contrast Essay

250+ Topics for Compare and Contrast Essay

Essays are essential for your academics, especially when pursuing your tertiary education. Your instructor will require you to write an essay to boost your grades. Examples of essays include argumentative, persuasive, descriptive, and narration. Compare and contrast is another essential type of essay in which students should participate.

Ensure your compare and contrast paper is written and formatted correctly to attract high grades. The essay should also contain scholarly accepted sources and be free from grammar mistakes. 

However, most students encounter challenges in developing an interesting and contrasting topic. In this essay, AceMyHomework has compiled over 250 cases to help you understand argumentative themes clearly.

What are Compare and Contrast Essays?

Compare and contrast essays compare two or more objects, highlighting their similarities and differences. These writings are structured to demonstrate the similarities and differences. They examine many features, examining what is similar and distinct. You can also summarize your compare-and-contrast essay using a Venn diagram. 

How To Write the Best Compare and Contrast Essay.

To write an elaborate compare and contrast essay, you must carefully examine two or more subjects while focusing on their similarities and differences. Below are some insights on how to write the best compare-and-contrast essays.

Start By Brainstorming Ideas and Differences for Your Essays.

Brainstorming involves having a creative and strategic approach even before you begin your essay. Put your brain to task and start thinking of all the possibilities and perspectives.

Begin by getting a piece of paper and making an exhaustive list with two separate columns: one for similarities and another for differences. While drawing comparisons, note the most important and remarkable characteristics of each subject. Consider viewing the subjects from multiple perspectives and incorporating your creativity into the mix to broaden your perspective.

When brainstorming, you can Include a Venn Diagram in your draft. This can be a visually appealing and effective approach to emphasize the similarities and differences between two or more concepts.

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

Try to delve into the reasons behind the differences and similarities, this will help you to add a layer of useful opinions to your essay. Use your critical thinking skills to find basic patterns or trends that may emerge from the comparison.

Choose the Best Structure for your Essay.

How often have you thought about the best structure for your compare and contrast essay? The quality of your essay will depend on how well you've structured its outline. There are several different examples of compare-and-contrast essay outline:

Point by point/ Alternating Method: In this format, you discuss one subject first, including its perspective on a given aspect followed by another subject's viewpoint. This simply means that each difference and similarity is listed one after the other. Each subject is addressed consecutively, providing a clear and concise analysis that enhances the reader's understanding of the subjects.

Block Method: Here, all the details about one subject are provided on a block, and completed in one part. The same process applies to the second subject in the compare and contrast essay. In this way, we completely discuss one topic before moving on to the next.

The block structure is similar to thoroughly examining each subject matter before comparing them. This makes it easy to grasp each subject separately and then discover how they link.

The Similarities and Differences Method: In this case, address all the similarities first, then discuss the many differences between your subjects, or the other way around (differences first, then similarities).

This strategy distinguishes clearly between similarities and differences, allowing for a more in-depth comprehension of each element before moving on to the contrasting or comparable elements.

Organize Your Work in the Basic Essay Format.

Compare and contrast essays follow the typical essay format that has an Introduction, Body, and Conclusion. When writing your essay, outline the main ideas you'll discuss in each section of your essay. Ensure that your thoughts flow logically and that your arguments move clearly.

Introduction: Begin your topic sentence with an entertaining introduction that offers context for the subjects. Include a thesis statement to help the reader understand what to expect. While writing the introduction, make sure to briefly introduce all the subjects that you are going to cover in your essay.

Body paragraphs: When writing the body, create separate paragraphs for each issue or criterion being compared. Support your views with proof, examples, or facts. Arguments for any type of essay, including compare and contrast essays, must be supported by adequate evidence.

Use your tales, literature, academic studies, magazine and newspaper articles, movies, or anything else that will lend credibility to the argument you're making. Maintain a logical flow of ideas in your entire essay by clearly transitioning between paragraphs.

Use phrases that are transitional to steer the reader through your article. Words like "however," "similarly," and "in contrast" help logical transitions between ideas.

Conclusion: Write your conclusion by restating the main points and summarizing them without introducing any additional information.  Emphasize the importance of your analysis and its broader consequences.

You can also discuss or analyze the relevance of the contrasts and similarities found and their implications or ramifications

Revise and Proofread your Essay

Go over your essay again and again for clarity, coherence, and consistency. If accessing external sources for references, double-check for grammatical errors, typos, and correct citations.

While revising, ask yourself if the content has the right structure and if your arguments are well laid out for example, your pointers or ideas should have a meaningful comparison and significant differences.

Make sure all your paragraphs are in a logical sequence and your conclusion is simply a summary of your arguments.

Seek Feedback.

Let another person read your essay and provide opinions on its clarity and effectiveness. After getting the required feedback, finalize your essay by making necessary edits based on the feedback.

Why Should You Select the Right Topic For Your Compare and Contrast Essays?

Choosing the correct topic is critical in comparing and contrasting essay ideas. The topic creates a good foundation for writing that specific essay. It allows you to take a specific direction in writing the essay. Thus, selecting the right topic is crucial for several reasons:

  • A well-chosen contrasting topic captures the reader's interest. It makes your essay more engaging and enjoyable to read.
  • The right topic ensures your essay is essential to your course or assignment. It should align with the objectives and requirements of your project or academic program.
  • A good topic allows for in-depth analysis. It should offer enough material to compare and contrast, enabling you to delve into the subject thoroughly.
  • The right topic lets you showcase your analytical and critical thinking skills. It allows you to demonstrate your understanding of the subjects you compare and contrast.
  • By choosing a topic that interests you or interests, you can turn the essay writing process into a valuable learning experience. You're more likely to research thoroughly and absorb the information.
  • A well-chosen topic facilitates a clear and organized compare-and-contrast essay. It helps present your ideas logically, making it easier for the reader to follow your arguments.
  • Selecting a unique or uncommon topic can set your essay apart. It shows creativity and a willingness to explore less conventional ideas.
  • The right topic allows for efficient time management. It prevents you from getting stuck or overwhelmed, ensuring enough information is available for your analysis.

Choosing the right topic is essential for creating a compelling, relevant, and well-structured compare and contrast essay. It sets the foundation for a successful academic piece and enhances your learning experience.

What are the Best Tips for Selecting Good Compare and Contrast Essays Topic

Selecting a good compare-and-contrast essay topic is crucial for the success of your essay. Here are some tips to help you pick a suitable and engaging topic:

Choose a topic that genuinely interests you. If you're passionate about the subject, it will likely result in a more compelling and well-researched essay.

Think about your audience. What might they find exciting or thought-provoking? Consider selecting a topic that resonates with a broad audience or addresses a relevant issue.

Before finalizing your topic, consider your thesis statement. Ensure that your chosen topic allows for a clear and debatable thesis. 

If the essay is for a class, ensure the topic aligns with the course material and the assignment requirements. This ensures that your essay is on-topic and meets the criteria set by your instructor.

Choose a topic with a reasonable balance between similarities and differences. You want enough material to discuss on both sides to make the comparison meaningful.

Ensure the items or concepts you compare and contrast are clear and well-defined. A vague or overly complex topic can make it challenging to draw meaningful comparisons.

If you start with a broad topic, consider narrowing it down to a specific aspect or subtopic. This helps you focus your research and analysis.

Choose a topic that allows you to approach the comparison creatively and uniquely. This can make your essay stand out.

Remember that a good compare-and-contrast topic sets the stage for a well-structured and engaging essay. Consider brainstorming and exploring different options before making a final decision.

A Comprehensive List of Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Having a clear understanding of the compare and contrast essay and its requirements makes writing a well-formatted argumentative debate possible and easier. Here's a list of 250+ topics for compare and contrast essays across various categories:

Compare and Contrast General Topics:

  • Traditional Learning vs. Online Education
  • Reading Books vs. Watching Movies
  • Living in the City vs. Living in the Suburbs
  • Dogs vs. Cats
  • Coffee vs. Tea
  • Summer vs. Winter
  • iPhone vs. Android
  • Public Transportation vs. Driving a Car
  • Fiction vs. Non-fiction
  • Childhood vs. Adulthood
  • Middle School vs. High School
  • Classical Art vs. Modern Art
  • Traditional Medicine vs. Alternative Medicine
  • Facebook vs. Twitter
  • PC Computers vs. Mac Book
  • Introverts vs. Extroverts
  • Democracy vs. Totalitarianism
  • Capitalism vs. Socialism
  • American Football vs. Soccer
  • Pop Music vs. Classical Music

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students

  • High School vs. College Life
  • Traditional Education vs. Online Education
  • Shakespearean Tragedies vs. Comedies
  • School Bullies vs. Cyberbullies
  • American Revolution vs. Civil War
  • Poetry vs. Prose
  • Android vs. iPhone
  • Public School vs. Private School
  • Winter Break vs. Summer Vacation
  • Harry Potter Series vs. The Lord of the Rings Series
  • Traditional Games vs. Video Games
  • School Sports vs. Club Sports
  • Facebook vs. Instagram
  • Science Fiction vs. Fantasy
  • Classic Literature vs. Modern Literature
  • High School Teachers vs. College Professors
  • Extracurricular Activities vs. Part-time Jobs
  • Traditional Grading vs. Pass/Fail System
  • School Cafeteria Food vs. Packed Lunches
  • Art Class vs. Music Class
  • Standardized Tests vs. Alternative Assessments
  • Winter Sports vs. Summer Sports
  • Vegetarianism vs. Non-vegetarianism
  • Traditional vs. Digital Art
  • School Uniforms vs. Casual Dress Code
  • Science Club vs. Drama Club

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in Science and Technology:

  • Traditional vs. Renewable Energy
  • Conventional Cars vs. Electric Cars
  • Windows vs. Linux
  • Artificial Intelligence vs. Human Intelligence
  • Space Exploration vs. Ocean Exploration
  • Nuclear Energy vs. Solar Energy
  • Genetic Engineering vs. Natural Selection
  • Traditional Classroom Learning vs. Online Learning
  • Traditional Agriculture vs. Organic Farming
  • E-books vs. Printed Books

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in Literature and Arts:

  • Renaissance Art vs. Baroque Art
  • Romanticism vs. Realism in Literature
  • Greek Mythology vs. Roman Mythology
  • Modern Dance vs. Classical Ballet
  • Impressionism vs. Cubism
  • Gothic Literature vs. Romantic Literature
  • Fictional Detective Stories vs. True Crime
  • Surrealism vs. Abstract Expressionism

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in Social Issues:

  • Democracy vs. Authoritarianism
  • Democracy vs. Monarchy
  • Individualism vs. Collectivism
  • Freedom vs. Security
  • Urbanization vs. Rural Living
  • Nuclear Family vs. Extended Family
  • Equality vs. Inequality
  • Legalization of Marijuana vs. Prohibition
  • Online Privacy vs. National Security

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in History and Politics:

  • World War I vs. World War II
  • The Cold War vs. The War on Terror
  • Ancient Greece vs. Ancient Rome
  • Colonialism vs. Imperialism
  • The French Revolution vs. The American Revolution
  • Communism vs. Fascism
  • Civil Rights Movement vs. Women's Rights Movement
  • Democracy vs. Communism in the Cold War
  • The Vietnam War vs. The Korean War
  • The Great Depression vs. The Great Recession

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in Education:

  • Traditional Learning vs. Online Learning
  • Private School vs. Public School
  • Homeschooling vs. Traditional Schooling
  • Grading System vs. Pass/Fail System
  • College vs. University
  • Liberal Arts Education vs. Technical Education
  • Standardized Testing vs. Alternative Assessments
  • In-State Tuition vs. Out-of-State Tuition
  • Single-sex Education vs. Co-education
  • Education in the Past vs. Education in the Present

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in Environmental Issues:

  • Renewable Energy vs. Fossil Fuels
  • Deforestation vs. Afforestation
  • Electric Cars vs. Gasoline Cars
  • Air Pollution vs. Water Pollution
  • Conservation vs. Preservation
  • Climate Change vs. Global Warming
  • Disposable vs. Reusable Products
  • Urbanization vs. Green Spaces
  • Sustainable Agriculture vs. Conventional Agriculture
  • Oceans vs. Forests in Ecosystem Health

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in Health and Medicine:

  • Conventional Medicine vs. Holistic Medicine
  • Vaccination vs. Natural Immunity
  • Mental Health vs. Physical Health
  • Prescription Drugs vs. Herbal Remedies
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine vs. Western Medicine
  • Preventive Medicine vs. Curative Medicine
  • Organic Food vs. Conventional Food
  • Gym Workouts vs. Outdoor Activities
  • Vegetarianism vs. Veganism

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in Lifestyle and Habits:

  • Early Birds vs. Night Owls
  • Minimalism vs. Consumerism
  • City Living vs. Country Living
  • Healthy Eating vs. Fast Food Culture
  • Meditation vs. Yoga
  • Online Shopping vs. In-Store Shopping
  • Traveling Alone vs. Traveling in a Group
  • Home-cooked Meals vs. Restaurant Dining
  • Traditional Dating vs. Online Dating

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in Sports and Leisure:

  • Team Sports vs. Individual Sports
  • Outdoor Activities vs. Indoor Activities
  • Summer Sports vs. Winter Sports
  • Gym Workouts vs. Home Workouts
  • Competitive Sports vs. Recreational Sports
  • Watching Sports Live vs. Watching on TV
  • Water Sports vs. Land Sports
  • Winter Olympics vs. Summer Olympics
  • Martial Arts vs. Boxing

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in Business and Economics:

  • Small Business vs. Big Corporation
  • Entrepreneurship vs. Employment
  • Start-ups vs. Established Companies
  • Globalization vs. Localization
  • Online Business vs. Brick-and-Mortar Business
  • Monopoly vs. Oligopoly
  • Business Leadership vs. Management
  • Private Sector vs. Public Sector
  • Free Market Economy vs. Planned Economy
  • Inflation vs. Deflation

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in Communication and Technology:

Social Media vs. Face-to-Face Communication

  • Email vs. Traditional Mail
  • Virtual Reality vs. Augmented Reality
  • Online Chatting vs. Phone Calls
  • Traditional News vs. Citizen Journalism
  • Cable TV vs. Streaming Services
  • Online Forums vs. In-person Discussions
  • Mobile Apps vs. Web Applications
  • Traditional Publishing vs. Self-Publishing

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in Relationships and Family:

  • Arranged Marriages vs. Love Marriages
  • Same-sex Marriage vs. Heterosexual Marriage
  • Long-Distance Relationships vs. Close Proximity Relationships
  • Parenting vs. Being Child-Free
  • Friendship vs. Romantic Relationship
  • Interfaith Relationships vs. Same-Faith Relationships
  • Young Parents vs. Older Parents
  • Joint Family vs. Nuclear Family
  • Marriage vs. Cohabitation

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in Food and Nutrition:

  • Fast Food vs. Home-cooked Meals
  • Mediterranean Diet vs. Asian Diet
  • Low-Carb Diet vs. Low-Fat Diet
  • Eating Out vs. Eating In
  • Raw Food Diet vs. Cooked Food Diet
  • Traditional Cuisine vs. Fusion Cuisine
  • Western Diet vs. Eastern Diet
  • Processed Food vs. Whole Food

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in Law and Justice:

  • Civil Law vs. Criminal Law
  • Rehabilitation vs. Retribution in Criminal Justice
  • Capital Punishment vs. Life Imprisonment
  • Common Law vs. Statutory Law
  • Justice System in Developed Countries vs. Developing Countries
  • Strict Gun Control vs. Gun Rights
  • Jury Trials vs. Bench Trials
  • Victim's Rights vs. Defendant's Rights
  • White-Collar Crime vs. Street Crime
  • Legalization vs. Criminalization of Drugs

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in Travel and Leisure:

  • Beach Holidays vs. Mountain Retreats
  • Solo Travel vs. Group Travel
  • Backpacking vs. Luxury Travel
  • Cultural Tourism vs. Adventure Tourism
  • Domestic Travel vs. International Travel
  • Guided Tours vs. Independent Exploration
  • Historical Sites vs. Modern Attractions
  • Cruise Vacation vs. Road Trip
  • Camping vs. Hotel Stays
  • Winter Vacation vs. Summer Vacation

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in Psychology and Behavior:

  • Nature vs. Nurture in Child Development
  • Behaviorism vs. Cognitive Psychology
  • Freudian Psychology vs. Humanistic Psychology
  • Introversion vs. Extroversion
  • Nature vs. Technology in Shaping Behavior
  • Conscious Mind vs. Subconscious Mind
  • Rational Thinking vs. Emotional Thinking
  • Personality Tests vs. Behavioral Assessments
  • Nature vs. Urban Environments in Mental Health
  • Positive Psychology vs. Traditional Psychology

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in Fashion and Style:

  • Vintage Fashion vs. Contemporary Fashion
  • High Fashion vs. Street Fashion
  • Casual Wear vs. Formal Wear
  • Online Shopping vs. In-Store Shopping for Fashion
  • Brand Names vs. Generic Brands
  • Fashion Trends vs. Timeless Style
  • Eco-friendly Fashion vs. Fast Fashion
  • Western Fashion vs. Eastern Fashion
  • Minimalist Wardrobe vs. Capsule Wardrobe
  • DIY Fashion vs. Ready-to-Wear Fashion

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in Art and Design:

  • Traditional Art vs. Digital Art
  • Realism vs. Abstraction in Art
  • Modern Art vs. Contemporary Art
  • Fine Arts vs. Applied Arts
  • Sculpture vs. Painting
  • Graphic Design vs. Industrial Design
  • Art Museums vs. Street Art
  • Art Deco vs. Art Nouveau
  • Traditional Crafts vs. Modern Crafts

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in Music and Entertainment:

  • Classical Music vs. Popular Music
  • Live Performances vs. Recorded Performances
  • Rock Music vs. Hip-Hop Music
  • Jazz vs. Blues
  • Broadway Musicals vs. Hollywood Musicals
  • Independent Films vs. Blockbuster Movies
  • Traditional Media vs. New Media
  • Fictional Literature vs. Non-fictional Literature
  • Video Games vs. Board Games
  • Radio vs. Podcasts

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in Nature and Wildlife:

  • Forests vs. Deserts
  • Marine Life vs. Terrestrial Life
  • Mountains vs. Plains
  • Polar Regions vs. Tropical Regions
  • National Parks vs. Urban Parks
  • Freshwater Ecosystems vs. Marine Ecosystems
  • Endangered Species vs. Invasive Species
  • Natural Disasters vs. Human-made Disasters
  • Indigenous Land Management vs. Modern Conservation
  • Zoos vs. Wildlife Reserves

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in Technology and Innovation:

  • 3D Printing vs. Traditional Manufacturing
  • Biotechnology vs. Nanotechnology
  • Autonomous Vehicles vs. Traditional Vehicles
  • Quantum Computing vs. Classical Computing
  • Wearable Technology vs. Embedded Technology
  • Smart Homes vs. Traditional Homes

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in Philosophy and Religion:

  • Atheism vs. Agnosticism
  • Eastern Philosophy vs. Western Philosophy
  • Monotheism vs. Polytheism
  • Secularism vs. Fundamentalism
  • Empiricism vs. Rationalism
  • Existentialism vs. Absurdism
  • Ethics vs. Morality
  • Buddhism vs. Hinduism
  • Christianity vs. Islam
  • Judaism vs. Christianity

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in Science and Discovery:

  • Evolution vs. Creationism
  • Quantum Physics vs. Classical Physics
  • Scientific Revolution vs. Industrial Revolution
  • Astronomy vs. Astrophysics
  • Genetics vs. Epigenetics
  • Earth Science vs. Environmental Science
  • Scientific Method vs. Intuitive Knowledge
  • Climate Change vs. Climate Denial
  • Dark Matter vs. Dark Energy

Remember to choose a topic that interests you and allows for meaningful comparisons. Additionally, you can narrow your focus on each topic to make your essay more specific and manageable.

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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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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 ideas for a compare and contrast essay

11. Native American Cultures vs. Indigenous Australian Cultures

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

12. Colonialism vs. Imperialism

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

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

13. Viking Lore vs. Egyptian Mythology

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

14. Traditional vs. Modern Olympic Games

topic ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast essay

25. Monarchies vs. Republics

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

26. Prohibition vs. Legalization of Drugs

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

27. Secularism vs. Religious States

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

28. Youth Rights vs. Elderly Rights

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

29. Urbanization vs. Rural Development

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

30. LGBTQ+ Rights Movement

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

31. Grassroots Movements vs. Top-Down Reforms

topic ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast essay

38. Biodiversity vs. Monocultures

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

39. Organic vs. GMO Foods

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

40. Passive vs. Active Solar Designs

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

41. Forest Conservation vs. Urban Forests

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

42. Water Scarcity: Desalination vs. Conservation

topic ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast essay

50. Experiential Learning vs. Rote Memorization

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

51. Continuous Assessment vs. Final Exams

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

52. Traditional Libraries vs. Digital Libraries

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

53. Student-Centered vs. Teacher-Centered Learning

topic ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast essay

62. Cloud Storage vs. Physical Storage Devices

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

63. Electric Vehicles vs. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

64. Drones vs. Manned Aircraft

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

65. Analog vs. Digital Signals

topic ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast essay

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

71. Art Nouveau vs. Art Deco

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

72. Baroque vs. Rococo Art Styles

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

73. Modernism vs. Postmodernism in Literature

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

74. Animated Films vs. Live-Action Films

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

75. Poetry vs. Prose

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

76. Classical Music vs. Jazz

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

77. Street Art vs. Gallery Art

topic ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast essay

86. Dieting vs. Intuitive Eating

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

87. Acupuncture vs. Physical Therapy

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

88. Mental Health vs. Emotional Well-being

topic ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast essay

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

96. Endurance Sports vs. Strength Sports

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

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

97. Winter vs. Summer Sports

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

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

98. Recreational vs. Competitive Gaming

topic ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast essay

106. Backpacking vs. Glamping

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

107. Island Getaways vs. Mountain Retreats

topic ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast essay

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

119. Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

topic ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast essay

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

127. Empiricism vs. Rationalism

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

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

128. Ethical Consumerism vs. Capitalist Consumption

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

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

129. Virtue Ethics vs. Care Ethics

topic ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast essay

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

144. Nature of Memory: Recall vs. Recognition

topic ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast essay

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

153. Farmers Markets vs. Supermarkets

topic ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast essay

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

157. DIY Projects vs. Professional Services

topic ideas for a compare and contrast 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 ideas for a compare and contrast essay

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

159. Baking vs. Cooking

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

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

160. Satire vs. Parody

topic ideas for a compare and contrast essay

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

161. Owning vs. Renting Properties

topic ideas for a compare and contrast 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.

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

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

Ace Your Compare and Contrast Essays with Our Expert Help!

The Importance of Choosing the Right Topic  

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

What are Compare and Contrast Essays?  

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

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

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay?  

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

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

Choose Appropriate Subjects:  

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

Identify Similarities:  

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

Establish a Basis of Comparison:  

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

Highlight Differences:  

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

Structure Your Essay:  

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

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

Provide Supporting Evidence:  

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

Use Transition Phrases:  

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

Conclude with a Summary:  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Six Potential Sources For Choosing a Compare and Contrast Essay Topic

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

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

1. Understand The Essay Assignment Guidelines  

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

2. Identify Your Personal Interest  

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

3. Research Extensively  

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

4. Narrow Down Your Options  

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

5. Brainstorm Comparative Elements  

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

6. Consider Relevance and Significance  

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

7. Consult With Peers and Tutors  

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

Write a Winning Compare and Contrast Essay  

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

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

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College Students  

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

Healthcare Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

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

Technology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024   

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

Economy Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024   

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

History Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

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

Politics Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

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

Education Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024   

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

Sports Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

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

Science Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

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

Natural Sciences Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

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

Teenagers Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

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

Literature & Language Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

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

Subjects Specific Compare and Contrast Essay Topics:  

Social sciences compare and contrast essay topics for 2024  .

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

Arts and Culture Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

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

Science & Mathematics Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

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

Social Justice & Equality Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024   

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

Environmental Sustainability Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

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

Other Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024  

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

Do's and Don'ts of Compare and Contrast Essay Writing:

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

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

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

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

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

Most Popular FAQs on Compare and Contrast Essay Topics   

How to write a compare and contrast essay   .

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

How to start a compare and contrast essay?   

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

What are the main parts of compare and contrast essays?   

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

How to find an original compare and contrast essay topic?   

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

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  4. How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay

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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. 127 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

    127 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics. Crafting a compare and contrast essay is typically much more interesting and fun than working on a dissertation. With this piece of writing, a student gets his chance to be creative. Besides, one doesn't have to re-invent the bicycle: these essays already have a purpose and a topic.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 70 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics to Help You Get Started

    There are infinite possibilities when it comes to choosing from compare and contrast essay topics about culture and society. The trick here is to pick a topic that is very specific and interesting. Here are some ideas. 57. Korean concept of beauty vs. American concept of beauty.

  6. 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.

  7. 220+ Unique Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

    Compare and Contrast Essay Topics Education 2024. 6. Language Arts Compare and Contrast Essay Topics. 7. Science and Technology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics. 8. Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024 in Politics. 9. Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas About Daily Life.

  8. Compare and Contrast Essay: Topics, Outline, Examples

    These topics cover a wide range of subjects, from education and technology to history and politics. Whether you are a high school student or a college student, you are sure to find a topic that interests you. So, read on to discover some great compare and contrast essay ideas. Compare and Contrast Essay Topics For College Students

  9. Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

    The block method. In the block method, you cover each of the overall subjects you're comparing in a block. You say everything you have to say about your first subject, then discuss your second subject, making comparisons and contrasts back to the things you've already said about the first. Your text is structured like this: Subject 1.

  10. 100+ Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics to Ace an Exam

    Let's go over them one by one. 1. Introduction. This is the part where you will give a general background of the subjects you will choose to compare and contrast. It should grab people's attention and make them want to read more. Include a catchy hook to stimulate their engagement and interest.

  11. How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay

    1. Begin by Brainstorming With a Venn Diagram. The best compare and contrast essays demonstrate a high level of analysis. This means you will need to brainstorm before you begin writing. A Venn diagram is a great visual tool for brainstorming compare and contrast essay topics.

  12. 200+ Best Compare And Contrast Essay Topics (2024)

    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.

  13. 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…

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. 100 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics & Ideas That Worked

    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.

  17. 34 Compelling Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

    Next, the body includes paragraphs that explore the similarities and differences. Finally, a concluding paragraph restates the thesis, draws any necessary inferences, and asks any remaining questions. A compare and contrast essay example can be an opinion piece comparing two things and making a conclusion about which is better. For example ...

  18. 250+ Engaging Topics for Your Compare and Contrast Essays

    250+ Topics for Compare and Contrast Essay. Acemyhomework Blog Nov 29, 2023. Essays are essential for your academics, especially when pursuing your tertiary education. Your instructor will require you to write an essay to boost your grades. Examples of essays include argumentative, persuasive, descriptive, and narration.

  19. 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.

  20. 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.

  21. 170 Creative Compare And Contrast Essay Topics

    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.

  22. Top 100 Best Compare and Contrast Essays Topics for 2024

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

  23. PDF Compare and Contrast Essay APSU Writing Center

    How to write a Compare and Contrast Essay Block Method Cover all main points of the initial topic, then address all points regarding the subsequent topics (and additional topics if comparing more than two). This method provides a clear and straightforward structure for the essay. 1.Start with a topic sentence introducing the subjects. 2.Address ...