Compare and Contrast Essay: How to Write a Splendid Piece
Our previous series of articles have already explained kinds of essays and speeches, like expository, informative, what a book citation is, how to write them, and many more guides regarding writing academic writing tasks. This blog focuses on writing a compare and contrast essay, its proper format, and structure. Moreover, to help you retain this information, we will provide you with samples of compare and contrast essays, including tips and the best topics you can write about.
What Is a Compare and Contrast Essay?
A compare and contrast essay is a style of writing about two things, revealing their similarities and differences. The paper can be about anything: concepts, ideas, physical goods, abstract things, feelings, gadgets, places, etc. For instance, you can compare or contrast two jobs, two educational institutions, two bikes, two phones. Apart from the “what is a compare and contrast essay” question, you might seek an answer to, “what is the purpose of this assignment?” This type of written discourse helps you define your final opinion on a specific subject. That is why a compare and contrast essay is convincing and thought-provoking. Not only does it portray similar and different attributes of something, but also it demonstrates your take on it, i.e., what you prefer more.
Aside from that, a compare and contrast essay needs to be worthwhile, meaning you have to compare things and reveal the most impalpable differences and similarities. You can write about the differences between Android and iOS. However, it is not the greatest example of a comparative essay. That is because they are entirely different systems. Instead, a good essay can cover things of the same company or group. Say, you can craft a piece about cheese. By writing about cheddar and dor blue, you can highlight the most hidden aspects. For example, the former can be gingery and slightly earthy, while the latter is of a creamy consistency, sharp and salty. Explaining a different way of production and other unique attributes, you increase the readers’ comprehension of the topic.
If you already selected two completely different attributes and composed the first section, do not worry. You can continue writing it, focusing on their similarities. However, note that this type of task will require rigorous research to find credible data you can rely on when writing. You will have to show that these items, although they are entirely different, share some aspects. And to sound convincing, you have to back up your arguments with academic sources, scientific statements, etc. We know that students usually don’t have time to delve into the topic, so consider selecting the first option, where you demonstrate differences between subjects. You should also attach reliable articles to your work. However, turnaround time is less significant compared to the previous option.
Compare and Contrast Essay Format
Depending on your discipline, your compare and contrast format can be different. As we stated earlier in our articles, there are two main formatting styles: MLA and APA. Even though they cover specific subjects, your professor or college may want you to write something regarding humanities in APA or a psychology essay in the MLA style. Before you start working on your assignments, clarify which citation style you have to use. Knowing what style you should follow, you will be aware of how to format a compare and contrast essay, as there are numerous formatting guides by reputed universities.
Compare and Contrast Essay Structure
Concerning the structure of a compare and contrast essay, it usually comprises five sections: the introductory paragraph, main text (three paragraphs by default), and the conclusive section. Each of these components needs to possess its essential elements. To learn how to structure a compare and contrast essay, let’s discuss it in-depth.
The introduction
As you already know, the introduction is the first part not only of a compare and contrast essay but of any type. It starts with an opening statement, which aims to hook the readers and entice them to keep reading your work. In this opening sentence, you should use gripping remarks, stunning information, such as statistics, exclamations, irony, catchy words. There are six types of opening statements:
- General to specific
- Quotations
- Question
- Irony
- Story
- Significance of the topic
General to specific
Simply put, you start with a piece of broad information, and then you narrow your work down. By doing that, you introduce the reader to the topic they may not be well aware of. To illustrate:
The best countries to live: comparison of the best two
Every year, many statistics regarding living standards are displayed. They aim to show how people from different countries live. The most authoritative universities, news agencies, and other credible resources carry out these statistics to demonstrate the best and the worst countries to live. During their analyses, they examine minimum and maximum wage, the level of crime, prices, etc. As a result, the lists say that the best countries are Denmark and Switzerland, which are worthy of comparison.
Quotations
By attaching a reference, you can persuade the reader of your work's credibility. Aside from that, a quotation can grip one’s attention, especially if the author is well-respected.
The importance of traveling
As Jack Kerouac once said: “Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” Many people claim that traveling is expensive, and one can’t afford to pay for a pricey hotel or fly overseas. However, little do they know that traveling can be extremely cheap. Traveling by hitchhiking, hiking, sleeping in a tent, you not only do sightseeing but also challenge yourself and find out what you are.
Question
A question aspires to evoke familiar situations the readers have experienced. By that, you spark attention and curiosity and make people continue reading to find out whether they can correlate their experience with what you write.
Obstacles of online learning
Can you cast your mind back when the Internet worked badly, and you were in dire need of it? That was so taxing! Without a doubt, it is stressful when you disconnect during the test, and then the teacher decides whether you can reconnect to the conference. And there are many other issues related to remote schooling. The main ones are disciplinary problems, efficiency problems, and difficulties related to devices.
Irony
This type is also called a u-turn, which means that initially, you talk about one aspect, and then start describing the opposite suddenly. This technique makes readers intrigued.
Working from home
When I worked out in the open, I dreamt of finding a remote position. I craved to work from home, take care of my pets, and upgrade my flat. And all my friends couldn’t be happier because of working remotely. I have been working from home for the entire year. And I can say: working from home is horrible! Never before have I been so tired. The worst things about a remote job are a sedentary lifestyle, lack of time, and dreadful concentration.
Story
Everyone loves stories. A good story is the root cause of one’s recognition. A story intends to grab one’s attention. Be it an anecdote, a story that happened to you, your friends, or the one you heard somewhere or read would be a perfect match.
Buying tickets
It is obligatory to purchase the ticket the moment you step into a bus. A story that occurred with me proved that. Five months ago, I had to use a bus to get to my destination place. I decided to purchase the ticket through the app. Every time I bought tickets utilizing this app, I didn’t have any problems. But that day, the first one popped up. For some reason, the Internet connection disappeared, and the payment didn’t proceed. Consequently, there was no ticket. Thinking that I possess a brand new ticket, I tried to show it to a ticket collector. I thought that the QR code was visible, so I just gave him my phone. When he asked me, “I can’t see any ticket, Sir,” I understood that I was in trouble.
Significance of a topic
If you are sure that the subject will be relatable for the readers and can support your arguments with credible data, this is your essay type.
Accidents on crosswalks
Pedestrians, put your phones in your pockets when crossing the road! Every year, dozens of people are injured because of their negligence. Aiming to cross the street, they do not pay enough attention to cars and overall safety. It doesn’t relate to pedestrians solely, but also to drivers who do not obey compulsive speeding.
These are the most used kinds of opening sentences that you can use when drafting a compare and contrast essay structure.
However, the opening sentence is the first part of your intro. If you aspire to make the introduction of your compare and contrast essay impeccable, you need to have a powerful thesis statement. A thesis statement is the most crucial part of your written discourse. Making your introductory paragraph smooth and coherent, you connect it with the further parts of your assignment. A thesis statement includes the points you will elaborate on in your body. Don’t forget to depict every point in a separate paragraph. Make sure your thesis sentence is concise and clear. Do not make it extensive, as you will develop it later on.
Body
Now that you have sufficient skills to write the introduction, it is time to proceed to the body. Usually, you describe or argue or prove three aspects of your thesis statement. Remember: your first body paragraph must correspond with the first point of the thesis. Regardless of the essay type, it is a generally agreed rule. For instance, you write a compare and contrast essay on diverse apple varieties. The statement may well be as follows:
The Golden Delicious differs from Ambrosia in terms of price, color, and taste.
The first body paragraph will describe a location, the second a color, and the third will focus on a taste. Remember, though, to compare aspects of these two kinds, not add some variety that's not stated in your thesis.
Topic sentences
Each of your body passages has to begin with a topic sentence and end with a brief conclusion and accurate transition. The former gives a broad picture of your paragraph’s content. It can be as follows: “The Golden Delicious variety is significantly cheaper than the Ambrosia.” Transitional expressions are vital because they help make the text coherent and display items in an organized pattern. They also demonstrate your professionalism and peerless preparation for writing.
There are various transitions you can embed in your compare and contrast essay. The most imperative expressions are: however, on the contrary, consequently, moreover, additionally furthermore, whereas, as well as, aside from, other than, likewise, etc.
Compare and contrast essay: methods to depict information
Speaking of the body, this is the paper’s core element where you develop your stated components. However, you can’t portray them in whatever form you like. You have to stick to a specific technique. There are two methods of comparing or contrasting facts:
- Point by point
- One perspective at a time
Let’s discuss them individually!
Point by point
Using this type, you compare and contrast one attribute of both goods in one body paragraph. Let’s assume that you decide to write an essay about apples. The first body passage should contain the first aspect, which we have already defined – price – and compare the price of those two varieties.
In the second one, you present the differences or similarities of color. Again, remember to mention two types. In the third part, you focus on the gustatory perception of both varieties. Aside from depicting their divergence or commonality, don’t forget to include academic articles in each of the paragraphs to increase its credibility.
One perspective at a time
Using this method, you present every single point separately. For instance, the first compare and contrast essay’s body passage would be about The Golden Delicious’s price. The second paragraph would describe its color. And the third one would focus on this type’s taste. These are the three paragraphs about one variety. Another type, Ambrosia, would also have three sections. Consequently, it equals six passages of your body. Together with the introduction and conclusion, your compare and contrast essay would have eight to nine paragraphs. Not every teacher would give you the green light to write such an extensive piece. That is because professors usually want you to compare/contrast the item directly, displaying differences and/or similarities yourself, not just leaving this task to the readers. That is why it is better to clarify whether you can write the essay using this type beforehand.
Sometimes, you don’t have another option but to write a comparison following this kind. The reason for it is straightforward: it helps to understand your major subject better. For instance, if the requirements state to write about one item at a time, leave the focal item for the end. By the first element, you will introduce the reader to its concepts, pointing out the most significant features. Make it a little bit shorter because another part of the body will be more extended, where you describe the features of the second, major aspect. The last body passage should throw light on the most distinctive differences and similarities between the first and the second (which is the main) point.
The conclusion
Per the compare and contrast essay structure, this paragraph should be placed at the end of your work. With the help of the conclusion, readers retain the information you presented in your thesis statement. Usually, the conclusion must leave some food for thought and stimulate discussions or more in-depth research on the given topic. There are four most used types of conclusion in the compare-contrast genre:
- Final thought
- Series of questions
- Recommendations
- Predictions
Final thought
Following this most common type, you simply restate your thesis with its vital elements.
Remember, though, to paraphrase it so that it doesn’t sound identical but convey the same point (note: do not rephrase terminology!). Have a look:
The advantages of living alone
Living alone has indisputably more benefits than sharing an apartment with friends. That way, you don’t spend much money on in-house parties, you can study more effectively, and you can have a superb work-life balance. Needless to say that it is a great feeling when you can deal with your studies, work, and have some extra spare time to chill while watching a flick.
Series of questions
As you already know, a question sparks the reader’s attention. It makes one remember similar situations that happened in the past. Addressing the question to the audience, make sure it is related to your points.
Getting rid of meat
You can save the Earth in many ways. Are you going to shrug your shoulders, saying that your decision isn’t important? What will happen when the woods you used to spend time at are cut off completely because people need to consume meat? What will happen to you and your children’s health? Or will you just shift the responsibility onto someone? If you do nothing, this is the time to stop it!
Recommendations
This type suggests how a specific issue can be resolved.
Destitute in Africa
The African continent faces the harshest difficulties these days. Countries are not able to provide their citizens with the essentials, but also they can’t afford to test every potentially positive citizen for the COVID-19 virus. It’s time for the global community to become more active and furnish Africa with everything one cannot live without. Water pipes, humanitarian help, and unlimited PLR tests are the most fundamental things.
Foretelling
Here, you comment on what one can anticipate in the future.
Plastic pollution
Unfortunately, people love using plastic. They support their arguments by saying that it is easy to use, compact, and cheap. However, they don’t realize the repercussions of plastic debris. Even the smallest piece of plastic poses a peril to our environment. There are many horrid examples of plastic pollution. Millions of creatures struggle; the oceans are littered with bags, bottles, and other garbage. If people don’t stop being negligent and selfish, thinking about the “affordable price of plastic,” thousands of species will become extinct.
This section aimed to answer your most asked question, “how do you structure a compare and contrast essay?” By following it, you are sure to get a complete work when it comes to structure and the order of elements.
How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay
More or less, you might have an understanding of how to write a compare and contrast essay. However, let’s run it back to the steps you have to take to craft your task.
Brainstorm the topic
Once you are assigned to complete this type of essay, you should think of a relevant topic. Choosing the right one, you will accelerate the overall writing process. Make sure two items can be compared well, i.e., your similar or different attributes are unique and specific.
Jot down arguments
Attach each and every argument to your draft and analyze which one is the best and meaningful to the reader. Choose three powerful aspects and proceed to the thesis statement.
How to write a thesis for a compare and contrast essay
A thesis statement is the most important part of any essay because it depicts the main points the entire work delves into and tries to explain them. There are a couple of ways you can start your compare and contrast thesis. Check them out:
- One subject is better than the other. Laptops are better than PCs because they are transportable, more comfortable, and faster.
- You are more informative than persuasive. Berlin and Paris are great cities for freelancers, but they differ in prices, career prospects, and living standards.
- Similarities and differences between two items. While both Alan Ginsberg and Gary Snyder were two core members of the Beat movement, their writing styles and literary devices differ significantly.
Your thesis statement needs to be accurate and contain only the points you will advance later on. These rules will help you compose an essay depending on your goals and topic.
Sections, as were already mentioned above, explain how to write a good compare and contrast essay. Now, let’s move from theory and focus more on practical knowledge.
Compare and Contrast Essay Examples
The following sample is one of many compare and contrast essay examples you can find on the web. Nonetheless, pay close attention to every detail, as neglecting to include some of these items related to structure results in a wrongfully crafted essay. Apart from that, note that this essay does not have any formatting style and serves as a draft. Consider completing your home assignment following the formatting style the professor or educational institution asks you to follow.
Traditional Versus Electronic Books
Without a doubt, you love reading paper books! The aroma is to die for. The feelings when you take the book and turn pages are unforgettable. You can put on repeat the sound when you close it. It seems that there are only the pros of reading traditional books. However, they are insufficient compared to ebooks, which conquered the hearts of most bookworms. The cutting edge technology does not only influence people badly. It also spawns splendid products. Although they have one common purpose, which is education, physical books differ from electronic ones. Therefore, the most distinctive feature of the book is that it can be exchanged. In contrast, the most vivid perks of using electronic gadgets are related to comfort, price, and sober attitude toward the ecosystem.
Reading books enriches our knowledge. Be it a PDF file, a textbook, or notes from colleagues, they aim to improve our area of expertise. That is when physical books and ebooks share the same purpose. However, enlarging one’s knowledge goes far beyond just reading the book. It also evokes some other needs. A person can’t read one book forever. Consequently, one needs to buy more. But what if an individual’s purchasing power doesn’t let them buy brand new books frequently? Doing away with reading is not an option. There is a way to have a constant flow of traditional books. That is the main advantage of possessing physical copies.
Bookcrossing, also portrayed in the form of a shelf found on the street, inside buildings, and so forth, is a concept that focuses on a collective education. It works the following way: when one finishes reading a book, they deliver it to this bookcrossing spot, leave it inside, and instead take another book. There are many spots across the city, so people can leave their copies at the closest point. With that, reading has been popularized for the last seven years drastically. The bookcrossing idea is unrelated to ebooks, for obvious reasons. Hence, a traditional textbook can be shared hundreds of times, making this aspect the most distinctive.
As for ebooks, they have three advantages over hard copies. They are as follows: comfort, price, and sober attitude toward the ecosystem. When it comes to the first aspect, enjoyment correlates with a better understanding of the topic. For example, using the ebook, one can read the material at any time because there is an option of a night mode, which enables one to be able to read in the dark. Scientists identified that this method does not have any harmful effects on a person’s eyesight; that is why it is completely safe. Speaking of the price, one should acknowledge that they make a solid investment in themselves while purchasing an ebook. Needless to say, books are expensive. However, books bought for electronic gadgets are cheaper than traditional ones. The last aspect, which relates to the ecosystem, means that those who possess ebooks do not contribute to deforestation. There are billions of books produced annually, so it is a truism that to be published, they need paper, which is made from trees.
In conclusion, it would be reasonable to mention that ebooks tend to be a better way of enriching one’s knowledge because one can utilize them late at night without turning the lights on. Apart from that, the price of an ebook may well be high at first glance. However, after some time, it will become apparent that by reading electronic copies, a person will save a decent amount of money, which can’t be said about traditional books. Finally, ebooks ensure the level of woods is not decreasing as rapidly as it is right now. So physical books have only one plus: the ability to exchange it with others and get another one for free. However, is it worth forfeiting the comfort and nature to keep reading the way our ancestors have?
Should you aspire to check more of such expert compare and contrast essay examples for college, check the credible web pages like Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and JSTOR. You can find a wide range of writing tasks at any academic level there.
Compare and Contrast Essay Outline
When it comes to a compare and contrast essay outline, it is the same as, let’s say, an expository essay layout. The outline’s main purpose is to let the reader see your ideas and how they are supported in your text. Professors often request including an outline in the work when the volume is large, such as a research paper or term paper. However, your teacher may ask you to craft an outline for compare and contrast essay regardless of its length. Primarily, the educator does it to help you organize your thoughts and save your time.
Remember that you have to construct a compare and contrast essay outline after researching the given topic and before writing. All you need to know is arguments and approximate information you will write about. Thus, your comparative outline has to look the following way:
- Introduction
- Opening Statement (6 main types)
- Introduction of subjects that will be compared or contrasted
- Thesis Statement
- Body. 2nd paragraph.
- Topic Sentence/ The first item from a thesis statement
- Evidence/Example
- Evidence/Example
- Evidence/Example
- Conclusion
- Body. 3rd paragraph.
- Topic Sentence/ The second item from a thesis statement
- Evidence/Example
- Evidence/Example
- Evidence/Example
- Conclusion
- Body. 3rd paragraph.
- Topic Sentence/ The third item from a thesis statement
- Evidence/Example
- Evidence/Example
- Evidence/Example
- Conclusion
- Body. 4th paragraph.
- Topic Sentence/ The fourth item from a thesis statement
- Evidence/Example
- Evidence/Example
- Evidence/Example
- Conclusion
- Conclusion
- Restate a thesis
- Concise recap of similarities and differences
- The most suitable attribute (Final thought, Series of questions, Recommendations, Predictions) as a closing sentence
This compare and contrast essay outline example applies to any topic. If you don’t have any word limits, you are free to add more body paragraphs.
Compare and Contrast Essay Tips
Our professionals gathered the most crucial compare and contrast essay tips to boost your chances of getting the highest grade.
Intensify the introduction
As you already know, the three critical components of the introduction are the opening statement, an introduction of subjects, and a thesis sentence. To attract the reader’s attention and emphasize your intentions from the very beginning, use exclamation marks at the end of opening statements. Moreover, you can mix opening methods when completing your assignment. Just be sure they are coherent and do not confuse the audience.
Express your opinion professionally
You are not allowed to use first-person pronouns in your essay. And you don’t have to because the English language has given us dozens of phrases to substitute I, Me, Myself. Express your opinion while backing your words with credible voices. Start your sentence with the phrase, “Researchers proved that…”
Stick to one part of the speech in your thesis statement
When writing a thesis sentence, do not confuse different grammatical structures. For example, if you started a sequence of points with a noun, continue writing your second and third points using nouns. Not only will it look more appealing, but also it won’t confuse the reader and make a sentence easy to follow and understand.
Mercedes is better than BMW because of its comfort, inexpensiveness, and power.
Mercedes is better than BMW because of its comfort, inexpensiveness, and they have more horsepower.
The first one looks better and way easier to understand, right?
The same goes for adjectives and verbs. No matter which structure you use first, just stick to it till the end.
Construct a chart
Sometimes it happens when you can’t think of the most vital aspect in the moment. In that case, write your ideas down or use apps where you can note the most substantial similarities or differences of two elements. If you have some extra time, put a hold on this task and get back to it later. If you don’t have any ideas, start analyzing those you have written down, and by eliminating, you will find out which are the most appropriate.
Find the right balance
You can write a comparative essay describing commonality, divergence, or all together. When you aim to reveal one item’s benefits over another, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have to describe your second component. Nor does it mean that you have to leave a little space for this element. That is why under no circumstance should your first paragraph have 50 words when the second one has 200. This disparity will lead to the lowest grade, regardless of the overall quality.
How Can I Structure My Paper Properly?
Needless to say, this paper should be well-structured. It is possible to use three various methods of structuring your paper. We will provide you with detailed information on each method and give various structure examples below. For example, if you are comparing a cat and a dog, feel free to select between these methods of creating your future document:
Method 1. You put half of the comparison in every paragraph. Thanks to this structure, your audience can find similar and different things throughout your work.
Cat & Dog
- Introduction;
- Paragraph 1. The color of a cat/ The color of a dog;
- Paragraph 2. Cat's behavior/ Dog's behavior;
- Paragraph 3. Benefits of having a cat/ Benefits of having a dog;
- Conclusion.
Method 2. This writing requires alternating between two things. That is a good method to discuss the details of every point, but you have to focus on similarities of every argument.
Cat & Dog
- Introduction;
- Paragraph 1. The color of a cat;
- Paragraph 2. The color of a dog;
- Paragraph 3. Cat's behavior;
- Paragraph 4. Dog's behavior;
- Paragraph 5. Benefits of having a cat;
- Paragraph 6. Benefits of having a dog;
- Conclusion.
Method 3. The first half of your document contains characteristics of the first item, and in the second half, you put characteristics of another item. It is a complex method because the entire work can be one-sided if you didn't give equal time to both items. Another reason you may fall is comparing different features of items in two halves. This method requires a lot of attention and concentration from the writer.
Cat & Dog
- Introduction;
- Paragraph 1. The color of a cat;
- Paragraph 2. Cat's behavior;
- Paragraph 3. Benefits of having a cat;
- Paragraph 4. The color of a dog;
- Paragraph 5. Dog's behavior;
- Paragraph 6. Benefits of having a dog;
- Conclusion.
Professional Instructions for Writing a Perfect Work
Use these simple and effective steps to create a great essay:
- Select a shiny topic for your future work;
- Check out if you will be able to compare chosen things;
- Make a detailed outline for your paper;
- Write the first draft in accordance with the written outline;
- Revise the document to make it clear and logical;
- Check your work for any errors.
The Most Bright Topics for Comparison and Contrast Essay
Choosing a good subject for your paper is not always easy, and we want to share our comparison and contrast essay topics list that will be helpful in getting new ideas for writing. We guarantee that after reading, you'll get an inspiration to create a bright and successful story! Choosing a successful subject for your paper will help you to show your writing skills on the highest level. In fact, selecting comparison and contrast essay topics for college students seems not so difficult, but they often choose items that are not simple to contrast. You have to research your subject beforehand to understand if it is easy to contrast items you have selected.
An overwhelming amount of compare and contrast essay topics exists on the Internet. In case you are free to choose any subject, you can work out thrilling ideas to include. Although, if you are short on time and have to start writing now, check our list of the top-notch topics for compare and contrast essays. No matter whether you are a high school or college student, you will find something related to your field of interest.
Successful Political and Historical Topics
Read our interesting political and historical topics to make a brilliant essay without wasting your time!
- Saudi Arabia versus Africa.
- Donald Trump's policy and Barack Obama's policy.
- China versus Japan.
- The American government and the UK government.
- Antique Greece and modern Greece.
- The Soviet Union and the European Union.
- Nazism versus fascism.
- Emigrants and immigrants.
- Modern schools and schools of the 18th century.
- History of Miami versus the history of Hawaii.
Compare and Contrast Topics for Starters
Discover these compare and contrast topics for starters to create a shiny document.
- Driving a bicycle and gyro board.
- Sending emails and writing paper letters.
- Read a book or listen to an audio-book.
- To be a woman and to be a man.
- Watermelon and melon.
- Smartphones and old phones.
- Winter holidays and summer vacation.
- Fast food and expensive restaurants.
- Life in a small town and living in a huge city.
- Junk food against good and healthy food.
Battle of the Opposites Essay Topics
Explore this chart of the battle of the opposites essay topics to pick your original topic for writing.
- Vegetarians and vegans.
- eBay and Amazon.
- PlayStation and Xbox.
- White race and black race.
- Freelancing and working in the office.
- Choosing a pet — a cat or a dog?
- Online studying and a usual college.
- Electronic and printed books.
- Living in a house and living in a flat.
- Tea and coffee.
Teenage Compare and Contrast Essays
These are 10 bright topics to create marvelous teenage compare and contrast essays.
- Addiction to drugs and addiction to computers.
- Online-dating and real-life dating.
- Falling in love: Ride a roller coaster.
- Modern kids and kids that lived in 1900.
- Drinking beer with friends and dating with a girl.
- Online shopping and going to the store.
- Brand clothes or cheap clothes.
- A good school teacher and a bad school teacher.
- Harry Potter — a book and a movie.
- The influence of parents and the influence of teachers.
IT and Social Media Essay Topics
If you are interested in writing a comparison essay in IT sphere, read our list of IT and social media essay topics.
- Emails and messengers communication.
- Microsoft and Apple.
- Laptops and computers.
- Windows versus Linux.
- IOS and Android.
- Online friends and real friends.
- Facebook versus Instagram.
- Talking to friends on Skype or meeting them in reality.
- Viber and Skype.
- Texting and calling.
Compare and contrast essay topics for high school students
Subjects for high school graduates should be pretty simple but on their academic level. Nevertheless, the ability to write a thought-provoking essay in school boosts one’s writing skills and makes one prepared for college writing classes.
- Windows or Linux: which one has more benefits?
- Life at middle school against high school
- Being allocated a scholarship against paying college fees
- Cramming the night before the exam against studying proportionally throughout the year
- Having a partner against being single
- Football against basketball
- High school diploma and a college degree: a comparison
- Remote job against freelance job
- Social sciences against humanities
- The comparison of two American presidents
Compare and contrast essay topics for college students
Being a college student, you have to be more specific. That is why topics usually call for more in-depth research to write a good piece. They also aim to reveal your critical thinking skills and make relevant decisions.
- Major differences between a B.A. and an M.A. degree
- The U.K. and the U.S. education systems
- The political regime in China today and the one 70 years ago
- Hurricane or earthquakes: which natural disaster is more perilous?
- Life on campus and life with parents: similar and different aspects
- Healthcare in the U.S. against healthcare in Germany
- US English versus Australian: similarities and substantial differences
- Exchange programs in the EU and the US
- How are dissertations and theses different?
- Class education or online schooling?
Major Takeaways
- A comparative essay is a paper where you should examine two items, comparing them, contrasting, or altogether
- This essay’s goal is to point out the critical differences in two existing elements
- The introduction has three components that mustn’t be avoided. They are the opener, the presentation of two things, and a clear thesis statement
- The body might be written in the form of point by point or one perspective (item) with its differing qualities going one at a time
- The conclusion needs to be linked to the thesis, wrapped-up thought regarding common or different things, and a closing sentence
We genuinely hope that this comprehensive guide will serve you as trustworthy assistance and assist you with writing a great compare and contrast essay.