Answer:
First things first: You need to choose which subjects you’re comparing. This isn’t always easy, especially if you have to pick the subjects on your own.
For inspiration, here are some compare-and-contrast essay example topics:
Opposing options for a certain category
fossil fuels and renewable resources
Coca-Cola and Pepsi
Related works of arts or cultural movements
Mona Lisa and The Girl with a Pearl Earring
’80s punk rock music and ’90s grunge music
People who are similar, connected, or associated with each other
Elon Musk and Thomas Edison
The state of affairs at different time periods
London in the 1600s and London now
the LGBTQIA+ community before and after Stonewall
Two different but related places
Roman Empire and Greek Empire
Opposing theories or beliefs
loop quantum gravity and string theory
evolution and creationism
Opposing viewpoints or opinions
liberalism and conservatism
Topics that are often confused with each other
fascism and despotism
Once you’ve settled on your subjects, you can begin generating ideas. It helps to first list all the similarities and differences between your subjects. When you see them all written down, you can start formulating connections and decide what structure to use for your compare-and-contrast essay.
If you’re stuck, try making a Venn diagram. This is a visual aid that helps you understand which characteristics your subjects share, and which ones are exclusive.
Looking at your lists, you can then decide on the thesis. To do so, ask yourself a few questions: What are you trying to show in your compare-and-contrast essay? What do you want your reader to take away? For example, do you want to emphasize that Elon Musk is a modern-day Thomas Edison, or that they are tey two very distinct individuals?
