150 Comparison Essay Topics

The process of writing a comparison essay starts with the identification of two or more objects, people, events, etc., that are being studied. Then, once the similarities and differences have been identified, they need to be written about clearly and concisely.

Is Writing a Comparison Essay Difficult?

Even with superb writing skills, crafting an original and unique comparison essay can be challenging for many students.

Because a comparison essay is supposed to be unbiased, students often find it challenging to remain that way. The point of a comparison essay isn’t to argue a particular point of view. Instead, it is to simply and honestly assess and describe similarities and differences between two or more objects.

And since a comparison essay typically entails writing about both the similarities and differences between two or more objects, students may find it challenging to come up with enough points of comparison.

What Is the Best Way to Write a Comparison Essay?

Writing a comparison essay requires both creativity and analysis. By combining the two, students can best identify similarities and differences between two or more objects.

Having a checklist of points to consider can be an effective way to conduct comparisons. To write a comparison essay, students need to focus on the following:

Similarities

While identifying similarities between two or more objects may seem easier than pointing out differences, students need to be careful not to list off similarities without providing any analysis.

For example, if a student was writing a comparison essay about two cars, they might mention that both cars have four doors and seats for five people. However, simply noting the similarities between two objects is not enough.

Students need to probe a little deeper and ask themselves why the similarities exist to make an effective comparison. For example, in the case of the two cars, students might ask themselves why car manufacturers are designing vehicles with four doors and seats for five people. What are the benefits of doing so?

Differences

Identifying differences between two or more objects is often more difficult than finding similarities.

When identifying differences between objects, students need to be careful not to simply list off the differences without providing any analysis or explanation. For example, a student might say that a Ferrari car is expensive and a Ford Focus car is inexpensive. However, a one-sentence description of the difference between two objects doesn’t present any significant information.

To effectively compare two or more objects, students need to focus their attention on the “why” behind each difference. For example, they might ask themselves why one car is expensive while another is inexpensive. What are some of the factors that contribute towards its price? What materials does it consist of?

How to Write a Comparison Essay Conclusion

Writing a comparison essay starts with creating a detailed outline examining the similarities and differences between two or more objects.

Once the differences and similarities have been established, students can move on to crafting an introduction that details:

• The topic being covered
• Relevant background information
• Thesis statement

The introduction is often considered the most crucial part of an essay as it serves to entice the reader and make them want to continue reading.

The body of the comparison essay should then follow with a section that addresses each difference and similarity listed in the outline. Students should spend equal time discussing similarities and differences as a comparison essay is supposed to be balanced.

This means that if a student spends five paragraphs discussing one object’s similarities, they will need to spend five paragraphs discussing the other object’s differences.

The conclusion of a comparison essay should summarize the information that has been covered and leave the reader with some final thoughts. It is also a good idea to restate the thesis statement differently to remind the reader of what was being compared.

Key Tips for Writing a Comparison Essay

To ensure that a comparison essay is well-written, it’s essential to follow a few key pieces of advice so that you are on the right track.

1. Be Unbiased

When comparing two or more objects, it is important to be unbiased and not favor one object over the other. This means that students need to present information in a fair and even manner.

2. Use Evidence

In order to strengthen a comparison, students need to use evidence in the form of examples, data, and statistics. This will help support the points that are being made and make the essay more persuasive.

3. Stay Focused

When writing a comparison essay, staying focused on the topic at hand is essential. This means that students should avoid straying off-topic and including irrelevant information in their essay.

150 Comparison Essay Topics

The following 150 comparison essay topics are great prompts for students to explore the similarities and differences between two or more objects, concepts, or ideas.

Comparison Essay Topics About Math

1. The similarities and differences between addition and subtraction.
2. The similarities and differences between multiplication and division.
3. The similarities and differences between fractions and decimals.
4. The similarities and differences between percentages and fractions.
5. The similarities and differences between positive and negative numbers.
6. The similarities and differences between integers and real numbers.
7. The similarities and differences between rational and irrational numbers.
8. The similarities and differences between square roots and cube roots.
9. The similarities and differences between radicals and algebraic expressions.
10. The similarities and differences between order of operations and algebraic equations.
11. Comparing and contrasting basic and advanced math concepts.
12. Theoretical math concepts vs. their real-world applications.
13. The similarities and differences between geometry, algebra, calculus, statistics, etc.

Comparison Essay Topics About Language Arts

14. The similarities and differences between poetry and prose.
15. The similarities and differences between fiction and nonfiction books.
16. The similarities and differences between an argumentative essay vs. an informative essay.
17. The similarities and differences between satire and comedy.
18. The similarities and differences between daily journaling vs. blogging.
19. The similarities and differences between writing with correct punctuation, grammar, syntax, etc., vs. using slang words in an essay or other written piece of work.
20. Writing in first-person vs. writing in the third person.
21. The similarities and differences between a book report and a research paper.
22. Comparing and contrasting modern literature to classical literature.
23. The similarities and differences between summarizing and paraphrasing.
24. Choosing to write about a personal experience vs. writing about a fictional event.
25. The similarities and differences between western and easter poetry styles.

Comparison Essay Topics About History

26. The similarities and differences between the Roman Empire and Ancient Greece.
27. The similarities and differences between the American Revolution and French Revolution.
28. The similarities and differences between colonization in Latin America vs. Canada/the United States.
29. The similarities and differences between colonization in Australia vs. South Africa, India, Japan, etc.
30. The similarities and differences between Ancient China vs. Greece, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Persia, etc.
31. The similarities and differences between the Middle Ages vs. The Renaissance.
32. Comparing and contrasting events such as the Battle of Hastings to Haiti’s Battle of Vertieres.
33. Comparing and contrasting two wars in history.
34. The similarities and differences between a monarchy vs. a democracy/republic.
35. The similarities and differences between communism, socialism, and fascism.
36. The similarities and differences between the Cold War vs. The Great War.
37. The similarities and differences between Vikings and samurai.
38. The similarities and differences between the Union vs. the Confederacy.
39. Comparing modern countries with that of their past empires (i.e., India, China, Greece, etc.).
40. Examining the similarities and differences between two of history’s worst people.

Comparison Essay Topics About Science

41. The similarities and differences between atoms and molecules.
42. The similarities and differences between the Bohr model of the atom and the quantum mechanical model of the atom.
43. The similarities and differences between elements and compounds.
44. The similarities and differences between ionic bonding and covalent bonding.
45. The similarities and differences between acids and bases.
46. The similarities and differences between the scientific method and the research paper method.
47. The similarities and differences between science and technology.
48. The similarities and differences between types of wave energy, such as electromagnetic radiation vs. sound/vibrational energy.
49. Comparing and contrasting the Big Bang Theory with Creationism or Intelligent Design.
50. Exploring the similarities and differences between different scientific theories, including gravity, evolution, and plate tectonics.
51. The similarities and differences between the way scientists are portrayed in popular culture vs. how other scientists truly view them.
52. Exploring the similarities and differences between different categories of stars.
53. The similarities and differences of colonies of cells vs. colonies of ants/bees.
54. The similarities and differences between a tornado and an earthquake.
55. The science behind different types of cloud formations-cumulus, cirrus, cumulonimbus, etc.
56. Comparing and contrasting weather phenomena such as lightning to volcanoes or tornadoes and hurricanes and earthquakes and tsunamis.

Comparison Essay Topics About Arts and Culture

57. The similarities and differences between the Broadway musical and the Hollywood movie.
58. The similarities and differences between traditional art and digital art.
59. The similarities and differences between theater and cinema.
60. The similarities and differences between classical music and rock music.
61. The similarities and differences between literature written before the 1800s and literature written after the 1800s.
62. The similarities and differences between art from different parts of the world, such as Africa, Europe, Asia, etc.
63. Comparing two different types of dance – ballet vs. hip-hop.
64. Comparing two different types of architecture-Gothic vs. Renaissance.
65. Comparing two different eras in fashion-Victorian vs. Rococo.
66. Examining the similarities and differences between two different types of movies, such as a comedy and a drama.
67. Comparing the works of two different authors, such as Shakespeare and Hemingway.
68. Comparing two different types of writing – a sonnet to a haiku.
69. The similarities and differences between theater and stand-up comedy.
70. Exploring the similarities and differences between artistic movements, such as impressionism vs. cubism.
71. The similarities and differences between modernism and postmodernism.
72. Comparing and contrasting the work of two different painters, such as da Vinci and Rembrandt.
73. The similarities and differences between two different types of photography-still life vs. portrait.
74. Comparing and contrasting the work of two different sculptors, such as Michelangelo and Rodin.
75. Examining the similarities and differences between sculpture and photography.
76. Comparing two different eras of film-Romantic vs. Realist.
77. The similarities and differences between architecture during the late 1800s to early 1900s, such as Art Nouveau, Beaux-Arts, etc., to architecture today.
78. The similarities and differences between two different types of fashion-the 1950s vs. the 2010s.
79. The similarities and differences between food from two different parts of the world-Mexico vs. Japan.
80. Exploring the similarities and differences between popular culture in the United States and other countries.
81. The similarities and differences between music from two different parts of the world-Europe vs. South America.

Comparison Essay Topics About Health & Medicine

82. The similarities and differences between the way different cultures view illness and health.
83. The science behind different types of medicine, such as traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, etc.
84. The benefits and drawbacks of various medical treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, etc.
85. The similarities and differences between mental health and physical health.
86. The pros and cons of taking medication for mental health vs. taking medicines for physical health.
87. The benefits and drawbacks of using alternative medicine, such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, etc.
88. The effects of stress on mental and physical health.
89. The pros and cons of different diets, such as paleo, juicing, veganism, etc.
90. The similarities and differences between the way different cultures view mental health.
91. Exploring the benefits of different types of physical activity-walking vs. running vs. yoga.
92. Comparing two different kinds of surgery-cosmetic surgery vs. organ transplantation surgery.
93. The pros and cons of using different birth control methods, such as the pill vs. condoms.
94. Comparing two different types of therapy-psychotherapy vs. inpatient treatment center.
95. The similarities and differences between different types of prescription medication-antidepressants, ADHD medication, painkillers, etc.
96. The pros and cons of organ donation.
97. The benefits and drawbacks of genetic testing.
98. The pros and cons of getting a flu shot.
99. The effects of air pollution on human health.
100. Examining the history of public health campaigns, such as anti-smoking campaigns or polio vaccine campaigns.

Comparison Essay Topics About Technology

101. The pros and cons of using technology in the classroom.
102. The benefits and drawbacks of using technology for work.
103. The advantages and disadvantages of using various different types of technology
104. How different generations use technology differently.
105. The impact of technology on social interactions vs. leisurely activities.
106. The similarities and differences of how technology affects children and adults.

Comparison Essay Topics About Economics, Finance, & Business

107. The similarities and differences between capitalism and socialism.
108. Examining the differences and similarities between fascism and socialism.
109. The impact of different economic policies on a country’s GDP.
110. The similarities and differences between entrepreneurship and small business.
111. The pros and cons of starting a business in the current economy.
112. Comparison between two different types of businesses
113. Comparing the effects of globalization on two or more foreign countries.
114. Comparing and contrasting real estate investment vs. stock market investment.
115. Examining the benefits and drawbacks of freelancing v. remote work.

Comparison Essay Topics About Education

116. The benefits and drawbacks of homeschooling vs. traditional schooling.
117. The pros and cons of online learning vs. traditional learning.
118. The advantages and disadvantages of using standardized tests vs. other tests
119. The pros and cons of attending a private school vs. a public school.
120. The pros and cons of going to college for undergraduate vs. graduate degrees.
121. Compare and contrast two different types of teachers.
122. Early childhood education vs. after-school enrichment programs.
123. The benefits and drawbacks of competitive learning vs. cooperative learning.
124. Comparing two different methods of classroom management.

Comparison Essay Topics About Pop Culture

125. The similarities and differences between the music of Katy Perry and Taylor Swift.
126. Pop culture today vs. Pop culture 50 years ago.
127. Comparing two different reality shows
128. Comparing the similarities and differences between two different types of movies
129. The fundamental differences between news and entertainment media.
130. Examining the similarities and differences between two different celebrities
131. Comparing two different books in a series
132. Comparing two different TV shows

Comparison Essay Topics About Life

133. The benefits and drawbacks of being single vs. being in a relationship.
134. Comparing the similarities and differences of having a biological child v. adopting
135. The benefits and disadvantages of traveling solo vs. traveling with a group.
136. The advantages and disadvantages of moving work v. for other reasons
137. The similarities and differences between urban living and suburban living.
138. Examining the benefits and downsides of making a big purchase vs. investing money
139. The advantages and disadvantages of going on vacation vs. staying home
140. Comparing the similarities and differences between two different life paths.

Comparison Essay Topics About Nature & Biology

141. Comparing the digestive systems of humans & dogs.
142. The benefits and drawbacks of being a carnivore vs. an herbivore.
143. The advantages and disadvantages of having four limbs vs. two limbs.
144. Comparing the abilities of different animals, such as birds, fish, and insects.
145. Examining the similarities and differences between plant and animal cells.
146. Comparing the anatomy of two different types of creatures.
147. The difference between wild animals and domesticated animals.
148. Comparing photosynthesis in plants to respiration in animals.
149. The benefits and drawbacks of being a mammal vs. an amphibian vs. a reptile.
150. The similarities and differences between humans and chimpanzees.

Feel free to take any of these 150 comparison essay topics and make them your own. Remember that comparison essay topics can be about anything as long as it examines the similarities and differences between two or more objects, people, places, ideas, etc.