What is a compare-and-contrast essay? It is an essay that analyzes similarities and differences between two subjects. The key is to make sure that the two subjects are in the same category. This essay is perfect for highlighting the qualities that separate the two subjects or make them similar. That is why teachers often ask students to write a compare-and-contrast essay to evaluate their skills and knowledge. This guide will provide a list of possible topics for your compare-and-contrast essay, explain how to structure it properly, and include helpful examples and tips. First of all, let’s look at the list of possible topics.

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The List of Topics

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The number of topics for a compare-and-control essay is enormous; you can write about subjects from any area. The choice depends on your interests and the requirements of your teacher.

1. IOS and Android
2. Medicine vs. natural remedies
3. Public and private colleges
4. Extroverts and introverts
5. Generation Y and Generation Z
6. Vegetarians and meat-eaters
7. Socialism vs. communism
8. Living in a big city or living in the country
9. Italian vs. Spanish cuisines

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The number of topics for a compare-and-control essay is enormous; you can write about subjects from any area. The choice depends on your interests and the requirements of your teacher.

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Purpose of a Compare-and-Contrast Essay

A compare-and-contrast essay allows you to analyze in detail not one but two subjects and, as a result, have a better understanding of their essence. For instance, if you want to better understand Kant’s views on morality, you can compare and contrast his philosophy with Mill’s views. This way, you will also learn a lot about Mill and will be able to see how different or similar the two philosophers’ views were.

Many things can be understood better in contrast, especially when the two subjects are often confused with each other. When you compare them in your essay and emphasize why and how they differ, you will no longer confuse them. Compare-and-contrast essays are also assigned frequently to help students cover two subjects and remember the material better.

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The Structure of a Compare-and-Contrast Essay

Generally, a compare-and-contrast essay has the following structure:

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• Introduction with a thesis;
• Body, where you discuss your main points; it is the most extensive section;
• Conclusion, where you summarize your points.

When you write your compare-and-contrast essay, you need to follow a specific structure and make sure that you have come up with a working thesis. The thesis should include essential information about the similarities or differences of the two subjects and include the points that will be further covered in the main body. For instance, let’s take a look at this thesis statements:

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Life in the countryside may be calmer and more beneficial for your health due to the lack of noise, pollution, and a lot of greenery, but living in a big city is more comfortable due to more career opportunities, entertainment options, and proximity of various institutions.

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Similarities and Differences

A compare-and-contrast essay allows you to analyze in detail not one but two subjects and, as a result, have a better understanding of their essence. For instance, if you want to better understand Kant’s views on morality, you can compare and contrast his philosophy with Mill’s views. This way, you will also learn a lot about Mill and will be able to see how different or similar the two philosophers’ views were.