512 Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Should you buy a green or a red apple?

Before making a decision, people often compare their options. In a compare and contrast essay, you analyze the similarities and differences between certain things. In this article, you’ll find interesting and easy compare and contrast essay topics for college, high school students, middle-schoolers, and even elementary kids.

Keep reading to choose a topic and write a great comparison essay. But first, bookmark our custom-writing services in case you need help with any paper!

🔝 Top 10 Comparison Topics 2024

1. NFT vs. cryptocurrency
2. Recycling vs. landfills
3. How is COVID-19 different from flu?
4. The difference between VR and AR
5. Data science vs. artificial intelligence

6. Machine learning vs. deep learning
7. Plastic cards vs. eco-friendly bank cards
8. Olympic games vs. world championship
9. Difference between immunization and vaccination
10. Is traditional teaching more effective than online teaching?

🆚 Top 10 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

11. Credit cards vs. debit cards
12. Living on-campus vs. off-campus
13. E-learning vs. traditional classes
14. Public vs. private healthcare
15. Traditional vs. modern medicine
16. Online shopping vs. traditional shopping
17. Is it better to drive a car or use the subway?
18. Difference between American and Asian cultures
19. The difference between nuclear and solar power
20. Is it more effective to make calls or send emails?

💡 Compare and Contrast Essay Prompts

Here are the most inspiring compare and contrast essay prompts to kick-start your writing process:

21. Compare classroom learning and online learning. While presence in a classroom encourages direct interaction, online education provides flexibility. In your essay, evaluate how these formats affect student engagement and academic performance.
22. Democracy vs. authoritarianism. Analyze key principles and freedoms of both systems of government. Then, dwell on the potential drawbacks of centralized authority in contrast to the democratic society.
23. The thin line between offense and defense. Explain why people often perceive self-protection as a personal offense. Provide real-world examples to better understand the subjective nature of offense and defense. Make sure to take into account cultural norms and legal frameworks.
24. Which is better: a road trip or a cruise? Your essay can analyze the positive and negative sides of road trips and cruises. Contrast the prices, experiences, and amenities involved to decide which option is better.
25. The differences and similarities between traditional and modern families. Explore the traditional and modern family structures, paying particular attention to differences in size and roles within the family. Compare the attitudes toward marriage education, career choices, and personal development in each type of family.
26. E-books vs. printed books. Examine the environmental consequences of producing e-books and printed books. Consider factors such as paper usage, deforestation, and electronic waste. You may also discuss the differences in the reading experience based on sensory engagement and convenience.
27. Renaissance and pop art: what do they have in common? In your essay, analyze the parallels between the features of the Renaissance and the pop art movement. Compare and contrast their cultural impact and art production techniques. Make sure to provide examples of works from both eras.
28. Snack culture in France and Italy. Besides having trademark foods like croissants and pizza, France and Italy have different snacking rituals. Compare the cultural significance and variety of snacks in these two culinary-rich European countries.
29. The physiological benefits and drawbacks of coffee and tea. Analyze the physiological effects of these popular drinks based on their impact on health. In addition, you can compare their cultural significance and role in people’s lives.
30. Are graffiti similar to traditional painting? Contrast these two forms of self-expression, paying particular attention to their cultural impact and societal perceptions. Explain why graffiti is largely considered vandalism while traditional paintings are valued by society.
31. The similarities and differences between fascism and Nazism. Compare the historical context, ideological differences, and key figures to demonstrate the distinct dangers posed by each authoritarian ideology. Explore how both regimes encouraged war and territorial conquest. You may also compare their justifications and methods of aggression.
32. Classic vs. modern literature. Compare and contrast the literary styles prevalent in classic and modern literature. Analyze the similarities and differences in language use, plot structure, and narrative techniques.

🎨 Cultural Comparison Topics

Cross-cultural topics are very common for comparative essays. Simply put, these topics require you to compare and contrast two cultures. You may talk about the traditions, food, religions, and family values of different countries. Keep in mind that it is crucial not to be biased or discriminatory when analyzing perspectives.

33. Latin American culture vs. European culture.
34. Compare Christmas traditions in Australia and in Canada.
35. Points of difference between Ancient Egyptians and Sumerians.
36. Similarities between Brazilian food and Portuguese food.
37. Compare the concepts of Eastern vs. Western teachings.
38. Differences between American and South African family values.
39. Resemblances between Central American Mayans and Mexican Mayans.
40. Compare traditional clothing in Ukraine and Argentina.
41. Distinctions between American and South Korean business culture.
42. Finnish vs. Spanish educational culture.
43. Asia: cultural differences between China and Japan.
44. Compare Afghan and Russian hospitality.
45. Marital traditions in Latin America and Eastern Europe.
46. Driving culture in Germany vs. Britain.
47. Religious practices: India vs. France.
48. Compare working conditions in Bangladesh with those in the U.S.
49. Latin American vs. Australian music.
50. Contrast Italian and Swedish customer service quality.
51. Similarities and differences between Incas and Aztecs.
52. Compare Babylonian gods with Roman ones.
53. Australian and British ways of raising children.
54. Contrast Roman and Greek rulers.
55. Norway and Spain intercultural differences.
56. Women in China vs. in the U.S.
57. Compare Argentinian and Brazilian dances.
58. Ways in which Canadian and American Thanksgivings are different.
59. Contrast gender roles in Spain and South Korea.
60. Female body expectations in Mexico vs. Greece.
61. Discrimination towards foreigners in America vs. Japan.
62. Differences between friendships in France and America.

📚 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics: Different Subjects

History Comparison Topics

Take a look at historical comparison essay topics and choose two subjects to compare. It can be two events or famous historical figures.

The following topics are excellent when an in-depth analysis is required. Keep in mind that they can be controversial since some of them are concerned with sensitive issues.

63. Compare the French Revolutionary War with the American Revolutionary War.
64. Contrast the explorations of Columbus and Hernán Cortés.
65. Differences between the industrial revolution in Europe and America.
66. Ancient leaders: Czar Nicholas II and Julius Caesar.
67. Compare the Spanish colonization of the Americas with British Imperialism.
68. WWII dictatorships: Franco and Mussolini.
69. Compare and contrast the consequences of WWI and WWII.
70. Differences between the inventions of Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla.
71. U.S. presidents: Barack Obama vs. Ronald Reagan.
72. Industrial Revolution: Andrew Carnegie versus John Rockefeller.
73. Similarities between slavery in the American South and North.
74. Compare and contrast the Confederate states with the Union states.
75. Fascism vs. communism during WWII.
76. Chernobyl nuclear disaster vs. Fukushima.
77. Non-violent activists: Martin Luther King and Gandhi.
78. Differences and similarities between Trojans and Spartans.
79. Presidential assassinations: J.F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln.
80. Arms race in America and the Soviet Union.
81. Empires: the Ottoman Turks vs. Persians.
82. Consequences of the Korean War and the Vietnam War.
83. Conquistadors: Portuguese vs. Spanish.
84. Theological approaches: Thomas of Aquinas and Saint Augustine.
85. Points of difference between the Axis and the Allied Powers<.
86. Symbols of wealth in Ancient Greece and Rome.
87. Similarities and differences between NATO and the Warsaw Pact.
88. Ancient Greek Philosophers: Socrates vs. Aristotle.
89. Compare and contrast East and West Germany.
90. Distinctions between the Bamboo Curtain and the Iron Curtain.
91. Famous rivalry: Alexander Hamilton vs. Aaron Burr.
92. Enlightenment philosophers: John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Comparison Essay Topics in Art

Comparative paper topics in art can explain real-life events and evoke emotions. In other words, comparing and contrasting artworks will help you understand their actual purposes. For topics in art, you can choose to compare movements, artworks, and artists.

93. Distinctions and resemblances between the art of Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci.
94. Compare Picasso’s Rose and Blue Periods.
95. Differences between the Baroque art style and Neoclassicism.
96. Compare painting from real life and painting from a photo.
97. Similarities between Goya’s and Rembrandt’s paintings.
98. Colombian artists: Fernando Botero and Luis Alberto Acuña Tapado.
99. Compare and contrast Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
100. Differences and similarities between Surrealism and Expressionism.
101. Points of similarity between Egyptian and Aztec pottery.
102. Ways in which Ancient Greek and Mayan jewelry are different.
103. Italian Renaissance sculptors: Donatello vs. Michelangelo.
104. Contrast the representation of life in Surrealism and Realism.
105. Cubism: Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso.
106. Painting outdoors vs. painting in a studio.
107. Symbolism movement in France and Russia.
108. Op Art Movement vs. Abstract Art Movement.
109. Pointillism: Georges Seurat and Paul Signac.
110. Similarities and differences between photography and filmmaking.
111. Beethoven vs. Mozart: life and music.
112. Compare and contrast Edvard Munch with Wassily Kandinsky.
113. Goya’s The Second of May 1808 vs. Goya’s The Third of May 1808.
114. The theme of religion in Raphael’s and Velázquez’s paintings.
115. Compare and contrast oil paint and acrylics.
116. Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa versus Botero’s Mona Lisa, Age Twelve.
117. Joaquín Sorolla: Impressionism and Luminism periods.
118. Van Gogh vs. Salvador Dali.
119. Compare and contrast Renaissance and Neoclassical painters.
120. Romanticism: Caspar David Friedrich and Eugène Delacroix.
121. Differences and similarities between Dada and Cubism movements.
122. Ways in which traditional and digital painting are similar.

Literature Comparison Topics

Literature is a gateway to another world. Whether it’s poetry or prose, their mesmerizing effect has captivated people for centuries. Do you love losing yourself between the pages of a novel or the lines of a poem? Then compare and contrast topics on literature are the right thing for you.

123. The theme of love in A Midsummer Night’s Dream vs. Romeo and Juliet.
124. Female representation in The House Bernarda Alba vs. A Doll’s House.
125. Concept of reality: Life’s a Dream and Waiting for Godot.
126. Supernatural themes: The Tempest and Hamlet.
127. Gothic genre: Frankenstein and Dracula.
128. The idea of honesty in Tartuffe versus The Importance of Being Earnest.
129. Contrast plays in the Romantic period with plays in the Realistic period.
130. Orange Is the New Black: TV series vs. book.
131. Detective genre: Edgar Allan Poe and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
132. Death in A Rose for Emily vs. A Good Man is Hard to Find.
133. Compare An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge with The Lottery.
134. Ancient Greek plays: Oedipus Rex and Medea.
135. American writers: Ernest Hemingway vs. William Faulkner.
136. The theme of racism in works of Richard Wright and Langston Hughes.
137. Compare the theme of knowledge in Fahrenheit 451 and 1984.
138. Revenge: The Count of Monte Cristo and Great Expectations.
139. From the Earth to the Moon vs. Journey to the Center of the Earth.
140. War and children: The Kite Runner and A Long Way Gone.
141. The theme of competition in Battle Royale vs. The Hunger Games.
142. Representation of society and class: Matched and The Selection.
143. Fantasy fiction: The Lord of the Rings and the Harry Potter series.
144. The theme of bravery in The Hobbit vs. Beowulf.
145. Compare and contrast Lord of the Flies with Animal Farm.
146. Human relationships: Their Eyes Were Watching God vs. Brave New World.
147. WW2 novels: Boy in the Striped Pajamas and The Book Thief.
148. American 20th-century poets: Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes.
149. Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson: literary style comparison.
150. Epic poems: Epic of Gilgamesh and Odyssey.
151. Latin American writers: Isabel Allende and Gabriel García Márquez.
152. Literary movements: Naturalism vs. Modernism.

Comparison Topics: Everyday Things

By now, you should have some ideas in mind. However, what if you are taking the IELTS and the prompt is to compare everyday things? Comparison essay topics on this subject often focus on differences and similarities between daily choices such as drinking tea or juice.

153. Owning a house vs. paying rent.
154. Distinctions between working remotely and traditional jobs.
155. Transportation: riding a bicycle vs. taking a bus.
156. Contrast online and traditional classes.
157. Buying food vs. bringing lunch from home.
158. Compare the effects of a daily workout with weekly training.
159. Taking class notes on paper versus on the computer.
160. Resemblances and distinctions between TV shows and movies.
161. Hanging out with friends vs. staying at home.
162. Contrast studying with working while studying.
163. Homework: working ahead vs. leaving it for the last minute.
164. Taking a shower every day vs. in intervals.
165. Compare following a daily routine with having no schedule.
166. The difference between owning a company and working for someone.
167. Contrast playing soccer with playing basketball.
168. Taking drawing lessons vs. learning to draw by yourself.
169. Compare playing in an orchestra with playing alone.
170. Similarities and differences between ballet and jazz lessons.
171. Compare waking up early with sleeping in.
172. Following a vegan diet vs. eating meat every day.
173. Contrast the effects of praying daily with not praying at all.
174. Compare wearing makeup and wearing no makeup.
175. Similarities and differences between cats and dogs.
176. Interacting with family members online vs. face-to-face.
177. Social media: limited usage and unlimited usage.
178. Compare and contrast daily meditation with daily yoga.
179. Cleaning the room every day versus weekly.
180. Daily activities while dating vs. while being single.
181. Intermittent fasting vs. eating whenever you are hungry.
182. Free time: reading a book vs. volunteering.

Comparison Essay Topics about Locations

Now, what if you want to compare popular and interesting places?

When it comes to locations, you usually have two similar things to compare. For instance, your essay can be about two churches or national parks. Additionally, you can mention how cultural differences influence architecture.

183. Waterfalls: Angel Falls and Iguazu Falls.
184. Contrast the Denali National Park with Banff National Park.
185. Archipelagos: Fernando de Noronha and The Azores.
186. Compare the Atacama Desert with the Sahara Desert.
187. Similarities and differences between Boracay and the Faroe Islands.
188. Points of difference between Aurlandsfjord with Milford Sound.
189. Ways that Halong Bay and Disko Bay are different.
190. Resemblances and distinctions between Lake Baikal and Lake Tekapo.
191. Compare and contrast Medina Azahara and Aljaferia Palace.
192. Similarities and differences between Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Fuji.
193. Ways in which Kalaupapa and Cliffs of Moher are different.
194. Contrast Yellowstone National Park with Torres del Paine National Park.
195. Ways in which America and Germany are similar.
196. Compare Raja Ampat Islands with the Galápagos Islands.
197. Points of similarity between Antelope Canyon and Grand Canyon.
198. Ways in which the Pantheon and the Acropolis of Athens are different.
199. Similarities and differences between the Hagia Sophia and the Taj Mahal.
200. Contrast Burj Khalifa and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
201. Guggenheim Museum versus Niterói Contemporary Art Museum.
202. Compare and contrast the Eiffel Tower with the Space Needle.
203. Ways in which the Guggenheim and the Dancing House are similar.
204. St. Basil’s Cathedral vs. Metropolitan Cathedral of Brasília.
205. Points of difference between La Sagrada Familia and Dome of the Rock.
206. Distinctions and resemblances between American national parks.
207. Compare the Sultan Ahmed Mosque with the Mosque of Córdoba.
208. Points of difference between Musée d’Orsay and Musée du Louvre.
209. Contrast Sydney Opera House and The Lotus Temple.
210. New York: Chrysler Building and One World Trade Center.
211. Ways in which Le Mont-Saint Michel and Bran Castle are different.
212. Compare the Forbidden City and Angkor Wat.

Comparison Paper Topics: People and Characters

When it comes to people and characters, you can compare and contrast them in many aspects. For instance, analyze their personalities or their influence on the world. You can draw a comparison between people you admire or even between your favorite fictional characters!

213. Fathers of experimental psychology: William James versus Wilhelm Wundt.
214. Musicians: Elvis Presley vs. Michael Jackson.
215. Compare the ideas of David Hume with Adam Smith’s.
216. Similarities and differences between Steve Jobs and Bill Gates.
217. Vladimir Lenin vs. Joseph Stalin.
218. Compare the biographies of Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston.
219. Emperors: Charlemagne and Napoleon I.
220. Queen Victoria vs. Queen Elizabeth I.
221. American Founding Fathers: Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.
222. Famous scientists: Albert Einstein and Marie Curie.
223. Contrast the ideas of Karl Marx with those of Friedrich Engels.
224. Differences and similarities between Prince Harry and Prince William.
225. Famous humanitarians: Mother Teresa and Princess Diana.
226. Resemblances and distinctions between Thomas Hobbes and John Locke.
227. Popes: St. Gregory the Great and Innocent III.
228. Similarities and differences between Katniss Everdeen and Beatrice Prior.
229. Compare and contrast Boo Radley with Atticus Finch.
230. Dumbledore vs. Odin.
231. Similarities and differences between Guy Montag and Winston Smith.
232. Bilbo Baggins vs. Frodo Baggins.
233. Shakespeare’s Falstaff vs. Milton’s Satan.
234. Classic detectives: Sherlock Holmes and C. Auguste Dupin.
235. Differences and similarities between Cher Horowitz and Emma Woodhouse.
236. Contrast Sam Spade with The Continental Op.
237. Nancy Drew vs. Tintin.
238. Compare Jay Gatsby and Nick Carraway in The Great Gatsby.
239. Similarities and differences between Catherine Earnshaw and Elizabeth Bennet.
240. Contrast Bernard Marx with John the Savage in Brave New World.
241. Points of difference between Captain Ahab and Moby Dick.
242. Tom Sawyer vs. Huckleberry Finn.

Technology Comparison Topics

Nowadays, technology helps us in many ways. For instance, it provides various means of communication. In an essay on this matter, you can compare devices, uses, and technological changes over time.

These comparison paper topics can turn out to be controversial, exciting, or even funny. It all depends on the issues that you choose to research and write about.

243. Compare owning a landline phone and a mobile phone.
244. Similarities and differences between MacBook Pro and MacBook Air.
245. Microsoft Word vs. Google Docs.
246. Ways in which the Android system and the IOS system differ.
247. Similarities and differences between online books and printed books.
248. Compare technology usage in medicine with technology usage in business.
249. Similarities and differences between mobile games and outdoor games.
250. Points of difference between traditional mail and electronic mail.
251. Watching movies at home versus going to a public theater.
252. Compare writing on a physical keyboard and a touchscreen keyboard.
253. Exams: online and paper-based exams for college students.
254. Internet censorship in China versus the United States.
255. Compare and contrast physical and digital pictures.
256. Similarities and differences between gasoline vehicles and electric cars.
257. Contrast the efficiency of an Amazon Echo Dot and Google Home.
258. Apple devices: owning an iPod vs. having an iPad.
259. Using robots in factories vs. hiring people.
260. Compare the usage of solar and wind energy.
261. Bluetooth vs. wired-connected devices.
262. Contrast Huawei phones with Apple phones.
263. Similarities and differences between Windows and OS X.
264. Owning a computer vs. having a tablet.
265. Compare texting your friends with talking on the phone.
266. Using a house security system versus having no security system.
267. Similarities and differences between an air conditioner and a fan.
268. Compare baking in the oven with reheating food in a microwave.
269. Barcodes vs. Radio Frequency Identification Tags.
270. Ways in which a Dell laptop and an HP laptop are different.
271. Similarities and differences between Ethernet and Wi-Fi.
272. Compare using a smartphone camera and a DSLR.

🎓 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for College Students

If your main criterion for your topic is that it’s suitable for college students, this section is for you. In higher education, you might be expected to put a more analytical spin on your comparison. The following ideas will make it easy for you to dive deep into similarities and differences:

273. Which views do Donald Trump and Joe Biden share?
274. Compare and contrast anarchism and socialism.
275. Language acquisition theories: Noam Chomsky vs. B.F. Skinner.
276. Describe fish species from the deep sea vs. the surface.
277. What’s the difference between the U.S. Constitution and Articles of Confederation?
278. Discuss the differences between waterproof and water-resistant materials.
279. How does the structure of acrylic and cotton textiles differ?
280. The economic and cultural influence of Coca Cola vs. PepsiCo.
281. Similarities between Otto von Bismarck and Winston Churchill.
282. How did the cultural turn influence the humanities compared to the linguistic turn?
283. Explore the differences between structuralism and post-structuralism.
284. The role of syntax in Hindi vs. English.
285. Compare and contrast frontend vs. backend development.
286. Which ideas did Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre share?
287. What were the focus points of first-wave vs. second-wave feminism?
288. Similarities and differences between evolutionary vs. developmental psychology.
289. How do large-scale and high-throughput DNA sequencing processes differ?
290. Business strategies: Apple vs. Samsung.
291. Discuss the legacy of jazz vs. blues music.
292. Contrast a natural birth vs. getting an epidural.
293. Chemical components of red wine compared to vermouth.
294. What characteristics do black tea and coffee share?
295. Describe the differences between impressionism and expressionism.
296. IELTS and TOEFL: what do the two systems have in common?
297. Experimental psychology in 19th century France vs. Germany.
298. Film studies: watching movies now and in the past.

299. How does the administrative work in Russia compared to Georgia?
300. Compare and contrast Judith Butler’s and Camille Paglia’s position on gender.
301. Cooking cultures in Italy vs. France: how are they different?
302. What do cosmologists study as opposed to astronomers?

🏫 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for High School Students

Your teacher has assigned you a comparison essay, but now you have to develop a topic by yourself? Don’t be overwhelmed—browse this list and be sure to find topics suitable for your level. With these creative ideas, writing your paper will undoubtedly be fun:

303. What happens to nature in spring vs. fall?
304. For literature lovers: analyze the differences between plays and novels.
305. Compare the origins of near-sightedness and farsightedness.
306. Philosophical positions: rationalism vs. empiricism.
307. Advantages of sleeping in vs. getting up early.
308. What are the health benefits of HIIT vs. cardio?
309. Differences and similarities between acoustic vs. electric guitars.
310. Contrast wearing glasses and wearing contacts.
311. Night vision: owls vs. cats.
312. How does living in the city differ from living in the countryside?
313. Compare the anatomy of chickens and velociraptors.
314. Outline the differences between American football and rugby.
315. Space movies: what do Steven Soderbergh’s and Andrei Tarkovsky’s versions of Solaris have in common?
316. How do Fanta and Mirinda differ?
317. Similarities and differences between Christmas and Easter.
318. Compare and contrast having a big family and being an only child.
319. Challenges of growing up queer vs. straight.
320. Baking bread with yeast vs. sourdough.
321. Outline the features of kohl pencils vs. gel eyeliners.
322. Advantages of using paper bags vs. plastic bags.
323. Contrast activities during winter and summer vacations.
324. Games and graphics: PS4 vs. Xbox One.
325. What are the differences between being homeschooled and going to a public school?
326. Subcultures: Emo vs. Goth.
327. Describe the environmental impact of hybrid vs. electric cars.
328. Compare the features and prospects of arts vs. science education.
329. How do manga and comics differ?
330. Differences and similarities between Halloween and the Mexican Día de Muertos.
331. Contrast the new Tomb Raider trilogy with the old games.
332. High school students vs. elementary school students.

✏️ Compare and Contrast Topics for Middle School

Maybe you’re already an essay writing veteran. Or perhaps this is your first compare and contrast paper. Whatever your experience is, this section has what you need. Now, the most important thing is that you write about something you like. The following list includes manageable examples for every middle school student:

333. The taste of soda from plastic bottles vs. cans.
334. What’s more interesting: physics or chemistry?
335. Advantages of having long hair vs. short hair.
336. Compare in-ear headphones with over-ear ones.
337. Differences between Snapchat and Instagram.
338. What’s better: a big birthday party with your friends or celebrating with your family?
339. Compare Ancient Egyptians and Ancient Greeks.
340. Contrast working in the medical field with working as an engineer.
341. What can you do at night as opposed to during the day?
342. How do Pokémon and Digimon differ?
343. Volcanoes: compare Italy’s Mount Etna and Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro.
344. Similarities and differences between 2D and 3D movies.
345. How does it affect your life if you’re shy as opposed to outgoing?
346. Compare going to school and being in kindergarten.
347. Baseball and basketball: what do they have in common?
348. Cars: the difference between a Mercedes and a Chevrolet.
349. Compare and contrast a book of your choice and its movie adaptation.
350. Reading the newspaper vs. a magazine.
351. What’s it like to live in an apartment compared to living in a house?
352. The pleasure of giving presents vs. getting them.
353. Describe Mars in comparison to Earth.
354. Japanese vs. American cartoons: what are the differences?
355. What’s different if you’re left-handed vs. right-handed?
356. Sugar and salt: how do they differ?
357. Find similarities between hail and rain.
358. What are the features of sand vs. ice deserts?
359. Compare science fiction and fantasy.
360. Contrast natural sciences and humanities.
361. Dressing up for events vs. going in jeans and a shirt.
362. What differs a hot air balloon from a zeppelin?

🧸 Compare and Contrast Topics for Elementary

Do you want to practice your writing skills with a fantastic essay? Under this rubric, you’ll find friendly and funny compare and contrast essay topics. Pick any and just focus on your creativity. Who says school assignments always have to be boring? Here are some engaging writing prompts to boost your ideas:

363. Fortnite vs. Minecraft.
364. Dog breeds: compare Chihuahuas and Pitbulls.
365. What are the differences between flowers and mushrooms?
366. What’s more fun: writing a poem or painting a picture?
367. Describe the similarities between crabs and lobsters.
368. Contrast doctors and teachers.
369. Differences between elementary school students and kindergarteners.

370. Compare and contrast a dish you like and a dish you don’t like.
371. What’s the difference between being excited and being happy?
372. How do you feel when you’re lonely vs. when you’re sad?
373. Camping in a tent vs. in a van.
374. What’s it like if you’re tall as opposed to short?
375. Insects: what are the differences between bees and wasps?
376. Compare and contrast juice and soft drinks.
377. Contrast magic vs. science.
378. What distinguishes a buddy from a best friend?
379. Find similarities between nectarines and peaches.
380. Which personality traits do your mother and father share?
381. Skateboarding vs. inline skating.
382. Differences and similarities between buying groceries and shopping.
383. What distinguishes dolphins from whales?
384. Compare and contrast tornadoes and hurricanes.
385. Speaking only one language vs. knowing two or more languages.
386. Compare and contrast natural light and candlelight.
387. What’s it like to have your own computer compared to sharing it?
388. Countries with a cold vs. warm climate.
389. Contrast eating with a fork and using chopsticks.
390. How does wearing a skirt differ from wearing pants?
391. Hot vs. cold drinks.
392. What’s distinct about writing with a pen compared to using a pencil?

👶 Fun Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Kids

Sometimes, decisions can be challenging. Bears or dolphins? Sandcastles or snowball fights? It might be easier to write everything you know about both options down. Once you do this, you’re automatically comparing and contrasting. Without even noticing, you’re probably using this skill all the time. Test your knowledge with these fun and exciting topics:

393. Compare drawing with crayons vs. using fingerpaint.
394. What’s cooler: the police or the fire department?
395. Would you prefer being on a boat trip or taking a train ride?
396. What’s better: Friday or Saturday?
397. Compare peanut butter and Nutella.
398. What ranks higher for you: cake or cookies?
399. Would you rather be at home or on vacation?
400. Ice cream vs. popsicles.
401. What’s more comfortable: sitting or lying down?
402. Do you prefer sleeping in a blanket or a sleeping bag?
403. Stuffed animals vs. toys: what’s more fun to play with?
404. Lollipops vs. jawbreakers.
405. Compare being with your parents with staying at your grandparents’.
406. Which is the better pet: a bunny or a snake?
407. What would you prefer: playing in the snow or at the beach?
408. Pizza or hot dogs: what’s tastier?
409. Batman vs. Spiderman: who is the coolest superhero?
410. Would it be nicer to be a mermaid or a fairy?
411. Going to the zoo vs. the circus.
412. Would you rather play at home or outside?
413. Is it more interesting to watch a cartoon or a T.V. show?
414. Breakfast food competition: pancakes vs. eggs and bacon.
415. Talking to friends online vs. face-to-face.
416. What’s the better superpower: being invisible or flying?
417. Do you prefer scary or funny stories?
418. Time travel: would it be more exciting to go to the past or the future?
419. Compare the advantages of reading by yourself and being read to by someone.
420. Which presents are better: birthday or Christmas?
421. Wearing pajamas vs. a nightgown.
422. Contrast tree houses and pillow forts.

✅ Easy Compare and Contrast Topics

Want a simple and straightforward topic for your compare and contrast essay? Find one in the list below:

423. Study the differences between board games and video games.
424. Compare the traditional clothing of Ukraine and Japan.
425. Texting vs. calling: which is the best method of communication?
426. The advantages of online dating compared to real-life dating.
427. Summer vs. winter: which season is better?
428. Compare traditional and modern medicine.
429. British vs. American English: the key differences.
430. Why are debit cards better than cash?
431. The similarities between the Roman and British Empires.
432. Instagram vs. Pinterest: which platform is better for business?
433. Compare and contrast modern recycling methods.
434. What differentiates Bollywood movies from Hollywood films?
435. Renting vs. owning an apartment: pros and cons.
436. Compare Newton’s and Einstein’s contributions to science.
437. The differences between rap and trap music.
438. Android vs. iOS: which operating system should you choose?
439. Using public transportation vs. driving a private car: pros and cons.
440. Similarities and differences between extroverts and introverts.
441. What’s the difference between scholarships and student loans?
442. Compare face-to-face and long-distance communication.

🤔 Controversial Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Controversial essay topics will not only engage you in critical thinking but also promote discussions around opposing perspectives. Check some of such topics below:

443. Christianity and Islam: key similarities and differences.
444. Compare and contrast the effects of mental health medication and psychotherapy.
445. Pros and cons of dieting vs. intuitive eating.
446. Is cyberbullying worse than face-to-face bullying?
447. Climate change: human impact vs. natural climate variability.
448. Compare the pros and cons of adhering to beauty standards and maintaining natural beauty.
449. Nuclear energy vs. renewable energy: which one is safer?
450. What is the difference between euthanasia and assisted suicide?
451. Is family more important for people than friends?
452. Contrast monogamy and polyamory in the modern world.
453. Compare deep learning and machine learning.
454. Socialism vs. capitalism: what’s the difference between the two political systems?
455. Compare AI-assisted education and traditional teaching methods.
456. Study the differences in approaches to space and ocean exploration.
457. Electric cars vs. gasoline cars: which one to choose?
458. Contrasting and comparing consumerism and minimalism.
459. The differences between feminism and men’s rights activism.
460. Compare the use of animal testing and in-vitro methods in medicine.
461. Should countries implement open borders policies or strengthen immigration control?
462. Comparing censorship and freedom of speech.

❓ Compare and Contrast Essay Questions

Want to get inspired to think critically and creatively? Try answering any of the following compare and contrast essay questions in your paper:

463. How does living in the city differ from life in the country?
464. Which is better: reading a book or watching a movie?
465. How does the value of practical experience compare to academic knowledge in career success?
466. What did Hitler and Napoleon have in common?
467. Why are private universities better than public ones?
468. How do cybersecurity threats today compare to historical security challenges?
469. Superhero movies vs. fantasy movies: which option would you choose?
470. Is it better to be the only child or to have siblings?
471. Teenagers today and a decade ago: how do they compare?
472. Why is traditional banking better than online banking?
473. How do developed and developing countries differ in their approaches to addressing climate change?
474. PlayStation vs. Xbox: which one to choose?
475. Why is smoking worse than vaping?
476. What is the difference between grades and standardized test scores?
477. How do Western and Eastern philosophies differ in interpreting the concept of happiness?
478. Fast food vs. home cooking: which is better?
479. How does the experience of watching a live performance differ from viewing it on a screen?
480. Why is following your dream better than doing what others tell you?
481. What distinguishes traditional folk tales from contemporary storytelling in literature or media?
482. How do healthy views on body image compare to society’s standards?

💬 Compare and Contrast Speech Topics

A compare and contrast speech is an excellent method to convince your audience that one thing is better than another. For example, you can talk about why using local and organic produce for school lunches is a good idea. Try making a speech on one of these topics:

483. Learning an instrument in school vs. skipping music classes.
484. Letting students choose what to read in class compared to having the teacher decide.
485. Should school lunch be organized by the state or by private companies?
486. Battle of the mac and cheeses: Kraft vs. Annie’s.
487. Contrast Roman Catholicism and Protestant Christianity.
488. Compare and contrast the advantages of PowerPoint vs. Prezi.
489. Why would it be better to use tablets in class than textbooks?
490. Which ideas do Liberals and Conservatives share?
491. Advantages of buying everything online vs. locally.
492. Who had a more significant impact on music: 2pac or Rage Against the Machine?
493. Our work performance is closely related to our mental health. Analyze how it would benefit companies to pay for their employees’ therapy instead of the workers having to pay themselves.
494. Movie rentals: Netflix vs. Blockbuster.
495. Advocate for learning to cook instead of dining out every day.
496. What’s the better gift: spending time with someone or giving them money?
497. The more people receive a quality education, the better for the economy. Compare countries with high vs. low education costs. Make a case why your country should lower/raise the price of education.
498. Analyze the recovery of drug addicts in rehabilitation programs vs. prisons.
499. Bill Clinton and Barack Obama: who was the better president?
500. Theory of value: Adam Smith vs. David Ricardo.
501. Which method is more sensible to combat climate change: carbon capture or renewable energies?
502. Wearing real vs. artificial leather: ethical issues and solutions.
503. Describe the rich vs. the poor in the U.S.
504. Compare the harmful effects of alcohol and marijuana.
505. Should employers reduce or increase the number of robots they use?
506. Helicopter parents vs. parental absenteeism: what’s worse?
507. What’s more helpful for someone with anger issues: playing shooters or meditating?
508. Compare and contrast fatuous and compassionate love.
509. Emma Goldman vs. Alan Moore: who was the more influential anarchist?
510. The benefits of Zoom compared to Google Meet.
511. In terms of news, what’s more informative: television or the internet?
512. Which sport is better for weight loss: swimming or running?

✍️ Comparison Essay Writing Guide

The best way to start a comparison essay is to choose a topic. Once you know what you will be writing about, it is essential to follow the correct structure for this assignment type. Outlining will ensure that you stick to the proper format from the start.

A typical comparison essay includes the following components:

1. Introduction paragraph
   • Hook: grab the attention of the audience. It can be a quote, a story, a fact, or even a definition.
   • Background information: in here, you give general knowledge about the topic.
   • Thesis statement: this is the most important sentence since it presents your claim.
2. Body paragraphs
   • Supporting evidence: information that proves your claim.
3. Conclusion Paragraph
   • Restated thesis.
   • Summary of body paragraphs.
   • So-what statement: explain why your reader should care about your topic.

In colleges and universities, students often write comparative analysis essays. Unlike a simple comparison essay, an analysis requires a more in-depth research. A topic for an analysis paper usually involves two very different or very similar subjects. Comparing them may be challenging, but the end result is always worth it.

Make sure that you include background information for both subjects that you compare.

In the thesis statement, you should mention the characteristics that you are going to analyze. For example, when talking about apples, it can be price, taste, and benefits. You can include as many points of comparison as you want.

How to Organize a Comparison Essay

There are two ways to organize the body paragraphs in a comparison essay: subject by subject and point by point. Take a look at some tips on how to properly follow either structure.

Subject-by-Subject Pattern

This type of organizing an essay is also called a block pattern. It means that you will discuss each subject separately. In other words, each subject will have its own body paragraph. Describe them according to the details or characteristics that you’ve listed in the thesis statement.

Here is how subject-by-subject body paragraphs should look like:

Point-by-Point Pattern

Points are the characteristics that you compare. You enumerate them in the thesis statement. Point-by-point means that each point will have a separate paragraph. In other words, each paragraph will discuss how a point relates to both items.

Check out how point-by-point body paragraphs look:

We hope that our tips and topics will help you write your best comparison essay!

🔍 References

1. The Comparative Essay: University of Toronto
2. Writing a Paper: Comparing and Contrasting: Walden University
3. Compare and Contrast: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
4. Compare and Contrast Essay: Excelsior Online Writing Lab
5. How to Write Comparative Essays in Literature: Seattle P-I
6. Art Movements and Styles: Artland
7. Ancient Egypt: History.com
8. The 10 Oldest Ancient Civilizations That Have Ever Existed: Ancient History Lists
9. People Known For: History and Society: Encyclopedia Britannica
10. Comparison and Contrast Essay Examples College: Cram.com
11. Paper Topics and Opposing Viewpoints: California State University, Long Beach: Libguides
12. Comparative Speech Topics: Synonym
13. The Greatest Books: The Best Books of All Time
14. The 50 Most Influential Gadgets of All Time: Time
15. Art: Encyclopedia.com