How To Choose The Best Comparative Essay Topics In 4 Steps
A comparative essay can actually be a very interesting piece to work on if you are willing to do some research on your topics. It is essentially a paper on the similarities and contrasts between two different subjects within the same field. For instance, an essay on electric bulbs vs. solar powdered bulbs is a comparative topic since there are enough similarities and contrasts between the two subjects to write about. So how exactly do you select the perfect topic for your work?
- Try and understand what is being asked of you: You first have to figure out what kind of comparative paper needs to be written by you. Are they asking you to write one which simply asks you to compare (similarities and contrasts) two subjects or do they expect you to compare and form an opinion (write out similarities and contrasts and then argue which one is better).
- Research: Once you have figured out what is expected of you, the next step is to find two subjects that have enough similarities and contrasts for you to write an entire paper about. If two subjects are too similar, then you won’t have enough differences to talk about, and vice versa. You don’t necessarily have to have equal number of differences and similarities, but there should be a substantial number of them to make your research seem logical.
- Form an argument: If it is the kind of essay where you eventually have to pick sides between the two subjects you are about to pick, you should do some research on the possible topics first before you decide on them, at least one of the subjects should appeal to you enough so that you can make a valid argument in the end as to why you think one is a better idea, or more successful than the other. If you aren't careful about the subjects you pick and aren't able to provide a valid argument in one subject’s favor in the end, your essay might seem pointless.
- Look for something unconventional: Picking a research topic that has not already been used by other students various times might help you win the extra brownie points. It will require more effort on your part, but in the end it might be all worthwhile.
A comparative paper is also a very interesting read if you pick a good topic and write the paper well based on good research; this could be a very rewarding experience.