Comparison and Contrast

The essays below compare or contrast two like things (e.g. two websites, two cities, two school systems). You can learn to use this pattern from these websites:

All writers in this collection speak for themselves—and themselves alone.

A visual representation of this collection exists on Pinterest.


Match.com and PetFinder.org want to help people find their perfect companion. Susan Hogan, a writer and teacher, describes her experiences using these two websites.

Comparison & Contrast • Humans & Their AnimalsFirst PersonDiscussion Questions & Writing Prompts


Writing for Nautilus, Rose Eveleth details how a computer bug in an online role-playing game might provide answers on the behavior of real-world diseases.

Comparison & Contrast • Modern ChallengesMixed PersonDiscussion Questions & Writing PromptsConnect with Author


We often associate charisma with an open, gregarious personality and great leadership. But does that mean introverts cannot lead? Author Susan Cain looks at the two personality styles.

Comparison & Contrast • IdentityMixed PersonDiscussion Questions & Writing PromptsConnect with Author


After a study named New York "the greatest city in the world of the future," the editors at the Atlantic detail the similarities between New York and London.

Comparison & Contrast • Times & PlacesMixed PersonDiscussion Questions & Writing Prompts


Writer and father Joe DeProspero explains the differences between full-time professionals and full-time parents.

Comparison & Contrast • Modern ChallengesMixed PersonDiscussion Questions & Writing PromptsConnect with Author


Gay editor, podcaster, and blogger Zack Ford illustrates the distinction between transgender and drag.

Comparison & Contrast • IdentityThird PersonDiscussion Questions & Writing PromptsConnect with Author


When is it okay to put down a zoo animal? European and US zoos want their animals to have different experiences, which means that healthy animals sometimes die at the zookeeper's hands. Writing for Mother Nature Network, Laura Moss explains the differences in zoo philosophies.

Comparison & Contrast • Humans & Their AnimalsThird PersonDiscussion Questions & Writing PromptsConnect with Author


Most people—including hiring managers—generally think extroverts make the best sales staff and managers. Recent research, though, indicates that this belief might be incorrect.

Comparison & Contrast • IdentityMixed PersonDiscussion Questions & Writing PromptsConnect with Author


Rebecca Schuman, education columnist for Slate, describes the differences between the German and American college experience.

Comparison & Contrast • School LifeMixed PersonDiscussion Questions & Writing PromptsConnect with Author