comparing cultures essay

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How to Write an Essay About Cultural Differences

How to Write Research Papers From Start to Finish

Starting your cultural differences essay can be a challenging undertaking. After all, the traditions and social expectations of any culture are so broad that it can be difficult to find a starting point. Choosing a specific aspect of two cultures to research narrows down the topic, leaving you one or two issues to focus on in detail.

Pick Your Topic

When writing an essay on cultural differences, the first question to address is which cultures to write about. The assignment you are given may ask you to compare and contrast two different cultures, or to compare your own culture to a culture with which you are unfamiliar. Pick a culture you are interested in, within the constraints of your assignment. This could be a culture that exists side by side with yours in your town or city, or a culture that exists on the other side of the world. If you are already partially familiar with that culture, pick an aspect of the culture you would like to know more about to ensure that you are engaged in your research.

Conduct Your Research

An encyclopedia may be a good place to begin your search. While an encyclopedia does not go in-depth into the particulars of a culture, it provides a general picture of topics you might want to investigate. These reference books often direct you to more specific references on your topic of interest, such as books, journal articles and online sources. You are likely to find, for example, a variety of sources about different levels of formality expectations in two cultures.

While doing your research, try to note whenever an aspect of a culture strikes you as strange, and ask yourself whether it is a bias based on your own assumptions. This is especially important if you are writing about the differences between your culture and another culture; you do not want your biases to creep into your writing. If possible, interview a member of the culture you are studying to get input on perceived differences.

Structure Your Paper

The next step is writing a thesis statement -- a sentence that expresses the argument of your paper. Since you are writing about a cultural difference, your thesis statement should mention what difference you want to highlight or explain in your paper. For example, if you are an American comparing your social norms of privacy to those of British culture, your thesis statement might go like this:

"The differences in British and Americans standards of privacy are evident in each culture's approach to personal openness and humor."

Once you have your thesis statement, you can plan out the rest of your paper. Outline paragraphs that compare and contrast the two cultures in regard to the issues stated in your thesis. Describe and explore similarities and differences. If possible, provide an explanation for what about the two cultures causes the differences to exist.

Write Your Paper

Begin your paper with an introduction paragraph that includes your thesis statement and additional sentences that define specific topics your paper addresses. Think of your introduction as a way of letting your reader know the topics your paper will cover. Following a well-argued body with strong supporting examples, end your essay with a conclusion paragraph that restates your thesis and the most important points of your cultural comparisons. Ensure that you cite your sources according to the style guide requested by your instructor.

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Jon Zamboni began writing professionally in 2010. He has previously written for The Spiritual Herald, an urban health care and religious issues newspaper based in New York City, and online music magazine eBurban. Zamboni has a Bachelor of Arts in religious studies from Wesleyan University.

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34 Compelling Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Topics cover education, technology, pop culture, sports, animals, and more.

Do your writers need some inspiration? If you’re teaching students to write a compare and contrast essay, a strong example is an invaluable tool. This round-up of our favorite compare and contrast essays covers a range of topics and grade levels, so no matter your students’ interests or ages, you’ll always have a helpful example to share. You’ll find links to full essays about education, technology, pop culture, sports, animals, and more. (Need compare-and-contrast essay topic ideas? Check out our big list of compare and contrast essay topics! )

What is a compare and contrast essay?

Education and parenting essays
Technology essays
Pop culture essays
Historical and political essays
Sports essays
Lifestyle essays
Healthcare essays
Animal essays

When choosing a compare and contrast essay example to include on this list, we considered the structure. A strong compare and contrast essay begins with an introductory paragraph that includes background context and a strong thesis. Next, the body includes paragraphs that explore the similarities and differences. Finally, a concluding paragraph restates the thesis, draws any necessary inferences, and asks any remaining questions.

A compare and contrast essay example can be an opinion piece comparing two things and making a conclusion about which is better. For example, “Is Tom Brady really the GOAT?” It can also help consumers decide which product is better suited to them. Should you keep your subscription to Hulu or Netflix? Should you stick with Apple or explore Android? Here’s our list of compare and contrast essay samples categorized by subject.

Education and Parenting Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Private school vs. public school.

Sample lines: “Deciding whether to send a child to public or private school can be a tough choice for parents. … Data on whether public or private education is better can be challenging to find and difficult to understand, and the cost of private school can be daunting. … According to the most recent data from the National Center for Education Statistics, public schools still attract far more students than private schools, with 50.7 million students attending public school as of 2018. Private school enrollment in the fall of 2017 was 5.7 million students, a number that is down from 6 million in 1999.”

Read the full essay: Private School vs. Public School at U.S. News and World Report

Homeschool vs. Public School: How Home Schooling Will Change Public Education

Sample lines: “Home schooling, not a present threat to public education, is nonetheless one of the forces that will change it. If the high estimates of the number of children in home schools (1.2 million) is correct, then the home-schooling universe is larger than the New York City public school system and roughly the size of the Los Angeles and Chicago public school systems combined. … Critics charge that three things are wrong with home schooling: harm to students academically; harm to society by producing students who are ill-prepared to function as democratic citizens and participants in a modern economy; and harm to public education, making it more difficult for other parents to educate their children. … It is time to ask whether home schooling, charters, and vouchers should be considered parts of a broad repertoire of methods that we as a society use to educate our children.”

Read the full essay: Homeschool vs. Public School: How Home Schooling Will Change Public Education at Brookings

Which parenting style is right for you?

Sample lines: “The three main types of parenting are on a type of ‘sliding scale’ of parenting, with permissive parenting as the least strict type of parenting. Permissive parenting typically has very few rules, while authoritarian parenting is thought of as a very strict, rule-driven type of parenting.”

Read the full essay: What Is Authoritative Parenting? at Healthline

Masked Education? The Benefits and Burdens of Wearing Face Masks in Schools During the Pandemic

Sample lines: “Face masks can prevent the spread of the virus SARS-CoV-2. … However, covering the lower half of the face reduces the ability to communicate. Positive emotions become less recognizable, and negative emotions are amplified. Emotional mimicry, contagion, and emotionality in general are reduced and (thereby) bonding between teachers and learners, group cohesion, and learning—of which emotions are a major driver. The benefits and burdens of face masks in schools should be seriously considered and made obvious and clear to teachers and students.”

Read the full essay: Masked Education? The Benefits and Burdens of Wearing Face Masks in Schools During the Pandemic at National Library of Medicine

To Ban or Not: What Should We Really Make of Book Bans?

Sample lines: “In recent years, book bans have soared in schools, reaching an all-time high in fall 2022. … The challenge of balancing parent concerns about ‘age appropriateness’ against the imperative of preparing students to be informed citizens is still on the minds of many educators today. … Such curricular decision-making should be left to the professionals, argues English/language arts instructional specialist Miriam Plotinsky. ‘Examining texts for their appropriateness is not a job that noneducators are trained to do,’ she wrote last year, as the national debate over censorship resurged with the news that a Tennessee district banned the graphic novel Maus just days before Holocaust Remembrance Day.”

Read the full essay: To Ban or Not: What Should We Really Make of Book Bans? at Education Week

Technology Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Netflix vs. hulu 2023: which is the best streaming service.

Sample lines: “Netflix fans will point to its high-quality originals, including The Witcher , Stranger Things , Emily in Paris , Ozark , and more, as well as a wide variety of documentaries like Cheer , The Last Dance , My Octopus Teacher , and many others. It also boasts a much larger subscription base, with more than 222 million subscribers compared to Hulu’s 44 million. Hulu, on the other hand, offers a variety of extras such as HBO and Showtime—content that’s unavailable on Netflix. Its price tag is also cheaper than the competition, with its $7/mo. starting price, which is a bit more palatable than Netflix’s $10/mo. starting price.”

Read the full essay: Netflix vs. Hulu 2023: Which is the best streaming service? at TV Guide

Kindle vs. Hardcover: Which is easier on the eyes?

Sample lines: “In the past, we would have to drag around heavy books if we were really into reading. Now, we can have all of those books, and many more, stored in one handy little device that can easily be stuffed into a backpack, purse, etc. … Many of us still prefer to hold an actual book in our hands. … But, whether you use a Kindle or prefer hardcover books or paperbacks, the main thing is that you enjoy reading. A story in a book or on a Kindle device can open up new worlds, take you to fantasy worlds, educate you, entertain you, and so much more.”

Read the full essay: Kindle vs. Hardcover: Which is easier on the eyes? at Books in a Flash

iPhone vs. Android: Which is better for you?

Sample lines: “The iPhone vs. Android comparison is a never-ending debate on which one is best. It will likely never have a real winner, but we’re going to try and help you to find your personal pick all the same. iOS 17 and Android 14—the latest versions of the two operating systems—both offer smooth and user-friendly experiences, and several similar or identical features. But there are still important differences to be aware of. … Owning an iPhone is a simpler, more convenient experience. There’s less to think about. … Android-device ownership is a bit harder. … Yet it’s simultaneously more freeing, because it offers more choice.”

Read the full essay: iPhone vs. Android: Which is better for you? at Tom’s Guide

Cutting the cord: Is streaming or cable better for you?

Sample lines: “Cord-cutting has become a popular trend in recent years, thanks to the rise of streaming services. For those unfamiliar, cord cutting is the process of canceling your cable subscription and instead, relying on streaming platforms such as Netflix and Hulu to watch your favorite shows and movies. The primary difference is that you can select your streaming services à la carte while cable locks you in on a set number of channels through bundles. So, the big question is: should you cut the cord?”

Read the full essay: Cutting the cord: Is streaming or cable better for you? at BroadbandNow

PS5 vs. Nintendo Switch

Sample lines: “The crux of the comparison comes down to portability versus power. Being able to migrate fully fledged Nintendo games from a big screen to a portable device is a huge asset—and one that consumers have taken to, especially given the Nintendo Switch’s meteoric sales figures. … It is worth noting that many of the biggest franchises like Call of Duty, Madden, modern Resident Evil titles, newer Final Fantasy games, Grand Theft Auto, and open-world Ubisoft adventures like Assassin’s Creed will usually skip Nintendo Switch due to its lack of power. The inability to play these popular games practically guarantees that a consumer will pick up a modern system, while using the Switch as a secondary device.”

Read the full essay: PS5 vs. Nintendo Switch at Digital Trends

What is the difference between Facebook and Instagram?

Sample lines: “Have you ever wondered what is the difference between Facebook and Instagram? Instagram and Facebook are by far the most popular social media channels used by digital marketers. Not to mention that they’re also the biggest platforms used by internet users worldwide. So, today we’ll look into the differences and similarities between these two platforms to help you figure out which one is the best fit for your business.”

Read the full essay: What is the difference between Facebook and Instagram? at SocialBee

Digital vs. Analog Watches—What’s the Difference?

Sample lines: “In short, digital watches use an LCD or LED screen to display the time. Whereas, an analog watch features three hands to denote the hour, minutes, and seconds. With the advancement in watch technology and research, both analog and digital watches have received significant improvements over the years. Especially in terms of design, endurance, and accompanying features. … At the end of the day, whether you go analog or digital, it’s a personal preference to make based on your style, needs, functions, and budget.”

Read the full essay: Digital vs. Analog Watches—What’s the Difference? at Watch Ranker

AI Art vs. Human Art: A Side-by-Side Analysis

Sample lines: “Art has always been a reflection of human creativity, emotion, and cultural expression. However, with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), a new form of artistic creation has emerged, blurring the lines between what is created by human hands and what is generated by algorithms. … Despite the excitement surrounding AI Art, it also raises complex ethical, legal, and artistic questions that have sparked debates about the definition of art, the role of the artist, and the future of art production. … Regardless of whether AI Art is considered ‘true’ art, it is crucial to embrace and explore the vast possibilities and potential it brings to the table. The transformative influence of AI art on the art world is still unfolding, and only time will reveal its true extent.”

Read the full essay: AI Art vs. Human Art: A Side-by-Side Analysis at Raul Lara

Pop Culture Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Christina aguilera vs. britney spears.

Sample lines: “Britney Spears vs. Christina Aguilera was the Coke vs. Pepsi of 1999 — no, really, Christina repped Coke and Britney shilled for Pepsi. The two teen idols released debut albums seven months apart before the turn of the century, with Britney’s becoming a standard-bearer for bubblegum pop and Aguilera’s taking an R&B bent to show off her range. … It’s clear that Spears and Aguilera took extremely divergent paths following their simultaneous breakout successes.”

Read the full essay: Christina Aguilera vs. Britney Spears at The Ringer

Harry Styles vs. Ed Sheeran

Sample lines: “The world heard our fantasies and delivered us two titans simultaneously—we have been blessed with Ed Sheeran and Harry Styles. Our cup runneth over; our bounty is immeasurable. More remarkable still is the fact that both have released albums almost at the same time: Ed’s third, Divide , was released in March and broke the record for one-day Spotify streams, while Harry’s frenziedly anticipated debut solo, called Harry Styles , was released yesterday.”

Read the full essay: Harry Styles versus Ed Sheeran at Belfast Telegraph

The Grinch: Three Versions Compared

Sample lines: “Based on the original story of the same name, this movie takes a completely different direction by choosing to break away from the cartoony form that Seuss had established by filming the movie in a live-action form. Whoville is preparing for Christmas while the Grinch looks down upon their celebrations in disgust. Like the previous film, The Grinch hatches a plan to ruin Christmas for the Who’s. … Like in the original Grinch, he disguises himself as Santa Claus, and makes his dog, Max, into a reindeer. He then takes all of the presents from the children and households. … Cole’s favorite is the 2000 edition, while Alex has only seen the original. Tell us which one is your favorite.”

Read the full essay: The Grinch: Three Versions Compared at Wooster School

Historical and Political Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Malcolm x vs. martin luther king jr.: comparison between two great leaders’ ideologies .

Sample lines: “Although they were fighting for civil rights at the same time, their ideology and way of fighting were completely distinctive. This can be for a plethora of reasons: background, upbringing, the system of thought, and vision. But keep in mind, they devoted their whole life to the same prospect. … Through boycotts and marches, [King] hoped to end racial segregation. He felt that the abolition of segregation would improve the likelihood of integration. Malcolm X, on the other hand, spearheaded a movement for black empowerment.”

Read the full essay: Malcolm X vs. Martin Luther King Jr.: Comparison Between Two Great Leaders’ Ideologies at Melaninful

Contrast Between Obama and Trump Has Become Clear

Sample lines: “The contrast is even clearer when we look to the future. Trump promises more tax cuts, more military spending, more deficits and deeper cuts in programs for the vulnerable. He plans to nominate a coal lobbyist to head the Environmental Protection Agency. … Obama says America must move forward, and he praises progressive Democrats for advocating Medicare for all. … With Obama and then Trump, Americans have elected two diametrically opposed leaders leading into two very different directions.”

Read the full essay: Contrast Between Obama and Trump Has Become Clear at Chicago Sun-Times

Sports Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Lebron james vs. kobe bryant: a complete comparison.

Sample lines: “LeBron James has achieved so much in his career that he is seen by many as the greatest of all time, or at least the only player worthy of being mentioned in the GOAT conversation next to Michael Jordan. Bridging the gap between Jordan and LeBron though was Kobe Bryant, who often gets left out of comparisons and GOAT conversations. … Should his name be mentioned more though? Can he compare to LeBron or is The King too far past The Black Mamba in historical rankings already?”

Read the full essay: LeBron James vs. Kobe Bryant: A Complete Comparison at Sportskeeda

NFL: Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning Rivalry Comparison

Sample lines: “Tom Brady and Peyton Manning were largely considered the best quarterbacks in the NFL for the majority of the time they spent in the league together, with the icons having many head-to-head clashes in the regular season and on the AFC side of the NFL Playoffs. Manning was the leader of the Indianapolis Colts of the AFC South. … Brady spent his career as the QB of the AFC East’s New England Patriots, before taking his talents to Tampa Bay. … The reality is that winning is the most important aspect of any career, and Brady won more head-to-head matchups than Manning did.”

Read the full essay: NFL: Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning Rivalry Comparison at Sportskeeda

The Greatest NBA Franchise Ever: Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers?

Sample lines: “The Celtics are universally considered as the greatest franchise in NBA history. But if you take a close look at the numbers, there isn’t really too much separation between them and their arch-rival Los Angeles Lakers. In fact, you can even make a good argument for the Lakers. … In 72 seasons played, the Boston Celtics have won a total of 3,314 games and lost 2,305 or a .590 winning mark. On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers have won 3,284 of 5,507 total games played or a slightly better winning record of .596. … But while the Lakers have the better winning percentage, the Celtics have the advantage over them in head-to-head competition.”

Read the full essay: The Greatest NBA Franchise Ever: Boston Celtics or Los Angeles Lakers? at Sport One

Is Soccer Better Than Football?

Sample lines: “Is soccer better than football? Soccer and football lovers have numerous reasons to support their sport of choice. Both keep the players physically fit and help to bring people together for an exciting cause. However, soccer has drawn more numbers globally due to its popularity in more countries.”

Read the full essay: Is Soccer Better Than Football? at Sports Brief

Lifestyle Choices Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Mobile home vs. tiny house: similarities, differences, pros & cons.

Sample lines: “Choosing the tiny home lifestyle enables you to spend more time with those you love. The small living space ensures quality bonding time rather than hiding away in a room or behind a computer screen. … You’ll be able to connect closer to nature and find yourself able to travel the country at any given moment. On the other hand, we have the mobile home. … They are built on a chassis with transportation in mind. … They are not built to be moved on a constant basis. … While moving the home again *is* possible, it may cost you several thousand dollars.”

Read the full essay: Mobile Home vs. Tiny House: Similarities, Differences, Pros & Cons at US Mobile Home Pros

Whole Foods vs. Walmart: The Story of Two Grocery Stores

Sample lines: “It is clear that both stores have very different stories and aims when it comes to their customers. Whole Foods looks to provide organic, healthy, exotic, and niche products for an audience with a very particular taste. … Walmart, on the other hand, looks to provide the best deals, every possible product, and every big brand for a broader audience. … Moreover, they look to make buying affordable and accessible, and focus on the capitalist nature of buying.”

Read the full essay: Whole Foods vs. Walmart: The Story of Two Grocery Stores at The Archaeology of Us

Artificial Grass vs. Turf: The Real Differences Revealed

Sample lines: “The key difference between artificial grass and turf is their intended use. Artificial turf is largely intended to be used for sports, so it is shorter and tougher. On the other hand, artificial grass is generally longer, softer and more suited to landscaping purposes. Most homeowners would opt for artificial grass as a replacement for a lawn, for example. Some people actually prefer playing sports on artificial grass, too … artificial grass is often softer and more bouncy, giving it a feel similar to playing on a grassy lawn. … At the end of the day, which one you will choose will depend on your specific household and needs.”

Read the full essay: Artificial Grass vs. Turf: The Real Differences Revealed at Almost Grass

Minimalism vs. Maximalism: Differences, Similarities, and Use Cases

Sample lines: “Maximalists love shopping, especially finding unique pieces. They see it as a hobby—even a skill—and a way to express their personality. Minimalists don’t like shopping and see it as a waste of time and money. They’d instead use those resources to create memorable experiences. Maximalists desire one-of-a-kind possessions. Minimalists are happy with duplicates—for example, personal uniforms. … Minimalism and maximalism are about being intentional with your life and belongings. It’s about making choices based on what’s important to you.”

Read the full essay: Minimalism vs. Maximalism: Differences, Similarities, and Use Cases at Minimalist Vegan

Vegetarian vs. Meat Eating: Is It Better To Be a Vegetarian?

Sample lines: “You’ve heard buzz over the years that following a vegetarian diet is better for your health, and you’ve probably read a few magazine articles featuring a celeb or two who swore off meat and animal products and ‘magically’ lost weight. So does ditching meat automatically equal weight loss? Will it really help you live longer and be healthier overall? … Vegetarians appear to have lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure and lower rates of hypertension and type 2 diabetes than meat eaters. Vegetarians also tend to have a lower body mass index, lower overall cancer rates and lower risk of chronic disease. But if your vegetarian co-worker is noshing greasy veggie burgers and fries every day for lunch, is he likely to be healthier than you, who always orders the grilled salmon? Definitely not!”

Read the full essay: Vegetarian vs. Meat Eating: Is It Better To Be a Vegetarian? at WebMD

Healthcare Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Similarities and differences between the health systems in australia & usa.

Sample lines: “Australia and the United States are two very different countries. They are far away from each other, have contrasting fauna and flora, differ immensely by population, and have vastly different healthcare systems. The United States has a population of 331 million people, compared to Australia’s population of 25.5 million people.”

Read the full essay: Similarities and Differences Between the Health Systems in Australia & USA at Georgia State University

Universal Healthcare in the United States of America: A Healthy Debate

Sample lines: “Disadvantages of universal healthcare include significant upfront costs and logistical challenges. On the other hand, universal healthcare may lead to a healthier populace, and thus, in the long-term, help to mitigate the economic costs of an unhealthy nation. In particular, substantial health disparities exist in the United States, with low socio-economic status segments of the population subject to decreased access to quality healthcare and increased risk of non-communicable chronic conditions such as obesity and type II diabetes, among other determinants of poor health.”

Read the full essay: Universal Healthcare in the United States of America: A Healthy Debate at National Library of Medicine

Pros and Cons of Physician Aid in Dying

Sample lines: “Physician aid in dying is a controversial subject raising issues central to the role of physicians. … The two most common arguments in favor of legalizing AID are respect for patient autonomy and relief of suffering. A third, related, argument is that AID is a safe medical practice, requiring a health care professional. … Although opponents of AID offer many arguments ranging from pragmatic to philosophical, we focus here on concerns that the expansion of AID might cause additional, unintended harm through suicide contagion, slippery slope, and the deaths of patients suffering from depression.”

Read the full essay: Pros and Cons of Physician Aid in Dying at National Library of Medicine

Animals Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

Compare and contrast paragraph—dogs and cats.

Sample lines: “Researchers have found that dogs have about twice the number of neurons in their cerebral cortexes than what cats have. Specifically, dogs had around 530 million neurons, whereas the domestic cat only had 250 million neurons. Moreover, dogs can be trained to learn and respond to our commands, but although your cat understands your name, and anticipates your every move, he/she may choose to ignore you.”

Read the full essay: Compare and Contrast Paragraph—Dogs and Cats at Proofwriting Guru via YouTube

Giddyup! The Differences Between Horses and Dogs

Sample lines: “Horses are prey animals with a deep herding instinct. They are highly sensitive to their environment, hyper aware, and ready to take flight if needed. Just like dogs, some horses are more confident than others, but just like dogs, all need a confident handler to teach them what to do. Some horses are highly reactive and can be spooked by the smallest things, as are dogs. … Another distinction between horses and dogs … was that while dogs have been domesticated , horses have been tamed. … Both species have influenced our culture more than any other species on the planet.”

Read the full essay: Giddyup! The Differences Between Horses and Dogs at Positively Victoria Stilwell

Exotic, Domesticated, and Wild Pets

Sample lines: “Although the words ‘exotic’ and ‘wild’ are frequently used interchangeably, many people do not fully understand how these categories differ when it comes to pets. ‘A wild animal is an indigenous, non-domesticated animal, meaning that it is native to the country where you are located,’ Blue-McLendon explained. ‘For Texans, white-tailed deer, pronghorn sheep, raccoons, skunks, and bighorn sheep are wild animals … an exotic animal is one that is wild but is from a different continent than where you live.’ For example, a hedgehog in Texas would be considered an exotic animal, but in the hedgehog’s native country, it would be considered wildlife.”

Read the full essay: Exotic, Domesticated, and Wild Pets at Texas A&M University

Should Zoos Be Banned? Pros & Cons of Zoos

Sample lines: “The pros and cons of zoos often come from two very different points of view. From a legal standard, animals are often treated as property. That means they have less rights than humans, so a zoo seems like a positive place to maintain a high quality of life. For others, the forced enclosure of any animal feels like an unethical decision. … Zoos provide a protected environment for endangered animals, and also help in raising awareness and funding for wildlife initiatives and research projects. … Zoos are key for research. Being able to observe and study animals is crucial if we want to contribute to help them and repair the ecosystems. … Zoos are a typical form of family entertainment, but associating leisure and fun with the contemplation of animals in captivity can send the wrong signals to our children.”

Read the full essay: Should Zoos Be Banned? Pros & Cons of Zoos at EcoCation

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Plus, if you liked these compare and contrast essay examples check out intriguing compare and contrast essay topics for kids and teens ..

A good compare and contrast essay example, like the ones here, explores the similarities and differences between two or more subjects.

First day of school vs. the last day of school.

80 Intriguing Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

Android vs. iPhone? Capitalism vs. communism? Hot dog vs. taco? Continue Reading

The Writing Center • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Comparing and Contrasting

What this handout is about.

This handout will help you first to determine whether a particular assignment is asking for comparison/contrast and then to generate a list of similarities and differences, decide which similarities and differences to focus on, and organize your paper so that it will be clear and effective. It will also explain how you can (and why you should) develop a thesis that goes beyond “Thing A and Thing B are similar in many ways but different in others.”

Introduction

In your career as a student, you’ll encounter many different kinds of writing assignments, each with its own requirements. One of the most common is the comparison/contrast essay, in which you focus on the ways in which certain things or ideas—usually two of them—are similar to (this is the comparison) and/or different from (this is the contrast) one another. By assigning such essays, your instructors are encouraging you to make connections between texts or ideas, engage in critical thinking, and go beyond mere description or summary to generate interesting analysis: when you reflect on similarities and differences, you gain a deeper understanding of the items you are comparing, their relationship to each other, and what is most important about them.

Recognizing comparison/contrast in assignments

Some assignments use words—like compare, contrast, similarities, and differences—that make it easy for you to see that they are asking you to compare and/or contrast. Here are a few hypothetical examples:

Compare and contrast Frye’s and Bartky’s accounts of oppression.
Compare WWI to WWII, identifying similarities in the causes, development, and outcomes of the wars.
Contrast Wordsworth and Coleridge; what are the major differences in their poetry?

Notice that some topics ask only for comparison, others only for contrast, and others for both.

But it’s not always so easy to tell whether an assignment is asking you to include comparison/contrast. And in some cases, comparison/contrast is only part of the essay—you begin by comparing and/or contrasting two or more things and then use what you’ve learned to construct an argument or evaluation. Consider these examples, noticing the language that is used to ask for the comparison/contrast and whether the comparison/contrast is only one part of a larger assignment:

Choose a particular idea or theme, such as romantic love, death, or nature, and consider how it is treated in two Romantic poems.
How do the different authors we have studied so far define and describe oppression?
Compare Frye’s and Bartky’s accounts of oppression. What does each imply about women’s collusion in their own oppression? Which is more accurate?
In the texts we’ve studied, soldiers who served in different wars offer differing accounts of their experiences and feelings both during and after the fighting. What commonalities are there in these accounts? What factors do you think are responsible for their differences?

You may want to check out our handout on understanding assignments for additional tips.

Using comparison/contrast for all kinds of writing projects

Sometimes you may want to use comparison/contrast techniques in your own pre-writing work to get ideas that you can later use for an argument, even if comparison/contrast isn’t an official requirement for the paper you’re writing. For example, if you wanted to argue that Frye’s account of oppression is better than both de Beauvoir’s and Bartky’s, comparing and contrasting the main arguments of those three authors might help you construct your evaluation—even though the topic may not have asked for comparison/contrast and the lists of similarities and differences you generate may not appear anywhere in the final draft of your paper.

Discovering similarities and differences

Making a Venn diagram or a chart can help you quickly and efficiently compare and contrast two or more things or ideas. To make a Venn diagram, simply draw some overlapping circles, one circle for each item you’re considering. In the central area where they overlap, list the traits the two items have in common. Assign each one of the areas that doesn’t overlap; in those areas, you can list the traits that make the things different. Here’s a very simple example, using two pizza places:

Venn diagram indicating that both Pepper's and Amante serve pizza with unusual ingredients at moderate prices, despite differences in location, wait times, and delivery options

To make a chart, figure out what criteria you want to focus on in comparing the items. Along the left side of the page, list each of the criteria. Across the top, list the names of the items. You should then have a box per item for each criterion; you can fill the boxes in and then survey what you’ve discovered.

Here’s an example, this time using three pizza places:

As you generate points of comparison, consider the purpose and content of the assignment and the focus of the class. What do you think the professor wants you to learn by doing this comparison/contrast? How does it fit with what you have been studying so far and with the other assignments in the course? Are there any clues about what to focus on in the assignment itself?

Here are some general questions about different types of things you might have to compare. These are by no means complete or definitive lists; they’re just here to give you some ideas—you can generate your own questions for these and other types of comparison. You may want to begin by using the questions reporters traditionally ask: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? If you’re talking about objects, you might also consider general properties like size, shape, color, sound, weight, taste, texture, smell, number, duration, and location.

Two historical periods or events

When did they occur—do you know the date(s) and duration? What happened or changed during each? Why are they significant?
What kinds of work did people do? What kinds of relationships did they have? What did they value?
What kinds of governments were there? Who were important people involved?
What caused events in these periods, and what consequences did they have later on?

Two ideas or theories

What are they about?
Did they originate at some particular time?
Who created them? Who uses or defends them?
What is the central focus, claim, or goal of each? What conclusions do they offer?
How are they applied to situations/people/things/etc.?
Which seems more plausible to you, and why? How broad is their scope?
What kind of evidence is usually offered for them?

Two pieces of writing or art

What are their titles? What do they describe or depict?
What is their tone or mood? What is their form?
Who created them? When were they created? Why do you think they were created as they were? What themes do they address?
Do you think one is of higher quality or greater merit than the other(s)—and if so, why?
For writing: what plot, characterization, setting, theme, tone, and type of narration are used?
Where are they from? How old are they? What is the gender, race, class, etc. of each?
What, if anything, are they known for? Do they have any relationship to each other?
What are they like? What did/do they do? What do they believe? Why are they interesting?
What stands out most about each of them?

Deciding what to focus on

By now you have probably generated a huge list of similarities and differences—congratulations! Next you must decide which of them are interesting, important, and relevant enough to be included in your paper. Ask yourself these questions:

What’s relevant to the assignment?
What’s relevant to the course?
What’s interesting and informative?
What matters to the argument you are going to make?
What’s basic or central (and needs to be mentioned even if obvious)?
Overall, what’s more important—the similarities or the differences?

Suppose that you are writing a paper comparing two novels. For most literature classes, the fact that they both use Caslon type (a kind of typeface, like the fonts you may use in your writing) is not going to be relevant, nor is the fact that one of them has a few illustrations and the other has none; literature classes are more likely to focus on subjects like characterization, plot, setting, the writer’s style and intentions, language, central themes, and so forth. However, if you were writing a paper for a class on typesetting or on how illustrations are used to enhance novels, the typeface and presence or absence of illustrations might be absolutely critical to include in your final paper.

Sometimes a particular point of comparison or contrast might be relevant but not terribly revealing or interesting. For example, if you are writing a paper about Wordsworth’s “Tintern Abbey” and Coleridge’s “Frost at Midnight,” pointing out that they both have nature as a central theme is relevant (comparisons of poetry often talk about themes) but not terribly interesting; your class has probably already had many discussions about the Romantic poets’ fondness for nature. Talking about the different ways nature is depicted or the different aspects of nature that are emphasized might be more interesting and show a more sophisticated understanding of the poems.

Your thesis

The thesis of your comparison/contrast paper is very important: it can help you create a focused argument and give your reader a road map so they don’t get lost in the sea of points you are about to make. As in any paper, you will want to replace vague reports of your general topic (for example, “This paper will compare and contrast two pizza places,” or “Pepper’s and Amante are similar in some ways and different in others,” or “Pepper’s and Amante are similar in many ways, but they have one major difference”) with something more detailed and specific. For example, you might say, “Pepper’s and Amante have similar prices and ingredients, but their atmospheres and willingness to deliver set them apart.”

Be careful, though—although this thesis is fairly specific and does propose a simple argument (that atmosphere and delivery make the two pizza places different), your instructor will often be looking for a bit more analysis. In this case, the obvious question is “So what? Why should anyone care that Pepper’s and Amante are different in this way?” One might also wonder why the writer chose those two particular pizza places to compare—why not Papa John’s, Dominos, or Pizza Hut? Again, thinking about the context the class provides may help you answer such questions and make a stronger argument. Here’s a revision of the thesis mentioned earlier:

Pepper’s and Amante both offer a greater variety of ingredients than other Chapel Hill/Carrboro pizza places (and than any of the national chains), but the funky, lively atmosphere at Pepper’s makes it a better place to give visiting friends and family a taste of local culture.

You may find our handout on constructing thesis statements useful at this stage.

Organizing your paper

There are many different ways to organize a comparison/contrast essay. Here are two:

Subject-by-subject

Begin by saying everything you have to say about the first subject you are discussing, then move on and make all the points you want to make about the second subject (and after that, the third, and so on, if you’re comparing/contrasting more than two things). If the paper is short, you might be able to fit all of your points about each item into a single paragraph, but it’s more likely that you’d have several paragraphs per item. Using our pizza place comparison/contrast as an example, after the introduction, you might have a paragraph about the ingredients available at Pepper’s, a paragraph about its location, and a paragraph about its ambience. Then you’d have three similar paragraphs about Amante, followed by your conclusion.

The danger of this subject-by-subject organization is that your paper will simply be a list of points: a certain number of points (in my example, three) about one subject, then a certain number of points about another. This is usually not what college instructors are looking for in a paper—generally they want you to compare or contrast two or more things very directly, rather than just listing the traits the things have and leaving it up to the reader to reflect on how those traits are similar or different and why those similarities or differences matter. Thus, if you use the subject-by-subject form, you will probably want to have a very strong, analytical thesis and at least one body paragraph that ties all of your different points together.

A subject-by-subject structure can be a logical choice if you are writing what is sometimes called a “lens” comparison, in which you use one subject or item (which isn’t really your main topic) to better understand another item (which is). For example, you might be asked to compare a poem you’ve already covered thoroughly in class with one you are reading on your own. It might make sense to give a brief summary of your main ideas about the first poem (this would be your first subject, the “lens”), and then spend most of your paper discussing how those points are similar to or different from your ideas about the second.

Point-by-point

Rather than addressing things one subject at a time, you may wish to talk about one point of comparison at a time. There are two main ways this might play out, depending on how much you have to say about each of the things you are comparing. If you have just a little, you might, in a single paragraph, discuss how a certain point of comparison/contrast relates to all the items you are discussing. For example, I might describe, in one paragraph, what the prices are like at both Pepper’s and Amante; in the next paragraph, I might compare the ingredients available; in a third, I might contrast the atmospheres of the two restaurants.

If I had a bit more to say about the items I was comparing/contrasting, I might devote a whole paragraph to how each point relates to each item. For example, I might have a whole paragraph about the clientele at Pepper’s, followed by a whole paragraph about the clientele at Amante; then I would move on and do two more paragraphs discussing my next point of comparison/contrast—like the ingredients available at each restaurant.

There are no hard and fast rules about organizing a comparison/contrast paper, of course. Just be sure that your reader can easily tell what’s going on! Be aware, too, of the placement of your different points. If you are writing a comparison/contrast in service of an argument, keep in mind that the last point you make is the one you are leaving your reader with. For example, if I am trying to argue that Amante is better than Pepper’s, I should end with a contrast that leaves Amante sounding good, rather than with a point of comparison that I have to admit makes Pepper’s look better. If you’ve decided that the differences between the items you’re comparing/contrasting are most important, you’ll want to end with the differences—and vice versa, if the similarities seem most important to you.

Our handout on organization can help you write good topic sentences and transitions and make sure that you have a good overall structure in place for your paper.

Cue words and other tips

To help your reader keep track of where you are in the comparison/contrast, you’ll want to be sure that your transitions and topic sentences are especially strong. Your thesis should already have given the reader an idea of the points you’ll be making and the organization you’ll be using, but you can help them out with some extra cues. The following words may be helpful to you in signaling your intentions:

like, similar to, also, unlike, similarly, in the same way, likewise, again, compared to, in contrast, in like manner, contrasted with, on the contrary, however, although, yet, even though, still, but, nevertheless, conversely, at the same time, regardless, despite, while, on the one hand … on the other hand.

For example, you might have a topic sentence like one of these:

Compared to Pepper’s, Amante is quiet.
Like Amante, Pepper’s offers fresh garlic as a topping.
Despite their different locations (downtown Chapel Hill and downtown Carrboro), Pepper’s and Amante are both fairly easy to get to.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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10.7 Comparison and Contrast

Learning objectives.

Determine the purpose and structure of comparison and contrast in writing.
Explain organizational methods used when comparing and contrasting.
Understand how to write a compare-and-contrast essay.

The Purpose of Comparison and Contrast in Writing

Comparison in writing discusses elements that are similar, while contrast in writing discusses elements that are different. A compare-and-contrast essay , then, analyzes two subjects by comparing them, contrasting them, or both.

The key to a good compare-and-contrast essay is to choose two or more subjects that connect in a meaningful way. The purpose of conducting the comparison or contrast is not to state the obvious but rather to illuminate subtle differences or unexpected similarities. For example, if you wanted to focus on contrasting two subjects you would not pick apples and oranges; rather, you might choose to compare and contrast two types of oranges or two types of apples to highlight subtle differences. For example, Red Delicious apples are sweet, while Granny Smiths are tart and acidic. Drawing distinctions between elements in a similar category will increase the audience’s understanding of that category, which is the purpose of the compare-and-contrast essay.

Similarly, to focus on comparison, choose two subjects that seem at first to be unrelated. For a comparison essay, you likely would not choose two apples or two oranges because they share so many of the same properties already. Rather, you might try to compare how apples and oranges are quite similar. The more divergent the two subjects initially seem, the more interesting a comparison essay will be.

Writing at Work

Comparing and contrasting is also an evaluative tool. In order to make accurate evaluations about a given topic, you must first know the critical points of similarity and difference. Comparing and contrasting is a primary tool for many workplace assessments. You have likely compared and contrasted yourself to other colleagues. Employee advancements, pay raises, hiring, and firing are typically conducted using comparison and contrast. Comparison and contrast could be used to evaluate companies, departments, or individuals.

Brainstorm an essay that leans toward contrast. Choose one of the following three categories. Pick two examples from each. Then come up with one similarity and three differences between the examples.

Romantic comedies
Internet search engines
Cell phones

Brainstorm an essay that leans toward comparison. Choose one of the following three items. Then come up with one difference and three similarities.

Department stores and discount retail stores
Fast food chains and fine dining restaurants
Dogs and cats

The Structure of a Comparison and Contrast Essay

The compare-and-contrast essay starts with a thesis that clearly states the two subjects that are to be compared, contrasted, or both and the reason for doing so. The thesis could lean more toward comparing, contrasting, or both. Remember, the point of comparing and contrasting is to provide useful knowledge to the reader. Take the following thesis as an example that leans more toward contrasting.

Thesis statement: Organic vegetables may cost more than those that are conventionally grown, but when put to the test, they are definitely worth every extra penny.

Here the thesis sets up the two subjects to be compared and contrasted (organic versus conventional vegetables), and it makes a claim about the results that might prove useful to the reader.

You may organize compare-and-contrast essays in one of the following two ways:

According to the subjects themselves, discussing one then the other
According to individual points, discussing each subject in relation to each point

See Figure 10.1 “Comparison and Contrast Diagram” , which diagrams the ways to organize our organic versus conventional vegetables thesis.

Figure 10.1 Comparison and Contrast Diagram

The organizational structure you choose depends on the nature of the topic, your purpose, and your audience.

Given that compare-and-contrast essays analyze the relationship between two subjects, it is helpful to have some phrases on hand that will cue the reader to such analysis. See Table 10.3 “Phrases of Comparison and Contrast” for examples.

Table 10.3 Phrases of Comparison and Contrast

Create an outline for each of the items you chose in Note 10.72 “Exercise 1” and Note 10.73 “Exercise 2” . Use the point-by-point organizing strategy for one of them, and use the subject organizing strategy for the other.

Writing a Comparison and Contrast Essay

First choose whether you want to compare seemingly disparate subjects, contrast seemingly similar subjects, or compare and contrast subjects. Once you have decided on a topic, introduce it with an engaging opening paragraph. Your thesis should come at the end of the introduction, and it should establish the subjects you will compare, contrast, or both as well as state what can be learned from doing so.

The body of the essay can be organized in one of two ways: by subject or by individual points. The organizing strategy that you choose will depend on, as always, your audience and your purpose. You may also consider your particular approach to the subjects as well as the nature of the subjects themselves; some subjects might better lend themselves to one structure or the other. Make sure to use comparison and contrast phrases to cue the reader to the ways in which you are analyzing the relationship between the subjects.

After you finish analyzing the subjects, write a conclusion that summarizes the main points of the essay and reinforces your thesis. See Chapter 15 “Readings: Examples of Essays” to read a sample compare-and-contrast essay.

Many business presentations are conducted using comparison and contrast. The organizing strategies—by subject or individual points—could also be used for organizing a presentation. Keep this in mind as a way of organizing your content the next time you or a colleague have to present something at work.

Choose one of the outlines you created in Note 10.75 “Exercise 3” , and write a full compare-and-contrast essay. Be sure to include an engaging introduction, a clear thesis, well-defined and detailed paragraphs, and a fitting conclusion that ties everything together.

Key Takeaways

A compare-and-contrast essay analyzes two subjects by either comparing them, contrasting them, or both.
The purpose of writing a comparison or contrast essay is not to state the obvious but rather to illuminate subtle differences or unexpected similarities between two subjects.
The thesis should clearly state the subjects that are to be compared, contrasted, or both, and it should state what is to be learned from doing so.

There are two main organizing strategies for compare-and-contrast essays.

Organize by the subjects themselves, one then the other.
Organize by individual points, in which you discuss each subject in relation to each point.
Use phrases of comparison or phrases of contrast to signal to readers how exactly the two subjects are being analyzed.

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4.1: Introduction to Comparison and Contrast Essay

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The key to a good compare-and-contrast essay is to choose two or more subjects that connect in a meaningful way. Comparison and contrast is simply telling how two things are alike or different. The compare-and-contrast essay starts with a thesis that clearly states the two subjects that are to be compared, contrasted, or both. The thesis should focus on comparing, contrasting, or both.

Key Elements of the Compare and Contrast:

A compare-and-contrast essay analyzes two subjects by either comparing them, contrasting them, or both.
The purpose of writing a comparison or contrast essay is not to state the obvious but rather to illuminate subtle differences or unexpected similarities between two subjects.
The thesis should clearly state the subjects that are to be compared, contrasted, or both, and it should state what is to be learned from doing so.
Organize by the subjects themselves, one then the other.
Organize by individual points, in which you discuss each subject in relation to each point.
Use phrases of comparison or phrases of contrast to signal to readers how exactly the two subjects are being analyzed.

Objectives: By the end of this unit, you will be able to

Identify compare & contrast relationships in model essays
Construct clearly formulated thesis statements that show compare & contrast relationships
Use pre-writing techniques to brainstorm and organize ideas showing a comparison and/or contrast
Construct an outline for a five-paragraph compare & contrast essay
Write a five-paragraph compare & contrast essay
Use a variety of vocabulary and language structures that express compare & contrast essay relationships

Example Thesis: Organic vegetables may cost more than those that are conventionally grown, but when put to the test, they are definitely worth every extra penny.

Graphic Showing Organization for Comparison Contrast Essay

Sample Paragraph:

Organic grown tomatoes purchased at the farmers’ market are very different from tomatoes that are grown conventionally. To begin with, although tomatoes from both sources will mostly be red, the tomatoes at the farmers’ market are a brighter red than those at a grocery store. That doesn’t mean they are shinier—in fact, grocery store tomatoes are often shinier since they have been waxed. You are likely to see great size variation in tomatoes at the farmers’ market, with tomatoes ranging from only a couple of inches across to eight inches across. By contrast, the tomatoes in a grocery store will be fairly uniform in size. All the visual differences are interesting, but the most important difference is the taste. The farmers’ market tomatoes will be bursting with flavor from ripening on the vine in their own time. However, the grocery store tomatoes are often close to being flavorless. In conclusion, the differences in organic and conventionally grown tomatoes are obvious in color, size and taste.

Comparing the US and Italian Cultures Essay

The differences between various cultures demand the proper format of cross-cultural communication. Therefore, one’s values further determine one’s behavior, attitude, and core beliefs. Such knowledge is widely employed in cross-cultural psychology to examine one’s culture’s influence on many personal aspects. Overall, it is crucial to identify the contrast between several cultures while participating in an international group in any setting, work, or even family. One of the most frequently used models to compare cultures is Hofstede’s model of cultural dimensions. This project aimed at comparing the Italian and the US cultures and activities of Non-Government Organizations.

Analysis of Cultures

Overview of cultures.

To begin with, my African-American heritage is a vital driving force in my life. To be more exact, family reunions are significant rituals that assist me in maintaining my heritage even in challenging times. Such gatherings should include older members of the family, keepers of the generation’s African-American legacy. Unlike general US population, African Americans are more collectivistic and value tradition. Additionally, as an American, I am short-term oriented and tend to avoid uncertainty. Italians have two distinct cultures, as Southern Italians are Different from Northern Italians. For instance, the northern population is more focused on careers, they share individualistic ideas, and they seem always to be active. The southern residents, on the contrary, find their peace in the family and follow rather collectivistic traditions. In addition, Italians are highly focused on their image and reputation and consequently perceive everyone according to it. However, all Italians are highly patriotic, proud of their nation, and, therefore, value their heritage.

Hofstede’s Model

In 1980, Hofstede introduced a unique model for defining and understanding the national culture of a country. This model includes five dimensions against which national culture can be assessed. Later, another dimension was added to the model. Hofstede’s cultural dimensions include:

Power distance. This dimension refers to the extent to which less powerful members of the country accept the unequal distribution of power.
Uncertainty avoidance. This dimension refers to the extent to which the people belonging to a culture feel comfortable in ambiguous situations.
Individualism vs. collectivism. This dimension refers to the degree to which the people operating in that culture wish to work as individuals overworking as part of a team
Masculinity vs. femininity. This dimension refers to the degree people support either competition, achievement, and success (masculine values) or modesty, tenderness, and the quality of life (feminine values).
Long-term vs. short-term orientation. This dimension refers to the consideration people give to the future.
Indulgence. This dimensions refers to the extent to which people try to control their desires and impulses.

Italian Culture

Italian culture was analyzed using the Hofstede’s model of cultural dimensions.

Power Distance. Italy scored 50 in the power distance dimension, which shows that Italians accept the hierarchy and distance from power to a certain extent (Hofstede Insights, n.d.).
Individualism. Italy scored 76 in terms of individualism, which shows that Italians prefer to care for themselves and for their families (Hofstede Insights, n.d.). The personal ideas and objectives are highly motivating for them, which has a significant effect on the organizational cultures in the country (Hofstede, 2009).
Masculinity. The country’s masculinity index is 70, which shows that Italian society is driven by competition, achievement, and success (Hofstede Insights, n.d.). Italy appears to be a success-driven country, where citizens see happiness as having a big house, a yacht, and a good car.
Long-term orientation. Italy scored 61 in long-term orientation, which implies that the society is pragmatic (Hofstede Insights, n.d.). People from pragmatic countries believe that the truth is highly dependent on the situation (Hofstede, 2009).
Uncertainty avoidance. The country score in uncertainty avoidance is 75, which implies that the citizens are uncomfortable in ambiguous situations (Hofstede Insights, n.d.).
Indulgence. Italy scored 30 in indulgence, which shows that the nation is quite pessimistic and cynical (Hofstede Insights, n.d.).

Implications for Managing Organizations

The assessment provided above has implications for recommended organization culture. First, the power distance coefficient demonstrates that the organization managers need to balance between shared decision-making and dictatorship depending on the situation (Hofstede Insights, n.d.). Second, high individualism demonstrates that managers should focus on the individual needs of the employees and emphasize personal goals and priorities (Morris, 2020). Third, high masculinity index demonstrates that organizational cultures in Italy should value success more than caring for others and benefits for the society (Hofstede Insights, n.d.). Fourth, long-term orientation means that the workplace culture should not avoid valuing tradition and promote compromise (Hofstede Insights, n.d.). Fifth, the high uncertainty avoidance index demonstrates that managers should give clear directions and describe expectations from every task thoroughly (Hofstede Insights, n.d.). Creativity promotion is not considered desirable. Finally, a low score in terms of indulgence shows that managers working with Italians should set rigid rules and avoid spending too much time on personal gratification (Hofstede Insights, n.d.).

Comparison of Cultures

The analysis demonstrates that the US culture is different from Italian culture in terms of uncertainty avoidance, long-term orientation, and indulgence. This implies that managers in the US should give more freedom in the approach to the tasks, focus more on the traditional values and general truths, and provide employees with the opportunity to balance their professional and personal lives.

Analysis of NGOs

Ngos in italy.

NGOs are non-government organizations, which implies that they act independently of the government. These organizations receive the majority of their funds from private donations, which helps them be unbiased in their activity. The missions and visions of NGOs vary in different parts of the world due to cultural and historical differences. Italian NGOs are similar to the European NGOs due to close contact with neighboring countries. NGOs in Italy shape the opinion of the society and influence the activities of corporations.

Types and Mission of NGOs

There are various types of NGOs in Italy and Europe, which differ in their mission, vision, and approaches to actions. The range of problems that NGOs touch upon include environmental protection, human rights, protection of minorities, and humanitarian help. For instance, one of the largest NGOs in Italy with more than €80 million in revenue is AVSI. The organization implements developmental and humanitarian projects in 38 regions of the world. Its mission is to implement “cooperation projects in various sectors with a preferential focus on education, meaning that the person is accompanied towards self-discovery and recognition that the other person is a resource” (AVSI, 2021, para. 4). The organization’s method is to emphasize the value of every person and focus on their strengths to foster positive social change. The largest NGO in Italy is Save the Children Onlus, with more than €113 million in revenues. The organization focuses on the protection, health, and education of children around the globe. The organization’s mission is to attempt to save every child on the planet. NGOs in Italy work in close cooperation with the government and international authorities. For instance, AVSI has consultative status with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and closely cooperates with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (AVSI, 2021). Save the Children work with the government to protect the interests of children in Italy by providing the government with expertise, information, and leadership in addressing the needs of the vulnerable population. Therefore, even though NGOs are independent of the government in Italy, these organizations try to work in close contact with the government to ensure the effectiveness of interventions

History of NGOs in the Region

The history of NGOs in the world officially started after World War II, when the term was coined by the United Nations. However, in Europe, different religious orders, missionary groups, and scientific societies engaged in the activities associated with the functions of modern NGOs. The first known official organization was established in Amsterdam in 1767 under the name of the Society for the Recovery of the Drowned, which specialized in rescuing and resuscitation of shipwreck victims (Nothias, 2016). First known NGO-like organization in Italy was established in 1834 by Giuseppe Mazzini (Nothias, 2016). It was called Young Europe, and its aim was to promote nationalism. The first massive expansion of NGOs in terms of numbers and areas of activities happened during the period between the 1870s to World War I. During this period, more than 400 bodies were established around Europe, including the Universal Scientific Alliance, the World League for Protection of Animals, and the International Council of Women (Nothias, 2016). Organizations of that time were successful in establishing respect for art and printing among the countries, as well as reduced sex trafficking in the region (Nothias, 2016). The development of NGOs spurred after World War II; however, during the cold war, the activities of international NGOs were very limited due to superpower tension (Nothias, 2016). Since the 1990s, international NGOs started to develop rapidly due to increased internationalization (Nothias, 2016). Today, NGOs are a major political and social power in Italy.

NGOs in Italy and the COVID-19

Today, NGOs in Italy united to fight off the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, Save the Children (n.d.) started to promote the idea that children need to return to school as soon as possible, as they are being deprived of their right to education. UNICEF (2021) is giving it every effort to provide children around the globe with the COVID-19 vaccines. The AVSI Foundation raises funds to implement humanitarian missions that fight off the economic impact of the pandemic (US Embassy & Consulates in Italy, 2021). The NGOs work in close cooperation to pursue a common cause, which is an excellent example of how these organizations grew to become a major world power that drives positive social change.

NGOs and Italian Public Sector

Even though more than 85% of NGOs in Italy report the private sector being the central source of financing, the government provides direct and indirect fThe relationships of the NGO sector and the government developed similarly in Italy and the United States. The first NGOs in Italy emerged as helping entities that helped the government to address issues associated with the social problems in the country (Nothias, 2016). However, in the early 1900s, NGOs became one of the central critics of the government sector, which helped the voices of ordinary people be heard (Nothias, 2016). In the late 1900s and the early 2000s, the role of NGOs in Italy evolved from being the rivals of the government to become the central allies in addressing social issues in the country, which is similar to the history of NGOs in the US (Nothias, 2016). However, there are significant barriers to cooperation between NGOs and the Italian government. In particular, NGOs are guided by different ministries depending on the situation, which may have a differing vision on the role of NGOs and utilize different governing principles. Additionally, problems exist with registering NGO, as regional and national register procedures in Italy overlap and set high standards for legally registering an NGO. Thus, a clear and simple paradigm of communication between NGOs and the government is needed to overcome the problems.

NGOs and Italian Private Sector

NGOs have also established functional relationships with the Italian private sector. Companies in Europe prioritize social responsibility as one of the key development sectors, and NGOs help these companies build positive relationships with the customers. The private sector actively participates in the NGOs’ development programs (Oxfam, 2018). Additionally, private companies make significant contributions to support the activities of NGOs (Nothias, 2016).

Geopolitical Environment

Currently, the entire world is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, which defines the dominant roles of NGOs around the globe. However, NGOs also continue to be leaders and experts in other spheres. For instance, in 2020, Europe received an opportunity to become the central strategic global player in the issues of climate change. In September 2020, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a promise that China will peak carbon dioxide emissions in 2030 and become climate neutral by 2060 (Lazard, 2020). This announcement demonstrated that China decided to join the climate change goals created by the European Union (EU). This implies that China accepted the authority of the EU in terms of the climate change problem and became the EU’s strategic partner. Since the EU is highly dependent on the expertise of NGOs in terms of environmental problems, the change in geopolitical situation is expected to have a tremendous effect on the priorities of NGOs in Italy (FRA, 2017). In particular, such a change in geopolitics is expected to change the priorities of Italian NGOs to make a greater emphasis on leadership and expertise in fighting climate change.

Recommendations

The analysis demonstrates that several reforms are needed to improve the effectiveness of the relationships between private and public sectors and NGOs in Italy.

Provide a single ministry with the power to develop a unified framework for interacting with the NGOs to avoid inconsistencies in managing relationships with NGOs by different ministries (FRA, 2017).

Ensure transparency in funds allocation between different NGOs, as currently there are questions about the distribution of government funds among NGOs in Italy (FRA, 2017).

Provide NGOs with greater power in the decision-making of the environmental issues, as the expertise of international NGOs in this matter are acknowledged worldwide.

The government should create incentives for the private sector to partner with NGOs to address current social issues.

AVSI. (2021). Who we are . Web.

European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights. (2017). Standing and operational space of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in contributing to respecting and promoting fundamental rights in EU Member States . Web.

Hofstede, G. (1983). Cultural dimensions for project management . International Journal of Project Management, 1 (1), 41–48. Web.

Hofstede, G. (2009). Geert Hofstede cultural dimensions . Web.

Hofstede Insights. (n.d.). Compare cultures . Web.

Nothias, J.-C. (2016). NGOs: A long and turbulent history . Web.

Lazard, O. (2020). Climate change and Europe’s new geopolitical role . Web.

Save the Children. (n.d.). What we do. Web.

Statista. (2021). Leading non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and foundations in Italy in 2019, by revenue. Web.

UNICEF. (2021). Global leaders commit further support for global equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and COVAX . Web.

US Embassy & Consulates in Italy. (2021). U.S. Government Support for the Italian Private Sector to Fight COVID-19. Web.

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IvyPanda. (2022, November 24). Comparing the US and Italian Cultures. https://ivypanda.com/essays/comparing-the-us-and-italian-cultures/

"Comparing the US and Italian Cultures." IvyPanda , 24 Nov. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/comparing-the-us-and-italian-cultures/.

IvyPanda . (2022) 'Comparing the US and Italian Cultures'. 24 November.

IvyPanda . 2022. "Comparing the US and Italian Cultures." November 24, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/comparing-the-us-and-italian-cultures/.

1. IvyPanda . "Comparing the US and Italian Cultures." November 24, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/comparing-the-us-and-italian-cultures/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Comparing the US and Italian Cultures." November 24, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/comparing-the-us-and-italian-cultures/.

Description of NGO evaluation
Role of NGOs in Global Governance
Human Rights and NGOs
NGOs and Environmental politics
Development, NGOs, and Civil Society by Eade & Pearce
Government, Business and NGOs Relationship
Role of NGOs in the sustainable development policy apparatus
Qatar’s NGOs Directory: The Areas of Need, Challenges
How Do NGOs Deal with Other Public Actors such as Government and CBOs?
IGOs, NGOs, MNCs, and International Law
Three Cheers for Cultural Appropriation
Truth and Reconciliation Commission 94 Calls to Action
Mary T. Newman's Native American Pottery
Cultural Appropriation: Christina Aguilera in Braids
Toward a Global Culture: Discussion

Writing for Success: Compare/Contrast

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

This section will help you determine the purpose and structure of comparison/contrast in writing.

The Purpose of Compare/Contrast in Writing

Comparison in writing discusses elements that are similar, while contrast in writing discusses elements that are different. A compare-and-contrast essay, then, analyzes two subjects by comparing them, contrasting them, or both.

The Structure of a Compare/Contrast Essay

Thesis Statement: Organic vegetables may cost more than those that are conventionally grown, but when put to the test, they are definitely worth every extra penny.

Here the thesis sets up the two subjects to be compared and contrasted (organic versus conventional vegetables), and it makes a claim about the results that might prove useful to the reader.

You may organize compare-and-contrast essays in one of the following two ways:

According to the subjects themselves, discussing one then the other
According to individual points, discussing each subject in relation to each point

The organizational structure you choose depends on the nature of the topic, your purpose, and your audience.

Given that compare-and-contrast essays analyze the relationship between two subjects, it is helpful to have some phrases on hand that will cue the reader to such analysis.

Phrases of Comparison and Contrast

Writing an Compare/Contrast Essay

After you finish analyzing the subjects, write a conclusion that summarizes the main points of the essay and reinforces your thesis.

Compare/Contrast Essay Example

Comparing and Contrasting London and Washington, DC

By Scott McLean in Writing for Success

Both Washington, DC, and London are capital cities of English-speaking countries, and yet they offer vastly different experiences to their residents and visitors. Comparing and contrasting the two cities based on their history, their culture, and their residents show how different and similar the two are.

Both cities are rich in world and national history, though they developed on very different time lines. London, for example, has a history that dates back over two thousand years. It was part of the Roman Empire and known by the similar name, Londinium. It was not only one of the northernmost points of the Roman Empire but also the epicenter of the British Empire where it held significant global influence from the early sixteenth century on through the early twentieth century. Washington, DC, on the other hand, has only formally existed since the late eighteenth century. Though Native Americans inhabited the land several thousand years earlier, and settlers inhabited the land as early as the sixteenth century, the city did not become the capital of the United States until the 1790s. From that point onward to today, however, Washington, DC, has increasingly maintained significant global influence. Even though both cities have different histories, they have both held, and continue to hold, significant social influence in the economic and cultural global spheres.

Both Washington, DC, and London offer a wide array of museums that harbor many of the world’s most prized treasures. While Washington, DC, has the National Gallery of Art and several other Smithsonian galleries, London’s art scene and galleries have a definite edge in this category. From the Tate Modern to the British National Gallery, London’s art ranks among the world’s best. This difference and advantage has much to do with London and Britain’s historical depth compared to that of the United States. London has a much richer past than Washington, DC, and consequently has a lot more material to pull from when arranging its collections. Both cities have thriving theater districts, but again, London wins this comparison, too, both in quantity and quality of theater choices. With regard to other cultural places like restaurants, pubs, and bars, both cities are very comparable. Both have a wide selection of expensive, elegant restaurants as well as a similar amount of global and national chains. While London may be better known for its pubs and taste in beer, DC offers a different bar-going experience. With clubs and pubs that tend to stay open later than their British counterparts, the DC night life tend to be less reserved overall.

Both cities also share and differ in cultural diversity and cost of living. Both cities share a very expensive cost of living—both in terms of housing and shopping. A downtown one-bedroom apartment in DC can easily cost $1,800 per month, and a similar “flat” in London may double that amount. These high costs create socioeconomic disparity among the residents. Although both cities’ residents are predominantly wealthy, both have a significantly large population of poor and homeless. Perhaps the most significant difference between the resident demographics is the racial makeup. Washington, DC, is a “minority majority” city, which means the majority of its citizens are races other than white. In 2009, according to the US Census, 55 percent of DC residents were classified as “Black or African American” and 35 percent of its residents were classified as “white.” London, by contrast, has very few minorities—in 2006, 70 percent of its population was “white,” while only 10 percent was “black.” The racial demographic differences between the cities is drastic.

Even though Washington, DC, and London are major capital cities of English-speaking countries in the Western world, they have many differences along with their similarities. They have vastly different histories, art cultures, and racial demographics, but they remain similar in their cost of living and socioeconomic disparity.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

A compare-and-contrast essay analyzes two subjects by either comparing them, contrasting them, or both.
The purpose of writing a comparison or contrast essay is not to state the obvious but rather to illuminate subtle differences or unexpected similarities between two subjects.
The thesis should clearly state the subjects that are to be compared, contrasted, or both, and it should state what is to be learned from doing so.
There are two main organizing strategies for compare-and-contrast essays.
Organize by the subjects themselves, one then the other.
Organize by individual points, in which you discuss each subject in relation to each point.
Use phrases of comparison or phrases of contrast to signal to readers how exactly the two subjects are being analyzed.
Provided by : Lumen Learning. Located at : http://lumenlearning.com/ . License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
Successful Writing. Provided by : Anonymous. Located at : http://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/successful-writing/s14-07-comparison-and-contrast.html . License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
Comparing and Contrasting London and Washington, DC. Authored by : Scott McLean. Located at : http://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/successful-writing/s14-07-comparison-and-contrast.html . License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
Table of Contents

Instructor Resources (Access Requires Login)

Overview of Instructor Resources

An Overview of the Writing Process

Introduction to the Writing Process
Introduction to Writing
Your Role as a Learner
What is an Essay?
Reading to Write
Defining the Writing Process
Videos: Prewriting Techniques
Thesis Statements
Organizing an Essay
Creating Paragraphs
Conclusions
Editing and Proofreading
Matters of Grammar, Mechanics, and Style
Peer Review Checklist
Comparative Chart of Writing Strategies

Using Sources

Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Avoiding Plagiarism
Formatting the Works Cited Page (MLA)
Citing Paraphrases and Summaries (APA)
APA Citation Style, 6th edition: General Style Guidelines

Definition Essay

Definitional Argument Essay
How to Write a Definition Essay
Critical Thinking
Video: Thesis Explained
Effective Thesis Statements
Student Sample: Definition Essay

Narrative Essay

Introduction to Narrative Essay
Student Sample: Narrative Essay
"Shooting an Elephant" by George Orwell
"Sixty-nine Cents" by Gary Shteyngart
Video: The Danger of a Single Story
How to Write an Annotation
How to Write a Summary
Writing for Success: Narration

Illustration/Example Essay

Introduction to Illustration/Example Essay
"She's Your Basic L.O.L. in N.A.D" by Perri Klass
"April & Paris" by David Sedaris
Writing for Success: Illustration/Example
Student Sample: Illustration/Example Essay

Compare/Contrast Essay

Introduction to Compare/Contrast Essay
"Disability" by Nancy Mairs
"Friending, Ancient or Otherwise" by Alex Wright
"A South African Storm" by Allison Howard
Student Sample: Compare/Contrast Essay

Cause-and-Effect Essay

Introduction to Cause-and-Effect Essay
"Cultural Baggage" by Barbara Ehrenreich
"Women in Science" by K.C. Cole
Writing for Success: Cause and Effect
Student Sample: Cause-and-Effect Essay

Argument Essay

Introduction to Argument Essay
Rogerian Argument
"The Case Against Torture," by Alisa Soloman
"The Case for Torture" by Michael Levin
How to Write a Summary by Paraphrasing Source Material
Writing for Success: Argument
Student Sample: Argument Essay
Grammar/Mechanics Mini-lessons
Mini-lesson: Subjects and Verbs, Irregular Verbs, Subject Verb Agreement
Mini-lesson: Sentence Types
Mini-lesson: Fragments I
Mini-lesson: Run-ons and Comma Splices I
Mini-lesson: Comma Usage
Mini-lesson: Parallelism
Mini-lesson: The Apostrophe
Mini-lesson: Capital Letters
Grammar Practice - Interactive Quizzes
De Copia - Demonstration of the Variety of Language
Style Exercise: Voice

127 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

13 December, 2020

13 minutes read

Author: Elizabeth Brown

Crafting a compare and contrast essay is typically much more interesting and fun than working on a dissertation. With this piece of writing, a student gets his chance to be creative. Besides, one doesn’t have to re-invent the bicycle: these essays already have a purpose and a topic. All you have to do is find similarities or differences between specific notions. And yes, there is one more problem to it.

Half of the success of a compare and contrast essay lies in a properly-chosen topic. Now, this can be tricky.

Just think about it: would want to read a piece on a beaten topic like “Books vs. Television”? Or would you rather give a read to an unusual compare and contrast Korean and Vietnam war essay? While you know everything about the first one, the second topic actually sounds interesting.

Choosing compare and contrast essay topics can be time-consuming and daunting. However, with the guide our essay writer prepared, you will find a great title with no problem.

By the way, if you need a reminder of what such writing looks like and what components it consists of, don’t hesitate to read our guide on how to write a compare and contrast essay . It will help you structure and organize your knowledge in this regard.

And here is a short introduction to what this type of academic writing should really look like.

How to write a compare and contrast essay

Depending on the task you received from your tutor, in this particular academic paper you are either to compare several things or notions or contrast them.

Here is what a structure of this type of writing looks like:

An engaging opening with a “hook.”
A thesis statement that explains what is the focus of your writing and whether you’ll be comparing or contrasting the notions.
If you don’t know how to write a thesis statement , here is a guide that will explain you all the details step by step.
An argument #1 that supports the thesis statement.
Evidence proving the author’s position.
A short conclusion.
A short reminder of a problem described in the essay.
A brief overview of the similarities or differences (aka supporting arguments).
A call to action or a interesting question to the audience.

Any A-grade essay would follow this structure. Thus, if you aim to receive better grades, consider taking this structure into account.

Meanwhile, as a student you get tons of other writing assignments. If you’re currently struggling with choosing good argumentative essay topics , don’t hesitate to take a look at our recent guide!

Finally, let’s dive into the search. After all, this is a key to crafting an excellent piece.

What makes good compare and contrast essay topics

Several factors make some topics your best option compared to the rest.

No matter how great the topic of your choice is, the target audience can sense when you genuinely care about what you are writing, and when you’re simply following the structure with no personal interest in the subject. If you write yawning and find it hard to find any evidence to support your position, chances are you’ve chosen a wrong topic. A compare and contrast dog and cat essay might be a good topic for a person deeply loving these furry little creatures. But someone not that much into domestic animals won’t be able to write a single line of an essay comparing dogs and cats. So, choose your topic wisely.

Availability of trusted sources.

In some cases, you have to use trusted sources to prove your point. Otherwise, your position might seem biased and subjective. That is why we strongly recommend you to check whether the compare and contrast essay titles you opted can be supported by evidence found at the trusted sources.

Recommendation of a tutor.

Last but not least, ask for recommendations. With years of experience under his belt, your tutor might have an eye for great topics. So, why not using his experience for your own good? Besides, apart from good topics suggestions, he can also provide you with great sources to explore. So, don’t lose an opportunity to make your life easier with his assistance!

Proper formatting style.

Proper formatting is hard to overestimate when it comes to A-grade essay writing. A great deal of your grade depends on it. That is why we recommend you to check out our essay format guide to figure out what your piece should look like.

These are the criteria that help you pick a good theme for your paper. But where should you look for theme to choose from in the first place? We know the answer.

If you aren’t sure you have the time and energy to craft a piece yourself, we’re here to help. Handmade Writing is a reliable place to order your academic papers from.

Sources of interesting topics

Basically, there are six sources students can go to these days:

Social media.
Scientific journals.

Each one of them is filled with personalities, facts, events, and locations to contrast and compare. Therefore, don’t hesitate to explore these right sources.

By the way, if you are looking for ideas or inspiration on how to write a scholarship essay , we’ve got something for you. We’ve gathered a guide that will walk you step by step through the process of composing a good essay that’ll get you college scholarship!

Easy compare and contrast essay topics for college students

High school vs college.
McDonalds and Burger King: Explain how these two fast food chains similar or different from each other.
Public schools and homeschooling: Which do you prefer?
Basketball and football: Popularity, speed of play, dependency on athleticism, personal preference, etc.
Lamborgini vs. Bugatti.
Virtual vs. Augmented reality: Which technology is the future?
Star Wars vs. Star Trek: Which is better?
Communism vs. Socialism: The good, the bad, and the ugly.
American English vs British English.
Conventional or E-learning: What would you choose?
Computer and video games: Which is more fun?
Inner beauty and outer beauty.
Snapchat and Instagram: What makes them similar (different)?
Stalin or Hitler: Which is a bigger evil? Or what in their management style was similar?
Living in the big city or living in the country: What would you choose?
Italian vs. Spanish cuisines.
Active vacation in the mountains vs. passive rest by the sea.
Facebook vs. Twitter.
Windows vs. Linux.
Android or iOS: Which is the future?

Funny compare and contrast essay topics

Chandler, Joey and Ross: Which one of them is cooler?
Pizza or pasta: If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, which of these would you choose?
Batman vs. SuperMan; Avengers vs. Justice League.
Soccer vs football: How are they different apart from their name?
Iron Man or Hulk: Which one is the best superhero of his time?
Michael Jackson vs. Elvis Presley.
George and Lennie.
Harry Potter vs. Ronald Weasley: One is way cooler than the other.
Simpsons or the South Park?
Eternal summer or eternal winter: Which is the least of all evil?

Historical topics

WW1 and WW2: Reasons, participants, number of dead and wounded, etc.
Renaissance and Barocco.
Roman and Greek mythology.
Crusaders vs. Saracens.
The European economics before and after WW2.
Abolition of slavery in the USA and Europe.
Japanese and European feudalism essay.
Gender roles in the Roman Empire vs Ottoman Empire.
British colonization and Spanish colonization.
Lincoln and Kennedy.
Reconstruction in America against the Industrial Age.
Mongolian Empire and Persian Empire.
Monaco vs Luxembourg: Countries’ history comparison.
Worker unions history in the USA vs. Great Britain.
Julius Caesar or Alexander the Great.

Compare and contrast essay between two jobs

Marketer vs. Digital Marketer.
Anthropologist vs. Philosopher vs. Psychologist
Software Engineer vs. Software Architect.
Film producer and a Film Director.
Working from home and working at an office.
Linguist and a Grammarian.
Developer or a Coder?
QA Specialist or a Test Engineer.
Dean or a Principal.
Accountant vs. Economist.
Journalist vs. Reporter.
Recruiter vs. HR Generalist.
Copywriter vs. Content Marketer.

Compare and contrast essay between two cultures

Egypt and Mesopotamia compare and contrast essay
Modern European and American culture.
Urbanism and ruralism.
Vegetarianism vs. pescetarianism.
Compare and contrast Mexico and United States essay.
Emo culture and gothic.
Compare and contrast Sparta and Athens essay.
Bookworms vs. Film Buffs.
Culture and ethnicity.
Christianity, Islam and Judaism essay.

Interesting topics about literature

Bible vs. Quran.
1984 vs. Fahrenheit 451.
Chronicles of Narnia: Film or the book series?
The Great Gatsby vs. The Catcher in the Rye.
Fiction against non-fiction.
Divine Comedy vs. Paradise Lost.
Lord of the Rings: The book against the latest film production?
Expository and Persuasive writing.
Harry Potter vs. Lord of the Rings.
Anne Frank’s Diary vs. I am Malala.
Classic poetry against the modern one.
Paper books against the e-books: The never-ending battle.
Anne of Green Gables vs. Pollyanna.
Pride and Prejudice vs. Bridget Jones’ Diary.
Bronte sisters vs. Jane Austen.
Drama and Comedy.
To Kill a Mockingbird or The Help.
Little Women vs. Little Men.
Poetry and prose: What makes them different?

Topics related to movies and cinematography

Wolf of Wall Street vs. Great Gatsby.
Main differences between European and American films.
Horror films and thrillers.
House M.D. against Grey’s Anatomy.
Sherlock Holmes: The old series or the new episodes?
Polyanna: Which is better – a film or the book?
Japanese horror films vs. American.
Home Alone 1 vs. Home Alone 4.
The Wizard of Oz against Gone With the Wind.
The Sound of Music vs. Mary Poppins.
Beverly Hills, 90210 or Melrose Place.
Friends vs. The Office.
Charlie Chaplin and Mr. Bean.
The Pianist or Schindler’s List.
Romeo and Juliet: 1968, 1996, and 2013 productions.
Forrest Gump or The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
300 or Gladiator.
Lord of the Rings: extended edition vs. director’s cut.
Ben-Hur (1959) vs. Ben-Hur (2016).
Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014) and Prince of Egypt.
Dunkirk vs. Saving Private Ryan.
The Green Mile vs. The Shawshank Redemption.
Les Miserables (2012) vs. The Greatest Showman.

Music and arts-related topics

Beyonce vs. Rihanna.
Whitney Houston against Adele.
Britney Spears against Madonna.
Mona Lisa vs. Girl with a Pearl Earring.
Van Gogh against Picasso.
Impressionism against Expressionism.
Opera and ballet.
Spotify or Deezer.
Records or Live concerts.
Jazz or classical music.
Musical theatre vs. Play with music.
Renaissance and Enlightenment epochs in arts.
African vs. Asian art.
Rock music of the XX century vs. today.
Religious hymns and secular songs about Christmas.
Music people listened to in their twenties in the XX century and now.
Protagonist of the modern pop music culture and that of the 1960s.

We guarantee that you can easily find a good title among the ones we suggested. If you find it hard to compose a good compare and contrast essay even after choosing one of our topics, don’t hesitate to us a line asking for help.

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Writing a research paper on ethics is not an easy task, especially if you do not possess excellent writing skills and do not like to contemplate controversial questions. But an ethics course is obligatory in all higher education institutions, and students have to look for a way out and be creative. When you find an […]

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170 Comparative Essay Topics

Essay writing prompts vary depending on what type of essay you are asked to write. For example, for some essay writing assignments, your instructor may ask you to create a comparative essay that compares and contrasts two things. This type of essay is common in high school and college English classes, as well as in other disciplines such as history or sociology.

Unlike other essay writing styles, comparative essays present a unique challenge for students in that they require the use of both critical thinking and analytical skills. To write a successful comparative essay, you will need to understand how to compare and contrast two different subjects effectively.

This guide will provide you with some tips on getting started with writing your comparative essay and provide 170 comparative essay writing topics to help get your creative juices flowing.

The Basics of Comparative Essays

Before you start writing your comparative essay, it is important to understand the basics of this type of essay. A comparative essay is an essay that compares two or more subjects. These subjects can be anything from people, places, things, concepts, or events.

The key to writing a successful comparative essay is to find two subjects that are similar enough to be compared but different enough to provide an interesting and insightful contrast. For example, you could compare and contrast two different historical figures, two different novels, or even two different theories.

Writing Comparative Essays

Once you have selected your subjects, the next step is to determine what points of similarity and difference exist between them. This will require you to research both subjects to identify their key features.

Once you have identified the key points of similarity and difference, you can start planning your essay. A comparative essay typically consists of four paragraphs – an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Comparative Essay Introduction

In the introduction, you will need to provide background information on both subjects and explain why you have chosen to compare them. You will also need to introduce your thesis statement.

A thesis statement summarizes the essay’s main argument and should concisely state what you will be proving in your paper. For example, your thesis statement for a comparative essay about presidents of the United States could be:

“Though both John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln were great presidents, they differed in their approaches to politics. These differences can be seen in their policies on civil rights and foreign affairs.”

This thesis statement example clearly identifies the two subjects being compared (presidents Kennedy and Lincoln), the points of similarity and difference (their approaches to politics), and what will be proven in the essay (that their differences led to different outcomes).

Comparative Essay Body

The body paragraphs of your essay will each focus on one point of comparison. So, for example, if you are comparing and contrasting two different presidents, you may want to focus on their policies on civil rights in one body paragraph and their foreign policy views in another.

Within each body paragraph, you will need to provide evidence to support your claims. This evidence can come in the form of statistics, quotes from experts, or real-life examples.

It is important to make sure that your evidence is both relevant and persuasive in order to support your argument. In addition, be sure to provide counterarguments to any opposing viewpoints you anticipate your reader may have.

Comparative Essay Conclusion

The conclusion of your comparative essay should summarize the main points of comparison and contrast between the two subjects, as well as reinforce your thesis statement.

In addition, the conclusion should leave your reader with a strong impression of what they have just read. You may want to end with a thought-provoking question or an interesting quotation that will stay with your reader long after they have finished reading your essay.

Essential Aspects of Writing Comparative Essays

To ensure you are writing a comparative essay and not a simple report, there are a few key aspects you should keep in mind:

Your essay must have a clear purpose or argument. Simply listing the similarities and differences between two subjects is not enough – you need to make an argument about why it matters that they are compared.
You must use evidence to support your claims. This evidence can come in the form of statistics, quotes from experts, or real-life examples.
Your essay should be well-organized and easy to follow. Be sure to introduce your thesis statement in the introduction and include topic sentences at the beginning of each body paragraph.
You should anticipate and address counterarguments to your own argument. This shows that you are aware of different points of view and can effectively refute them.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your comparative essay is well-written and meets the assignment’s requirements.

With the knowledge above of writing a comparative essay and this list of 170 comparative essay topics, you’ll be well on your way to writing an excellent essay in no time.

Comparative Essay Topics About Countries

Compare and contrast the education system in the United States with the education system in another country of your choice.
Compare and contrast the healthcare systems in the United States and Canada.
What are the similarities and differences between the political systems of the United Kingdom and France?
How does the economy of China differ from the economy of Japan?
What are the similarities and differences between the cultures of Spain and Mexico?
Compare and contrast the tonal language differences between Mandarin and Cantonese.
How does the standard of living in the United States compare to the standard of living in Norway?
Comparative essay on the healthcare systems in France and Germany.
Compare and contrast the immigration policies of Australia and Canada.
How does the cost of living in Japan compare to the cost of living in the United States?
How do the political systems of South Africa and Nigeria differ?
Compare and contrast the cultures of Spain and Portugal.
What are the similarities and differences between the religions of Hindus?

Comparative Essay Topics About History

How did the American Revolution compare to the French Revolution?
What were the causes and effects of World War I? How did it compare to World War II?
How did Ancient Greece and Rome influence the United States’ founding?
Compare and contrast the policies of Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson.
Who was a more effective leader, Julius Caesar or Augustus Caesar? Why?
Compare and contrast the American Revolution and the French Revolution.
What are the similarities and differences between the fall of the Roman Empire and the fall of the Soviet Union?
Compare and contrast the policies of Stalin and Trotsky.
How did Ancient Greece differ from Ancient Rome?
Compare and contrast the cotton gin and the spinning jenny.

Comparative Essay Topics About Literature

Compare and contrast Homer’s Odyssey with Virgil’s Aeneid.
What are the similarities and differences between William Shakespeare’s tragedies and comedies?
How does the poetry of Robert Frost differ from that of Langston Hughes?
Compare and contrast the novels of Jane Austen with the novels of Charlotte Bronte.
How is J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye similar to Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?
Compare and contrast the novels of Harper Lee with the novels of Toni Morrison.
How is John Milton’s Paradise Lost similar to Dante’s Inferno?
Compare and contrast the epics of Homer with the epics of Virgil.
What are the similarities and differences between the plays of Sophocles and Euripides?
How does the poetry of Sylvia Plath differ from that of Anne Sexton?
Analyze how different authors from different historical periods have tackled the same subject matter.
Compare and contrast the treatment of a theme or characters in two works of literature.
How does the use of literary devices differ between two poets?
What are the similarities and differences in how two authors use setting in their stories?

Comparative Essay Topics About Movies or Television Shows

Compare and contrast two movies with similar themes.
Compare and contrast two television shows with similar plots.
How does the way television shows are written today compare to how they were written in the past?
Compare and contrast the acting styles of two Hollywood actors.
What are the similarities and differences between independent films and studio films?
How does the way movies are marketed today compare to how they were marketed in the past?
Compare and contrast two film directors and their work.
What are the similarities and differences between black-and-white films and color films?
Compare and contrast the role of women in film in the ’50s vs. now.
Compare and contrast two movies with different plots but similar themes.
How does the way movies are shot today compare to how they were shot in the past?
What are the similarities and differences between foreign and American films?
How has the portrayal of violence in film changed over time?
What are the similarities and differences between documentary films and feature films?
How does the use of special effects differ between two action movies?
What are the similarities and differences between two sports movies?
Compare and contrast how two different directors have adapted the same novel into a film.
How does the use of music in two different films compare?
What are the similarities and differences in how two different countries produce films?
How does the film industry in India compare to the film industry in Hollywood?
Compare and contrast how two different producers have tackled the same subject matter in a documentary film.
How does the use of special effects differ between two science fiction movies?

Comparative Essay Topics About Education

How does the level of education in the United States compare to the level of education in Finland?
What are the similarities and differences between homeschooling and public schooling?
What are the similarities and differences between private and public schools?
Compare and contrast the higher education systems in the United Kingdom and the United States.
How do the admission requirements for colleges and universities differ around the world?
What are the similarities and differences between trade schools and traditional colleges?
How does the structure of a classroom differ between elementary school and high school?
What are the similarities and differences in how children are taught in China and the United States?
What is the difference between a Montessori school and a traditional school?
Compare and contrast online education with traditional classroom learning.
How does distance learning differ from traditional education?
What are the similarities and differences between charter and private schools?
Compare and contrast how two different countries approach education.
What are the similarities and differences in how boys and girls are taught in single-sex schools?
How does the level of education in rural areas compare to the level of education in urban areas?
Compare and contrast the education systems in developed and developing countries.
What are the similarities and differences between vocational schools and traditional colleges?
How has the structure of classrooms changed over time?

Comparative Essay Topics About Art

Compare and contrast the work of two painters from different periods in history.
How does the style of musicians from different genres differ?
Compare and contrast the methods used by the sculptors Rodan and Michelangelo.
How does post-impressionism differ from impressionism?
Compare and contrast the work of two photographers from different periods in history.
What are the similarities and differences between the techniques used by two photographers?
What is the difference between support systems available to artists in different eras?
What has been the impact of technology on art in recent years?
How does the work of artists from different cultures differ?
How have attitudes to art changed over time?
What are the similarities and differences between how artists from different cultures approach their work?
What is the difference between traditional and contemporary art forms?
How has the definition of “art” changed over time?
How have the methods used by artists to sell their work changed over time?
What are the similarities and differences between how artists from different cultures use color in their work?

Comparative Essay Topics About Architecture

Compare and contrast the work of two architects from different periods in history.
How has the role of architects changed over time?
Compare and contrast the work of two landscape architects from different historical periods.
What are the similarities and differences between traditional and contemporary architecture?
How does the work of architects from different cultures differ?
What is the difference between the work of an architect and the work of a civil engineer?
How has the function of buildings changed over time?
What are the similarities and differences between Gothic architecture and Romanesque architecture?
What is the difference between the work of an interior designer and the work of an architect?
What are the similarities and differences between the work of an architect and the work of a construction worker?
How has technology affected the work of architects? Is a specific technology better or worse than another?
What is the difference between sustainable architecture and traditional architecture?
What are the similarities and differences between the work of an architect and the work of an urban planner?
How does the work of an architect differ from the work of a landscape architect?
What is the difference between modern architecture and post-modern architecture?
What are the similarities and differences between the work of an architect and the work of an environmental scientist?

Comparative Essay Topics About Culture

Compare and contrast the customs and traditions of two cultures.
How has the definition of “family” changed in different cultures?
What are the similarities and differences between how men and women are treated in different cultures?
Compare and contrast the customs and traditions of two religious groups.
What is the difference between the customs and traditions of a regressive culture and a culture that is progressive?
What are the similarities and differences between the customs and traditions of two ethnic groups?
Compare and contrast the way that children are raised in two different cultures.
What is the difference between how families live in rural areas and how families live in urban areas?
What are the similarities and differences between how people in different cultures spend their leisure time?
What is the difference between the way that people in different cultures dress?
What is the difference between the way that people in different cultures communicate?
What is the difference between the customs and traditions of an individualistic culture and a culture that is collectivistic?
Compare and contrast the way that people in different cultures think about death.
What are the similarities and differences between how people in different cultures view marriage?
What is the difference between the customs and traditions of a monotheistic culture and a culture that is polytheistic?
What are the similarities and differences between how people in different cultures view work?
What is the difference between the customs and traditions of a materialistic culture and a culture that is non-materialistic?
What are the similarities and differences between how people in different cultures view money?
What is the difference between the customs and traditions of a collectivist culture and an individualist culture?
What are the similarities and differences between how people in different cultures view education?

Comparative Essay Topics About Science

How do the theories of Darwin and Lamarck differ?
How do the findings of Copernicus differ from those of Galileo?
What are the similarities between Newton’s laws of motion and Einstein’s theory of relativity?
What is the difference between the Big Bang theory and the Steady State theory?
How do the findings of archaeologists differ from those of anthropologists?
What is the difference between the work of a chemist and the work of a physicist?
What are the similarities and differences between the work of a biologist and the work of a zoologist?
What is the difference between Darwin’s theory of evolution and Lamarck’s theory of evolution?
What are the similarities and differences between Freud’s theory of psychoanalysis and Jung’s theory of psychoanalysis?
What is the difference between the work of a psychologist and the work of a psychiatrist?
How do the theories of Piaget and Vygotsky differ?
What is the difference between the findings of a geologist and the findings of a meteorologist?
What are the similarities and differences between the work of an astronomer and the work of a cosmologist?
What is the difference between quantum mechanics and classical mechanics?
What are the similarities and differences between the work of a chemist and the work of a toxicologist?
What is the difference between inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry?
What are the similarities and differences between physical geography and human geography?
What is the difference between geology and oceanography?
What is the difference between the work of an archaeologist and the work of a paleontologist?
What are the similarities and differences between the work of a seismologist and the work of a volcanologist?

Comparative Essay Topics About Technology

Compare and contrast the first automobile and the latest model you can think of.
What are the similarities between a smartphone and a regular cell phone?
How does the internet differ from television?
What are the similarities and differences between a laptop and a desktop computer?
How did the printing press compare to contemporary methods of printing?
How did the Wright brothers’ airplane compare to contemporary models?
What are the similarities and differences between a car and a train?
Compare and contrast the development of the steam engine with that of the electric motor.
How has transportation changed since the advent of the automobile?
What are the similarities and differences between a submarine and an airplane?
What are the similarities and differences between a tank and a battleship?
Compare and contrast the Wright brothers’ airplane with the Apollo space shuttle.
How has warfare changed since the development of nuclear weapons?
What are the similarities and differences between a rocket and a missile?
What are the similarities and differences between a satellite and a space station?
What are the similarities and differences between a telescope and a microscope?
Compare and contrast early forms of communication with contemporary methods.
How has transportation changed since the development of the railroad?
What are the similarities and differences between a blimp and a hot air balloon?
Explore the similarities and differences between AI and the human brain.
What are the similarities and differences between a nuclear reactor and a solar panel?

All 170 of these comparative essay topics will provide plenty of material for writing. Remember to start by outlining your essay’s intro, body, and conclusion to help guide your writing. Also, don’t forget to use concrete examples, back up your claims with evidence from reliable sources, and always write in clear and concise language.

110 Extended Essay Topics
200 Persuasive Essay Topics
120 Exploratory Essay Topics
140 Environmental Essay Topics
125 Classification and Division Essay Topics

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Compare & Contrast Essay: How Culture Affects Communication

Culture directly affects the way individuals communicate with each other. When you cross the divide between east and west, you’ll surely notice a difference in communication. In eastern cultures, where collectivism reigns, you will meet with nonverbal and indirect communication, which can sometimes be frustrating for westerners. On the flipside, eastern cultures might be affronted by individualistic western culture, which breeds a more direct and concrete line of communication. We will examine how the perception of saving face, social power and direct versus indirect communication diverges between eastern and western cultures.

Saving face is not unique to any culture; preserving one’s image is universal and humanly ingrained. However, the east and the west view “face” differently, thus they go about saving face in a different manner. In the west, one must first make a face for oneself, and a person does so by setting him/herself apart from the pack, whether through personal achievement, status, wealth, etc. Once face is made, maintaining it might involve remaining relevant or unique, which often lies in asserting individual opinion and doing so vocally. Saving face in an eastern collectivist society is quite the opposite. One does not wish to stand out, be aggressive or assert opinion, as this, on the contrary, often damages face. Instead, eastern culture promotes group harmony, avoiding conflict at all costs. If a person loses face in an eastern culture, it’s nearly impossible to get it back.

The egalitarian culture of the west versus the hierarchy in eastern cultures creates a chasm where social power is concerned. Again, this has much to do with saving face. In a western company, to assert oneself as a new employee shows ambition, which is considered a good character trait by western standards. However, if a new or younger employee in an eastern company was to come across as outspoken or ambitious, he/she would appear disobedient and even, perhaps, disloyal to upper management and, thus, would lose face. This is due to the concentration of power being much more top-heavy in eastern cultures.

These disparities between the east and the west create great differences in communication, the east being nonverbal and indirect, and the west being direct and concrete. A western person will not often speak in riddles of which the listener must guess the meaning. Instead, a westerner speaks exactly what he means, and this directness can often be perceived by the east as ill-mannered. Honesty, openness and pointed speech are the keystones of western communication. In the east, the meaning of the spoken word might be in direct contrast with a person’s actions. Meaning is fudged in communication, so as to preserve the relationship. Being direct – for instance, giving someone a direct “no” – is seen as harsh; hence, speaking so directly would lose one face.

Eastern and western cultures’ views on the perception of saving face, social power and directness versus indirectness create this divergence in communication. However, it is important to note that differences do not mean it’s impossible for two different cultures to communicate. Though it may be more difficult, a simple adjustment of cultural sensitivity will make conversation run smooth.

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5 Compare and Contrast Essay Examples (Full Text)

A compare and contrast essay selects two or more items that are critically analyzed to demonstrate their differences and similarities. Here is a template for you that provides the general structure:

A range of example essays is presented below.

Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

#1 jean piaget vs lev vygotsky essay.

1480 Words | 5 Pages | 10 References

(Level: University Undergraduate)

Thesis Statement: “This essay will critically examine and compare the developmental theories of Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky, focusing on their differing views on cognitive development in children and their influence on educational psychology, through an exploration of key concepts such as the role of culture and environment, scaffolding, equilibration, and their overall implications for educational practices..”

#2 Democracy vs Authoritarianism Essay

Thesis Statement: “The thesis of this analysis is that, despite the efficiency and control offered by authoritarian regimes, democratic systems, with their emphasis on individual freedoms, participatory governance, and social welfare, present a more balanced and ethically sound approach to governance, better aligned with the ideals of a just and progressive society.”

#3 Apples vs Oranges Essay

1190 Words | 5 Pages | 0 References

(Level: 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade)

Thesis Statement: “While apples and oranges are both popular and nutritious fruits, they differ significantly in their taste profiles, nutritional benefits, cultural symbolism, and culinary applications.”

#4 Nature vs Nurture Essay

1525 Words | 5 Pages | 11 References

(Level: High School and College)

Thesis Statement: “The purpose of this essay is to examine and elucidate the complex and interconnected roles of genetic inheritance (nature) and environmental influences (nurture) in shaping human development across various domains such as physical traits, personality, behavior, intelligence, and abilities.”

#5 Dogs vs Cats Essay

1095 Words | 5 Pages | 7 Bibliographic Sources

(Level: 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade)

Thesis Statement: “This essay explores the distinctive characteristics, emotional connections, and lifestyle considerations associated with owning dogs and cats, aiming to illuminate the unique joys and benefits each pet brings to their human companions.”

How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay

I’ve recorded a full video for you on how to write a compare and contrast essay:

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In the video, I outline the steps to writing your essay. Here they are explained below:

1. Essay Planning

First, I recommend using my compare and contrast worksheet, which acts like a Venn Diagram, walking you through the steps of comparing the similarities and differences of the concepts or items you’re comparing.

I recommend selecting 3-5 features that can be compared, as shown in the worksheet:

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2. Writing the Essay

Once you’ve completed the worksheet, you’re ready to start writing. Go systematically through each feature you are comparing and discuss the similarities and differences, then make an evaluative statement after showing your depth of knowledge:

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How to Write a Compare and Contrast Thesis Statement

Compare and contrast thesis statements can either:

Remain neutral in an expository tone.
Prosecute an argument about which of the items you’re comparing is overall best.

To write an argumentative thesis statement for a compare and contrast essay, try this AI Prompts:

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Canada vs USA: Compare And Contrast Essay Sample

10 Jul 2019

People both outside and living within North America have the tendency to view the United States and Canada as one uniform region with homogenous cultural and political structures. The ecology of Canada and the US alone, demonstrate a great contrast, with the US having more diverse climates and ecosystems. Ice is a larger part of the Canadian landscape with the permafrost in the northern portion and more temperate climates toward the US-Canada border. The Canadian tundra and the Mojave Desert of the Southwest US receive fairly equitable rainfall but have vastly different temperatures. Mediterranean climates also make up a larger portion of the United States than in Canada. With the ecological differences in mind, it is also essential to point out the societal divergence between the US and Canada.

Canada is considerably larger than the United States, but contains only 1/10th of the population, with Canada housing more than 36 million inhabitants, and the US having a population of more than 325 million. While both countries reflect many of the values of western culture, the differences between the embodiment of these characteristics can be seen as soon as one crosses the border. Overall, the distinctions between

Canada and the United States can be categorized into three spheres: the political sphere, the economic sphere, and the socio-cultural sphere. Political Sphere With the recent political climate in the United States and the controversy surrounding America’s federal government, the political differences between the United States and Canada have become even more apparent, not only in structure but ideology as well. While both countries have a federal system, The United States has 50 states and 14 other territories, while Canada contains 10 provinces and 3 other territories. As Canada continues to be a nation under the Commonwealth the head of state is currently Queen Elizabeth or the monarchy. The prime minister of Canada, currently Justin Trudeau the 23rd Prime Minister, is the elected head of the federal government and acts as both the chief executive and a leader in the legislative branch. (Hardwick, Shelley & Holtgrieve, 2013).

One may say the separation of powers is of greater importance to US political ideology with the President of the United States being the head of the Executive Branch soley. While the president does have veto power as a check on Congress, he is often criticized when he steps out of his predetermined role in the executive branch and further into the legislative sphere. The process through which the head of government is elected is also somewhat different from each country demonstrating forms of democracy but different party systems.

There are a plethora of pros and cons to the US two-party system. While it makes for more concise politics, the divisive Republican and Democratic parties experience a large amount of gridlock because of the vast political chasm. Canada, on the other hand between four and five parties in the legislative body and even more than lobby for certain initiatives. In this system, voters are even more strongly tied to their party than specific politicians. However, because party leaders gain power through plurality and not an absolute majority like the United States, coalition building is a major part of the legislative process, making compromises more representative of the public’s opinion.

Canada and the United States political ideologies contrast with greater emphasis on different portions of governmental influence. While the precepts of democracy are still evident in both systems, and political freedom is a great source of pride for citizens in each nation, that sense of freedom seems to be founded in diverging practices. A laissez-faire attitude toward economic and political control is more prevalent in the US, with many citizens seeing that their personal freedom begins at the ends or limits of federal government. This can foster greater distrust and resentment toward national government, particularly when the opposing party has a greater disbursement of power. On the other hand, Canadians, on average, demonstrate greater trust in government, relying more on government services, namely healthcare. This leads into the distribution of federal funds. In the US, a larger amount of federal taxes go toward the department of defense and there is an overall greater emphasis on military power while in Canada a greater amount of federal funds are allocated toward socialized healthcare.

According to the Central Intelligence Agency’s World Factbook, in 2016 3.29% of the United States’ gross domestic product was allocated to military expenditures while 0.99% of Canada’s GDP went toward spending on defense programs. ("The World Factbook — Central Intelligence Agency", 2018) These differences in spending speak to the greater power wielded by the United States in world affairs, with the US having a permanent membership in the United Nations and NATO. Institutionalized violence is another topic of controversy between the United States and Canada. Canada has, in general, established stricter gun laws than the US. With the prevalence of mass shootings in both countries, gun laws have come to the forefront of the news and public policy. “Handguns accounted for 21 per cent of the total homicides [in 2016], and 58 percent of the shooting homicides. In the United States, by comparison, the report notes there were 7,105 homicides committed with a handgun in 2016, accounting for 47 percent of all homicides south of the border that year.” (Fletcher, 2018) Americans stress the protection of the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution, and often describe the United States’ more lenient gun laws as a source of liberty. Another example of the way institutionalized violence differs is with capital punishment.

Canada has abolished the death penalty for all crimes, including capital offenses, while in 30 of the 50 state there exist valid death penalty statutes. Finally one of the greatest contrast between the two countries is their differing ideologies surrounding immigration. Canada is recognized for its very open immigration policies. Canada’s largest immigrant populations come from Asian countries, while in the US, Asians make up a large portion of those immigrating, but the largest percentage is those from Latin America. It is interesting that going forward with immigration policy the US is known as the ‘melting pot’ while Canada calls itself a ‘mosaic’ Economic Sphere The differences between the US and Canada are most apparent when comparing their economies and capital. According to the World Bank’s 2017 report, the United States has a higher gross domestic product per capita at $59,531.7, while Canada’s is $45,032, and the exchange rate between currencies in s about $1.30 of Canadian dollars for every US dollar. ("GDP per capita (current US$) | Data", 2018; "Convert US Dollars to Canadian Dollars - Exchange Rates", 2018).

At first glance, one may say that the US economy and standard of living is higher but in taking a closer look there are pros and cons to each country's economic status. Canada supports a much less diverse economy from oil and lumber, while US is a manufacturing powerhouse, and in spite of growing similar grain-based crops, 44% of the land in the US is viable for agriculture whereas in Canada it's only about 7%. The US exports $1.4 trillion goods. Canada’s imports and exports are fairly equitable while US imports way more than it exports. Canada has a higher unemployment rate, but the US has higher rate of people living under the poverty line. As is evident in many of these statistics, both countries’ economies exemplify strengths and weaknesses.

Now looking at the markets and labor forces in Canada and the US, we observe that there are distinguishing factors of each country. This is particularly true in e-commerce and internet laws in Canada. Because of heavy licensing restrictions, Canada does not allow Spotify or Pandora, and has a very limited selection of programs on Netflix. E-commerce, in general, is less developed, with few stores even offering websites for online shopping, and Canadian Amazon holding a more limited selection of items. The US, on the other hand, has an ever-growing online economy. “During an April 2017 survey, 40 percent of internet users in the United States stated that they purchased items online at several times per month, and 20 percent said they bought items or services online on a weekly basis.” (Facts, 2018) As far as the labor force is concerned, Americans are known for working longer and later than Canadians. In the US, the average workweek is 47 hours and in Canada the workweek is 36-40 hours and at the minimum 2 weeks of paid vacation.

Canadian women in the workforce receive at least 15 weeks of paid maternity leave mandated by the government. In the United States many states mandate vacation time and maternity leave but don’t require that this time be paid and, in some cases, don’t require this time at all. As mentioned previously, socialized healthcare is a major distinguishing factor that sets Canada apart from the United States. The Healthcare Act of 1984 aimed to ensure that all residents of Canada have access to necessary hospital and physician services based on five principles: universality, portability, public administration, accessibility, and comprehensiveness. ("The Canada Health Act", 2018). Canadians do still have to pay for things like prescription drugs, home care, and prescription eyeglasses.

Canadians also live an average of 2 years longer than Americans, with average life expectancy for Canadian women at 82.3 years and 79.3 years for men. American women, on average live to be 80.8 years and 75.6 years for men. While there are many compounding factors that could contribute to this, like lower levels of obesity, or increased physical activity, socialized healthcare has been reported to be a contributing factor in the longer life span. Sociocultural Sphere Lastly, the sociocultural sphere can be used to contrast the United States and Canada, with differing traditions, dialects and colloquialisms, and subtle cultural nuances.

A nation’s overall culture can be broken up into many subcategories, but the following will discuss how language, and cultural celebrations and traditions distinguish Canada from the United state. First, Language is one of the most infamous ways Canadians and Americans claim they can tell each other apart. While the majority of each population speak English, the second most popular languages in each country are distinct and point to different colonial and immigration histories. The US technically does not have an official language, however in every state majority of government sponsored programs use English. Depending on the area of the US one is in effects the other languages that are present. For example, in Clark County, Nevada, (where Las Vegas is located) voter ballots are available in English, Spanish and Tagalog because Las Vegas contains large populations of Hispanic and Filipino residents. For the most part, Spanish appears to be a common second language with the high volume of immigrants from Latin America. In Canada on the other hand, English and French are both official languages, representative of the colonial background of Canada, as well as the federal government's relationship with the province of Quebec. Along with the languages spoken, come the differences in dialects, accents and slang relative to the English spoken in each country. Canada use different spelling for words that contain an ‘or’ sound: colour, favourite, labour.

The second cultural facet that distinguishes Canada and the US are the celebrations and traditions. Thanksgiving in Canada occurs on the second Monday of October however, most people celebrate it on Sunday and take the Monday off school and work. The holiday celebrates the harvests and blessings of the past year and is celebrate earlier because of Canada’s shorter growing season and earlier harvest. American Thanksgiving it is the fourth Thursday in November and celebrates the harvest and the legend of “peace between pilgrims and Native peoples”. Another interesting facet of national celebration is that Canada Day and US Independence Day are only three days apart (July 1st to July 4th) and are both celebrated with traditions like barbeques, parades, and fireworks. (Youtube, 2018).

Food is an essential tenet of not only celebrations but life in general. While the food in both countries is fairly similar accounting for a few distinct delicacies like all-dressed chips, and poutine in Canada, there is one major difference between the US and Canada-- the legal drinking age. In Canada, the drinking age is determined by the local government, with legal age being 19 in the majority of the country, but in Alberta, Manitoba, and Quebec young adults can start drinking at 18. In America, the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 and is a federal policy that establishes 21 as the legal age. (Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction, 2018). In short, Canada and the United States, while they have a long history of peace, are distinct in government, economy, and culture.

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“Compare and Contrast Two Countries” Essay Example, With Outline

Published by gudwriter on November 21, 2020 November 21, 2020

Comparison and contrast of similarities and differences between China and Japan. Both of the countries are found in Eastern Asia and speak closely related languages. However, there are differences in terms of their food, culture, and natural resources.

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A good compare and contrast paper requires adequate research and focuses on the central point and explains the importance and implications of its analysis. Comparing and contrasting work must make meaningful comparisons. One has to come up with a clear and concise thesis to help convey the core ideas of the essay. Avoid all this tussle and dedicate your paper to a reliable admission essay writing service who will provide a masterpiece at an affordable price.

I have consulted this guide in writing this example essay with an outline.

C omparing Two Countries Essay Outline

Introduction.

Thesis: There are many differences between Japan and China in terms of their food, culture, natural resources, and population distribution.

Paragraph 1:

The first major difference between China and Japan comes in their food.

“While the Chinese food is spicy and involves a lot of frying and cooking, the Japanese food is far less spicy, and has very subtle flavors compared to other local foods in Asia.”
China has diverse food owing to its large geographic extent.
On the other hand, Japan has an isolated food culture essentially because it is an island. They prefer seafood on a large scale.
There is minimal use of oil in preparing food and therefore the food is considered healthier.

Paragraph 2:

China and Japan also significantly differ in their culture.

The culture of China has a lot of heterogeneity owing to the fact that the country has been exposed to several various nationalities in addition to having a long history.
Some of the notable nationalities that have contributed to this heterogeneity are Europeans and Indians.
In contrast, Japan has an isolated culture because, according to its recorded history, the country has not experienced significant external influence.
Coupled with its considerably small size, this lack of external influence by Japan has ensured that its culture is more homogenous.

Paragraph 3:

Another source of difference between China and Japan is the countries’ respective natural resources.

China has many various natural resources probably because of its vastness.
China has also advanced technology compared to Japan.
These resources include arable land, uranium, rare earth elements, zinc, lead, aluminum, magnetite, vanadium, molybdenum, manganese, antimony, tungsten, tin, mercury, natural gas, petroleum, iron ore, and coal.
Inversely, the mineral resources in Japan are negligible. Apart from having fish and fishing grounds, the country has virtually no resources of natural energy.
This fact has made Japan the largest liquefied natural gas and coal importer in the world. It also ranks the second in oil importation worldwide.

Paragraph 4:

China and Japan differ in their population distribution.

In China, the eastern half of the country has the overwhelming majority of the population.
The west of China, in contrast to the east, has sparse population.
On the other hand, Japan has a third of its population living around and in Tokyo, the capital city. A significant percentage of the population lives in Kanto plain around Tokyo.
The coast of the country bears the larger population density of the country.

China and Japan are countries found in Asia with the former having a vast geographical area and the latter being comparatively far smaller. The countries share the feature of having a coastline, and closeness of the languages they speak. They however have respective distinctive features that define them as individual countries, including their respective foods, cultures, natural resources, and population distribution. Try our speech generator now and captivate your audience with every word.

Compare and Contrast Essay Between Two Countries: China vs. Japan

China and Japan are both found in Eastern Asia and speak languages that though different, are closely related. China is located between Vietnam and North Korea and borders South China Sea, Yellow Sea, Korea Bay, and the East China Sea. Japan, on the other hand, is located east of the Korean Peninsula, between the Sea of Japan and the North Pacific Ocean. They both have a coastline that runs into many thousand kilometers. One would expect that being that the countries are in the same region and close to each other, they should essentially be similar to each other. However, as this essay shows, there are many differences between Japan and China in terms of their food, culture, natural resources, and population distribution.

The first major difference between China and Japan comes in their food. “While the Chinese food is spicy and involves a lot of frying and cooking, the Japanese food is far less spicy, and has very subtle flavors compared to other local foods in Asia” (Expertscolumn.com, 2017). China has diverse food owing to its large geographic extent. Food diversity in China has also been influenced by cuisines from foreign countries, especially Mongolia and the Middle East. Additionally, a lot of oil is used in food preparation in the country, with a heavy use of spices and flavors. Majorly, Chinese food consists of beef, pork, chicken, and duck. On the other hand, Japan has an isolated food culture essentially because it is an island. They prefer seafood on a large scale. There is minimal use of oil in preparing food and therefore the food is considered healthier. Most of the food is consumed raw in Japan. As Historyplex.com (2017) notes, “While slurping when having your meals can draw frowns in China, it is considered as a compliment in Japan”.

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China and Japan also significantly differ in their culture. Expertscolumn.com (2017) points out that there is a long history attached to Chinese culture and that the vastness of the country’s territory makes the culture have a plethora of varieties. The culture has a lot of heterogeneity owing to the fact that the country has been exposed to several various nationalities in addition to having a long history. Some of the notable nationalities that have contributed to this heterogeneity are Europeans and Indians. In contrast, Japan has an isolated culture because, according to its recorded history, the country has not experienced significant external influence. Coupled with its considerably small size, this lack of external influence by Japan has ensured that its culture is more homogenous. Societal harmony is seriously emphasized in the Japanese culture. The society thus expects that every person will always show very high levels of self-discipline. Even when conversing with each other, a very polite approach is followed by Japanese people. This is why it would be difficult to find people yelling at or quarrelling with each other publicly in Japan. “In comparison, China poses the picture of a typical developing country, with level of politeness being less common” (Expertscolumn.com, 2017). This implies one is more likely to be yelled at during conversations in China more than in Japan. Whether this communication culture of China changes in future remains to be seen.

Another source of difference between China and Japan is the countries’ respective natural resources. China has many various natural resources probably because of its vastness. These include arable land, uranium, rare earth elements, zinc, lead, aluminum, magnetite, vanadium, molybdenum, manganese, antimony, tungsten, tin, mercury, natural gas, petroleum, iron ore, and coal. All these resources are probably among the reasons the country has experienced significant economic growth over the past few decades. Noteworthy, China is now one of the strongest world economies, even rivaling the United States in that respect. It is also worth noting that the country has the largest hydropower potential in the world. Inversely, the mineral resources in Japan are negligible. Apart from having fish and fishing grounds, the country has virtually no resources of natural energy. This fact has made Japan the largest liquefied natural gas and coal importer in the world (Indexmundi.com, 2017). It also ranks second in oil importation worldwide. In spite of this, its economy is still considerably very strong.

Further, China and Japan differ in their population distribution. In China, the eastern half of the country has the overwhelming majority of the population. The west, in contrast to the east, has sparse population. This is majorly because the west is characterized by desert areas and mountainous landscape. It should also be of interest to note that China is the most populated country in the world. In spite of this, it has a less overall population density as compared to many countries in Europe and Asia. In the country, “high population density is found along the Yangtze and Yellow River valleys , the Xi Jiang River delta, the Sichuan Basin (around Chengdu), in and around Beijing, and the industrial area around Shenyang” (Indexmundi.com, 2017). On the other hand, Japan has a third of its population living around and in Tokyo, the capital city. A significant percentage of the population lives in Kanto plain around Tokyo (Indexmundi.com, 2017). On the same note, the coast of the country bears the larger population density of the country.

China and Japan are countries found in Asia with the former having a vast geographical area and the latter being comparatively far smaller. The countries share the feature of having a coastline, and closeness of the languages they speak. They however have respective distinctive features that define them as individual countries. These include their respective foods, cultures, natural resources, and population distribution. For instance, while the food in China is diverse, the one in Japan is isolated. The same applies to their respective cultures. In addition, China has numerous natural resources as compared to Japan that hardly has any and resorts to importing.

Expertscolumn.com. (2017). “ Comparing Japanese & Chinese cultures: similarities and differences” . Travelandculture.expertscolumn.com . Retrieved 20 November 2017, from http://travelandculture.expertscolumn.com/comparing-japanese-chinese-cultures

Historyplex.com. (2017). “ The cultural differences and similarities between China and Japan” . Historyplex . Retrieved 20 November 2017, from https://historyplex.com/cultural-differences-similarities-between-china-japan

Indexmundi.com. (2017). “ China vs. Japan – country comparison” . Indexmundi.com . Retrieved 20 November 2017, from http://www.indexmundi.com/factbook/compare/china.japan

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