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.

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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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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

Compare And Contrast Essay Topics

Cathy A.

Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students

13 min read

Published on: Feb 24, 2020

Last updated on: Jul 23, 2024

compare and contrast essay topics

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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. 

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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

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

11. Native American Cultures vs. Indigenous Australian Cultures

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

12. Colonialism vs. Imperialism

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

13. Viking Lore vs. Egyptian Mythology

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

14. Traditional vs. Modern Olympic Games

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

25. Monarchies vs. Republics

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

26. Prohibition vs. Legalization of Drugs

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

27. Secularism vs. Religious States

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

28. Youth Rights vs. Elderly Rights

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

29. Urbanization vs. Rural Development

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

30. LGBTQ+ Rights Movement

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

31. Grassroots Movements vs. Top-Down Reforms

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

38. Biodiversity vs. Monocultures

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

39. Organic vs. GMO Foods

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

40. Passive vs. Active Solar Designs

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

41. Forest Conservation vs. Urban Forests

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

42. Water Scarcity: Desalination vs. Conservation

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

50. Experiential Learning vs. Rote Memorization

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

51. Continuous Assessment vs. Final Exams

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

52. Traditional Libraries vs. Digital Libraries

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

53. Student-Centered vs. Teacher-Centered Learning

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

62. Cloud Storage vs. Physical Storage Devices

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

63. Electric Vehicles vs. Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

64. Drones vs. Manned Aircraft

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

65. Analog vs. Digital Signals

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

71. Art Nouveau vs. Art Deco

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

72. Baroque vs. Rococo Art Styles

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

73. Modernism vs. Postmodernism in Literature

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

74. Animated Films vs. Live-Action Films

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

75. Poetry vs. Prose

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

76. Classical Music vs. Jazz

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

77. Street Art vs. Gallery Art

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

86. Dieting vs. Intuitive Eating

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

87. Acupuncture vs. Physical Therapy

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

88. Mental Health vs. Emotional Well-being

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

96. Endurance Sports vs. Strength Sports

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

97. Winter vs. Summer Sports

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

98. Recreational vs. Competitive Gaming

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

106. Backpacking vs. Glamping

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

107. Island Getaways vs. Mountain Retreats

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

118. Building Personal Brand vs. Corporate Identity

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

119. Fixed vs. Growth Mindset

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

127. Empiricism vs. Rationalism

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

128. Ethical Consumerism vs. Capitalist Consumption

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

129. Virtue Ethics vs. Care Ethics

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

137. The Brain vs. The Mind

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

144. Nature of Memory: Recall vs. Recognition

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

145. Infant Attachment: Secure vs. Insecure

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

146. Dream Analysis: Symbolic vs. Literal Interpretation

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

153. Farmers Markets vs. Supermarkets

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

154. Traditional Dating vs. Online Dating

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

157. DIY Projects vs. Professional Services

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

158. Public vs. Private Spaces

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

159. Baking vs. Cooking

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

160. Satire vs. Parody

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

161. Owning vs. Renting Properties

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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.

101 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Great Ideas for Essays

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

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

Brainstorming Tip

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast College Essay Topics

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

How about with a compare and contrast essay ?

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

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

Interested in History?

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

Interested in Reading and Language Arts?

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

Interested in Fine Arts?

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

Interested in Religion?

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

Interested in Science?

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

Interested in Popular Culture?

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

Interested in Debates?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Once you

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay

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

1. Draw a Venn diagram

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

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

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

2. Make a simple outline

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

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

So do yourself a favor: create an outline.

3. Use compare and contrast words

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

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

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

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100 + Top Notch Compare and Contrast Essays Topics

Bob cardens.

  • August 3, 2022
  • Essay Topics and Ideas , Nursing

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

What You'll Learn

Compare and Contrast Essays

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

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

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

You can also be instrested in Best Argumentative Essay Topics

Steps to Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay

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

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

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

There are basically four types:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Choose a Compare and Contrast Essay Topic?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Structure

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

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

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

Get your Paper Started

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

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

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

Work on the Body

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You can also be instrested in Creative Illustration Essay Topics

Compare and Contrast Essays Topics

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for University Students

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

They include:

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College Students

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

History Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Sports compare and contrast essay topics.

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

Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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Education Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Politics

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2022 in Economy

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2022 on Healthcare

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

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Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Controversial Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Movie Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Medical Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Philosophy Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas

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

Religion Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

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

Related FAQs

1. how to write a compare and contrast essay.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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Best Inspiration for Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students

Updated 24 Jul 2024

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

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

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

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay?

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

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

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

Right Compare and Contrast Essay Structure

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

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

  • Get your Paper Started

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

  • Work on the Body

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

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

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

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

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

Choosing Suitable Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas

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

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

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

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

Best Writing Tips for Your Success

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024

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

Compare and Contrast Topics on Education

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

History, Anthropology, and Political Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Opposite Things to Compare and Contrast

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

Compare and Contrast Topics for Beginners

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

IT and Social Media Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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Movies, Music, and Art

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

Literature Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Scientific Compare and Contrast Topics

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

Philosophy Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas

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

Religion Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Intriguing Topics for Middle School Students

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

6th Grade Comparative Essay Topics

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

General Essay Writing Prompts

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

Popular Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students

  • Online education vs. Traditional education: Flexibility and effectiveness.
  • Renewable energy vs. Non-renewable energy: Environmental impact.
  • Plant-based diet vs. Meat-based diet: Health implications.
  • Modern architecture vs. Classical architecture: Aesthetic and functional aspects.
  • Introverts vs. Extroverts: Social interaction and energy sources.
  • Self-study vs. Tutoring: Learning outcomes.
  • Fast fashion vs. Sustainable fashion: Environmental and ethical considerations.
  • Freelancing vs. Full-time employment: Work-life balance.
  • Public speaking vs. Written communication: Expressing ideas.
  • Classical literature vs. Contemporary literature: Themes and relevance.
  • Plastic vs. Glass packaging: Environmental impact.
  • Traditional cinema vs. Streaming services: Entertainment consumption.
  • Physical books vs. Audiobooks: Reading experiences.
  • Living in the past vs. Living in the present: Lifestyle and technology.
  • Paper vs. Plastic: Environmental sustainability.
  • Self-driving cars vs. Human-driven cars: Safety and efficiency.
  • Traditional vs. Digital marketing: Reach and engagement.
  • Living alone vs. Living with a roommate: Independence and companionship.
  • Reality TV vs. Documentary films: Educational value.
  • Working individually vs. Working in a team: Productivity and creativity.

Everyday Matters

  • Morning routines vs. Night routines: Starting and ending the day.
  • Cooking meals vs. Ordering takeout: Convenience and health.
  • Cycling vs. Walking: Daily commuting and exercise.
  • Using cash vs. Credit cards: Spending habits.
  • Listening to music vs. Podcasts: Leisure activities.
  • DIY home projects vs. Hiring professionals: Cost and satisfaction.
  • Traditional diaries vs. Blogging: Personal expression.
  • Indoor vs. Outdoor exercise: Motivation and environment.
  • Watching movies at home vs. Going to the cinema: Experience and comfort.
  • Manual cleaning vs. Using cleaning gadgets: Efficiency and thoroughness.
  • Reading newspapers vs. Online news: Information sources.
  • Breakfast cereals vs. Traditional breakfasts: Morning meals.
  • Taking notes on paper vs. Laptops: Retention and convenience.
  • Shopping in malls vs. Local markets: Shopping experience.
  • Driving vs. Public transportation: Daily commute.
  • Preparing coffee at home vs. Buying from a café: Taste and cost.
  • Traditional watches vs. Smartwatches: Functionality and style.
  • Home workouts vs. Gym memberships: Fitness goals and motivation.
  • City parks vs. Beaches: Relaxation and activities.
  • Baking vs. Cooking: Skills and enjoyment.
Read also: 50 Unique Problem Solutions Topics in 2023

Decided on the topic but still need help?

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

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

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

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

In this article:

1. Introduction

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

Let’s go over them one by one.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Example: Basketball vs. Volleyball

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Introduce supporting information for your conclusion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Middle School

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

1. Pizza vs Burger: Which is the best?

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

3. Yogurt vs Ice Cream: Which is better?

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

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

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

7. Apple vs Pear: Which tastes better?

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

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. English vs Mathematics: Which is more complicated?

9. Science vs History: Which is easier?

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

Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

2. Monday vs Sunday: Which should come first?

3. Copper vs. Bronze: Which is better?

4. Egg vs Chicken: Which comes first?

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. Chatting or Calling: Which is better?

12. Eating vs Sleeping: Which is more essential?

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

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

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

Controversial Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Abortion vs Giving the baby away for adoption

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

11. Islam vs Christianity: Depth of Faith

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

13. Muhammad vs Moses: Life of a chosen prophet

14. Quran vs Bible: Holy teachings for the humanity

15. Fasting vs Abstinence: Which is better?

Technology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

1. Laptop vs Desktop: Which is better?

2. Phone or Tablet: Which is more helpful?

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

4. Oven vs Microwave: Which is better?

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

6. Macs vs Windows: Which performs the best?

7. Android vs iPhone: Which is more efficient?

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

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

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

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

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

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

14. Bicycle vs Motorcycle: Which is more practical?

15. Van vs SUV: Which is better?

Economics Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

2. Branding vs Marketing: Which determines business success?

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

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

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

Social Media Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

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

3. Meet vs Zoom: Which is better?

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

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

Sports Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

2. Football vs Baseball: Which is more popular?

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

4. Fencing vs Kendo: Which is more complicated?

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

Nature Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

1. Sunny vs Rainy: Which is the best?

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

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

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

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

6. Tornado vs Whirlpool: Which is more deadly?

7. Day or Night: Which is more important?

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

9. Sun vs Moon: Which is more important?

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

Movies and Characters Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

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

3. Conjuring vs Insidious: Which is more frightening?

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

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

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

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

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

9. Superman vs Batman: Who is better?

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

11. Dumbledore vs Gandalf: Who is stronger?

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

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

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

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

Literature Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

1. Short Story vs Novel: Which is better?

2. Fiction vs Nonfiction: Which has more significance?

3. Prose or Poetry: Which is more artistic?

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

5. Poem vs Songs: Which is more sophisticated?

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

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

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

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

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

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

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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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is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

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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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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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50+ Compare And Contrast Essay Topics For College

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by  Antony W

October 19, 2022

compare and contrast essay topics

​In 1665, a Derbyshire village by the name of Eyam decided to quarantine itself to halt the spread of the bubonic plague and save surrounding villages.

In 2020, governments the world over are urging people to stay indoors and isolate themselves to halt the spread of a different kind of plague – COVID-19. The similarities are unnerving.

As a student, you will be required to write compare and contrast essays to highlight such similarities.

In such an essay, you pick two events, ideas, publications, famous men, or some other similar or contrasting objects and discuss their similarities and differences.

Such an essay serves to pass on previously unknown information, highlight interesting connections, or even act as evidence for or against an argument.

Every compare and contrast essay begins with the two objects as chosen. You have to choose correctly, or else the essay will be a failure.

The essay writing experts at Help for Assessment have come together to write this helpful guide on how to choose topics for compare and contrast essays, with more than 100 compare and contrast essay college topics to help you get started.

If you would prefer a full guide on how to write a compare and contrast essay, click here .

Can’t write the essay yourself for any reason?

Our writers will do it for you at the best rates in town, check out our calculator .

Our experts will write your compare and contrast essay for you and ensure that you pass with impressive grades, and all you have to do is leave us your order here .

If you’re only here to get sample compare and contrast essay topics, let’s get going. We shall also guide you on what a good compare and contrast essay topic is, how to choose topics yourself, and give sample topics under various categories.

How to Choose a Compare And Contrast Essay Topic

The responsibility of choosing a compare and contrast essay is usually left to the student.

The right topic should be interesting and not too common or predictable, with enough magnitude of similarity or contrast to cover the essay and be of some academic value in your field or society at large. This is how to do it:

  • ​Brainstorm for ideas. This never fails to yield several interesting results. Just list all the ideas you have, ask your colleagues for some, and explore the internet for others.
  • ​Go through your list of ideas and eliminate those that seem unlikely, too obvious, too general or those that lack academic merit. Keep in mind that you can always modify your topic ideas to fit these qualities.
  • ​Do your research, keeping a pen and paper handy so that you can write down the similarities and ideas as you find them. Take particular note of able subtle links or unexpected ones that will make your essay interesting to the reader.
  • ​Formulate a thesis statement. This is a one-sentence statement that outlines what you will be discussing in the essay. Reword the title from the thesis statement, and you’re ready to go.

​How to Plan a Compare and Contrast Essay

Because a compare and contrast essay is about giving similarities or differences between two objects of interest, the first thing you need to decide is how you will approach the essay.

For example, if your goal is to show an unexpected similarity, then it makes sense to start with seemingly dissimilar topics and gradually draw the lines.

To bring out contrast, start with objects or events that are very similar at first looks.

The second thing you have to make sure is that there are enough points of similarity or difference to cover your essay. It helps to draw a table with columns and list the similarities or differences, as the case might be.

Third, consider what format you will be using.

There is a parallel format where a point-by-point discussion of each similarity or difference is made about the two ideas.

The other option is a block format where each side of the argument is tackled independently with a full listing of all the similarities and differences each, essentially giving you two “blocks” of the essay.

That’s the long and short of a compare and contrast essay. But now, it’s time for the sample topics.

Good Compare And Contrast Topics

  • Security in countries with strict gun laws and those that are more slack.
  • Values and economic development between societies with more liberal views and those who are conservative.
  • The carbon footprint of electric cars and non-electric ones.
  • Child development in single-parent vs two-parent families.
  • Health standards in Germany vs the US.
  • Psychological development between kids who spend a lot of time outdoors vs those who stay indoors most of the time.
  • Online reading/writing vs traditional books.
  • Sahara desert vs the Amazon rain-forest.
  • Forest fires and animal population booms.
  • Drug laws in China vs US and trafficking volumes into/out of the country.

Compare And Contrast Essay Topics For College Students

  • Virtual vs augmented reality and applications in industry.
  • British vs Spanish colonization.
  • Communism vs socialism.
  • Statistics vs accounting and mathematical applications of both.
  • Philosophical vs religious view of morality and justice.
  • Plato vs Socrates.
  • Natural disasters: tsunamis vs earthquakes.
  • Hegel vs Karl Max.
  • Natural (paleo) diet vs diet with processed foods and long term health effects.
  • Archaeological discoveries vs common myths or religious beliefs.

Compare And Contrast Essay Topics For High School Students

  • Parental control vs full freedom in teens.
  • A famous book vs its movie/series rendition.
  • Public schooling vs private tutoring.
  • Military technology vs civilian technology.
  • Science vs technology.
  • Society during the Victorian era vs today.
  • Alcohol addicts vs cannabis addicts.
  • Actual vs perceived value of goods (e.g, designer clothes).
  • Russian vs American art/architecture.
  • Chemistry vs Biology.

Funny Compare And Contrast Essay Topics

  • Having a cat vs having a girlfriend.
  • Playing console games vs PC games.
  • Dirty comedy vs clean comedy.
  • Intelligence of famous criminals vs their success rate.
  • Sleep vs food: which is more important?
  • Abstinence from alcohol vs moderate drinking.
  • Music festival vs a day at the beach; which would you rather go?
  • Real-life vs online dating.
  • Star Wars vs Star Trek.
  • Harry Potter books vs Movies.

Interesting Compare And Contrast Essay Topics

  • Aerodynamics in boxy trucks vs streamlined trucks.
  • Efficiency when cycling with cleats or with pedals.
  • Poetry vs prose.
  • Play-acting vs unintended scenes in movies.
  • Music quality in the classic vinyl and player vs modern digital tracks.
  • Gandalf vs Dumbledore.
  • US President vs UK Prime Minister.
  • Nuclear power vs solar power carbon footprint.
  • Leasing vs owning outright.
  • Submarines vs aircraft carriers.

Compare And Contrast Essay Topics For Science

  • Physis vs anatomy.
  • Jupiter vs the sun.
  • Sciences vs arts.
  • Hurricanes vs tornadoes.
  • DNA historical evidence vs recorded literature/beliefs.
  • Atoms vs cells.
  • Linguistics of Latinos vs native English speakers.
  • Carbon II oxide vs Nitrogen gas in food.
  • Nuclear power vs solar power.
  • Imperial system of units vs metric system.

Sports & Leisure Topics

  • American football vs soccer.
  • Tennis vs badminton/squash.
  • Summer vs winter games.
  • Rowing vs swimming.
  • Formula one vs drag racing.
  • World cup vs club football leagues in soccer.
  • US athletics team vs Jamaican team.

Topics About Culture

  • Greek gods vs Hindu gods.
  • Christianity vs Jewish religion.
  • Caucasian Australians vs native aborigines.
  • US. cuisine vs French cuisine.
  • German vs Russian architecture.
  • Native Africans vs African Americans.

Compare And Contrast Essay Topics About Tv Shows, Music And Movies

  • Dance music vs heavy metal
  • Horror. vs thriller movies.
  • 80’s romantic music vs today’s romantic music.
  • Classical music vs jazz.
  • James Bond vs Frank Sinatra.
  • Hollywood vs Bollywood.
  • Vietnam war movies vs superhero movies.
  • Superman vs Batman.
  • Movies vs series.

Topics About Art

  • Paintings vs sculptures.
  • Renaissance vs Baroque art.
  • Picasso vs Van Gogh.
  • Importance of Italy vs France in art.
  • Men vs women in Picasso’s art.
  • Classic vs contemporary art.
  • Painting vs photography.
  • Ancient Greek vs Egyptian art.
  • Chinese vs Japanese pottery.

Easy Compare And Contrast Essay Topics

  • Computer science vs mathematics.
  • Biology vs physics.
  • Teaching vs parental roles in discipline.
  • Disciplined vs free living.
  • Traveling vs staying at home.
  • Dating vs marriage.
  • Friends of opposite vs those of the same gender as you.
  • Wearing designer vs regular clothes.

Psychology Compare And Contrast Essay Topics

  • Juvenile institutions vs prisons on children’s mentality.
  • Bipolar vs epilepsy.
  • Advice from adults vs advice from friends.
  • Lust vs love.
  • Anxiety vs depression.
  • Social anxiety vs being an introvert.
  • Autism vs Down Syndrome.
  • Antisocial behavior vs psychosis

Compare And Contrast Essay Topics For Sixth-Graders

  • Similarities between high school and elementary school.
  • Learn an instrument or play a sport?
  • Staying home vs going out with friends.
  • Having strict parents vs open parenting.
  • Lying vs telling the truth.
  • Waking up early vs waking up late.
  • Your dad vs your mom.

As you can see with these topics, they are not very refined.

Thus, you will have to take time to research them, pick an approach, or use them as inspiration to find a better topic. Hopefully, these will get you started on your compare and contrast essay.

Get Help With Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Getting the right compare and contrast essay topic is half the work. The other half comes from a diligent, well-researched, and brilliantly presented write-up.

That is exactly what the expert writers at Help for Assessment will write for you if for any reason you need our help with doing the essay for you.

We also ensure complete confidentiality and security in all our transactions. All you need to do is checkout our how it works page ​ and give us your order.

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About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

170 Comparative Essay Topics

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

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

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

The Basics of Comparative Essays

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

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

Writing Comparative Essays

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

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

Comparative Essay Introduction

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

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

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

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

Comparative Essay Body

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

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

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

Comparative Essay Conclusion

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

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

Essential Aspects of Writing Comparative Essays

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

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

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

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

Comparative Essay Topics About Countries

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

Comparative Essay Topics About History

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

Comparative Essay Topics About Literature

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

Comparative Essay Topics About Movies or Television Shows

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

Comparative Essay Topics About Education

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

Comparative Essay Topics About Art

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

Comparative Essay Topics About Architecture

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

Comparative Essay Topics About Culture

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

Comparative Essay Topics About Science

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

Comparative Essay Topics About Technology

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

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

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465 Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

Students of all levels may find the compare and contrast essay creation challenging. You need to understand the difference between the point-by-point and subject-by-subject paper types. Besides, the topic selection and writing requirements can also raise more questions than answers.

Does this sound familiar?

To help you fulfill the task, we created this comprehensive article. These materials provide the following solutions in a short form:

  • 450 compare and contrast essay topics
  • tips on how to select best topic
  • expert advice on how to write this type of paper

We also included illustrative examples in every guide. With these samples, you will quickly learn how to write A+ compare and contrast essays.

Check them below!

🌋 Top 15 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics in 2024

🤔 how to choose a compare & contrast essay topic.

  • 🎨 Art Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

🎭 Culture Comparison Paper Topic Ideas

😂 funny compare and contrast topics.

  • 👭🏼 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Gender

🏥 Comparison Topics in Health and Medicine

📚 compare and contrast topics: languages and literature.

  • 💭 Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

⚾ Sports Comparison Topics

🖥️ compare & contrast: technology topics, 🏫 compare and contrast topics for school, 🎒 comparison topics for elementary school, ✏️ comparison topics for middle school.

  • 📐 Compare and Contrast Topics for High School

✔️ How to Write Compare and Contrast Essay

✨ compare and contrast thesis, 🔥 types of compare and contrast essay organization.

  • 🎓 Compare and Contrast Essay Outline

💡 Conclusion

🔗 references.

  • Sam vs. Frodo Baggins.
  • Gandalf vs. Dumbledore.
  • Stocks vs. futures.
  • Confederation v.s. Constitution.
  • Two ways to spend the vacations.
  • Two ways to get to school.
  • Offense vs. defense.
  • Harry vs. Draco.
  • Receiving gifts vs. giving gifts.
  • Horde or Alliance?
  • China’s economy vs. the U.S. economy.
  • Fascism vs. Nazism.
  • Vegetarianism vs. meat-eating.
  • Smoothies vs. Milkshakes.
  • Road trip vs. Cruise.

How to select a suitable theme for the compare and contrast essay?

Here is the answer!

You need to understand its key feature

  • The assignment’s context. Your teacher may provide some clues about the task’s main idea. Without these tips, you should analyze the subject and the educator’s common questions during lessons. The gathered information significantly narrows down the relevant topic search area.
  • Comparison subjects. Find two or more items that are different and similar at the same time. Having data about the essay’s context, you will quickly figure out the area of knowledge and what you should compare. The only limitation here is the paper’s size.

And you may ask: What is next? Let’s imagine that “Childhood vs. adulthood” is the chosen theme. You may pick a set of apparent criteria for comparing and contrasting. Here are some differences that first come to mind:

  • Financial dependence
  • Legal responsibilities
  • Mental flexibility

And the similarities:

  • Social relationships
  • Hygienic needs
  • Entertainment

The listed options allow you to write a decent article, get the score, and proceed to the next task. With the following distinctions, you can create an exciting paper that may expand your knowledge in various fields of studies and cause a discussion:

  • Psychological profile
  • Social media preferences
  • Grandparents-grandchildren relationships
  • Time attitude

These are the resemblances for the selected topic:

  • Need for personal space
  • Childish behavior
  • Learning process
  • Conflict situations

Factors from both groups represent general concepts only. You will investigate these aspects later in the paper’s body. It’s a good idea to pick the criteria that interest you.

Our ultimate collection of topic ideas makes it possible to quickly find the formulated idea and objects for the compare and contrast analysis. With the gathered data, you can now select the best topic for the exact writing project.

🎨 Art Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

People create music, paint and draw, design clothes, and perform. The list of arts also includes sculpture, knitting, glass blowing, and many other activities. The compare and contrast ideas from this section comprise almost all spheres of human life.

Imagine this: There are plenty of objects or subjects around that can be discussed from an art perspective. Sculpture vs. painting, jazz vs. opera singing, poetry vs. prose; all of these items are similar and different at the same time. Their designers put some art in all of these items.

That is why they suit well for the compare and contrast art essay. Check out the following collection of ideas for the creativity research:

  • The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones: color correction and working with light.
  • Posters of China and the Soviet Union.
  • Offline movie theater vs. streaming services.
  • Animation studios of The United States and Europe.
  • Rock and K-pop music.
  • Drawing and painting.
  • Are graffiti and traditional painting similar?
  • Pre-defined art classes vs. freestyle ones.
  • Anime vs. Disney.
  • What is more complicated for production: silent or sound movies?
  • CGI animation with motion capture: cartoon or movie?
  • Rococo and Baroque styles.
  • American Hip Hop Music.
  • Digital and traditional drawing.
  • Works of art created by an AI and human.
  • Medieval vs. modern fashion design: how far and close are they?
  • Analysis of the traditional theater and cinema entertaining: similarity and difference.
  • Modern Japanese vs. contemporary Chinese poetry.
  • European vs. US industrial design.
  • The Martian novel by Andy Weir: film adaptation vs. book.

Andy Weir Quote

  • Manga and American comic books.
  • How does classical music affect soundtrack production?
  • Photography and realist painting.
  • Wind vs. string music instruments.
  • Learning technical and creative drawing.
  • Ancient Indian and Greek Sculptures Comparison.
  • Thai, US, and Russian modern movies’ main differences and similarities.
  • Traditional Japanese vs. classical Chinese painting.
  • Key affinities and diversities of the web design for two countries of your choice.
  • Renaissance and Pop Art.
  • The movie production process: low and high-budget films.
  • Painting by fingers or brushes?
  • Cavemen’s, Egyptian, and graffiti artworks.
  • Digital and film photography.

We figured out what art is and what you can write about on this topic. How about culture? Isn’t it a similar thing?

Yes and no.

While art aims to manifest a person’s creative skills, culture defines the personality and sum of knowledge of a particular group of people. The phenomenon includes pop, sub, national cultures, etiquette, myths, fairy tales, and traditions.

Here you may compare and contrast movies, fast-food, games, and plenty of other elements that describe your or foreign societies. Feel free to select two or more similar characteristics, compare them, choose the same number of differences, and perform their comparison. For your convenience, the following list includes compare and contrast ideas with facts, subjects, and objects that represent diverse cultural features.

Take a closer look:

  • Traditional festivals in England and the United States of America.
  • Globalization Effects on Countries’ Cultures .
  • Private space attitude in China and Japan.
  • Relationships with the elderly in European, Asian, and African countries.
  • Design of Eve online and Entropia Universe MMO games.
  • Roofs in Thailand, China, and Japan.
  • Greeting traditions in The US and Japan.
  • Work etiquette in South Korea, Japan, and Indonesia.
  • Sharing food traditions in Israel and Sri Lanka.
  • How do Japanese, Chinese, and Americans drink tea?
  • French vs. Italian ways to consume coffee .
  • American Culture and Other Cultures’ Perceptions.
  • Business clothes in The US in the 1980s vs. today.
  • Spirit houses in Indonesia and Japan.
  • Espresso vs. Americano.
  • The traditional dances in Africa vs. Latin America.
  • Australian and Eastern Europe contemporary make-up habits.
  • School uniforms in Thailand, China, and Russia.
  • Chopsticks in South Korea and Japan.
  • Snack culture in France, Italy, and the US.
  • Fast-food cuisine in Israel and Turkey: similarities and differences.
  • The image of a strong male figure in eastern and western cultures.
  • Momijigari vs. Hanami in Japan.
  • Decorative gardening in England and Turkey.
  • Outdoor family activities in mountainous and coastal regions.
  • The subcultures of hippies and hipsters.
  • Qualitative versus quantitative research designs.

What if a teacher asked you to write a compare and contrast essay without any other requirements?

It’s your time to shine!

The current section helps you with picking a humorous topic. There are no limitations on this type of theme except a sense of humor. One may compare and contrast two or more funny items. Moreover, you can find several ordinary objects and figure out their similarities and differences in an amusing way.

It’s true…

The funny compare and contrast topics from this section do not require special knowledge or skills. With the themes from the list below and some imagination, one may create an entertaining and mind-blowing essay.

  • Chocolates vs. lollipops.
  • Cat, dog, or parrot as a house guardian?
  • Ice cream for astronauts vs. a traditional one.
  • Cloth washing by hand or in a washing machine?
  • Food delivery vs. cooking at home.
  • Instant and ground coffee .
  • Mr. Bean: the sitcom vs. cartoon series.
  • Traveling in space by Millennium Falcon (Star Wars) and Starship Enterprise (Star Trek).
  • Getting presents from Santa Claus vs. parents on Christmas.
  • Electricity from potato and battery.
  • Using chopsticks vs. fork when eating beans.
  • The challenges of being tall and short.
  • Playing the musical triangle vs. drum set.
  • Mohawk vs. pompadour for a school dance.
  • Labrador vs. Toy Terrier dog for a baseball partner.
  • Pairing peanut butter with jelly or honey on a sandwich.
  • Mayan vs. modern calendar for planning.
  • Pedicure at home or a beauty salon.
  • Using tofu or mozzarella for pizza.
  • The key ingredients of dog and cat food.
  • Bow or classic necktie: which is more stylish?
  • Watching a movie with or without spoilers.
  • Burger vs hotdog for a picnic lunch.
  • Mittens vs. gloves during cross-country skiing.
  • Cockroaches vs. mosquitos: which is more annoying?
  • Bollywood-style problem solving vs. non-musical analyzing.

Key Features of Compare and Contrast Thesis

  • Store-bought or farm-raised fruits and vegetables?
  • Drawing flowers vs. geometric figures while doodling.
  • What to wear on a date: contact lenses or glasses?
  • Classic toilet vs. spaceship one.
  • Should a pet ferret live in a cage or run freely in the house?
  • Pickled vegetables vs. fresh ones.
  • Which is tastier: deep-fried pickles or chocolate chip cookies?
  • Drawing with brushes vs. fingers for a teenager party.
  • Dreadlocks vs. shaved head.
  • Which is more convenient: skiing in a bikini or swimming in a winter jacket?
  • Operating devices via remote control or manually?
  • Teasing a gorilla vs. giraffe: which is safer?
  • Pros and cons of buying the original or replica of a famous painting?
  • Are bananas or chocolate a better snack during hiking?
  • Playing real soccer and its computer version.
  • Similarities and differences in currency and precious stones usage for payments.
  • Straw for drinking: using or not?
  • Who is likely to win the race: gecko or tarantula spider?
  • Hot, cold, and contrast shower for a good mood.
  • A mediocre photo taken by a famous photographer vs. a good one by an unknown person.
  • Instant noodles: cup vs. bowl serving.
  • Room sweeping vs. vacuuming.
  • Playing online and offline games .
  • The basketball’s and football’s score systems.
  • The convenience of playing games on PC vs. console.
  • Watching TV, YouTube, or reading a newspaper for the latest news?
  • What to use for refreshment: cucumber or watermelon?
  • Chewing gum vs. shampoo for the best bubbles.
  • Fixed high salary vs. its gradual increase.
  • TV series binge or ongoing watching for a better plot understanding?
  • Buying music albums or a streaming service subscription?
  • What is more interesting for time traveling: Visiting future and past during time traveling.
  • Compare and contrast doodling and mumbling for more efficient thinking.
  • Board vs. computer games.
  • Climbing a mountain or a wall with professional equipment?
  • Handmade pasta vs. factory-made for a family dinner.

👭🏼 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Gender

Would you like to dive into actual and widely discussed topics?

We got your back!

The modern world is a complex structure. For many people question of self-identification is becoming more acute and requires in-depth research. The latest social movements, e.g., feminist theory, often require appropriate education to be applied correctly. Our experts formed the following list of compare and contrast gender topics to help you with this comprehensive problem. Feel free to utilize any of these themes for your essay.

Check out these discussion starters:

  • How do different genders overcome stress situations?
  • Marxism and Feminism: similarities and differences.
  • Paternity vs. maternity leave in modern society.
  • The social relations in Japan and the US between genders.
  • Mixed or separated classes: which would you choose?
  • Current acting job opportunities for various genders.
  • Gender-specific TV shows: are they necessary?
  • How do role models affect our lives? Compare and contrast them.
  • Sports results evaluation for different genders.
  • Cybersport for various genders: should we separate them?
  • Unisex vs. gender-specific school uniform.
  • Which gender is a better cook?
  • Similarities and differences of toys for various genders.
  • Physical training standards for different genders.
  • Straight and homosexual male attitudes toward dating.
  • The transgender transition for biological men and women.
  • Raising a child in a traditional or single-gender family?
  • Hair color preferences for teenagers of various genders.
  • Gender-oriented cosmetics and hygiene products.
  • Bodybuilding career for different genders.
  • Sleeping habits for older men, women, and other genders.
  • First date preferences for various genders.
  • The glass ceiling for men, women, and other genders.
  • Patriarchal and matriarchal societies.
  • Spending habits in high school students of different genders.
  • Challenges for boys, girls, and other genders in ballet.
  • Problems among siblings of a different gender.
  • Computer game preferences for various genders.
  • Female etiquette expectations now vs. the beginning of the 20th century.
  • High school class preferences for different genders.
  • Self-image comparison for boys, girls, and other genders in middle school.

Do you prefer something less emotional?

Check this out!

You probably hear about health and various aspects of the medical field of knowledge frequently. That is why you can quickly find several items from the health and medicine sphere to compare and contrast. We investigated this sphere and provided the following list of topics suitable for any study level:

  • Regular small portions vs. interval starvation diet.
  • Diet or healthy lifestyle?
  • Cold training vs. comfortable temperature support.
  • Traditional vs. alternative methods to treat cold.
  • General fitness and professional sport.
  • Professional consulting or self-diagnosis?
  • Rural and urban medical systems in The United States.
  • The effect of using olive oil and micellar water for makeup removal on human skin.
  • Helpful and harmful bacteria in the human body .
  • Left Versus Right Brain Hemispheres in Humans.
  • Hygiene in Africa and South Korea.
  • Sleeping in a cold and warm room.
  • Drinking water and electrolyte solutions during a training session.
  • The effects of icing and heating of the body area for common sports injuries.
  • Food vs. medicine allergies.
  • Botox vs face gymnastics for wrinkle reduction.
  • Coffee and tea: physiological benefits and drawbacks.
  • Ginger vs. honey for health.
  • Sleeping too much vs. not sleeping enough.
  • What is better for the neck health: sleeping on one or two pillows?
  • Electronic Health Records’ History, Status, Future.
  • The effects of spicy and sour foods on stomach health.
  • Coffee and sugar effects on teeth health.
  • Brushing teeth twice a day or after each meal?
  • Office work and freelance influence on one’s health.
  • The frequency of hair washing: every day vs. less frequently.
  • Effects of meditation and physical exercise on human health.
  • Home food vs. cafeteria lunches for elementary school.
  • Hygiene recommendations for small children and teenagers.
  • Drinking sodas and water at school.
  • Cold and warm water during physical training.
  • The benefits and disadvantages of online fitness classes and visiting a sports club.
  • Effects of caffeine drinks intake in the morning and afternoon.
  • Sunbathing and staying in the shade while visiting the beach.
  • Scheduled water intake vs. responding to thirst in adults.
  • The effects of digital detox and limiting screen time on anxiety levels in office workers.
  • Advantages of Physical Exercise for Good Health.
  • The benefits of professional and self-massage.
  • Fresh vs. canned food for small children.
  • Health benefits of drinking cow and soy milk.
  • Sleeping-in vs. regular schedule for young adults.

Are you interested in linguistic details or literature plots?

Express yourself!

Studying text and various authors may become an exciting investigating project. With the compare and contrast ideas from this section, you will find topics for different study levels. The Place For Papers experts condensed all gathered data about languages and literature topic into the following compact chart:

  • Learning foreign languages and reading classic literature for memory development.
  • Studying rare languages vs. common ones.
  • Should learning poetry at school be mandatory?
  • Reading a translated book vs. an original one.
  • Should language examinations be oral or written?
  • Contemporary or classical books for teenagers?
  • The advantages of audiobooks for elderly people.
  • Raising children on classical fairy tales or YouTube videos?
  • Pros and cons of learning a language with a native speaker.
  • “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” a Book by Mark Twain.
  • Image of American government in English and US literature.
  • Learning to read early and late in life.
  • Reading for fun or mandatory for elementary students?
  • What is more effective: frequent or prolonged language lessons?
  • Does music help when studying languages?
  • Learning a foreign language with a tutor vs. self-education.
  • The Bible: classical and contemporary versions.
  • Should elementary school students learn at least one foreign language?
  • The role of women in Italian and English literature.
  • Should kindergartens teach children to read, or is this parental responsibility?
  • Do reading habits affect children’s grammar level?
  • “The Trojan War: A New History” by Barry Strauss.
  • Video lessons vs. books when learning a new language.
  • Learning a language by watching TV series vs. the classic textbook method.
  • Creative writing: mandatory or elective?
  • The necessity of marketing research when selling products internationally.
  • English language in modern South Africa and India.
  • The difficulties of learning Cyrillic and Latin alphabets.
  • Should language dictionaries be updated yearly?
  • Reading time: morning vs. evening.
  • The meaning of black color in Mexican and Spanish literature.
  • Nature descriptions in European and Australian classic literature.

💭 Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Why not dive into human’s minds and the logic behind our decisions?

Psychology is a complicated and broad field of science. It analyzes the human mind and behavior, e.g., during listening to music, doing sports, or communicating with other people. Essays on the topic allow students to understand themselves and others.

Yes, just like that!

Comparing and contrasting items from any of the following psychological topics expand your scope significantly. Besides, these themes make it possible to look at already familiar life aspects from a different perspective.

What are we waiting for?

  • Computer games vs. traditional psychological help for post-traumatic stress disorder patients.
  • Parental homework checking vs. independent high school study.
  • Psychological effects of individual and team sports.
  • High schools with and without the grades.
  • The environmental and human values in Doughnut Economics.
  • Interactive and classic whiteboard for better understanding
  • School program with and without homework?
  • Erik Erikson’s Theory of Personality.
  • Discussing sensitive issues in-person and through texting.
  • Gamers’ toxic behavior analysis in UK and US.
  • Mandatory program vs. elective classes in middle school.
  • Informing students’ parents about the grades vs. keeping them private.
  • Organized and creatively chaotic workplaces for artists.
  • Co-ed schools and single-gender ones.
  • The effect of caring for pets and plants on teenagers.
  • Aggressive and passive-aggressive behavior.
  • Buying vs. renting an apartment.
  • Listening to music and silence for more efficient studying.
  • Would students prefer a mechanic or electronic clock during the test?
  • Parental curfew and schedule freedom for teenagers.
  • Bargaining vs. fixed price for souvenirs.
  • Wearing glasses and contacts during teenage years.
  • Allowing vs. prohibiting the cell phones for elementary students at school.
  • Cartoons: translated vs. original for kindergarteners.
  • Achievement Motivation Theory.
  • Sharing a house with other people vs. living alone.
  • Organizing vs. creating chaos.
  • Decorated vs. messy meal for better self-esteem.
  • Playing chess and fishing for patience development.
  • Full family vs. single-parent households.
  • The key differences and similarities of volunteering activities and paid jobs.
  • Mature behavior in children and juvenile acts of adults.
  • Classical and chillout music for studying.
  • Daily habits of introverts and extraverts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Discipline vs. freestyle methods of raising children.
  • Strict discipline effects on teenage boys and girls.
  • Psychologists vs. psychiatrist: rights and responsibilities.
  • Social influence of Facebook and Instagram.
  • Is video content more effective for school subjects than textbooks today?
  • Work-Life Balance and Workplace Stress Management.
  • The roles of genetics, self-care, and charisma in young adults.
  • Psychological effects of winning and losing as a sports team.
  • Painting vs. music therapy for well-being.
  • Is yoga or boxing better for anger management?
  • Religion on the Purple and Blue levels of Spiral Dynamics.
  • Sunrise and sunset effects on human mood.
  • Conscious and involuntary usage of lying.

Are you a fan of a sporty and active lifestyle?

So, let’s get down to business.

Early equivalents of modern formal sports were more focused on training hunters and warriors. You may notice that when reading about various ancient customs. Communities or individuals compete by throwing sharp objects, rolling heavy stones, or simulating a real fight.

Modern sports aim at cooperation, communication, and human physical limits exploration. Professional athletes no longer prepare for competitions alone. It is now also a scientific challenge.

Check out this compare and contrast sports topics:

  • Curling vs. hockey for children.
  • Chess and cybersport: similarities and differences.
  • Track vs. cross country running.
  • What will you choose: fitness club or home-based physical training?
  • Tennis vs. ping-pong for children’s motor skills.
  • Surfing and skateboarding: compare and contrast their safety.
  • Playing tennis with a wall vs. a human opponent.
  • Should children start doing sports from elementary school or later?
  • Morning vs. evening physical training for middle school students.
  • Parkour vs. rock climbing: training details.
  • Physical education lessons at school and the external sport clubs.
  • Chess vs. Go board game for high school students.
  • Home-based AR fitness vs. gym training with an instructor.
  • Healthy and fast-food meals: what to select for physical training?
  • College Athlete Compensation Controversy.
  • Winter and summer activities for school holidays.
  • The best way to learn swimming: individual or group training?
  • Which waves are better for surfing and wind-surfing?
  • Long vs. short haircut for sports.
  • Running with a human or dog partner?
  • Jogging with music vs. listening to nature.
  • Olympic fencing and medieval reconstruction fighting.
  • Scuba or free diving?
  • Which one is more entertaining: bobsleigh or wingsuit flying?
  • The challenges of swimming in the pool vs. open water.
  • Horse or ostrich racing competitions?
  • Social and ballroom dancing: art or sports?
  • Effects of upper and lower body training.
  • Ashtanga and Hatha yoga: which one is better for relaxation?
  • The details of running in a hot and cold environment.
  • Safe and dangerous ways to do CrossFit.
  • Boxing with and without massage: is there a difference?
  • Skiing vs. snowboarding: which sport is better for small children?

Does another scientific or technological breakthrough inspire you? Or, what if your science teacher assigned you an essay about something geeky?

Keep reading, and you’ll find fresh ideas!

Technology is a broad concept that has rapidly burst into all areas of our life. Inventions in medicine, information delivery, materials, entertainment, and surrounding world exploration lead us to a current state. If you like programming, gaming, robotics, AI, or science, this section is at your service.

Sounds good?

Pick one of the following popular compare and contrast technology topics, and describe their differences and similarities. You will quickly find plenty of information about all of the comparing items from the following topic list:

  • Laptop vs. smartphone for gaming.
  • MacBook and Windows PC: which one would you choose for programming?
  • The Role of Information Technology Innovation.
  • Compare and contrast the Fortnite online game’s PC, console, and mobile versions.
  • React or Vue as a preferable JavaScript framework for a social network development?
  • Solar panels, wind, and turbogenerators: what is more suitable for your location?
  • Wired vs. wireless internet for schools.
  • GPS navigator vs. paper map: differences and similarities.
  • The dangers and benefits of cooking on the stove and using a microwave regarding small children.
  • Who should evaluate class performance: AI or a teacher?
  • Information Technology in Transportation.
  • Which has more potential: space or ocean exploration?
  • Manual and automatic photo correction for social networks.
  • The Large Hadron Collider: experiments vs. simulations.
  • Visual and radio-telescopic space analysis.
  • Wingsuit vs. parachute: modern technologies used in the fabric.
  • Which similarities and differences do Python and Swift programming languages have?
  • Elon Musk vs. NASA: are they doing the same things or not?
  • Playing chess with a human and AI opponent.
  • Fire extinguishing from the air or land?
  • Listening to music through headphones or speakers?
  • Traditional vs. automatic farming.
  • World of Warcraft vs. Lineage 2 online computer games economics comparison.
  • Atomic clock and sundial for long-term planning.
  • Electric vs. analog acoustic guitar.
  • What similarities and differences do Space Shuttle and SpaceX reusable rockets have?
  • Plastic vs. glass windows for daily use.
  • Where are Intel processors and Apple silicon chips close to each other and apart?
  • Fingerprint vs. iris scan for mobile devices.
  • Plastic and ceramic dishes on the plane.
  • Air conditioner vs. fan.
  • Playing electric guitar with fingers or a pick?
  • Smart and mechanical watch: which will you choose for mountain climbing?
  • Canned vs. frozen food: which is better for health?
  • Augmented and virtual reality gaming.
  • Paper vs. electronic calendar for the task management.
  • Ceramic coffee cups vs. alternatives.
  • Using typewriters or word processors for writing books?
  • Central heating and boiler systems.

Compare and Contrast Essay: Point-by-Point Comparison

Don’t know how to turn your chosen topic into a strong compare and contrast school essay?

Believe it or not.

To write this kind of essay, you require figuring out a few things:

  • You need to select or know from a teacher a field of knowledge in which to look for analyzing objects.
  • Having this information, perform quick research and pick two or more items to compare.
  • Highlight a number of their similarities and differences.

The Place For Papers team prepared three sets of topics below for all school levels with numerous fresh ideas. Select the theme that fits well for your assignment and find more tips about writing an essay immediately after this section.

  • Cartoons vs. computer games for studying.
  • Field trip and in-class learning.
  • Grading students’ art works vs. discussing them only.
  • Drinking fountains vs. bottled water.
  • A handmade present vs. a bought one.
  • Snacking during class time or eating only lunch at school?
  • Having many school friends or a few close ones?
  • Celebrating your birthday at school or home?
  • Writing with a blue pen vs. colorful ones.
  • What is scarier: darkness or boogeyman?
  • Stickers or candy as a reward for correct answers?
  • A lesson about the profession vs. inviting parents as speakers.
  • Playing sports or running during PE classes?
  • Cooking vs. tasting in a nutrition class.
  • Doing homework with or without parental help?
  • Smile vs. serious face expression when saying hello.
  • Bringing candy or apples as a snack to school?
  • Studying the plants outside vs. reading in a book.
  • Starting school at 7 a.m. or 9 a.m.?
  • Sharing a desk vs. having an individual one.
  • Traveling to school on rainy and sunny days.
  • Pajama vs. regular day.
  • Football vs. baseball games.
  • Long vs. short breaks between classes.
  • Fruits and vegetables: differences and similarities.
  • What are the Sun and the Moon?
  • Having one or two-door entrances in the classroom?
  • Watching a cartoon or answering the teacher’s questions in class?
  • Real vs. plastic flowers in a classroom.
  • Assigned seats during lunch vs. choosing them.
  • Solving math problems with the teacher or independently?
  • Washing dishes or vacuuming the floors as home chores?
  • Christmas celebration at school and with family.
  • Focusing on social life vs. grades in middle school.
  • Sports vs. academic afterschool activities.
  • Speech or essay examinations?
  • Practical and theoretical biology lessons.
  • Healthy snacks or candy in school vending machines?
  • Do multiple-choice or short-answer tests evaluate the knowledge better?
  • Boarding vs. traditional schools.
  • Garage sale and school fare as a first business project.
  • Gymnastics vs. dance classes.
  • Using calculators vs. counting by hand.
  • Is studying the US or the State history more interesting?
  • How often should the exams take place: annually or after each semester?
  • Electric light vs. natural one.
  • Using chopsticks or a fork at a cafeteria?
  • Detention time vs. extra essay writing.
  • Biology vs. chemistry classes.
  • Learning about dreams and real life.
  • Should the exams be comprehensive or chapter by chapter?
  • Day and nighttime animals.
  • Waking by alarm vs. family member.
  • Traveling by train or car?
  • Wearing flip-flops vs. closed shoes to school.
  • Buying or making Halloween clothes?
  • Professional repairment vs. tinkering.
  • Babysitting vs. grass mowing as a summer job.
  • The typical mood during the summer and winter months.
  • Backpacks or school purses for carrying books?
  • Colorful vs. black and white textbooks.
  • Hurricane vs. fire drill.
  • Which is more dangerous: alligator or crocodile?
  • Eating fruits raw vs. cooking them.
  • Discussing personal problems with the family vs. solving them independently.

📐 Compare and Contrast Topics for High School

What if your background and experience make it possible to discuss and defend a chosen position?

Think about this.

You know almost all about school life and start thinking about the close/distant future. Your interests are also becoming more complex and diversified. Internet and social networks speed up this process even more.

What’s the bottom line?

Here, we put together the compare and contrast ideas that allow high school students (maybe like you?) to improve their analytical expertise and begin interesting discussions with classmates and teachers. At this study level, you may also bring the modern vision of the problem.

Take a closer look at this set of compare and contrast high school topics:

  • Social relationships in middle and high school.
  • Expectations and reality of the first year of high school.
  • Bullying effects in middle and elementary schools.
  • Popular and geeks.
  • Riding a school bus or driving a car to school?
  • Advantages of studying in the library vs. home.
  • Handwriting vs. using a computer for essays.
  • Prom traditions and beauty pageants.
  • Computer Technology Effect on Health and Social Life.
  • Scholarly articles vs. Wikipedia as sources for essay writing.
  • Marching band or cheerleading as an extracurricular activity?
  • Sex education as school or parental responsibility.
  • Basic computer science and programming.
  • Many simple tasks vs. a few complicated ones for homework.
  • Graphic design and classical painting in art classes.
  • ID-card or cash payments in a school cafeteria?
  • Information and Communication Technology in Classroom.
  • Dress code vs. free school clothes style.
  • Debate vs. Model EU clubs.
  • Formal vs. informal graduation celebrations.
  • Dictation vs. essay as a classroom activity.
  • Same or different schedules throughout the week?
  • Volunteering at an animal shelter vs. cleaning the streets.
  • Names vs. nicknames in a school setting.
  • Mandatory or chosen activities during homeroom class?
  • Geography lesson vs. travel abroad.
  • Formal and informal class structure.
  • American Presidents with and without military experience.
  • Should teachers try to be modern or remain classical?
  • Using information from a teacher vs. referring to YouTube sources.
  • Wikipedia and credible academic resources for essays.
  • Parent meeting vs. online chat.
  • Life as a popular student vs. ordinary one.
  • Schools that allow hair coloring and make-up vs. conservative ones.
  • Encouraging discussion vs. lecture format.
  • Customized vs. general class curriculum .
  • Writing notes in textbooks vs. separate documents.
  • Should school or students regulate classroom temperature?
  • Using or avoiding smartphones during the class?

You may ask: why do I need to write an essay according to any rules?

Here is the answer: the current type of academic writing teaches you to express your thoughts efficiently.

There are several critical things you need to know for successful compare and contrast essay writing. All standard essays require a thesis statement, and this exact kind is not an exception. Depending on the situation, you should select between the “point-by-point” and “subject-by-subject” article structures.

Last but not least.

You need to finalize the discussed topic in conclusion. All of these features look more complicated than they are. Below, we formed a quick, straightforward, and comprehensive tutorial describing how to write compare and contrast essays.

What do you need to work on first?

Essays of this type require an introduction paragraph with a thesis at the end. The compare and contrast thesis includes the following elements and logic:

  • It tells the reader about the necessity of the chosen topic/subject.
  • In this part of an introduction, one makes a statement that can be debatable.
  • The thesis is like a paper’s agenda that helps a reader to understand its structure.

If the topic asks a question, you should also include an answer in a thesis. Besides, do not put the subject itself in this part of an essay. Rephrase it to let readers think about the discussing theme. Usually, a thesis consists of one or two sentences.

To make it even clearer.

For example, you received a compare and contrast essay assignment on the topic: origami vs. wood carving as a hobby for modern teenagers.

The thesis can be the following: Though both wood carving and origami improve essential motor skills and 3D thinking, the latter art is more convenient for modern teenagers because it does not require specific tools and much time for learning.

Let’s analyze the headline first:

  • There are two subjects : origami and wood carving arts.
  • The “vs.” word means that you need to select one of them as a more suitable hobby for modern teenagers.
  • From the task, we know that it is a compare and contrast essay.

Let’s discuss both subjects using physical and mental points of comparison. The thesis structure is the following:

  • You tell a reader about the necessity of the chosen topic/subject, claiming that motor skills and 3D thinking are essential for teenagers.
  • The statements about motor skills, 3D thinking, specific tools, and time for learning are debatable. For instance, your classmates may argue with proof that there are many people able to master the carving quickly.
  • As you may notice, the similarities’ and differences’ order clarifies the comparison’s structure.
  • In the second part of the sentence, we provide an opinion or answer the question saying that origami art is more convenient for modern teenagers.

At times, a thesis can take more time than the whole paper creation. Some people prefer to write this part of the essay after they finish all other sections. However, this detailed guide will help you to write strong theses quickly.

Is there more than a single way to organize my essay?

Yes, there are two!

There are two ways you can compose the compare and contrast essays: point-by-point and subject-by-subject. It is necessary to select one of the mentioned types of paper organization and follow it during writing. The strictly structured article allows you to discuss the comparing subjects’ similarities and differences in a more efficient form.

You should select two or more points of comparison of the chosen items depending on the assignment requirements. Let’s assume you are comparing cartoons of the 1960s and 2000s. The points of comparison can be the following: technology, budget, and the target audience.

Now, let’s get down to the business!

Point-by-Point

How to deal with this method?

This essay organization format makes it easier for the reader to understand the comparing and contrasting discussing subjects. Each body paragraph includes both points of comparison about all picked subjects.

Enough talk!

Let’s get back to our topic about cartoons and analyze the point-by-point structure. There are two subjects: cartoons of the 1960s and cartoons of the 2000s.

  • In the first body paragraph, you ought to discuss both subjects from the technological point of view. The “technology” here is the first point of comparison.
  • In the second body paragraph, you discuss the budgets of the animation of the selected periods of our history.
  • The last body paragraph respectively is about the target audience.

Pay attention to the subjects’ order; it should be the same throughout all body paragraphs.

Subject-by-Subject

What about the subject-by-subject format?

Look: using this method, you need to review the first subject and all points of comparison about it, then the second one, and so-on depending on the paper requirements. According to the sample topic about cartoons, the basic structure of this method will be the following:

  • In the first body paragraph, you can discuss the cartoons of the 1960s and include all three comparisons: technology, budget, and the target audience.
  • The second body paragraph should be about the cartoons of the 2000s discussed from the technological, financial, and social points of view.

Discuss the points of comparison about each subject in the same order.

🎓 Compare and Contrast Essay Outline

How to assemble the compare and contrast essay from its key elements?

Knowing all the information from the previous sections, you can organize the paper. There are three standard parts that you should include in any writing of this kind: introduction, body, and conclusion.

Two of the mentioned items will be more or less similar from essay to essay.

  • The first section (introduction) persuades people to read the entire article and contains the thesis.
  • In the final part (conclusion), you summarize the paper’s key ideas in a short form.

The only difference will be in the paper’s body.

The compare and contrast essays have the following schematic structure:

A. For the point-by-point comparison method:

  • Introduction with a thesis statement.
  • The body paragraph discussing the first point of comparison about all subjects.
  • The body paragraph discussing the second point of comparison.
  • Conclusion with a summary.

B. For the subject-by-subject comparison method:

  • The body paragraph discussing the first subjects with all points of comparison about it.
  • The body paragraph discussing the second subject.

Feel free to save and use this precise and compact outline for all your compare and contrast essays.

Thank you for reading this comprehensive article. We hope this ultimate guide with examples will simplify the compare and contrast essay creation for school students of all study levels. Here is what you have learned so far:

  • We explained how to pick or create a suitable topic for this kind of essay.
  • You also figured out the selection technic of the comparison subjects. Our experts provided this information with descriptive samples.
  • The Place For Papers team put together a large collection of topics for popular and actual fields of knowledge. All 450 themes are up to date and reflect current science, social, and art tendencies.
  • You will find plenty of formulated ideas for elementary, middle, and primary school levels.
  • Students may find a detailed guide about writing compare and contrast essays handy. We clarified how to create a strong thesis, the paper’s body writing methods, and overall text structure. These materials have necessary examples with supportive explanations.

What does it mean?

The topics from the provided collection form a well-structured list. You will quickly find the required theme. We have divided these ideas into art, culture, funny, gender, health and medicine, languages and literature, psychology, sports, technology, and separate school levels sections.

Ready for action?

With this detailed article, you improve the essay writing skills and save a significant amount of time. Tell your friends about the topic ideas and share this rich collection through the favorite social media.

  • Gale: Educational Publishing Company, Questia
  • What Is Culture, Live Science
  • Medical Compare & Contrast Essay Topics, Study
  • Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences: Why Should Literature Be Used in the Language Classroom, ScienceDirect
  • Compare & Contrast Writing, Pinterest
  • How to Pick a Worthy Topic in 10 Seconds, A CS Research Topic Generator
  • History of Technology, Britannica
  • Historical comparison of gender inequality in scientific careers across countries and disciplines, PNAS
  • Comparing and Contrasting, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • 101 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics, ThoughtCo
  • Gender roles: Men and women are not so different after all, Iowa State University
  • Teaching Struggling Writers How to Write a Paragraph, SettlePi
  • School Psychology, American Psychological Association
  • 75 Dynamic Compare and Contrast Essay Topics, Your Dictionary
  • From Rocks and Spears to Laser Tag: A Brief History of Sport, ThoughtCo
  • Gender Issues: Communication Differences in Interpersonal Relationships, Ohioline
  • Compare & Contrast Essay (Examples, Structure, Topics): EssayPro, YouTube
  • Gale: Education Topics, Questia
  • The Comparative Essay, University of Toronto
  • Compare And Contrast Psychological Perspectives, IPL
  • Compare And Contrast Sports Essay, Bartleby Research
  • Measuring health care quality: comparing and contrasting the medical and the marketing approaches, PubMed
  • Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics, Pinterest
  • Compare And Contrast Technology, Bartleby Research
  • The Origins of Psychology, VeryWellMind
  • Sex and gender: What is the difference?, Medical News Today
  • Frequently asked questions about gender equality, United Nations Population Fund
  • The Purpose of Comparison and Contrast in Writing, Libraries

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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Crafting a college essay can be a pivotal moment in your academic journey. It’s an opportunity to showcase your voice, share your experiences, and stand out from the crowd. 

Picking from a vast array of college essay topics can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled an exhaustive list of 100 college essay topics. These topics are categorized to boost your creativity and help you find the perfect theme that resonates with your story. 

Get an A+ with our expert essay editing services! Learn more

We’ve also given helpful tips on how to choose and write the perfect essay for college. So let’s start by understanding how to pick the perfect college essay topic:

How to pick the perfect college essay topic

Selecting good college essay topics is more than just finding a subject that sounds impressive. It’s about finding a genuine fit for your personality and experiences. Here’s how to identify the best college essay topics for your unique narrative:

Reflect on your passions: What excites you? What are you eager to explore further?

Consider your experiences: Which life events have shaped who you are?

Identify your growth: How have challenges and obstacles contributed to your personal development?

Think about relevance: Will this topic be engaging for the admissions committee?

Be authentic: Choose a topic that allows your genuine self to shine through.

With these considerations in mind, let’s dive into a curated list of essay topics for college students, designed to spark inspiration and provoke thought.

100 Best college essay topics

We’ve created a list of the unique college essay topics that stand out to help you ace your essay!

Argumentative college essay topics

Here is a list of top argumentative essay topics for college:

1. The role of government in regulating internet content.

2. Should higher education be a right or a privilege?

3. The ethical implications of gene editing in humans.

4. Are standardized tests an accurate measure of student intelligence?

5. The impact of social media on youth and society.

6. Should college athletes be paid for playing sports?

7. The viability of a four-day workweek.

8. Is a gap year beneficial before starting college?

9. The influence of advertising on consumer behavior.

10. Privacy vs. security: How much surveillance is too much?

Persuasive essay topics for college

Here is a list of top persuasive essay topics for college:

1. The importance of arts education in schools.

2. Why volunteering should be part of the college curriculum.

3. The benefits of bilingual education.

4. The necessity of making public transport free.

5. Why we must invest in renewable energy sources.

6. The case for banning single-use plastics.

7. Should voting be mandatory?

8. The importance of preserving historical monuments.

9. Why we need stricter regulations on animal testing.

10. The need for more progressive tax systems.

Compare and contrast essay topics for college students

Here is a list of top compare-and-contrast essay topics for college:

1. Living on campus vs. commuting: Which is better for college students?

2. Online classes vs. traditional classes: A comparison of effectiveness.

3. The pros and cons of private vs. public universities.

4. Western vs. Eastern philosophies of education.

5. Fast food vs. home-cooked meals: Implications on health.

6. Traditional vs. alternative medicine: A comparative study.

7. The leadership styles of two prominent figures in history.

8. Book adaptations: When the book or the movie is better?

9. Comparing two different approaches to environmental conservation.

10. The impact of different parenting styles on child development.

Cause and effect essay topics for college students

Here is a list of top cause-and-effect essay topics for college:

1. The effects of social networking sites on communication.

2. How does consumerism affect the global economy?

3. The impact of college debt on future life choices of students.

4. The effects of global warming on polar ice caps.

5. The causes and effects of insomnia during exam periods.

6. How does stress affect health and well-being?

7. The influence of diet on cognitive functions.

8. The effects of music on mood and productivity.

9. The impact of technology on the job market.

10. Causes and effects of cultural appropriation.

Creative college essay topics

Here is a list of top creative essay topics for college:

1. Imagine a day in the life of your favorite book character.

2. If you could invent something, what would it be and why?

3. The adventures of living in a parallel universe.

4. Writing a eulogy for a historical villain.

5. A world without smartphones: Chaos or calm?

6. If you could converse with an artist from the past, who would it be?

7. The experience of time travel to your most and least favorite historical periods.

8. What if you were the president for a week?

9. If animals could form their own society, how would it look?

10. A letter to a future generation about life in the 21st century.

College essay topics about life goals

Here is a list of top life goals essay topics for college:

1. How your career goals have evolved over time.

2. The influence of a family business on your professional aspirations.

3. The importance of role models in shaping your future ambitions.

4. A major life goal and the steps you’re taking to achieve it.

5. How overcoming a significant challenge has refocused your life goals.

6. The impact of travel on your personal and professional objectives.

7. The importance of lifelong learning in your career path.

8. The role of mentorship in achieving success.

9. How do you plan to give back to your community in your future career?

10. The pursuit of happiness: Defining and achieving your life’s goals.

Informative essay topics for college

Here is a list of top informative essay topics for college:

1. The history and impact of the feminist movement.

2. The process of neural network development in artificial intelligence.

3. Exploring the causes of economic recessions.

4. The role of genetics in determining personality.

5. The significance of the Green Revolution in agriculture.

6. The evolution of space exploration technology.

7. The impact of colonialism on modern-day global relations.

8. The fundamentals of quantum computing.

9. Understanding the human impact on ocean life.

10. The rise of virtual reality and its potential applications.

Research essay topics for college

Here is a list of top research essay topics for college:

1. Analyzing the efficacy of the current educational model in fostering innovation.

2. The role of social media influencers in shaping youth culture.

3. The effects of urbanization on biodiversity.

4. The relationship between mental health and modern work culture.

5. The impact of cryptocurrencies on global finance.

6. The evolution of gender roles over the past century.

7. The influence of climate change policies on international relations.

8. The effects of diet trends on public health.

9. The future of genetic engineering in medicine.

10. The role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of employment.

Narrative essay topics for college students

Here is a list of top narrative essay topics for college:

1. The moment you overcame a profound fear.

2. An encounter that changed your perspective on life.

3. The experience of losing something or someone important.

4. A moment of failure that turned into a lesson of success.

5. Your first day at college and how it met your expectations.

6. A journey that was more than just travel.

7. A significant memory that defines your childhood.

8. The challenge of adapting to a new culture.

9. An act of kindness that left a lasting impact on you.

10. A situation where you had to stand up for what you believed in.

Personal essay topics for college students

Here is a list of top personal essay topics for college:

1. How has a book or movie influenced your understanding of the world?

2. The role of a particular extracurricular activity in shaping who you are.

3. A personal philosophy or mantra that guides your life.

4. The journey of self-discovery during your teenage years.

5. Overcoming a personal struggle to achieve a goal.

6. A cultural tradition that holds significant meaning for you.

7. The impact of a mentor or teacher on your life.

8. A pivotal moment of realization about your identity.

9. How do you cope with stress and maintain mental well-being?

10. The importance of a work-life balance in your personal vision.

Now that we have a list of 100 college essay topics that cover many types of essays and writing styles, let’s delve into how to write an essay , perfect for college!

How to write the perfect college essay

Writing an essay for college admission is not just about showcasing your knowledge; it’s about telling a story that reflects your identity, aspirations, and the value you can bring to a college community. Whether you’re starting an essay or aiming to conclude an essay , here are steps to ensure your essay stands out:

Understanding the prompt

Before you begin writing, understand the academic writing prompt thoroughly. Make sure you know what the question is asking and how you can address it in a unique way that showcases your strengths and experiences.

Choosing your topic wisely

Select a topic that resonates with you and allows you to share something personal and significant. Know which common college essay topics to avoid, and instead, choose unique college essay topics that allow your personality and voice to shine through.

Crafting a compelling introduction

Your introduction should hook the reader and set the tone for the rest of the essay. Start with an anecdote, a surprising fact, or a thought-provoking question to draw the reader in.

Developing a clear structure

Organize and format your college essay with a clear essay structure , including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph should support the main thesis outline of your essay with evidence and personal reflections.

Showcasing your voice

Your essay should sound like you. Use your own voice and avoid overly formal language. The goal is to make the reader feel as though they are getting to know the real you.

Being honest and reflective

Be honest in your writing and reflect on your experiences. Admissions officers can tell when a student is being genuine versus when they’re saying what they think the college wants to hear.

Proofreading and revising

After you’ve written your essay, take the time to do essay proofreading and edit your essay if necessary. Look for grammatical errors , check for flow, and make sure your essay is clear and concise. It can be helpful to have someone else read your essay to provide feedback. You can also use tools like essay checkers to make your work easier.

Avoiding taboo topics

There are certain college essay topics to avoid, such as those that are overly controversial, inappropriate, or cliché. Choose a topic that is meaningful but also appropriate for a diverse audience.

Some examples of essay topics to avoid include:

1. Grandiose tales of heroism that seem exaggerated or implausible.

2. The story of your achievements without reflection on the journey or challenges.

3. Controversial topics that do not contribute to a positive discourse or understanding.

4. Overly polarizing political or religious topics that may not resonate with the reader.

5. Cliched volunteer experiences that don’t reveal anything unique about you.

Ending with impact

Your conclusion should wrap up your essay without simply summarizing what you’ve already said. End with a reflection on how the topic has shaped you or how you’ve grown from the experience.

Your college essay is more than an assignment; it’s a canvas for your experiences and dreams. Choose a topic that resonates with you, and let your passion shine through your words. And while AI essay writers can provide assistance with the initial stages of drafting, the real magic comes from your personal touch and insights. 

To ensure your essay truly stands out, consider the expert editing and proofreading services offered by PaperTrue. Our team can sharpen your narrative, correct any linguistic errors, and enhance your essay’s clarity, allowing your unique voice to captivate the admissions committee. Happy writing!

Keep on reading for more useful tips:

  • Guide to a Perfect Descriptive Essay [Examples & Outline Included]
  • What Is an Adverb? Definition, Types, Differences & Examples

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Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for All Grades

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

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

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

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

A List of Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Middle School Students

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College Students

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

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

Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Fun Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

topics for compare and contrast essay for college students

Controversial Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for a Research Paper

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Computer Science

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Historical Events

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

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

How to Choose Topics for Compare and Contrast Essay?

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

How to Choose Topics for Compare and Contrast Essay

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

On a Final Note

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

If you need extra help with other assignments, let EssayService take over your writing process. Our professional writers have never failed to quickly produce custom essays suited to your unique demands and leave the target audience speechless!

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160 College Essay Topic Ideas for an Outstanding Paper

160 College Essay Topic Ideas for an Outstanding Paper

Writing a standout college essay can be one of the most important aspects of your college application.  However, selecting the right topic can often be a daunting task. With countless possibilities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of  160 best college essay topic ideas  to inspire your writing.

Then, with an essay topic idea, just start your writing. You can check our ChatGPT Prompts for Essay Writing for more writing tips with the help of AI writing tool .

Also read: Top 10 Research Topics for Students [2024 Ultimate Guide]

160 College Essay Topic Ideas for an Outstanding Paper

Table of Contents

How to Pick the Perfect College Essay Topic

  • Reflect on Personal Growth : Choose a topic that highlights a significant personal experience that showcases your development and resilience. Consider challenges you’ve overcome and the lessons learned.
  • Identify Passion and Values : Write about a subject that genuinely interests you or reflects your core values. This can be an issue you are passionate about, a unique hobby, or a defining moment that illustrates who you are.
  • Seek Uniqueness : Consider less conventional topics that may not be commonly explored by other applicants. This could be an unusual interest or a distinctive family tradition that provides insight into your character.
  • Consider Future Aspirations : Connect your topic to your future goals. An essay that explains how your experiences align with your intended field of study can demonstrate motivation and clarity.
  • Ensure Authenticity : Above all, select a topic that feels true to who you are. Authenticity resonates deeply with admissions committees and can make your essay more impactful.

By focusing on these elements, you can choose a compelling essay topic that effectively communicates your unique story and qualifications to college admissions officers.

Funny College Essay Topic Ideas

  • My Most Epic Fail: Why I Should Never Attempt DIY Projects
  • Confessions of a Caffeine Addict: A Day in the Life of My Coffee Dependence
  • How I Accidentally Joined a Cult (Sort of)
  • Lessons Learned from My Cat: The True Master of Napping
  • The Day I Tried to Be Cool and Ended Up in a Tree
  • Why I Should Have Listened to My GPS (And Other Tech Disasters)
  • My Journey to Becoming a (Terrible) Influencer
  • The Great Sibling Showdown: Who Can Make Mom Laugh More?
  • My Attempt at Going Vegan: The Hilarious Results
  • The Worst Date Ever: A Comedy of Errors
  • Why My Family Should Be on Reality TV: A Series of Unfortunate Events
  • A Love Letter to My Favorite Sweatpants
  • Why I Will Never Be an Instagram Model (And What I Learned)
  • The Day I Became the Family Chef (And Why We’re Back to Takeout)
  • Lessons from Losing a Monopoly Game: A Study in Betrayal
  • How I Accidentally Ruined Thanksgiving Dinner
  • The Time I Tried to Help My Friend Move and Ended Up in the Hospital
  • My Life as a Professional Napper: The Untold Story
  • The Misadventures of My Last Haircut: A Comedy of Errors
  • Why I Will Never Make a TikTok Dance Video Again

Argumentative College Essay Topic Ideas

  • The role of government in regulating internet content.
  • Should higher education be a right or a privilege?
  • The ethical implications of gene editing in humans.
  • Are standardized tests an accurate measure of student intelligence?
  • The impact of social media on youth and society.
  • Should college athletes be paid for playing sports?
  • The viability of a four-day workweek.
  • Is a gap year beneficial before starting college?
  • The influence of advertising on consumer behavior.
  • Privacy vs. security: How much surveillance is too much?

Persuasive College Essay Topic Ideas

  • The importance of arts education in schools.
  • Why volunteering should be part of the college curriculum.
  • The benefits of bilingual education.
  • The necessity of making public transport free.
  • Why we must invest in renewable energy sources.
  • The case for banning single-use plastics.
  • Should voting be mandatory?
  • The importance of preserving historical monuments.
  • Why we need stricter regulations on animal testing.
  • The need for more progressive tax systems.

Compare and Contrast College Essay Topic Ideas

  • Living on campus vs. commuting: Which is better for college students?
  • Online classes vs. traditional classes: A comparison of effectiveness.
  • The pros and cons of private vs. public universities.
  • Western vs. Eastern philosophies of education.
  • Fast food vs. home-cooked meals: Implications on health.
  • Traditional vs. alternative medicine: A comparative study.
  • The leadership styles of two prominent figures in history.
  • Book adaptations: When the book or the movie is better?
  • Comparing two different approaches to environmental conservation.
  • The impact of different parenting styles on child development.

Cause and Effect College Essay Topic Ideas

  • The effects of social networking sites on communication.
  • How does consumerism affect the global economy?
  • The impact of college debt on future life choices of students.
  • The effects of global warming on polar ice caps.
  • The causes and effects of insomnia during exam periods.
  • How does stress affect health and well-being?
  • The influence of diet on cognitive functions.
  • The effects of music on mood and productivity.
  • The impact of technology on the job market.
  • Causes and effects of cultural appropriation.

Creative College Essay Topic Ideas

  • Imagine a day in the life of your favorite book character.
  • If you could invent something, what would it be and why?
  • The adventures of living in a parallel universe.
  • Writing a eulogy for a historical villain.
  • A world without smartphones: Chaos or calm?
  • If you could converse with an artist from the past, who would it be?
  • The experience of time travel to your most and least favorite historical periods.
  • What if you were the president for a week?
  • If animals could form their own society, how would it look?
  • A letter to a future generation about life in the 21st century.
  • A conversation with yourself from the past.
  • What would life be like on a rogue planet?
  • If you were an ancient conqueror.
  • A children’s fairy tale.
  • What if there is no money in the world?
  • A new perspective on a famous story.
  • If you lived in another era.
  • What are animals thinking?
  • A perfect world as you see it.
  • A horror story in the style of Kafka.

College Essay Topic Ideas about Life Goals

  • How your career goals have evolved over time.
  • The influence of a family business on your professional aspirations.
  • The importance of role models in shaping your future ambitions.
  • A major life goal and the steps you’re taking to achieve it.
  • How overcoming a significant challenge has refocused your life goals.
  • The impact of travel on your personal and professional objectives.
  • The importance of lifelong learning in your career path.
  • The role of mentorship in achieving success.
  • How do you plan to give back to your community in your future career?
  • The pursuit of happiness: Defining and achieving your life’s goals.

Informative College Essay Topic Ideas

  • The history and impact of the feminist movement.
  • The process of neural network development in artificial intelligence.
  • Exploring the causes of economic recessions.
  • The role of genetics in determining personality.
  • The significance of the Green Revolution in agriculture.
  • The evolution of space exploration technology.
  • The impact of colonialism on modern-day global relations.
  • The fundamentals of quantum computing.
  • Understanding the human impact on ocean life.
  • The rise of virtual reality and its potential applications.
  • What your hometown is like.
  • What you dislike about the Internet.
  • If emotions were personified.
  • How you experience art.
  • Holiday season and nostalgia.
  • Your personal teaching experience.
  • How regular workout makes you feel.
  • The impact of music on your body.
  • National holidays in different countries.
  • Traditions you observed around the world.

Read also: 350 Expository Essay Topics & Tips for Academic Success

Research College Essay Topic Ideas

  • Analyzing the efficacy of the current educational model in fostering innovation.
  • The role of social media influencers in shaping youth culture.
  • The effects of urbanization on biodiversity.
  • The relationship between mental health and modern work culture.
  • The impact of cryptocurrencies on global finance.
  • The evolution of gender roles over the past century.
  • The influence of climate change policies on international relations.
  • The effects of diet trends on public health.
  • The future of genetic engineering in medicine.
  • The role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of employment.

Narrative College Essay Topic Ideas

  • The moment you overcame a profound fear.
  • An encounter that changed your perspective on life.
  • The experience of losing something or someone important.
  • A moment of failure that turned into a lesson of success.
  • Your first day at college and how it met your expectations.
  • A journey that was more than just travel.
  • A significant memory that defines your childhood.
  • The challenge of adapting to a new culture.
  • An act of kindness that left a lasting impact on you.
  • A situation where you had to stand up for what you believed in.
  • The life of Socrates.
  • Nero and the Roman Empire.
  • Everyday life of Puritans.
  • Events of Mexican-American War.
  • Life during the Great Depression.
  • Women in Trojan War.
  • The start of the Nuclear Age.
  • Heroes of the Space Race.
  • Pearl Harbor through the eyes of a witness.
  • The fall of the Sumer civilization.

Personal College Essay Topic Ideas

  • Your perfect date.
  • Settling an argument.
  • What’s usually in your bag.
  • Your most memorable purchase.
  • What your upbringing was like.
  • One quote that inspired you the most.
  • What you do to make the world better.
  • Where you want to spend your life.
  • When the effort was worth the result.
  • An unusual feeling you’ve experienced.
  • How has a book or movie influenced your understanding of the world?
  • The role of a particular extracurricular activity in shaping who you are.
  • A personal philosophy or mantra that guides your life.
  • The journey of self-discovery during your teenage years.
  • Overcoming a personal struggle to achieve a goal.
  • A cultural tradition that holds significant meaning for you.
  • The impact of a mentor or teacher on your life.
  • A pivotal moment of realization about your identity.
  • How do you cope with stress and maintain mental well-being?
  • The importance of a work-life balance in your personal vision.

Topics for Different College Essay Types

Below you’ll find writing prompts for problem solution, cause and effect, and definition essays. There’s also a section with personal statement essay topics. Check them out!

  • In a problem-solution essay , you need to introduce an issue and suggest several ways to fight it. Usually, each body paragraph describes a different solution. This essay aims to convince the audience that these scenarios are the best ways to eliminate the problem.
  • In a cause and effect essay , you need to discuss a problem, its reasons, and possible consequences. It’s better to pay attention to topics that involve multiple studies of the issue
  • In a definition essay , you need to explain a term, concept, or idea. Sometimes a definition is only a part of a more extensive research paper. It’s crucial to study the topic from different perspectives to provide an extended definition. Before you start working on your essay, make sure that the meaning of the word you’ve chosen is not too simple.
  • In a personal statement , you write about yourself. Writing a personal statement or a transfer essay is crucial when applying to college. How do you make it a winning paper? Read our thesis statement guide .

Steps to Write a College Essay

Writing a college essay can be a rewarding yet challenging endeavor. Here’s a structured approach to help you craft a compelling essay:

Understand the Promp t

  • Carefully read the essay prompt and make sure you understand what is being asked.
  • Highlight keywords and themes that you need to address.

Brainstorm Ideas

  • Reflect on your experiences, values, and interests that relate to the prompt.
  • Jot down stories or moments that illustrate your perspective and character.

Create an Outline

Organize your thoughts into an outline. A typical structure includes:

  • Introduction : Hook the reader with an engaging opening that introduces your main theme or story.
  • Body Paragraphs : Develop your narrative or argument, incorporating specific examples and reflections.
  • Conclusion : Summarize your main points and reflect on their significance. Consider how this ties to your future aspirations.

Write a Strong Introduction

  • Start with a compelling hook—an intriguing question, a striking fact, or a vivid anecdote.
  • Set the tone for the essay and introduce the main topic.

Develop Body Paragraphs

  • Use clear and concise language. Each paragraph should focus on a specific idea or experience.
  • Provide concrete examples that illustrate your points.

Craft a Thoughtful Conclusion

  • Reinforce your main message.
  • Discuss the importance of your experiences and how they relate to your future goals.
  • Leave the reader with a lasting impression.

Revise and Edit

  • After completing your draft, take a break before revising. Look for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Ensure your voice remains authentic.
  • Check for grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors.

Seek Feedback

  • Share your essay with trusted peers, teachers, or mentors.
  • Constructive feedback can help you refine your essay.

Tips for Success

  • Be authentic: Write in your voice and stay true to your experiences.
  • Keep the audience in mind: Tailor your content to the values and expectations of the college you’re applying to.
  • Stay within word limits: Be concise, and choose your words carefully.

By following these steps, you can write a reflective and engaging college essay that showcases your personality and sets you apart in the admissions process.

Choosing the right topic for your college essay is crucial for presenting your authentic self to admissions committees. With 160 best college essay topic ideas , you now have a wealth of options at your fingertips, ranging from lighthearted reflections to profound personal insights.

With the help of our AI writing tool , you can streamline the writing process and craft a standout college essay with confidence.

A good subject for a college essay is one that reflects your unique experiences, values, and personality while addressing the specific prompts provided by institutions. Consider writing about a significant personal challenge you overcame, as this can demonstrate resilience and growth. Reflecting on a transformative experience, whether it relates to a hobby, travel, or a pivotal moment in your life, can also provide depth and insight into your character.

Reflect on your experiences, values, and interests that relate to the prompt. Jot down stories or moments that illustrate your perspective and character.

Some of the most common college essay topics include: Overcoming Challenges : Discussing personal obstacles and how they shaped you. Personal Growth : Reflecting on significant experiences that influenced your development. A Meaningful Accomplishment : Writing about achievements that matter to you. Passions and Interests : Sharing hobbies or activities that define your identity. Influential People : Describing someone who has greatly impacted your life. Cultural Background : Exploring how your heritage has shaped your perspective. Future Goals : Outlining your aspirations and how college fits into your plans. These topics allow applicants to showcase their individuality and experiences.

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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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Sociology Research Topics Making Projects Professional

Jilian Woods

Table of Contents

Are you enthusiastic about investigating sociological issues and phenomena but every time you are assigned to such an assignment you cannot decide on appropriate sociology topics to research? The list of diverse sociology research topics can address the problem of a constant lack of creative ideas. Boost your inspiration!

Sociological Research Strategies

The choice of sociology research topics proves puzzling since it has a few intricacies you should prioritize. Primarily, it is your passion for a selected subject. Another aspect is your competence. It implies that the chosen sociology research paper topics should meet your academic goals. 

The last nuance, which is critical, but learners routinely omit, is a sociological strategy required for investigating selected sociology research topics. Competent top-rated coursework writing service authors distinguish a few major sociological methods that can be employed for revealing sociology research topics thoroughly.

  • Information analysis. 

While most inexperienced authors use this method as only one in their studies, it is one of the numerous strategies you can take to deep dive into sociology research paper topics.

  • Case studies.

Investigating particular cases independently or gleaning ideas from earlier prepared studies is always a viable option.

Concluding on an in-depth representative sample is more sensible than gathering merely theoretical data without practical evidence.

  • Interviews.

Savvy specialists are familiar with insights into research topics for sociology and share their expertise in such conversations.

When you have structured details about sociological research methods and are aware of how to employ them in practice, your chances of conveying the main message and revealing sociology topics decently are doubled. Authors familiar with basic methodological techniques no longer face a lack of creative ideas and data while completing research projects. 

Interesting Sociology Research Topics

Sociology topics to research comprise questions related to the interaction between diverse cultures, social institutions and their place in people’s socialization, personal identity determination, educational systems and their effect on the economic development of the states, political systems, place of technology in social classes stratification, behavior patterns, and many other sociology research topics you can investigate in your sociology research paper . 

Sociology research topics are routinely categorized by aspects they cover within sociology as a science. However, ten interesting sociology research topics on various sociological niches are gathered below to highlight the most pressing issues in the field. Look through the sociology research topics list and glean ideas for custom titles.

  • Problems of social mobility and migration processes in the world.
  • Sociological interpretation of social self-organization.
  • Social stratification measurement criteria.
  • Social status: Psychological pressure and biases.
  • National mentality influences a country’s brand.
  • Traditions and laws are regulators of human behavior.
  • Interaction of social and personal values.
  • Specificity of social conflicts between individuals of different social statuses.
  • Social innovation: Breakthrough in self-acceptance and personal awareness.
  • Social process management: Major stakeholders.

Easy sociology research topics

If it is your primary experience of investigating sociology research topics, what about clear-cut but interesting sociology research topics? The straightforward titles do not imply worse results but guarantee sufficient theoretical and empirical information on such subjects. Check a few simple sociology research topics below.

  • The social knowledge structure. 
  • The role of sociology in modern society formation.
  • Empirical sociology in the structure of social knowledge.
  • Staging of the formation and development of sociology as an independent science.
  • Positive and negative aspects of marginalization.
  • Social structure transformation trends.
  • Socialization’s role in the person’s awareness of their identity.
  • Decision management specifics in interpersonal relationships.
  • Models of economic behavior in countries with a high development level.
  • Effective methods for fostering employee motivation.

Sociology research topics for high school students

Finding good sociology research topics is not as challenging as opting for ideas that meet the project instructions. If your task description gives you freedom of choice, you can look through the following sociology research topics list and opt for a perfect match to your interests. 

  • Peer pressure influences decision-making.
  • Teens’ sociological data processing methodology. 
  • Factors of young people’s opinion formation. 
  • Teen’s social adaptation after emigration. 
  • Symbols of national culture.
  • Social space interpretation’s effect on youth’s worldviews.
  • Social efficiency of law in less developed countries.
  • Manifestations of social maturity in practice.
  • Ageism is an obstacle to adaptation in the workplace.
  • Social capital in economic relations.

Sociology research topics on mental health

Anxiety, mental disorders, lack of sleep, and energy are critical social issues of the current technological generation. If you opt for such sociology research topics and dive deeper into their investigation, chances of completing a project at a decent score are high. Become familiar with good topics for sociology research paper relevant to a huge audience.

  • Impact of social inequalities on mental health. 
  • Background anxiety is a consequence of excess dopamine. 
  • Practices of spreading awareness of the healthy sleep cruciality.
  • Can health have a valuable dimension in modern society?
  • Mainstreaming the mental disorders issue among young people at the state level.
  • Impact of mental health care institutes’ policies on citizens’ decision-making patterns. 
  • Dependence of the population’s psychological development level on the state’s social development.
  • Stress resistance is the basis of professional health.
  • Mental health is an economic and social good.
  • The practice of including mental health services in work insurance plans.

Sociology research topics on family

The gap between young people’s and adults’ perceptions of family is growing so the research focus shifts to innovative sociology marriage and family research topics. As sociology is a multifaceted field, the variety of family sociology topics is immense.

  • Family roles: Individual’s self-determination. 
  • Intergenerational ties and gaps in worldview. 
  • Key causes of marriage breakdown: Psychological incompatibilities of partners. 
  • Proven practices of building mutual understanding on issues of raising children as a couple. 
  • Globalizing systems of marital relations. 
  • Psychological trauma at an early age affects the future success of an individual.
  • The family’s function of emotional satisfaction.
  • Living conditions and psycho-emotional state and their relationship with the mental health of family members.
  • Legal protection of low-income families creates development opportunities.
  • Leadership in the family: Cultural features.

Sociology research topics on gender

Gender identity, equality, rights, inclusion, and related sociology research topics are currently on the agenda. What research topics for sociology on gender do seem more eye-catching?

  • Feminine and masculine traits: Foundations of gender profiling.
  • Gender socialization in the family.
  • The impact of feminism on worldview. 
  • The place of parental instincts in gender determination. 
  • Gender social norms: Information pressure.
  • Reducing the social distance between people of different genders.
  • Women in geopolitics in retrospect.
  • Gender identification and stereotypes.
  • Staging of the gender formation: Biological and sociological categories.
  • Gender polarization issue.

Medical sociology research topics

Healthcare involves many stakeholders and takes a critical place in social life. Interactions between individuals, social phenomena in the medical field, and other sociology topics for research paper are appropriate for in-depth analysis. The issues of society’s perception of chronic and infectious diseases are pressing and may be effective options for sociology topics to research. It is up to you what aspect of healthcare sociology research topics to focus on.

  • Pandemics have social phenomena peculiarities.
  • Medical assistance and medical care differences in practice.
  • Methods of sociological analysis of health care problems.
  • The medical care availability’s influence on the mood of the population.
  • Social causes and consequences of diseases.
  • Spreading the ideas of preventive medicine in society.
  • Accelerated trend of infections and viruses spread due to globalization.
  • The impact of the aging of the nation on losses in the country’s health care sector.
  • Ethics in medical practice.
  • The specifics of medical statistics analytics.

Political sociology research paper topics

The scope of political science covers great sociology research topics worthy of discussion in your research project. A vast bulk of surveys, interviews, polls, and statistics are available on the internet and may be potential information material for in-depth study of topics for sociology research paper. Figure out intriguing sociology research topics about politics from the below examples.

  • Forecasting the political situation in conditions of instability. 
  • Political manipulation: Techniques of taking an advantageous position in the international arena. 
  • Social pressure on political elites in retrospect. 
  • Political sociology through the prism of philosophy. 
  • Distribution of power in society. 
  • The political consciousness phenomenon.
  • A striking difference between democratic and totalitarian political institutions. 
  • Political opposition: Strong advantages and pitfalls.
  • Political privileges boost social stratification.
  • Political parties’ evolution determines a country’s involved potential.

The diversity of sociology research topics rarely leads to a lack of creativity in opting for appropriate sociology topics for investigation. The above list of sociology research paper topics proves the facts. Nevertheless, learners face the wide selection of sociology research topics as a puzzling challenge having no idea how to finally decide what are genuinely good sociology research topics. Look through expert research topics in sociology and craft authentic social studies topics focusing on your needs and practical experience. Properly formulated sociology research topics are half of success!

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How To Tackle The Weirdest Supplemental Essay Prompts For This Application Cycle

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Writing the college essay

How do you write a letter to a friend that shows you’re a good candidate for the University of Pennsylvania? What reading list will help the Columbia University admissions committee understand your interdisciplinary interests? How can you convey your desire to attend Yale by inventing a course description for a topic you’re interested in studying?

These are the challenges students must overcome when writing their supplemental essays . Supplemental essays are a critical component of college applications—like the personal statement, they provide students with the opportunity to showcase their authentic voice and perspective beyond the quantitative elements of their applications. However, unlike the personal essay, supplemental essays allow colleges to read students’ responses to targeted prompts and evaluate their candidacy for their specific institution. For this reason, supplemental essay prompts are often abstract, requiring students to get creative, read between the lines, and ditch the traditional essay-writing format when crafting their responses.

While many schools simply want to know “why do you want to attend our school?” others break the mold, inviting students to think outside of the box and answer prompts that are original, head-scratching, or downright weird. This year, the following five colleges pushed students to get creative—if you’re struggling to rise to the challenge, here are some tips for tackling their unique prompts:

University of Chicago

Prompt: We’re all familiar with green-eyed envy or feeling blue, but what about being “caught purple-handed”? Or “tickled orange”? Give an old color-infused expression a new hue and tell us what it represents. – Inspired by Ramsey Bottorff, Class of 2026

What Makes it Unique: No discussion of unique supplemental essay prompts would be complete without mentioning the University of Chicago, a school notorious for its puzzling and original prompts (perhaps the most well-known of these has been the recurring prompt “Find x”). This prompt challenges you to invent a new color-based expression, encouraging both linguistic creativity and a deep dive into the emotional or cultural connotations of color. It’s a prompt that allows you to play with language, think abstractly, and show off your ability to forge connections between concepts that aren’t typically linked—all qualities that likewise demonstrate your preparedness for UChicago’s unique academic environment.

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How to Answer it: While it may be easy to get distracted by the open-ended nature of the prompt, remember that both the substance and structure of your response should give some insight into your personality, perspective, and characteristics. With this in mind, begin by considering the emotions, experiences, or ideas that most resonate with you. Then, use your imagination to consider how a specific color could represent that feeling or concept. Remember that the prompt is ultimately an opportunity to showcase your creativity and original way of looking at the world, so your explanation does not need to be unnecessarily deep or complex—if you have a playful personality, convey your playfulness in your response; if you are known for your sarcasm, consider how you can weave in your biting wit; if you are an amateur poet, consider how you might take inspiration from poetry as you write, or offer a response in the form of a poem.

The goal is to take a familiar concept and turn it into something new and meaningful through a creative lens. Use this essay to showcase your ability to think inventively and to draw surprising connections between language and life.

Harvard University

Prompt: Top 3 things your roommates might like to know about you.

What Makes it Unique: This prompt is unique in both form and substance—first, you only have 150 words to write about all 3 things. Consider using a form other than a traditional essay or short answer response, such as a bullet list or short letter. Additionally, note that the things your roommate might like to learn about you do not necessarily overlap with the things you would traditionally share with an admissions committee. The aim of the prompt is to get to know your quirks and foibles—who are you as a person and a friend? What distinguishes you outside of academics and accolades?

How to Answer it: First and foremost, feel free to get creative with your response to this prompt. While you are producing a supplemental essay and thus a professional piece of writing, the prompt invites you to share more personal qualities, and you should aim to demonstrate your unique characteristics in your own voice. Consider things such as: How would your friends describe you? What funny stories do your parents and siblings share that encapsulate your personality? Or, consider what someone might want to know about living with you: do you snore? Do you have a collection of vintage posters? Are you particularly fastidious? While these may seem like trivial things to mention, the true creativity is in how you connect these qualities to deeper truths about yourself—perhaps your sleepwalking is consistent with your reputation for being the first to raise your hand in class or speak up about a cause you’re passionate about. Perhaps your living conditions are a metaphor for how your brain works—though it looks like a mess to everyone else, you have a place for everything and know exactly where to find it. Whatever qualities you choose, embrace the opportunity to think outside of the box and showcase something that admissions officers won’t learn about anywhere else on your application.

University of Pennsylvania

Prompt: Write a short thank-you note to someone you have not yet thanked and would like to acknowledge.

What Makes it Unique: Breaking from the traditional essay format, this supplement invites you to write directly to a third party in the form of a 150-200 word long letter. The challenge in answering this distinct prompt is to remember that your letter should say as much about you, your unique qualities and what you value as it does about the recipient—all while not seeming overly boastful or contrived.

How to Answer it: As you select a recipient, consider the relationships that have been most formative in your high school experience—writing to someone who has played a large part in your story will allow the admissions committee some insight into your development and the meaningful relationships that guided you on your journey. Once you’ve identified the person, craft a thank-you note that is specific and heartfelt—unlike other essays, this prompt invites you to be sentimental and emotional, as long as doing so would authentically convey your feelings of gratitude. Describe the impact they’ve had on you, what you’ve learned from them, and how their influence has shaped your path. For example, if you’re thanking a teacher, don’t just say they helped you become a better student—explain how their encouragement gave you the confidence to pursue your passions. Keep the tone sincere and personal, avoid clichés and focus on the unique role this person has played in your life.

University of Notre Dame

Prompt: What compliment are you most proud of receiving, and why does it mean so much to you?

What Makes it Unique: This prompt is unique in that it invites students to share something about themselves by reflecting on someone else’s words in 50-100 words.

How to Answer it: The key to answering this prompt is to avoid focusing too much on the complement itself and instead focus on your response to receiving it and why it was so important to you. Note that this prompt is not an opportunity to brag about your achievements, but instead to showcase what truly matters to you. Select a compliment that truly speaks to who you are and what you value. It could be related to your character, work ethic, kindness, creativity, or any other quality that you hold in high regard. The compliment doesn’t have to be grand or come from someone with authority—it could be something small but significant that left a lasting impression on you, or it could have particular meaning for you because it came from someone you didn’t expect it to come from. Be brief in setting the stage and explaining the context of the compliment—what is most important is your reflection on its significance and how it shaped your understanding of yourself.

Stanford University

Prompt: List five things that are important to you.

What Makes it Unique: This prompt’s simplicity is what makes it so challenging. Stanford asks for a list, not an essay, which means you have very limited space (50 words) to convey something meaningful about yourself. Additionally, the prompt does not specify what these “things” must be—they could be a physical item, an idea, a concept, or even a pastime. Whatever you choose, these five items should add depth to your identity, values, and priorities.

How to Answer it: Start by brainstorming what matters most to you—these could be values, activities, people, places, or even abstract concepts. The key is to choose items or concepts that, when considered together, provide a comprehensive snapshot of who you are. For example, you might select something tangible and specific such as “an antique telescope gifted by my grandfather” alongside something conceptual such as “the willingness to admit when you’re wrong.” The beauty of this prompt is that it doesn’t require complex sentences or elaborate explanations—just a clear and honest reflection of what you hold dear. Be thoughtful in your selections, and use this prompt to showcase your creativity and core values.

While the supplemental essays should convey something meaningful about you, your values, and your unique qualifications for the university to which you are applying, the best essays are those that are playful, original, and unexpected. By starting early and taking the time to draft and revise their ideas, students can showcase their authentic personalities and distinguish themselves from other applicants through their supplemental essays.

Christopher Rim

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  1. 5 Compare and Contrast Essay Examples (Full Text) (2024)

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  3. 101 Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas for Students

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  5. Comparison Writing Prompts for Kids

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  1. 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.

  2. 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.

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    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.

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    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 ...

  5. 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.

  6. 101 Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas for Students

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

  7. Compare and Contrast College Essay Topics

    Common compare words include: like, as well as, similar to, similarly, and in common. Contrast words include: although, yet, contrary to, in contrast, and however. It's important to vary your words, so pepper a variety of these words throughout the essay. Compare and contrast essays are a great option when you have to come up with your own ...

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    Controversial Compare and Contrast Essay Topics. Saving money or not. Public vs private college. Monarchy vs democracy. Theory vs practical. Higher education or job. Plastic vs paper. The political system of US vs the UK. 3D movies or 4D movies.

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    Popular Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students. Online education vs. Traditional education: Flexibility and effectiveness. Renewable energy vs. Non-renewable energy: Environmental impact. Plant-based diet vs. Meat-based diet: Health implications.

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    Whether you're in middle school, high school, or college, these compare and contrast essay ideas will help you get inspired to write some great work. Dictionary Thesaurus Sentences ... With 75 compare and contrast essay topics on this list, you're guaranteed to find an idea that interests you!

  11. 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.

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

    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.

  13. 100 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

  14. 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 ...

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    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.

  16. 50+ Compare And Contrast Essay Topics For College

    Compare And Contrast Essay Topics About Tv Shows, Music And Movies. Dance music vs heavy metal. Horror. vs thriller movies. 80's romantic music vs today's romantic music. Classical music vs jazz. James Bond vs Frank Sinatra. Hollywood vs Bollywood. Vietnam war movies vs superhero movies. Superman vs Batman.

  17. 170 Comparative Essay Topics

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

  18. 465 Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students

    75 Dynamic Compare and Contrast Essay Topics, Your Dictionary. From Rocks and Spears to Laser Tag: A Brief History of Sport, ThoughtCo. Gender Issues: Communication Differences in Interpersonal Relationships, Ohioline. Compare & Contrast Essay (Examples, Structure, Topics): EssayPro, YouTube.

  19. Compare & Contrast Essay Topics for College

    He has taught English, language arts, and social studies to students from both middle and high school. Read on to discover a list of compare and contrast essay topics for college students. These ...

  20. 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 ...

  21. 100 Best College Essay Topics & How to Pick the Perfect One!

    Compare and contrast essay topics for college students. Here is a list of top compare-and-contrast essay topics for college: 1. Living on campus vs. commuting: Which is better for college students? 2. Online classes vs. traditional classes: A comparison of effectiveness. 3. The pros and cons of private vs. public universities. 4.

  22. Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for All Academic Levels

    Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics. Designed to hone your analytical prowess, here is a wealth of intriguing compare and contrast ideas with our list of psychology essay topics: Nature vs. Nurture: Influence on Personality Development. Freudian Psychoanalysis vs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

  23. 160 College Essay Topic Ideas for an Outstanding Paper

    Compare and Contrast College Essay Topic Ideas. Living on campus vs. commuting: Which is better for college students? Online classes vs. traditional classes: A comparison of effectiveness. The pros and cons of private vs. public universities. Western vs. Eastern philosophies of education.

  24. 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.

  25. Create Your Custom Idea from Sociology Research Topics

    Sociology research topics for high school students. Finding good sociology research topics is not as challenging as opting for ideas that meet the project instructions. If your task description gives you freedom of choice, you can look through the following sociology research topics list and opt for a perfect match to your interests.

  26. How To Tackle The Weirdest Supplemental Essay Prompts For This ...

    For this reason, supplemental essay prompts are often abstract, requiring students to get creative, read between the lines, and ditch the traditional essay-writing format when crafting their ...