Comparison essay topics - how to choose the best one?

Before you can choose the best comparison essay topic, you need to know exactly what you will be writing about. A comparison essay is, as the name implies, an essay where you make a comparison between points of view or arguments in favor or against a particular topic. What will make your essay really fly is the topic you choose.

Here's the first point

Pick a topic in which you are interested or about which you know a heck of a lot. The more prior knowledge or passion for a topic you have, the easier it will be to write. Of course you need to carry out a certain amount of research before writing the essay but if you already have a knowledge of the subject material in this topic, then you are well on the way to writing a winning essay.

Does the topic lend itself to comparisons?

This is seriously important in helping you choose the best comparison essay topic. Remember that your essay needs to involve two contrasting points of view. Choosing a topic where one side of the argument is much weaker than the other is not a good topic for this type of essay. You want to be able to let your hair down in mounting a case for both sides of the argument. You need to clearly show where the comparison operates.

Get the format right

It doesn't matter how well you choose your comparison essay topic, how well you research it or how well you write it. What is seriously important is that the style of essay, that is a comparison essay, need to be adhered to. The grade you get for your comparison essay rests almost entirely on how well you describe the conflicting or contrasting points of view -- you have to make a comparison in a comparison essay.

Many students adopt a chronological approach when writing their comparison essay. They follow a strict and understandable timeline noting the developments over a period of time. This allows you to plan well ahead of the actual writing. By listing some points such as what happened, when and what was the consequence of such happenings, you have a snapshot of your entire essay. With a simple but detailed mini-essay in front of you, following the bullet points is easy.

Choose the topic you like or know, understand what a comparison essay is all about and plan well so that your writing flows and wins the best possible grade.