compare and contrast essay topics for middle school

101 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Great Ideas for Essays

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

Brainstorming Tip

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

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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34 Compelling Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

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

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

What is a compare and contrast essay?

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

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

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

Education and Parenting Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Private school vs. public school.

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

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

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

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

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

Which parenting style is right for you?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Technology Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

iPhone vs. Android: Which is better for you?

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

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

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

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

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

PS5 vs. Nintendo Switch

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

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

What is the difference between Facebook and Instagram?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pop Culture Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Christina aguilera vs. britney spears.

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

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

Harry Styles vs. Ed Sheeran

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

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

The Grinch: Three Versions Compared

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

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

Historical and Political Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

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

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

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

Contrast Between Obama and Trump Has Become Clear

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

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

Sports Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Lebron james vs. kobe bryant: a complete comparison.

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

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

NFL: Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning Rivalry Comparison

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

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

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

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

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

Is Soccer Better Than Football?

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

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

Lifestyle Choices Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

Artificial Grass vs. Turf: The Real Differences Revealed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Healthcare Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pros and Cons of Physician Aid in Dying

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

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

Animals Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Compare and contrast paragraph—dogs and cats.

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

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

Giddyup! The Differences Between Horses and Dogs

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

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

Exotic, Domesticated, and Wild Pets

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

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

Should Zoos Be Banned? Pros & Cons of Zoos

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

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

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125 Intriguing Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

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50 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

It’s not just a black-and-white question — or is it? We’ve rounded up 50 intriguing compare and contrast essay topics to fuel students’ curiosity and analytical skills. Our topics are designed to spark critical thinking and can be modified for students in elementary, middle and high school. They are grouped by topic for easy student and teacher reference. Feel free to print the entire list for plenty of inspiration for your next compare-and-contrast essay assignment!

Would You Rather…

• Go on a luxurious vacation or build your dream home?
• Run a restaurant or a clothing store?
• Travel to outer space or the bottom of the ocean?
• Play on an Olympic team or compete as an individual athlete in a sport such as running or skiing?
• Eat nothing but dessert for the rest of your life or nothing but vegetables?
• Know how to sing or know how to dance?
• Have a lot of money or have a lot of friends?
• Use only computers and no cell phones or use only cell phones and no computers?
• Have the super power of flight or invisibility?
• Live in a house made of glass or a house made of cotton?

Tough Questions

• Compare and contrast America’s approach to democracy to another country’s approach to democracy.
• Compare and contrast the feeling of being afraid with the feeling of being bored.
• Compare and contrast life as an elderly person with life as a small child.
• Compare and contrast the impact of hurricanes and blizzards.
• Compare and contrast the experience of being the president of the United States with the experience of being an average homeless person in an American city.
• Compare and contrast the influence of parents and celebrities on the opinions of an average teenager.
• Compare and contrast the experience of being stranded in a lifeboat with that of being lost in the Alaskan wilderness.
• Compare and contrast the experience of being famous but friendless with the experience of being well-loved but unknown by anyone other than your friends and family.
• Compare and contrast homeschooling with public school.
• Compare and contrast going to jail with paying a large fine.
• Compare and contrast physical beauty with strong character.
• Compare and contrast the demands of working as a surgeon and working as a miner.
• Which is harder: living up to other people’s expectations or following your own dreams?
• Which is easier: being a boy or being a girl?
• Compare and contrast interactions via social media with face-to-face interactions.
• Compare and contrast the convenience and environmental impact of commuting by public transportation or by bicycle versus commuting by car.
• Compare and contrast the cost and health benefits of eating organic foods versus eating conventional foods.
• Compare and contrast the effectiveness of detention versus additional academic assignments for school discipline.
• Compare and contrast the importance of speaking well versus listening well.
• Compare and contrast the challenges of being a baby to those of being a teenager.

Which Is Better?

• Traveling in a plane or a train?
• Having a cat or a dog?
• Having a small family or a large family?
• Being intelligent or being happy?
• Summer or winter?
• Savory foods or sweet foods?
• Movies or television?
• Math or science?
• Art or music?
• Camping or staying in a hotel?
• Paper books or e-books?
• Cars or trucks?
• Computers or smartphones?
• Small towns or big cities?
• Traveling alone or staying home with family?
• Visiting a museum or visiting a library?
• Giving or receiving?
• Watching sports or playing sports?
• Flowers or trees?
• Walking or bike riding?

  Looking for more essay topics? Descriptive Essay Topics Cause and Effect Essay Topics Narrative Essay Topics Persuasive Essay and Speech Topics

127 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

13 December, 2020

13 minutes read

Author:  Elizabeth Brown

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to write a compare and contrast essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

What makes good compare and contrast essay topics

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

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

Availability of trusted sources.

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

Recommendation of a tutor.

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

Proper formatting style.

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

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

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

Sources of interesting topics

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

• Social media.
• Scientific journals.

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

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

Easy compare and contrast essay topics for college students

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

Funny compare and contrast essay topics

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

Historical topics

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

Compare and contrast essay between two jobs

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

Compare and contrast essay between two cultures

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

Interesting topics about literature

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

Topics related to movies and cinematography

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

Music and arts-related topics

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

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

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Ethical Research Paper Topics

Writing a research paper on ethics is not an easy task, especially if you do not possess excellent writing skills and do not like to contemplate controversial questions. But an ethics course is obligatory in all higher education institutions, and students have to look for a way out and be creative. When you find an […]

Art Research Paper Topics

Students obtaining degrees in fine art and art & design programs most commonly need to write a paper on art topics. However, this subject is becoming more popular in educational institutions for expanding students’ horizons. Thus, both groups of receivers of education: those who are into arts and those who only get acquainted with art […]

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28 Expository Writing Prompts for Middle School

October 12, 2014 in  Pedagogy

The ability to provide information in different contexts is essential to effective communication. Students must practice expository writing throughout their academic careers. The sooner they start, the better. Below are some descriptive, sequential, compare and contrast, cause and effect, and problem/solution writing prompts to help you give your students the practice they need.

Descriptive

• Write an essay describing your school to a potentially new student.
• Write an essay describing the appeal of reality TV shows.
• Write an essay describing a rainy night.
• Write an essay describing your first pet.
• Write an essay describing your first memory.
• It’s Christmas morning and there is a package under the tree containing exactly what you requested. Describe the contents of your package..
• Write an essay describing how you feel when you wake up and discover snow on the ground outside — and school has been cancelled.
• Writing an essay explaining the process you use to style your hair in the morning.
• You have invited your two best friends to spend the afternoon at your home. Write an essay telling how your prepare for their visit.
• Everyone has lost something at one time or another. Write an essay telling what you did to find what you had lost.
• Describe how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
• Tell how you wash your hair.
• Describe the plot of your favorite book.

Compare and Contrast

• Write an essay comparing and contrasting ownership of cats and dogs.
• Compare and contrast this year in school to last year.
• Compare and contrast your two favorite characters.
• Compare and contrast your family’s home and the home of your dreams.
• Compare and contrast a typical day in your life today and what you think a typical day in your life will be like when you are 25.
• Compare and contrast your two favorite teachers.

Cause and Effect

• Write an essay telling how peer pressure has affected you this year.
• Write an essay explaining what causes students to drop out of high school.
• Discuss the causes and effects of bullying in schools.
• Discuss the causes and effects of poverty in rural (urban) areas.
• Discuss the causes and effects of drug or alcohol use on families.

Problem/Solution

• Most students do not read or watch news, resulting in a lack of knowledge about the world outside of their immediate neighborhood. Write an essay describing why this is a problem and telling how this problem might be solved.
• Think about the community in which you live. What could you do to make it a better place? Choose one problem that needs to be solved to make your community a better place to live. Write a letter to the editor describing how solving this problem would make your community a better place, and tell what you would do. Give reasons why you think your plan would work.
• Think about what you could do to make your school more beautiful. Think about how you would do this. How could you persuade the people in your school that your idea is a good one? Write a letter to the principal of your school asking for support for your plan for making your school more beautiful. Tell what you would do and how you would do it. Explain why you think your plan is important and why it would work.
• Think about animal abuse. Some people abuse animals by being intentionally cruel to them or neglecting their basic needs; others abuse animals out of ignorance. Think about what could be done to prevent both kinds of animal abuse. Write a letter to leaders in your community describing how you would solve this problem, and how treating animals better would improve the lives of animals and people. Explain why you think your plan will work.

Related topics: Informative Writing , Quickwriting

About the author 

Michelle Boyd Waters, M.Ed.

I am a secondary English Language Arts teacher, a University of Oklahoma student working on my doctorate in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum with an concentration in English Education and co-Editor of the Oklahoma English Journal. I am constantly seeking ways to amplify students' voices and choices.

• Pingback: Writing in the Middle School-Thoughts and Ideas | Teachers Pondering

the prompt should be harder,and including a think about and quote.

Thank you very much for your input, Amelia!

this info is very helpful and all but right now at school (i am in middle school) i have to write an expisitory essay on any topic i am really having trouble finding a topic but it has to be something u can argue like for example: football: people think it is a dangerous sport but the rules have changed more saftey… yeah stuff like that something u can argue ur opinion and so far i have nothing i was really hoping this would help but no but thx anyways i am gonna go to another website but in the future this could really help thx!!!!

But it makes your teacher happy to know what your input is for example what your input is about bullying and drugs.

Thank you so much for this. I need to give my 8th-grader, reluctant writer, some options for what he writes as practice on spring break. This is a great list. I added one about describing the appeal of the YouTube videos he watches, and another about the cause-and-effect of DOnald Trump’s candidacy, since my son is very interested in Trump.

Thank you this helped a lot when I didn’t know what to write for my essay.

I really like this website because i like writing essays for practice and these are a little difficult but It is good for it to be a little diffcult because it is more challenging.

These are great! I will be using these suggestions with my 6th graders! I love expository writing!!!! 🙂

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Best Inspiration for Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Students

Updated 20 Aug 2024

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

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

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

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay?

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

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

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

Right Compare and Contrast Essay Structure

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

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

• Get your Paper Started

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

• Work on the Body

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

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

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

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

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

Choosing Suitable Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas

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

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

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

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

Best Writing Tips for Your Success

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 2024

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

Compare and Contrast Topics on Education

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

History, Anthropology, and Political Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Opposite Things to Compare and Contrast

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

Compare and Contrast Topics for Beginners

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

IT and Social Media Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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Movies, Music, and Art

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

Literature Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Scientific Compare and Contrast Topics

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

Philosophy Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas

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

Religion Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Intriguing Topics for Middle School Students

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

6th Grade Comparative Essay Topics

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

General Essay Writing Prompts

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

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

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20 Compare and Contrast Activities for Middle Schoolers

June 29, 2022 //  by  Morgan Brownlee

Compare and contrast activities are excellent for helping students see the differences between two seemingly similar ideas or events, or the similarities in ideas or events which may seem completely contradictory. They help students visualize complexities and build a deeper sense of understanding.

By including these compare and contrast activities for middle school in your lesson plans across curricula, teachers can help students make connections that last a lifetime.

English Language Arts (ELA) Compare and Contrast Activities

1. books and movies venn diagram.

Once in middle school, students begin to read more complex novels with deeper meanings. Many of these impactful books have been made into movies. Through the use of a Venn Diagram, students can analyze how movies capture the important elements of the books they portray.

Learn More: Pinterest

2. Signal Words

To have students practice linguistic skills behind comparing and contrasting, have them write a journal entry comparing/contrasting two things they are interested in. Provide them with a list of signal words to use, such as “also”, “similarly”, and “whereas”. This list is beneficial for all learners, from elementary students to college students!

Learn More: Easy Teaching

3. Compare/Contrast Essay for Stories

This is one that’s vitally important for the advancement of literacy skills. Being able to craft a written essay about what students know is a skill that’ll continue to benefit them not only academically but as global citizens.

Learn More: Thought Co.

4. Aesop’s Fables

Using free online reading passages , students can compare and contrast how stories are told and why details matter. You can even assign a variety of tasks to help students sort out similarities and differences according to student learning styles!

Learn More: UMass

5. Four Corners

Label each corner of the room with A, B, C, or D. Have 3/4 of students be “players” while a secret 1/4 are “fibbers”. Read different prompting questions or statements about comparing and contrasting and have students move to which corner they think represents the correct answer. The “fibbers” can move to any corner to try to fool other students and sway their thinking!

Learn More:  WikiHow

Math Compare and Contrast Activities

6. peer review.

Comparing answers and methods in mathematical operations can help students see where they might have gone wrong. Before revealing the correct answer to a problem, have students pair up with their shoulder partner to compare their processes and results. If they have different answers, they may need to review to see where someone went wrong.

Learn More:  Algebra And Beyond

7. Compare/Contrast Methods

Sometimes there are multiple ways to reach a conclusion. Try teaching different methods to students, then have them compare the techniques and decide which one they think is more natural for them.

Learn More: Minds In Bloom

8. In All Shapes & Sizes

Compare and contrast different shapes (2D or 3D) with objects around you. This is perfect for younger students and students who are still working on mastering the basics. You can even try this using specific molds of food or play materials, like play-doh.

Learn More: Dreams Time

9. Monster Cards

Using monsters printed on cards, have students compare different elements of the monsters. This combines the knowledge from ELA lessons about signal words with the mathematics of counting and shape identification!

Learn More:  Twinkl

Learning how to plot points on a chart can really assist students in learning how to notice differences in trends or data, especially if they’re visual learners! Start by giving them 2 different sets of statistics, then have them plot the points on a line chart. Then, compare and contrast the two lines!

Learn More: Study

Science Compare and Contrast Activities 

Similar to the chart activity for math, using graphs can show students in the science classroom the differences in data collection. The New York Times has a massive list of charts for free that you can use to help students learn how to decipher their meanings.

Learn More: NY Times

12. Different Sources for Data

Have students compile a list of sources for a given topic, then compare/contrast that information using a graphic organizer. This can help them sort out fact from opinion, and what’s been proven versus what may just be speculation on the subject.

Learn More:  Study Lib

13. Task Cards

Students can compare and contrast using task cards. These task cards can be virtual or hard copy and they cue the students to sort out what is the same and what is different. Just make your cards according to your topic, or use some pre-made ones!

Learn More: Boom Learning

14. Different DNA

Compare/Contrast at home with the differences amongst family members! Have students compile a list of similarities and differences between them and their relatives. Even if they’re not blood-related, they may be surprised to realize just how many qualities they have that are the same, as all humans are 99% identical genetically! Have them put it in a Venn Diagram or other graphic organizer for easy comparing.

Learn More: Family Locket

15. Latin Root

Studying the Latin roots of scientific names can help kids realize patterns of similarities within the terms. This can even be collected through an anchor chart that you add to all year long to help keep students reminded of what they’ve already learned.

Learn More:  Rock In Resources

History and Social Studies Compare and Contrast Activities

16. venn diagrams.

Once again, a Venn Diagram may be the most efficient way to organize information for learners when it comes to historical events and leaders. Simply take the two subjects you’re learning about and see where they’re the same and where they’re different.

17. 2 Sides to Every Story

Divide the classroom in half. Read a prompt and have students move to one side of the room or the other according to what they think is true, then give 1 student from each side a chance to make a plea to try to convince members of the other side to flip. Not only is this comparing/contrasting 2 ideas, but it also has students think critically and logically about their options, and it’s fun for students to get to move.

Learn More:  Strictly Positive Teaching

18. Historical Figure Charts for Students

Teaching students about different historical figures can get confusing, so by having them create a chart about different people in history you can help them organize their thoughts and facts to later be able to compare.

19. Compare/Contrast Essay

Another cross-curricular activity that’s great for middle school student literacy growth is a historical compare and contrast essay! Give them some freedom in topic choice to promote interest.

Learn More: iUniversity Prep

20. Piktochart

An online tool students may find engaging is Piktochart! The teacher can make the Piktochart teach with or allow students to create one according to different aspects of history you’re studying in class.

Learn More: Pikto Chart

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

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.

On this Page

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

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

• Good Compare and Contrast Essay Examples For Your Help

• Compare and Contrast Essay Outline - Template & Examples

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Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Tips On How To Write Superb Compare And Contrast Essays

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

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

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

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

How To Choose Your Sources

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

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

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

Steps To Writing A Compare And Contrast Essay

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

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

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

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

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

Writing Tips To Make Your Essay Stand Out

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

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

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

Best Compare And Contrast Topics For University Students

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

Political And Historical Topics

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

Compare And Contrast Topics For Starters

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

Battle Of The Opposites Essay Topics

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

Teenage Compare And Contrast Essays

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

IT And Social Media Essay Topics

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

Movie and Music Comparison Ideas

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

Compare And Contrast Literature Topics

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

Scientific Topic Ideas

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

Everyday Compare And Contrast Topics

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

Philosophy Topic Ideas

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

Final Thoughts

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

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

Main Parts of Writing a Compare Essay

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

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

• Documentaries
• Scientific magazines
• Academic journals
• Official Reports

How to Write a Comparative and Contrast Essay

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

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

• People and Fiction

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

Introduction

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

Emphasizing on your arguments

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

Refuting arguments

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

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

More Tips on Writing a Comparative and Contrast Essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6th Grade Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Middle School Essay Topics

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

High School Compare and Contrast Essay Themes

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

Day-to-day Compare and Contrast Essay Themes

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

Politics and History Compare Essay Topics

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

Easy to Approach Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Opposite Compare Essay Topics

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

Compare and Contrast Topics for Teenagers

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

Social Media and IT Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Music and Movie Compare and Contrast Essay Themes

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

Literature-Inspired Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas

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

Scientific Topics for Compare and Contrast Essays

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

Popular Compare Essay Themes

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

Philosophical Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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465 Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for 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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

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100 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Tips for Selecting Topics for Compare and Contrast Essay

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

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

100 Unique Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College Students

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Ideas For College Students

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

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

Topics For High School Students

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

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

Medical Field

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

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

Art and Literature Compare and Contrast Essay Topic Ideas

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

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

History Compare and Contrast Essay Prompts

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

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

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Sports and Games

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

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

Psychology Compare and Contrast Topics

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

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

Philosophical Ideas

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

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

Business and Economics Compare and Contrast Essays Topics

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

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

Technology and Social Media Ideas

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

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

Choose Among Good Compare and Contrast Topics

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

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

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Good Examples of Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Middle School

If anything that can describe an entity in its true form it is an essay. Here I present to you some examples on compare and contrast essay topics for middle school.

As you can infer from the name itself, the main motive of a compare and contrast essay topic is to substantiate information on two entities by creating a medium to show the similarities they possess, and differences that exist between them. One simple example of this essay type could be between two mobile phones, which you may have in your mind to invest on.

First you may point out the features shared by the two models, and then jot down the ones which make them stand different from each other. It is probably one of the best ways to make a smart investment or let’s say a decision to go for the best choice.

Topics Suitable for Compare and Contrast Essays

The following list comprises essay topics based on a variety of genres. You may find some associated with science, some related to literature, some to famous public figures, and some to sports. These may be accompanied by some essay topics showing comparable and contrasting features of geography, religious beliefs, some about the different aspects of technology, and so on.

In no particular order, the list follows as…

• President Barack Obama and Bill Clinton
• Best Friend and Archenemy
• Bluetooth Technology and Infrared
• The Buddha and Jesus Christ
• Christopher Columbus and Early Astronauts
• City Life and Suburb Life
• Classical Physics and Quantum Physics
• Cleopatra and Octavia
• Commercial Movies and Documentaries
• Deserts and Forests
• Desktop Computers and Laptop Computers
• Discoveries and Inventions
• Earthquakes and Landslides
• Ebooks and Paper Books
• Albert Einstein and Sir Isaac Newton
• Elle Magazine and Vogue Magazine
• Email and Postal Services
• Galaxies and Constellations
• Google and Bing
• Guitar and Piano Music
• Internet Explorer and Google Chrome
• Life Science and Physical Science
• Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter
• Mac OS X and Windows 7
• Macbeth and Othello
• Mathematics and Computers
• Men and Women
• Michael Jordan and LeBron James
• Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso
• Mowgli and Tarzan
• NASCAR and Formula One
• Opera and Ballad
• Physics and Chemistry
• Plant Foods and Animal Foods
• Poetry and Prose
• Rabindranath Tagore and Swami Vivekananda
• Rapunzel and Cinderella
• Reality TV shows and Soap TV shows
• Red Riding Hood and Goldilocks
• Rivers and Ponds
• Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
• Rugby and Soccer
• Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting
• Saltwater Bodies and Freshwater Bodies
• Singers and Music Directors
• Air Pollution and Water Pollution
• Teenage and Adulthood
• The Wizard of Oz and Huckleberry Finn
• Time Travel and Astrology
• Touch Screen Phone and Ordinary Handsets
• Trees and Shrubs and Bushes
• Unix and Linux
• Vegetarian Diet and Non-vegetarian Diet
• Wayne Rooney and Lionel Messi
• William Shakespeare and William Wordsworth
• Windows Vista and Windows 7
• Wireless Internet Access and Cable Internet
• Wrestling and Kick Boxing

Some More Essay Examples

• American Revolution and the French Revolution
• Anaconda and Burmese Python
• Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code
• Apes and Monkeys
• Black Mamba and Inland Taipan
• Common Wealth Games and Olympics
• Diamond and Graphite
• Eragon and Harry Potter
• Herbivores and Carnivores
• Karl Marx and Max Weber
• Latitude and Longitude
• Mammals and Oviparous
• Marine Animals and Terrestrial Animals
• Nuclear Fusion and Nuclear Fission
• Oedipus and Othello
• Online Games and Outdoor Games
• Potential Energy and Kinetic Energy
• Renewable Energy and Non-Renewable Sources of Energy
• School life and College Life
• Snakes and Lizards
• Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere
• Stars and Comets
• The Sun and The Moon
• Troposphere and Lithosphere
• Warm Blooded Creatures and Cold Blooded Creatures
• Wind Power and Hydroelectric Power

To conclude, the topics presented above are not only meant for students in middle school but for anyone who has the knack of gathering information about various things, and presenting it to the world. It all depends on how in-depth your study is on such topics, and how far can you go to make the information comprehensible for a layman.

For example, a compare and contrast essay on American Revolution and the French Revolution presented by a middle grader would be less intense or detailed in comparison to the same worked upon by a graduate. But eventually it is the information that matters the most, and is important in the respective level of understanding of the writer. So now that you have some good topics lined up for you, why don’t you start researching on a suitable topic online or from books, and put your best pen on your paper.

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270+ Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Engaging Writing [2025]

Aug 20, 2024 | 0 comments

Aug 20, 2024 | Topics | 0 comments

When it comes to honing writing skills in middle school, compare and contrast essay topics engage students and encourage critical thinking and analysis. These topics not only help students navigate various subjects but also enable them to explore relationships between different ideas, behaviors, and cultural contexts. 

Teachers can significantly enhance lesson plans by selecting effective compare-and-contrast essay ideas, particularly in classes focused on English as a second or foreign language. 

By analyzing the similarities and differences in themes from literature, the arts, or societal hierarchies, students learn to articulate their thoughts clearly and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. This analytical approach fosters creativity and enhances communication skills, making it essential to middle school education. 

Let’s explore the curated list of compare-and-contrast essay topics below.

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🤔 How to Choose a Compare & Contrast Essay Topic

Selecting the right compare-and-contrast essay topic is crucial for creating an engaging and informative piece. Students’ success in essay writing often hinges on their ability to choose a subject that interests them and offers rich material for comparison. Here’s a guide to help you pick one that works best for you and get started on your essay.

• Consider your interests and knowledge

When choosing a topic, start with subjects you’re passionate about or have substantial knowledge in. For example, if you enjoy science and technology, you might compare and contrast technological advancements or scientific theories. Your genuine interest will boost your motivation and make writing more enjoyable.

• Evaluate the complexity of the topic

Ensure the topic you choose is neither too broad nor too narrow. A topic that’s too broad may lead to an inadequate analysis, while one that’s too narrow might not provide enough material to compare and contrast. For example, comparing “cats and dogs” might suit younger students, while teens might prefer to write about more complex topics like “renewable energy sources vs. fossil fuels.”

• Brainstorm and generate ideas

Dive into a brainstorming session to generate a list of potential topics. Feel free to jot down any ideas that come to mind, no matter how unconventional they might seem. This process can inspire fresh ideas and help you discover unique angles for your essay.

• Consider your audience

Think about who will be reading your essay. Topics for different age groups or academic levels will vary depending on their complexity. Contrast essay topics for kids will be simpler than for college students or professionals. Also, pick topics that are relevant and interesting to your intended audience.

• Look for clear points of comparison

Choose topics that have clear similarities and differences. This will make it easier to create a well-structured essay. For instance, comparing Macs and PCs offers several obvious points of comparison, such as operating systems, design, and user interface.

• Check the assignment requirements

Make sure your chosen topic aligns with your assignment’s requirements. Pay attention. Respond to instructions your educator might have provided regarding topic selection, essay length, or focus areas. This will help you avoid choosing a topic that doesn’t fit the assignment criteria.

• Provide a variety of perspectives

Select a topic that allows you to explore multiple viewpoints. This could include examining pro and con arguments or analyzing different aspects of the subject. For example, when comparing online and traditional education, you could also discuss the perspectives of students, teachers, and administrators.

• Consider current events and relevance

Choosing a topic related to current events or ongoing debates can make your essay more engaging and relevant. However, ensure you have access to reliable sources of information to support your arguments.

• Outline your ideas

Before you finalize your topic choice, create a rough outline of your main points. This will help you evaluate whether the topic provides enough material for a full essay and allows you to organize your thoughts efficiently.

• Seek feedback

Don’t hesitate to ask peers, teachers, or family members for input on the suit. They’re often able to provide valuable insights or suggest angles you might not have considered. This feedback can help you refine your topic choice and ensure it’s suitable for your essay.

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🌋 Top Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• Traditional education vs. online learning
• Artificial intelligence in medicine and education
• Reading physical books vs. digital e-books
• Social media communication vs. face-to-face interactions
• Mindfulness practices in Eastern and Western cultures
• Art therapy vs. traditional psychotherapy methods
• Exam-based assessment vs. project-based evaluation
• Language acquisition in children and adults
• Science education in elementary and secondary schools
• Writing blogs vs. academic essays
• Social studies curriculum in 2024 vs. a decade ago
• Confidence building through arts education and sports
• Research methods in educational psychology and social sciences
• Community-based learning vs. traditional classroom settings
• Foreign language acquisition: immersion vs. textbook-based approaches

Read Also: How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay

💭 Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• Behavioral therapy vs. cognitive therapy
• Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in learning
• Family therapy approaches: systemic vs. psychodynamic
• Self-compassion and self-esteem development
• Mind-body connection in Eastern and Western psychology
• Gender differences in emotional expression
• Nature vs. nurture in personality development
• Freudian and Jungian dream analysis techniques
• Positive psychology vs. traditional clinical psychology
• Cultural influences on mental health perceptions
• Thought processes in bilingual and monolingual individuals
• Behavioral patterns in online and offline communities
• Mind-body connection in Eastern and Western psychological practices
• Confidence levels in introverted and extroverted personalities
• Educational assessment impacts on student mental health

Read Also: Best Essay Topics and Ideas for Essay Writing

List of Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Middle School Students

• Bloom’s Taxonomy: original vs. revised versions
• Instructional scaffolding in math and language arts
• Educational technology: benefits and drawbacks
• Traditional vs. Montessori teaching methods
• Public and private school educational structures
• Standardized testing vs. alternative assessment methods
• Learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic
• Homeschooling vs. traditional classroom education
• STEM vs. liberal arts education
• Teacher-centered vs. student-centered learning approaches
• Benjamin Bloom’s taxonomy: cognitive and affective domains
• English as a second language vs. English-language learner programs
• Exam preparation strategies for visual and auditory learners
• Social studies integration in STEM and humanities curricula
• Concept mapping and traditional note-taking techniques

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🎨 Art History Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• Classical and modern art movements
• Oil painting vs. digital art creation
• Abstract expressionism and surrealism
• Western and Eastern artistic traditions
• Street art vs. gallery exhibitions
• Sculpture and installation art
• Photography as documentation and artistic expression
• Impressionism and post-impressionism techniques
• Art as therapy vs. art as social commentary
• Folk art traditions across different cultures
• Abstract expressionism and minimalism in 2024 art scenes
• Digital art tools vs. traditional mediums in art education
• Community-based art projects and individual studio practices
• Art therapy applications in educational and clinical settings
• Hierarchical structures in classical and contemporary art movements

Read Also: Profile Essay Topics

👭🏼 Best Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Gender

• Gender roles in different societies
• Male and female communication styles
• Gender representation in media and literature
• STEM field participation among genders
• Parenting styles across genders
• Gender-specific health concerns and treatments
• Leadership styles: gender influences and stereotypes
• Gender equality progress in developed and developing nations
• Sports participation and opportunities for different genders
• Gender identity expression in various cultures
• Gender representation in STEM fields: 2024 vs. previous decades
• Confidence-building strategies for different genders in education
• Gender-specific approaches in educational psychology research
• Social studies curriculum: gender roles across cultures
• Language use and thought patterns among genders

Read Also: Medea Essay Topics

School and Life Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• Academic knowledge vs. practical life skills
• School friendships and workplace relationships
• Time management in school and professional life
• Structured learning vs. self-directed education
• Extracurricular activities and professional networking
• School dress codes and workplace attire policies
• Teacher-student and employer-employee dynamics
• Academic writing and business communication
• School bullying and workplace harassment
• Collaborative projects in education and career settings
• Educational assessment methods in school vs. workplace performance reviews
• Social studies concepts applied in community engagement and civic life
• Foreign language proficiency: academic settings vs. real-world applications
• Information literacy skills taught in schools vs. required in daily life
• Teacher-student relationships compared to mentor-mentee dynamics in careers

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Entertainment Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• Streaming services vs. traditional television
• Video games and traditional board games
• Live music performances and studio recordings
• Comedy in different cultural contexts
• Book adaptations and original screenplays
• Social media influencers and traditional celebrities
• Independent films and big-budget productions
• Reality TV shows and scripted series
• Podcasts and radio talk shows
• Virtual reality and traditional theme park experiences
• Educational value in documentaries vs. fictional entertainment
• Storytelling techniques in literature and video games
• Art forms in traditional theater and modern streaming content
• Language evolution in classic and contemporary music lyrics
• Thought-provoking elements in educational and commercial entertainment

Read Also: Language Essay Topics

History and Politics Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• Ancient and modern democracy systems
• Cold War era and current global political tensions
• Monarchy and republic forms of government
• Industrial Revolution and Digital Revolution impacts
• Political ideologies: liberalism vs. conservatism
• Colonial and post-colonial educational systems
• Civil rights movements in different countries
• World War I and World War II strategies and outcomes
• Ancient and modern propaganda techniques
• Historical and contemporary refugee crises
• Political ideologies shaping educational policies: past and present
• Social studies curriculum focuses on democratic and authoritarian regimes
• Information dissemination in historical political campaigns vs. 2024 strategies
• Community organizing methods: grassroots movements and established political parties
• Foreign language diplomacy: historical significance and modern applications

Read Also: Communication Essay Topics

Just for Fun, Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• Cats vs. dogs as pets
• Summer and winter vacation activities
• Fast food and home-cooked meals
• Superhero movies and classic literature adaptations
• Social media platforms: Instagram vs. TikTok
• Coffee shops and tea houses
• Outdoor and indoor exercise routines
• Minimalist and maximalist interior design styles
• Sci-fi and fantasy genre elements
• Binge-watching TV series and weekly episode releases
• Superhero origin stories and mythological hero narratives
• Emoji language evolution and hieroglyphic communication
• Fictional wizarding schools vs. real-world educational institutions
• Time travel concepts in literature and scientific theories
• Alien civilizations imagined in 1950s sci-fi vs. 2024 depictions

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Easy Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College Students

• Rural and urban lifestyles
• High school vs. college experiences
• Fruits and vegetables: nutritional benefits
• Handwritten notes and typed documents
• Morning routines and evening rituals
• Introverted and extroverted personality traits
• Team sports and individual sports
• Fiction and non-fiction reading preferences
• Fast fashion and sustainable clothing choices
• Traditional and modern wedding customs
• Handwritten letters and email communication
• Pets as companions and working animals
• Seasonal changes in urban and rural environments
• Fast food and home-cooked meals: nutritional aspects
• Hobbies that exercise the body vs. those that challenge the mind

Read Also: Humanity Essay Topics

Interesting Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• Biodiversity in rainforests and coral reefs
• Ancient and modern architectural marvels
• Renewable and non-renewable energy sources
• Space exploration: manned missions vs. robotic probes
• Traditional medicine and modern medical practices
• Artificial intelligence in art creation and curation
• Endangered species conservation approaches
• Cryptocurrency and traditional banking systems
• Virtual and in-person international cultural exchanges
• Futuristic city designs and current urban planning
• Biodiversity in polar regions and tropical rainforests
• Ancient and modern methods of predicting weather
• Cultural significance of silence in different societies
• Evolution of currency: from bartering to cryptocurrency
• Human memory processes and artificial intelligence data storage

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😂 Funny Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

• Dad jokes and mom jokes
• Emoji communication vs. interpretive dance
• Superhero capes and blanket forts
• Unicorns and narwhals: mythical vs. real
• Zombie apocalypse survival skills and adulting skills
• Alien invasion movies and family reunion dynamics
• Internet memes and ancient cave paintings
• Procrastination techniques: students vs. professionals
• Talking to plants vs. conversing with pets
• Extreme sports and extreme napping
• Dad jokes across cultures: universal groan-worthiness
• Roomba navigation skills vs. human vacuum cleaning techniques
• Playground politics and office dynamics: surprising similarities
• Pets’ reactions to vacuum cleaners vs. their reflections
• Effectiveness of student excuses in 1990 vs. 2024

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📚 Compare and Contrast Topics: Languages and Literature

• Shakespeare’s tragedies and comedies
• Poetry and prose writing styles
• Classic novels and their modern retellings
• Bilingualism and monolingualism: cognitive effects
• Idiomatic expressions across different languages
• Written and oral storytelling traditions
• Formal and informal language use in various contexts
• Literary symbolism in Eastern and Western literature
• Language evolution: Old English vs. Modern English
• Translated works and original language publications
• Onomatopoeia in different languages: sound representation
• Classic fairy tales and their modern retellings
• Haiku and sonnet: structured poetic forms across cultures
• Language preservation efforts for Indigenous and constructed languages
• Narrative techniques in epistolary novels and modern blog fiction

Read Also:  Wuthering Heights Essay Topics

🖥️ Compare & Contrast: Technology Topics

• Cloud computing and local data storage
• Open-source and proprietary software
• Artificial intelligence and human intelligence
• Virtual reality and augmented reality applications
• Cybersecurity measures: individuals vs. corporations
• 5G technology and previous wireless generations
• Blockchain technology in finance and other industries
• Social media algorithms and human content curation
• Smart home devices and traditional home appliances
• Coding boot camps and traditional computer science degrees
• Wearable tech for fitness vs. medical monitoring
• Cybersecurity measures in financial and educational institutions
• Artificial intelligence in creative writing and data analysis
• Virtual reality applications in entertainment and therapy
• Blockchain technology in voting systems and cryptocurrency

Read Also: Poverty Essay Topics

🏫 Unique Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students

• Traditional lectures and flipped classroom models
• Homeschooling and conventional schooling
• STEM education and liberal arts curriculum
• School uniforms and casual dress policies
• Year-round schooling vs. traditional academic calendar
• Vocational training and university education
• Montessori and Waldorf educational philosophies
• International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs
• Single-gender and co-educational learning environments
• Project-based learning and textbook-centered instruction
• Outdoor classrooms and traditional indoor learning spaces
• Peer tutoring programs and teacher-led instruction
• Gamification in education: digital and non-digital approaches
• Interdisciplinary projects vs. subject-specific assignments
• School garden programs and traditional physical education

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🎭 Culture Comparison Paper Topic Ideas

• Individualistic and collectivistic societies
• Religious and secular holiday celebrations
• Eastern and Western philosophical traditions
• Indigenous and modern agricultural practices
• Traditional and contemporary art forms
• Oral history preservation and written historical records
• Cuisine as cultural identity in different regions
• Rites of passage across various cultures
• Non-verbal communication in diverse cultural contexts
• Cultural attitudes towards time: monochronic vs. polychronic
• Coming-of-age rituals in technology-focused and nature-based societies
• Street food culture in Asian and European cities
• Storytelling traditions: oral histories vs. written records
• Cultural attitudes towards aging in Eastern and Western societies
• Artistic expressions of cultural identity in immigrant communities

Read Also: Middle Ages Essay Topics

🏥 Comparison Topics in Health and Medicine

• Alternative medicine and conventional medical treatments
• Mental and physical health: integrated approaches
• Preventive healthcare and reactive medical interventions
• Traditional healing practices and modern medical technologies
• Personalized medicine and one-size-fits-all treatments
• Telemedicine and in-person medical consultations
• Holistic and specialized medical approaches
• Public and private healthcare systems
• Pharmaceutical and natural remedies
• Acute care and chronic disease management strategies
• Traditional herbal remedies and modern pharmaceuticals
• Mental health treatment approaches in collectivist and individualist cultures
• Nutritional guidelines: government recommendations vs. traditional diets
• Childbirth practices in home and hospital settings
• Chronic disease management: lifestyle changes vs. medical interventions

Read Also: Geography Essay Topics

⚾ Sports Comparison Topics

• Individual and team sports: psychological impacts
• Professional and amateur athletic training regimens
• Traditional sports and extreme sports: risk factors
• Sports in education: competitive and recreational approaches
• Male and female sports coverage in media
• Winter and summer Olympic events
• E-sports and physical sports: skills and challenges
• National and international sports competitions
• Contact and non-contact sports: safety considerations
• Sports as entertainment and cultural phenomena
• Sports psychology techniques in individual and team sports
• Traditional sports and esports: athlete training regimens
• Gender-specific sports equipment design and functionality
• Olympic sports selection criteria: ancient games vs. 2024
• Fan engagement strategies in local and international sports leagues

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Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for All Grades

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

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

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

A List of Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Middle School Students

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College Students

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

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

Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Fun Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Controversial Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Psychology Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for a Research Paper

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Computer Science

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics on Historical Events

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

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

How to Choose Topics for Compare and Contrast Essay?

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

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

On a Final Note

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

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Compare And Contrast Essay

Compare And Contrast Essay Examples

Interesting Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

14 min read

Published on: Mar 7, 2020

Last updated on: Jul 23, 2024

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Are you struggling to effectively analyze and present comparisons and contrasts in your essays?

Writing a compare and contrast essay can be a daunting task. It requires a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of the subjects, and the ability to draw meaningful connections.

Many students find themselves overwhelmed with the challenge of navigating through the complexities of this essay type.

In this blog post, we will provide you with examples and valuable tips to master the art of writing a compare and contrast essay.

With our tips and examples, you'll develop the skills to produce a top-notch essay that engages and impresses your readers.

So, let's dive in!

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Good Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

If you are writing it for the first time, you need good examples to understand how to write a compare and contrast essay.   Following are the best free compare and contrast essay examples that can be categorized for different levels.

Take help from these examples of contrasting two subjects to write an outstanding essay.  

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples for University

As university students, the demand for critical analysis and comparison becomes more rigorous.  By studying these examples, students will gain invaluable insights into effective comparative analysis.

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples University

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples for College

When writing the compare and contrast essay for a college assignment, the students may see it as the most difficult task. Don’t worry; here are some good college-level compare and contrast essay examples.

Free Compare and Contrast Essay Example PDF

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples for High School

When writing the example for the essay, make sure that you can easily write the similarities and differences. The compare and contrast essay for high school is different from a college essay.

It does not require professional logical skills, but it is a good way to develop logical analysis skills.

Compare and Contrast Essay Example for High School Students

Compare And Contrast Essay Example High School vs College

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples for Middle School

Following are good compare and contrast essay examples for middle school students:

Compare and Contrast Essay Example for Middle School Students

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples for 6th Grade

Compare And Contrast Essay Examples 7th grade

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples for Elementary Students

Elementary school students also have to write essays to compare and contrast two things. This can help them learn how to write better.

Here are some example essays for kids at the elementary level that make their academic writing process easy.

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples for 4th Grade

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples 5th Grade

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples for 3rd Grade Students

Thesis for Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

A  thesis statement  highlights the main points of your essay and what two objects or topics you will be further discussing in your essay.

Here is an example that will help you to understand better how to write a great thesis statement for an essay.

Thesis for Compare and Contrast Essay Example

Literary Analysis Compare and Contrast Essay Examples 

When it comes to literary analysis, one effective approach is to explore the similarities and differences between different literary works. 

To illustrate the process and provide you with a clearer understanding, let's consider a few examples of compare and contrast essays in the realm of literary analysis:

Literary Analysis Compare and Contrast Essay Examples PDF

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay?

To write a great compare and contrast essay, you need to plan well and execute properly. When you are given this type of essay to write, it is best not to start writing it right away.  The prewriting steps for starting a compare and contrast essay are below:

• Select a Good Topic: Choose a unique and interesting compare and contrast essay topic that is neither too broad nor too specific.
• Brainstorm Similarities and Differences: Engage in brainstorming to generate fresh perspectives and ideas on the topic.
• Do Some Research: Conduct thorough research on the chosen topic to gather relevant information and insights.
• Create a Thesis Statement: Summarize your argument in a concise thesis statement, which should reflect the main focus of your essay.

Here is an example for your better understanding:

How To Start Off A Compare And Contrast Essay Examples (PDF)

Once you are done with the prewriting process, you can create an outline that will serve as your template for the essay.  The outline should have three components:

Introduction

Body paragraphs.

Below is a compare and contrast essay outline template that you can use for your help.  

Compare and Contrast Essay Outline

Let’s discuss these parts in detail. 

An attention-grabbing introduction attracts the reader’s attention and will glue readers to your essay until the last words in it.

The  essay introduction part starts with a strong hook statement, and it should be interesting. The hook statement can be a quotation, story, or anything that captures the audience’s attention.

The thesis statement is also stated in the introduction, and it is the main writer’s argument. It should be included at the end of the introductory part.

Compare and Contrast Essay Introduction Examples

The body paragraphs should include 5-paragraphs. The writer presents their evidence and analyzes how the objects are similar and different.

The body paragraphs can be written using two methods.

Point by Point:  In this method, the writer lists the similarities and differences of both subjects.

Here is an example of point by point approach:

Block Method:  In the block method, the writer organizes the information. Firstly, define the first object's details and then describe the information about the second object.

Here is an example of the block method approach:

Writing a conclusion for a compare and contrast essay is crucial as it brings closure to the discussion and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Restate the thesis statement and summarize the main points discussed in the body paragraphs. Avoid introducing new information and instead focus on reinforcing the main ideas presented throughout the essay.

In the end, leave the reader with a sense of reflection and a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Compare and Contrast Essay Conclusion Example (PDF)

Need guidance to create a compare and contrast essay outline? Check out our compare and contrast essay outline blog!

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples on Different Subjects

As students progress in their academic journey, the ability to compare and contrast becomes increasingly important.

In this section, we will delve into a variety of compare-and-contrast essay examples for effective writing.

Education and Parenting Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Technology Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Pop Culture Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Historical and Political Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Sports Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Lifestyle Choices Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Healthcare Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Animals Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Compare and Contrast Essay Writing Tips

Writing a compare and contrast essay can be a challenging task, but with the right approach, you can craft a compelling and insightful piece of writing.

Here are some valuable tips to help you navigate the process effectively:

• Understand the purpose: Know that a compare and contrast essay analyzes similarities and differences between subjects.
• Choose appropriate subjects: Select topics that share similarities but also have distinct differences for meaningful analysis.
• Conduct in-depth research: Gather information about the subjects to provide a comprehensive essay.
• Create a clear structure: Use an introduction, clear topic sentences , and consider point-by-point or block method organization.
• Support with evidence: Use quotes , examples, or data to back up your comparisons.
• Analyze and interpret: Go beyond listing and explore the significance and implications of the comparisons.
• Use clear and cohesive language: Use transitional words, be precise, and balance academic rigor with accessibility.
• Revise and edit: Check for errors, review the logical flow, and seek feedback to improve your essay.

Summing up, now you have got good compare and contrast essay examples for your academic assignment, making your writing process easy. Read these carefully and try to learn from them. Also, you can come back whenever you need more inspiration.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are compare and contrast words.

The most common compare-and-contrast words are:

• Nevertheless

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