LibGuides: Types of Writing: Comparison/Contrast

Quick Links

Choosing a Topic
Get help choosing and refining your topic
Library Research Guides
Research guides on a variety of topics created by librarians.
Research Basics
Step by step research guide with instructions for using Library resources.
Databases and E-Resources
A list of all Library Electronic resources by subject and alphabetical
General Library Information
Everything you need to know about your Cerritos College Library.
Citation Guides
Guides for helping you with MLA and APA citations.

Resources

Writing a Compare/Contrast Essay
Santa Barbara City College general information about
the organization for this type of essay. Includes useful charts to organize your ideas for your essay.
More structure for comparison/contrast
Structure for comparison and contrast, continued.
Comparison/contrast in depth
This thorough resource offers a detailed description of comparison and contrast writing, complete with examples.
Compare/Contrast sample
A sample comparison/contrast essay.
Comparison/Contrast handout
This detailed handout will help you recognize comparison/contrast writing, then walk you through the steps of creating your own piece.

What it is Compare/Contrast?

Comparison/contrast writing involves finding similarities and differences between two of more things.

Comparison/contrast writing doesn't just point out these similarities and differences; it explores why they exist and what they indicate about those things being compared.

How it is used in college?

Comparison/contrast can be used in almost any class.

A film course might ask you to explore similarities/differences in two versions of the same story, (for example the multiple film versions of 'Romeo and Juliet'.)

A literature class might require that you compare/contrast two stories from the same time period, while a science course might involve comparison/contrasting the properties of two chemical compounds.

A history professor may ask you to compare two accounts of the same battle.

In general, comparing and contrasting challenges you to think critically about subtle differences: a skill you will find useful throughout your college career.

Examples of Compare/Contrast Essay Topics

Broad Topics

Authoritative parents vs. Permissive parents
Extreme sports vs. Traditional sports
Wind power vs. Nuclear power

Narrower Topics

Authoritative vs. Permissive Parents

Corporal punishment vs. non-hurtful discipline

Extreme sports vs. traditional sports

Surfing vs. Sky Surfing
Scuba Diving vs. Free-Diving