compare and contrast essay between egypt and america

Differences Between Ancient Egypt And Modern America

Ancient Egypt and Modern America are two civilizations separated by thousands of years and vast cultural differences. The contrast between the socio-political structures, technological advancements, religious practices, and daily life is profound.

While Ancient Egypt was a civilization marked by pharaohs and pyramids, Modern America is a nation characterized by democratic governance and technological innovation.

Ancient Egypt, which thrived from approximately 3100 BCE to 332 BCE, was centered along the Nile River. It was known for its powerful pharaohs, monumental architecture, and a polytheistic religion that influenced everyday life.

In contrast, Modern America, officially founded in 1776, is a federal republic with a diverse population and is at the forefront of the modern technological era.

The comparison reveals significant changes in governance, technology, culture, and socioeconomic structures over the millennia that separate these two periods.

Table of Contents

Key Characteristics of Ancient Egypt And Modern America

16 aspects: ancient egypt and modern america, four facts about ancient egypt and modern america, geographical and temporal contexts, ancient egypt: the cradle of civilization.

Ancient egypt and modern america are two vastly different civilizations that existed in different geographical and temporal contexts. Let’s explore the distinctive features of each civilization.

• Located in northeastern africa, ancient egypt was primarily situated along the nile river, which was a vital source of water and fertile land. The civilization flourished from around 3100 bce to 30 bce.
• The geography of ancient egypt played a significant role in shaping its culture and society. The nile river provided fertile soil for agriculture, leading to the development of an advanced agricultural system.
• Ancient egyptians believed in the afterlife and placed great importance on rituals and ceremonies associated with death and burial. The pyramids, monumental tombs of pharaohs, still stand today as a testament to their remarkable architectural skills and complex religious beliefs.
• The society of ancient egypt was hierarchical, with the pharaoh at the top, followed by priests, nobles, and common people. The society heavily relied on agriculture, with most people working as farmers.
• Egyptian civilization made significant contributions to various fields, including art, architecture, medicine, mathematics, and astronomy. They developed a sophisticated writing system known as hieroglyphics, used for documenting religious texts, administrative records, and literature.

Modern America: The Land Of Opportunities

Modern america, on the other hand, is a vast country located in north america. It emerged as a global power in the late 19th century and is characterized by its diversity, technological advancements, and economic opportunities.

• America’s geographical context varies, ranging from breathtaking landscapes such as the grand canyon and the rocky mountains to bustling urban cities like new york and los angeles.
• Modern america is a melting pot of cultures and peoples from all over the world. The united states has provided opportunities for immigrants to fulfill their aspirations, resulting in a rich tapestry of traditions, languages, and cuisines.
• The society of modern america is built on democratic principles and individual freedoms. It is known for its economic prosperity and innovation. The country has been at the forefront of technological advancements.
• Education plays a crucial role in modern america, with a focus on ensuring equal opportunities and access to quality education for all. The country is home to some of the world’s top universities and research institutions.
• The united states has a federal system of government, with power divided between the federal government and individual states. This allows for a balance of power and decision-making at different levels.

The ancient civilization of egypt and modern america differ significantly in their geographical and temporal contexts.

While ancient egypt developed along the nile river and left behind remarkable architectural and cultural legacies, modern america is a diverse and technologically advanced nation that offers numerous opportunities for its people.

Understanding the differences between these civilizations helps us appreciate the diversity and rich history of human societies.

Social And Political Structures

Ancient egypt: pharaohs and divine rulers.

In ancient egypt, the social and political structure revolved around the powerful figure of the pharaoh.

Here are some key points to understand the system:

• The pharaoh was considered the political and religious leader of egypt, believed to be a divine being with connections to the gods.
• The pharaoh’s authority was absolute and unquestioned, and their word was law.
• The pharaoh appointed officials to various positions of power, creating a hierarchical system where loyalty to the pharaoh was paramount.
• The society was organized into a complex bureaucracy, with different administrative departments serving specific functions.
• The social structure was hierarchical, with the pharaoh at the top followed by nobles, priests, scribes, and commoners.
• Slavery was also prevalent in ancient egypt, with slaves serving as laborers or domestic workers.

Modern America: Democracy And Elected Leaders

In contrast to ancient egypt, modern america operates under a democratic system where power is vested in the people.

Here are some key points about the social and political structure in modern america:

• America follows a representative democracy, where people elect leaders to make decisions on their behalf.
• The country has three separate branches of government: The executive branch (headed by the president), the legislative branch (congress), and the judicial branch (supreme court).
• The president, who is elected by the people, is the head of the executive branch and serves as both the political and ceremonial leader of the nation.
• Members of congress are elected by the citizens to create, debate, and pass laws.
• The judicial branch, led by the supreme court, ensures that laws are interpreted and applied fairly.
• The social structure in modern america is more egalitarian, with individual rights and freedoms being highly valued.
• Slavery was abolished in the mid-19th century, although the country still faces ongoing struggles for social equality and inclusivity.

While ancient egypt operated under the divine rule of pharaohs with a hierarchical social structure, modern america embraces principles of democracy with elected leaders and a more egalitarian society.

These fundamental differences highlight the evolution of social and political structures over time.

Cultural And Religious Beliefs

Ancient egypt: polytheistic worship and afterlife.

In ancient egypt, the cultural and religious beliefs were deeply rooted in polytheism. Here are a few key aspects of the ancient egyptian belief system:

• Polytheistic worship: Ancient egyptians worshiped a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses, each associated with different aspects of life and nature. They believed that deities controlled every element and event in the world.
• Divine pharaohs: Pharaohs held a divine status and were considered the intermediaries between the gods and the people. They were believed to possess divine powers and were responsible for maintaining cosmic order.
• Life after death: The concept of the afterlife held immense significance in ancient egyptian culture. They believed in the survival of the soul after death and the existence of an afterlife realm. To ensure a successful transition, egyptians practiced elaborate funerary rituals, including mummification and burial with necessary belongings.
• Osiris and the judgment: Osiris, the god of the afterlife, played a pivotal role in the egyptian belief system. According to their beliefs, upon death, individuals faced judgment in the hall of ma’at, where their actions in life were weighed against the feather of ma’at to determine their fate.

Modern America: Religious Pluralism And Freedom Of Belief

In contrast to ancient egypt, modern america embraces religious pluralism and cherishes the freedom of belief.

Here are some key features of cultural and religious beliefs in modern america:

• Religious diversity: America is home to people of various religious backgrounds, including christianity, islam, judaism, hinduism, buddhism, and many others. This diversity is celebrated and protected under the principles of religious freedom.
• Freedom of belief: The united states constitution guarantees the right to freedom of religion, allowing individuals to choose and practice any religion of their choice without fear of persecution or discrimination.
• Separation of religion and state: Modern america places great emphasis on the separation of religion and state. While religion plays a significant role in the lives of many americans, the government remains neutral and does not endorse or favor any specific religion.
• Tolerance and respect: In a culturally diverse society, americans generally respect and tolerate different religious beliefs. Interfaith dialogue and cooperation are encouraged to foster understanding and harmony among various religious communities.

Ancient egypt’s polytheistic worship and focus on the afterlife contrast starkly with modern america’s religious pluralism and value for freedom of belief.

While the ancient egyptians worshiped a multitude of gods and believed in a complex afterlife journey, contemporary america embraces religious diversity and upholds individuals’ right to practice their chosen religion freely.

Technological Advancements And Innovations

Technological advancements and innovations have significantly shaped civilizations throughout history. Ancient egypt and modern america are two prime examples of societies that have witnessed remarkable progress in this domain.

In this section, we will explore the unique contributions of both ancient egypt and modern america to engineering marvels, monumental constructions, scientific breakthroughs, and the digital revolution.

Let’s delve into the fascinating differences between these two cultures.

Ancient Egypt: Engineering Marvels And Monumental Constructions

Ancient egypt, known for its awe-inspiring pyramids, temples, and intricate tombs, displayed remarkable engineering prowess long before modern technology emerged.

Here are some key features of ancient egyptian technological advancements:

Pyramids: The construction of pyramids, such as the great pyramid of giza, showcases the precision and architectural expertise of ancient egyptians.

These monumental structures were meticulously crafted using innovative techniques, making them lasting symbols of ancient engineering.

Irrigation systems: Ancient egyptians developed sophisticated irrigation systems, like the nile basin irrigation, to harness the river’s power for agriculture. These channels and canals allowed for efficient water management and ultimately sustained the civilization’s growth.

Obelisks: Standing tall and imposing, obelisks were a common sight in ancient egypt. These massive stone pillars serve as a testament to the precision of ancient egyptian engineering.

The transportation, carving, and positioning of these colossal structures required ingenuity and expertise.

Modern America: Scientific Breakthroughs And Digital Revolution

Modern america has witnessed a wave of scientific breakthroughs and technological advancements that have revolutionized the world.

Here are some notable aspects of america’s technological landscape:

Space exploration: America’s pioneering efforts in space exploration, notably with nasa, have led to groundbreaking scientific achievements.

From the apollo moon landing to the development of the international space station, these endeavors have pushed the boundaries of human knowledge and expanded our understanding of the universe.

Digital revolution: The advent of the internet and digital technology has fundamentally transformed the way we live, work, and communicate.

America’s contributions in this domain, with companies like apple, google, and microsoft, have shaped the modern world through innovations like personal computers, smartphones, search engines, and social media platforms.

Biotechnological advancements: Modern america has also witnessed significant advancements in biotechnology, including gene editing techniques like crispr-cas9, which have revolutionized genetic research and offer potential applications in medicine, agriculture, and more.

America’s scientific community continues to push the boundaries of biotechnology, paving the way for further breakthroughs.

The engineering marvels and monumental constructions of ancient egypt represent a profound feat of human ingenuity, while modern america’s scientific breakthroughs and the digital revolution have transformed the world as we know it.

These unique contributions of both cultures demonstrate the incredible progress made in technology throughout history.

Economic Systems And Trade

Ancient egypt: agrarian society and nile river dependency.

Ancient egypt was an agrarian society heavily dependent on the nile river for its economic activities. Here’s some information about its economic system and trade:

• Agriculture was the backbone of the egyptian economy, with the majority of the population engaged in farming.
• The nile river played a crucial role in supporting agricultural activities by providing fertile soil through annual flooding.
• The egyptians cultivated various crops, including wheat, barley, flax, and vegetables, which formed the basis of their economy.
• They developed an intricate irrigation system to enhance crop production and ensure successful harvests.
• Trade in ancient egypt primarily involved exchanging goods such as food, raw materials, and luxury items with neighboring regions.
• The egyptian government regulated trade and taxed import and export activities.
• They had trade relations with places like nubia, palestine, and mesopotamia.

Modern America: Capitalist Economy And Global Trade

Modern america, on the other hand, operates under a capitalist economic system and engages in global trade. Here’s what you need to know about its economic system and trade:

• The united states has a market-based economy driven by private enterprise and profit-seeking businesses.
• Capitalism allows for individual ownership of businesses and the freedom to pursue economic interests.
• Global trade plays a significant role in the american economy, with imports and exports contributing to its growth.
• American businesses engage in international trade, importing goods from various countries and exporting products worldwide.
• The united states is a major player in global trade, with extensive networks of trade agreements and economic partnerships.
• It trades a wide range of goods and services, including industrial machinery, technology products, agricultural commodities, and financial services.
• The country’s economic policies promote openness to international trade and investment, facilitating its participation in global markets.

While ancient egypt relied on an agrarian society and trade along the nile river, modern america operates under a capitalist economy with global trade connections. These differences reflect how economies have evolved over time, adapting to different circumstances and driving economic growth in distinct ways.

Societal Roles And Gender Equality

Ancient egypt: hierarchical social classes and gender roles.

• In ancient egypt, society was divided into hierarchical social classes, with the pharaoh at the top. The social structure consisted of the ruling class, the nobility, priests, scribes, craftsmen, farmers, and slaves. Each class had its own responsibilities and duties within society.
• Gender roles in ancient egypt were distinct and largely determined by societal norms. Men typically held positions in government, religion, and the military, while women played important roles in the family and household management. However, some women were able to attain positions of power and influence, such as cleopatra, who became the last pharaoh of egypt.

Modern America: Equality Movements And Women Empowerment

• In modern america, there has been a significant shift towards gender equality and the empowerment of women. The women’s rights movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries fought for women’s suffrage and paved the way for greater gender equality.
• Today, women in america have more opportunities for education, career advancement, and holding positions of power. They have the freedom to choose their own paths and pursue their ambitions, breaking away from traditional gender roles.
• Women empowerment movements have arisen, promoting gender equality and addressing issues such as pay disparity, sexual harassment, and gender discrimination. These movements aim to dismantle gender norms and create a society where men and women have equal opportunities and rights.
• However, despite progress, challenges remain. Gender inequalities still persist in certain areas, such as leadership positions in the corporate world and the wage gap between men and women. Efforts continue to be made to address these disparities and achieve true gender equality.

While ancient egypt had a hierarchical social structure with distinct gender roles, modern america has witnessed significant changes towards gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The struggle for gender equality continues, but progress has been made, allowing women greater freedom and opportunities in various aspects of life.

The differences between ancient egypt and modern america are vast, showcasing the evolution of human civilization over thousands of years.

While ancient egypt emphasized the power of the pharaohs, built grandiose pyramids, and worshipped multiple gods, modern america is defined by democracy, technological advancements, and a diverse cultural landscape.

From the nile river to the mississippi river, both ancient and modern societies have relied on natural resources for sustenance and economic development.

However, technology and globalization have transformed the way we communicate, travel, and interact with one another today.

Despite the disparities in social structures, beliefs, and technological advancements, both ancient egyptians and modern americans share a common goal: the pursuit of a better future for themselves and their society.

So as we continue to study the past and understand our roots, we can appreciate the remarkable journey humanity has undertaken to reach where we are today.

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Egypt Culture Vs American Culture

This essay about Egyptian and American cultures explores the differences and similarities between the two societies across various cultural dimensions. It examines family structures, with Egyptians prioritizing extended family and community, contrasting with the American focus on individualism and nuclear families. Communication styles also differ, with Egyptians preferring indirect methods in line with their high-context culture, whereas Americans are more direct, reflecting their low-context communication preferences. Additionally, the essay discusses the significant role of religion in Egypt compared to a more secular public life in the U.S., and varying perceptions of time management and workplace culture in both countries. Finally, it contrasts the types of celebrations prevalent in each culture, highlighting Egypt’s religious and national celebrations against America’s civic-oriented holidays. The essay concludes that understanding these cultural nuances fosters greater intercultural respect and communication.

How it works

Comparing the cultures of Egypt and the United States reveals a fascinating tapestry of differences and similarities that reflect the unique historical, social, and geographical contexts of each country. Both cultures offer rich traditions and modern influences that shape their societies’ values, behaviors, and lifestyles. This essay explores several key cultural dimensions where Egyptian and American cultures diverge and where they sometimes unexpectedly converge.

**Family and Social Structure** In Egypt, the family is the cornerstone of social life and often influences individuals’ decisions about career, marriage, and even day-to-day choices.

Extended families frequently live close together or in the same household, reflecting a community-oriented approach. In contrast, American culture places a higher value on individualism. The typical American family model is more nuclear, and there is a stronger emphasis on personal independence and self-reliance. However, both cultures share a deep appreciation for family gatherings and the importance of family in providing support and guidance.

**Communication Styles** Egyptians generally employ a more indirect communication style, which is reflective of a broader high-context culture. This style relies heavily on non-verbal cues and the context of the conversation to convey meaning, often to maintain politeness and harmony. Americans, on the other hand, are known for their low-context and direct communication style. Clarity and efficiency are prioritized, and messages are often expressed explicitly to ensure there is no room for ambiguity. This difference can sometimes lead to misunderstandings in interactions between the two cultures.

**Religious Influence** Religion plays a more integral role in everyday Egyptian life than in American life. In Egypt, Islam is a major component of both public and private life, influencing social norms, laws, and daily routines such as prayer times. Public expressions of faith are common, and religious festivals and practices are widely observed. In the United States, while religious freedom is a core value and many people are religious, there is a greater emphasis on secularism in public life. The diversity of religious beliefs in the U.S. also means that there is less uniformity in religious practices across the country.

**Attitudes Toward Time** Time perception significantly differs between the two cultures. In Egypt, time is treated more fluidly. There is a cultural emphasis on relationships and interactions rather than strict adherence to schedules. This flexible approach to time is sometimes referred to as ‘Egyptian time,’ where events start and finish according to the nature of the occasion rather than the clock. Conversely, in the U.S., time is seen as a precious resource to be managed. The American approach is more schedule-oriented, with a focus on punctuality and efficiency. This cultural difference is evident in business practices and daily life, where Americans tend to value quick decision-making and short-term goals.

**Workplace Culture** The workplace in Egypt is often an extension of the broader social culture, with a strong emphasis on relationships. Decision-making can be hierarchical, and respect for authority is paramount. In contrast, American workplace culture is more egalitarian, where individual achievement and innovation are encouraged. Feedback is direct and management is typically less formal than in Egypt. However, in both cultures, there is a growing emphasis on work-life balance, though the approach to achieving it can be culturally specific.

**Cultural Celebrations** Both Egyptian and American societies love to celebrate, but the style and type of celebrations often differ. Major Egyptian celebrations are deeply rooted in religious and national traditions, such as Ramadan, Eid, and Sham el-Nessim, which mark seasonal and historical events. American holidays like Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July, meanwhile, reflect the country’s historical and cultural heritage but are less influenced by religion and more by civic pride.

In conclusion, while Egyptian and American cultures differ in family dynamics, communication styles, religious influences, perceptions of time, and workplace norms, they both show a deep respect for cultural traditions and a growing adaptability to global influences. Understanding these differences and similarities enhances mutual respect and improves intercultural communication between these two rich and diverse societies.

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Biggest Differences: Living in Egypt Vs. America

• by Studi Arabiya

After being in Egypt for five months now, I feel like I’ve gotten a pretty good grasp on the Egyptian lifestyle. It differs greatly from that of an American lifestyle, (i.e. the only lifestyle I’ve ever known). Here are some of the key differences about life in Egypt versus America:

Driving in Egypt is… Chaos. You might be able to say “organized chaos” if you’re feeling positive. It’s hard to believe that there are traffic laws when you see a 12 year old driving a pick-up truck down the street, or a father with his wife and two kids zooming down the road on a motorbike, or a mother holding her 3 month old in the driver’s seat while talking on the phone and driving like a Nascar racer. Alas, there are in fact driving laws, however they are not very common, at least from what I’ve seen thus far. I have seen traffic officers and even some traffic lights in the more popular, high volume roads, but aside from that they are sparse.

In the majority of places, you can drive at any speed and in any place that is flat enough for your car to trudge over without causing you too much trouble. There are usually two sides of the road, however it’s not uncommon to see drivers going in both directions on the same side. Honking is a necessity. Egyptians honk just out of habit. If it’s been more than 30 seconds and you haven’t honked, you must just be tired or possibly a foreigner. They honk when no one is even around, to establish their presence I assume. Seat belts are just an accessory, small children sitting in the front seat makes keeping an eye on them easier, rolling down your window to yell at other drivers and even getting out of the car to confront them is normal, and so much more.

Driving in Egypt is truly an experience. Although it’s hectic, loud, bumpy, and usually scary, there is a silent system that makes it all work. I don’t think I’ll be getting behind the wheel here any time soon (or at all), but fortunately there’s not a huge necessity for me to do so, which brings me to my next point.

2. Shopping

Shopping in Egypt as a foreigner takes dedication and patience. It takes courage and it takes an open mind to have a successful run. The city I live in is has all your basic necessities within a few miles of each other; this is the main reason why having a car (if you’re not working) isn’t completely necessary. The best method of transportation for this kind of shopping is walking and/or taking a tuk-tuk (small auto-rickshaws that will take you up and down the street for as cheap as 3 egp). And if you’re feeling extra lazy or just want to make the trip short and sweet you can take an Uber and have the driver wait for you while you get your groceries.

Getting necessities is not the same here as it is in America. In America, I’d maybe stop by two different stores (Publix and Trader Joe’s) to get everything I’d need for a couple of weeks. Here, I have two main grocery stores I switch between depending on what items I want for the week. One store is decently priced and has mostly everything, and the other is a little over-priced but has more imported goods that make being a foreigner a little easier to cope with. I do not get my produce and dairy from these stores however. Every Friday there is an aunty who comes with fresh eggs, fateer (delicious specialty bread that resembles trini-roti), butter, cheese, and honey. It’s become a nice tradition to wake up extra early on Friday mornings to meet her and give her some business for her high quality products. Next, I head to the veggie truck (yes, an actual truck), that this gentlemen parks right next to the aunty, and I get my main vegetables. After this, I’ll head across the street to the veggie stand that also has fruit to complete the produce part of my shopping. After this I head to the chicken butcher, here I’ll choose a nice, healthy looking chicken and wait for the nice man to come back with it all ready to be cooked (fresh, organic, and halal). Finally, I’ll head to the meat butcher and point out on the hanging cow leg what kind of steak I’d like and how I’d like it cut.

For me, the hardest part about this type of shopping is not that there are so many places to go, but the fact that it’s not always guaranteed that you’ll get what you need. One week the aunty may not be there, leaving you eggless until the following week, or one day the veggie shop may be closed for an unapparent reason, or he may not have the fruits and veggies you’d been planning to get, or maybe the grocery store stopped selling the imported goods you liked. Yup, this is typical. It may not seem like a big deal, but since it’s already quite a task to get your shopping done in the first place, it’s upsetting when you can’t get what you need. On the bright side, shopping for food here is ridiculously cheap!

3. Language

This is an obvious one. Even though we are leaning Arabic here at Studio Arabiya, it can only help us so much when it comes to interacting with the locals. We are learning Classical Arabic but only Modern Egyptian Arabic is spoken here, which for someone learning Classical Arabic is like a very complicated, jumbled up form of a beautiful language. It’s less common to find someone who speaks classical Arabic than it is to find someone who knows some English. And speaking it usually warrants a funny look from the locals followed by a befuddled “ehh?” At least when you speak in English they know you are a foreigner and will simply find you fascinating, not weird.

4. Children

Children bring out the beauty of Egypt. There are children anywhere and everywhere at any time of day. They are curious and carefree, a little rough around the edges but so happy. They are kind and respect their elders. I can’t count the times the children in our neighborhood have run up to me just to give a greeting and a smile. They are more independent and mature than any kids you’d see in the US. Children here are always playing in the streets, whether they’re playing soccer, or with fire crackers, or simply playing in the sand, they enjoy being outside more than anything else. I love this. I love to see the carefree and natural spirit of children, something you don’t get to see in the states because of all the distractions. Along with their playful nature, they are also very mature. It’s common for parents to send their young kids down the street to run errands. It’s also common for young boys to work in the shops on the street, or as delivery boys, and even as tuk-tuk drivers.

This next difference could quite possibly be the worst. Although there are many facets of Egyptian life that are “modern,” Egypt does not have an organized garbage removal system. There are garbage trucks, but it’s unclear if they have a specific route and then even if they’ve picked up the garbage from cans, where they dump it is questionable. I thought litter in America was bad, but I was wrong. There is garbage and debris everywhere here. And the Egyptians just live with it. In it . When we first arrived this was horrifying for me. It’s still horrifying to me now, however I’ve gotten used to it… For the most part. All I know is, someone would make a lot of money if they helped Egypt with their garbage disposal system.

6. Muslims Everywhere

Finally, the best difference of all – the fact that Egypt is a Muslim majority country. Almost everyone is Muslim, there are masajid on every corner, the athan plays aloud for every prayer, Qur’an is played in shops and over the radio, it’s all beautiful. I love saying salaam (the Islamic greeting of peace), to anyone and everyone, I love wearing my abaya every day and not getting funny looks, and I love hearing the words from the Book of God being read and recited at all times and in all places. This is truly the biggest blessing of all living in Egypt.

With all the differences between living here in Egypt versus living in the US, I’ve really come to appreciate both lifestyles. There are so many things I took for granted in the states and there are so many things that I have now that are not common for some Egyptians. Because of this, I feel very fortunate that I’ve found comfort while living here. I am grateful for the differences; they have truly broadened my mind and allowed me to experience something different that will forever change the way I view life.

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Egypt vs. America Compare & Contrast

Filed Under: Essays Tagged With: egypt

Egyptians and Americans have many similarities yet at the same time different perspectives on culture, family and architecture. Considering that Egyptian civilization has been around for thousands of years and American Civilization has been around for only centuries, it is amazing how media and individuals will perceive Egypt as a third world country yet admire it for its history. Egypt is a historical country and continues to follow through its culture. Many people mistake the culture for the religion, when both are two completely different things. Call Egypt “old fashioned”, but that is their way of life. Women are expected to be more conservative; not to have too much skin exposed. Egypt is not just a Muslim country, but also Coptic as well. Today many Coptic women cover their hair. Is it part of the religion? No, some may wear it simply for fashion, where other times it depends on the area in which they live. For example: the market “El Suit”, mosque “Gamaii”, church “Kanessa”, the projects “Ain Shams” , these are some of the main places that play a big input on deciding what to wear, and what not to wear.

Also Egypt does have the tourist spots, the suburbs, the upper class, and modern areas, women can dress a tiny bit more freely in comfort, without the constant stares. In the United States, many women wear shorts, sleeveless blouses, and it is not an issue; something one sees every day. Whereas in Egypt, to see a women dressed in shorts, a sleeveless blouse, outside her home, and in the street? Unheard of, the town people would simply be in utter shock, and look intently, as if they have never seen skin before. For them that is not something one would normally see because people have followed and adapted to a particular lifestyle for centuries and it works for them. So to see something that one does not normally see every day, or EVER, will cause attention and commotion.

The Essay on Why Muslim Women Wear Hijab

In this contemporary age, there has been growing public concern about whether Muslim women should wear hijab in the Western world. Naheed Mustafa, who wrote "My Body is My Own Business", asserts that wearing the hijab offers her freedom. On the other hand, Catherine Meckes, the author of "Wearing a Uniform of Oppression", objects that wearing the hijab is like "[be] an animal in a cage "(Catherine ...

Conversely, in the United States, people have rights and the freedom to wear what they want and not feel out of place. Finally, after centuries, Egypt is trying to prevail some freedom, and independence; The Egyptian Revolution. The Next biggest thing to religion in Egypt is family. Out there family is a big deal and has a say in EVERYTHING. When a problem arises within the family, or any given situation, EVERYBODY, from grandma, grandpa, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and so on all get involved. It could be either a good thing or a complete disaster. Every person in the family makes it their job to know everyone else’s business, what is going on, all the gossip, who will marry whom, and basically sit there and plan out everyone else’s life for them. Fridays in Egypt are like Sundays in America, except in America most people go to church and brunch as a family, where as in Egypt the whole day is spent with the immediate family, extended family, and future family.

If anyone wants to marry or divorce, they must get the approval from the family, and if one goes against the families say, without the blessing, it brings great shame to the family and dishonor to the individual. Since Egyptians are so family oriented, the people are friendlier and personable with one another because in some strange way someone always seems to be a cousin or tied into the family. In the United Sates family is important, but not to the extent of getting the “approval” for every minor thing, or everyone knowing each other’s business, or planning the entire day around family unless discussed. Both also share a similarity with the relationship of the mother and her young, and how they look to her; top of the list. Family is important no matter where one may be, but some distance should be kept for each person needs to pursue his/her own life at one point. The architecture in Egypt is incredible; still standing strong after thousands of years.

The Essay on Ancient Egypt Egyptians God King

Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt are both cradles of civilization. Both contributed greatly to human development through their achievements, failures, peoples, scientific accomplishments, philosophies, religions, and contributions. Mesopotamia is a rich flat plain created by deposits from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. At the southern end of this plain developed the ...

That must be why they called it Ancient Egypt, still standing after thousands of years, surviving drastic changes in weather, earthquakes, and all of nature’s courses. Ancient Egyptian monuments like Pyramids were made as tombs for late Pharaohs, Obelisks were made to commemorate the victories over enemies and great Pharaohs, ancient temples were for showing the way of daily life of the ancient Egyptians, also victories in wars and memories of great kings and queens. In the United States of America she has monuments built to honor dead leaders such as Washington monument, the Lincoln memorial, and now Martin Luther King Jr. monument. They both consist of similar ideas of architecture, but how can one compare between what was built 5000 years ago by paid Egyptian labor vs. 200 years old “monuments”.

Even though America is much younger and more modernized than Egypt, do not write them off as being a backwards country. No matter which way either one is dissected and broken down, both share common similarities yet, in a diverse way. Just because something has been kept one way for years, does not necessarily mean it is doomed for failure, due to people seeing it as out of date and not modern enough. Egyptians were the first with many accomplishments, the pyramids for example; it has this long and still that one wonder stands. Americans may be more up to date in perspective, but let us not forget who invented medicine, beer, surgery, make up, and a great many other things.

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Quality of life comparison

If you lived in Egypt instead of United States, you would:

be 11.6% less likely to be obese

In United States, 36.2% of adults are obese as of 2016. In Egypt, that number is 32.0% of people as of 2016.

live 6.1 years less

In United States, the average life expectancy is 81 years (78 years for men, 83 years for women) as of 2022. In Egypt, that number is 74 years (73 years for men, 76 years for women) as of 2022.

pay a 43.2% lower top tax rate

United States has a top tax rate of 39.6% as of 2016. In Egypt, the top tax rate is 22.5% as of 2016.

make 80.1% less money

United States has a GDP per capita of $60,200 as of 2020, while in Egypt, the GDP per capita is $12,000 as of 2020.

be 2.0 times more likely to be unemployed

In United States, 3.9% of adults are unemployed as of 2018. In Egypt, that number is 7.9% as of 2019.

be 2.2 times more likely to live below the poverty line

In United States, 15.1% live below the poverty line as of 2010. In Egypt, however, that number is 32.5% as of 2017.

have 74.8% more children

In United States, there are approximately 12.3 babies per 1,000 people as of 2022. In Egypt, there are 21.5 babies per 1,000 people as of 2022.

be 94.7% more likely to die during childbirth

In United States, approximately 19.0 women per 100,000 births die during labor as of 2017. In Egypt, 37.0 women do as of 2017.

be 3.4 times more likely to die during infancy

In United States, approximately 5.2 children (per 1,000 live births) die before they reach the age of one as of 2022. In Egypt, on the other hand, 17.7 children do as of 2022.

Basic Needs

be 20.9% less likely to have internet access

In United States, approximately 91.0% of the population has internet access as of 2020. In Egypt, about 72.0% do as of 2020.

Expenditures

spend 22.0% less on education

United States spends 5.0% of its total GDP on education as of 2014. Egypt spends 3.9% of total GDP on education as of 2015.

spend 72.0% less on healthcare

United States spends 16.8% of its total GDP on healthcare as of 2019. In Egypt, that number is 4.7% of GDP as of 2019.

see 87.7% less coastline

United States has a total of 19,924 km of coastline. In Egypt, that number is 2,450 km.

The statistics above were calculated using the following data sources: The World Factbook , Internal Revenue Service, Egyptian Tax Authority.

United States vs.

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Egypt: At a glance

How big is Egypt compared to United States? See an in-depth size comparison .

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The Egyptian Pharaoh vs. US President Comparison Essay

Introduction.

Leadership has the capacity for both evil and good. Sound leadership results in freedom and productivity, while poor governance often results in a dictatorship, poverty, corruption, and all vices. This essay briefly highlights a few differences between an Egyptian Pharaoh and the American Presidential system. The comparisons go some way into helping discern which of the two leadership styles would result in better governance. The Pharaoh in ancient Egypt and today’s American President both wield immense power, but I prefer to be an American President rather than an Egyptian Pharaoh.

An individual became an Egyptian Pharaoh because they shared the same bloodline as a king or a queen; hence, it was a hereditary system in many instances. Pharaohs became leaders of the nation by birth and attained higher positions. On the other hand, one becomes an American president through the electoral system. Firstly, one has to be a fourteen-year resident, a natural-born citizen, and at least 35 years old. The candidate then undergoes an election process where the winner must beat the competitors from various political parties by at least 270 Electoral College votes out of the 538 Electoral College votes. The inauguration for the new President occurs on January 20th, unlike the Egyptian system, where one could become king at any time. Moreover, one could become a Pharaoh at any age, even below 35 years. A US president serves a 4-year term, after which s/he seeks a fresh mandate from the public through elections for a maximum of two periods, while a Pharaoh was king for life.

The Pharaohs in Egypt were responsible for establishing and enforcing all laws governing the territory. They were the supreme commanders of the Egyptian military and answered no one. Secondly, Pharaohs held the title ‘Lord of the Two Lands.’ The title came with added duties of commanding the army and resolving legal disputes. Their task was to unite Lower and Upper Egypt under one monarchy. Thirdly, the Pharaohs symbolized the fathers of the land as they ensured citizens had abundant food through their ‘limitless’ power. On the other hand, the US president is the chief executive who grants reprieves and pardons, appoints critical federal officials, and executes the laws. Secondly, as the Commander-in-Chief, s/he runs the Unites States military. The President is also the chief legislator who works with Congress on budgets, introduces legislation, and vetoes or signs laws.

The Egyptian Pharaoh was the people’s religious leader, considered the divine intercessor between the people and the gods; thus, he participated in ceremonies and maintained religious harmony in the territory. The Pharaoh was each temple’s high priest in Egypt and was the earthly representative of the Egyptian gods. On the other hand, US Presidents are not heads of religion for the people. The Bill of Rights prohibits Congress from making legislations that respect the establishment of religion, hence signaling a separation between Church and State. The US is a republic where the Church and State manage their affairs without interfering. The President is the head of State and does not meddle in Church/ religious affairs.

The Egyptian Pharaoh and the American President both wielded great power, played critical roles in legislation, could pardon, and controlled their militaries. However, I prefer to be an American President rather than an Egyptian Pharaoh. Firstly, the Egyptian system had no checks and balances, and the king ruled, even if they were too young to understand how to rule the country. On the other hand, the electorate checks American Presidents and votes them out if they underperform or misuse their office. There is also a provision for impeaching a sitting president due to misconduct. The separation of Church and State affairs also allows the US President to focus on enhancing the people’s lives while protecting the US citizens’ rights to freedom of worship. The American President has advisers who help make sound decisions rather than acting on self-deceived impulses as the god-like Pharaohs did.

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IvyPanda. (2023, June 26). The Egyptian Pharaoh vs. US President Comparison. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-egyptian-pharaoh-vs-us-president-comparison/

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IvyPanda . 2023. "The Egyptian Pharaoh vs. US President Comparison." June 26, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-egyptian-pharaoh-vs-us-president-comparison/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Egyptian Pharaoh vs. US President Comparison." June 26, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-egyptian-pharaoh-vs-us-president-comparison/.

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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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Comparing and Contrasting: A Guide to Improve Your Essays

Walter Akolo

Essays that require you to compare and contrast two or more subjects, ideas, places, or items are common.

They call for you to highlight the key similarities (compare) and differences (contrast) between them.

This guide contains all the information you need to become better at writing comparing and contrasting essays.

This includes: how to structure your essay, how to decide on the content, and some examples of essay questions.

Let’s dive in.

What Is Comparing and Contrasting?

Is compare and contrast the same as similarities and differences, what is the purpose of comparing and contrasting, can you compare and contrast any two items, how do you compare and contrast in writing, what are some comparing and contrasting techniques, how do you compare and contrast in college level writing, the four essentials of compare and contrast essays, what can you learn from a compare and contrast essay.

At their most basic, both comparing and contrasting base their evaluation on two or more subjects that share a connection.

The subjects could have similar characteristics, features, or foundations.

But while a comparison discusses the similarities of the two subjects, e.g. a banana and a watermelon are both fruit, contrasting highlights how the subjects or items differ from each other, e.g. a watermelon is around 10 times larger than a banana.

Any question that you are asked in education will have a variety of interesting comparisons and deductions that you can make.

Compare is the same as similarities.

Contrast is the same as differences.

This is because comparing identifies the likeness between two subjects, items, or categories, while contrasting recognizes disparities between them.

When you compare things, you represent them regarding their similarity, but when you contrast things, you define them in reference to their differences.

As a result, if you are asked to discuss the similarities and differences between two subjects, you can take an identical approach to if you are writing a compare and contrast essay.

In writing, the purpose of comparing and contrasting is to highlight subtle but important differences or similarities that might not be immediately obvious.

By illustrating the differences between elements in a similar category, you help heighten readers’ understanding of the subject or topic of discussion.

For instance, you might choose to compare and contrast red wine and white wine by pointing out the subtle differences. One of these differences is that red wine is best served at room temperature while white is best served chilled.

Also, comparing and contrasting helps to make abstract ideas more definite and minimizes the confusion that might exist between two related concepts.

Can Comparing and Contrasting Be Useful Outside of Academia?

Comparing enables you to see the pros and cons, allowing you to have a better understanding of the things under discussion. In an essay, this helps you demonstrate that you understand the nuances of your topic enough to draw meaningful conclusions from them.

Let's use a real-word example to see the benefits. Imagine you're contrasting two dresses you could buy. You might think:

• Dress A is purple, my favorite color, but it has a difficult zip and is practically impossible to match a jacket to.
• Dress B is more expensive but I already have a suitable pair of shoes and jacket and it is easier to move in.

You're linking the qualities of each dress to the context of the decision you're making. This is the same for your essay. Your comparison and contrast points will be in relation to the question you need to answer.

Comparing and contrasting is only a useful technique when applied to two related concepts.

To effectively compare two or more things, they must feature characteristics similar enough to warrant comparison.

In addition to this they must also feature a similarity that generates an interesting discussion. But what do I mean by “interesting” here?

Let’s look at two concepts, the Magna Carta and my third grade poetry competition entry.

They are both text, written on paper by a person so they fulfil the first requirement, they have a similarity. But this comparison clearly would not fulfil the second requirement, you would not be able to draw any interesting conclusions.

However, if we compare the Magna Carta to the Bill of Rights, you would be able to come to some very interesting conclusions concerning the history of world politics.

To write a good compare and contrast essay, it’s best to pick two or more topics that share a meaningful connection .

The aim of the essay would be to show the subtle differences or unforeseen similarities.

By highlighting the distinctions between elements in a similar category you can increase your readers’ understanding.

Alternatively, you could choose to focus on a comparison between two subjects that initially appear unrelated.

The more dissimilar they seem, the more interesting the comparison essay will turn out.

For instance, you could compare and contrast professional rugby players with marathon runners.

Can You Compare and Contrast in an Essay That Does Not Specifically Require It?

As a writer, you can employ comparing and contrasting techniques in your writing, particularly when looking for ideas you can later apply in your argument.

You can do this even when the comparison or contrast is not a requirement for the topic or argument you are presenting. Doing so could enable you to build your evaluation and develop a stronger argument.

Note that the similarities and differences you come up with might not even show up in the final draft.

While the use of compare and contrast can be neutral, you can also use it to highlight one option under discussion. When used this way, you can influence the perceived advantages of your preferred option.

As a writing style, comparing and contrasting can encompass an entire essay. However, it could also appear in some select paragraphs within the essay, where making some comparisons serves to better illustrate a point.

What Should You Do First?

Before you compare two things, always start by deciding on the reason for your comparison, then outline the criteria you will use to compare them.

Words and phrases commonly used for comparison include:

In writing, these words and phrases are called transitions . They help readers to understand or make the connection between sentences, paragraphs, and ideas.

Without transition words writing can feel clumsy and disjointed making it difficult to read. ProWritingAid’s transition report highlights all of a documents transitions and suggests that 25% of any sentences in a piece include a transition.

Sign up for a free ProWritingAid account to use the Transitions Report.

So, how do you form all of this into a coherent essay? It's a good idea to plan first, then decide what your paragraph layout will look like.

Venn diagrams are useful tool to start generating ideas. The, for your essay, you need to choose between going idea by idea and going point by point.

Using a Venn Diagram

A Venn diagram helps you to clearly see the similarities and differences between multiple objects, things, or subjects.

The writing tool comprises two, or more, simple, overlapping circles in which you list down the things that are alike (within the overlapping area) and those that differ (outside the overlapping area).

It’s great for brainstorming ideas and for creating your essay’s outline. You could even use it in an exam setting because it is quick and simple.

Going Subject by Subject

Going subject by subject is a structural choice for your essay.

Start by saying all you have to say on the first subject, then proceed to do the same about the second subject.

Depending on the length of your essay, you can fit the points about each subject into one paragraph or have several sections per each subject, ending with a conclusion.

This method is best for short essays on simple topics. Most university-level essays will go point by point instead.

Going Point by Point

Going point by point, or alternating, is the opposite essay structure from going subject by subject. This is ideal when you want to do more direct comparing and contrasting. It entails discussing one comparison point at a time. It allows you to use a paragraph to talk about how a certain comparing/contrasting point relates to the subjects or items you are discussing.

Alternatively, if you have lots of details about the subject, you might decide to use a paragraph for each point.

An academic compare and contrast essay looks at two or more subjects, ideas, people, or objects, compares their likeness, and contrasts their differences.

It’s an informative essay that provides insights on what is similar and different between the two items.

Depending on the essay’s instructions, you can focus solely on comparing or contrasting, or a combination of the two.

Examples of College Level Compare and Contrast Essay Questions

Here are eleven examples of compare and contrast essay questions that you might encounter at university:

• Archaeology: Compare and contrast the skulls of homo habilis, homo erectus, and homo sapiens.
• Art: Compare and contrast the working styles of any two Neoclassic artists.
• Astrophysics: Compare and contrast the chemical composition of Venus and Neptune.
• Biology: Compare and contrast the theories of Lamarck and Darwin.
• Business: Compare and contrast 2 or more business models within the agricultural industry.
• Creative writing: Compare and contrast free indirect discourse with epistolary styles.
• English Literature: Compare and contrast William Wordsworth with Robert Browning.
• Geography: Compare and contrast the benefit of solar panels with the benefit of wind turbines.
• History: Compare and contrast WWI to WWII with specific reference to the causes and outcomes.
• Medicine: Compare and contrast England’s health service with America’s health service.
• Psychology: Compare and contrast the behaviorist theory with the psychodynamic theory.

So, the key takeaways to keep in mind are:

Have a basis for comparison. The two things need to have enough in common to justify a discussion about their similarities and disparities.

Don’t go back and forth when using the block method. The best way to write your essay is to begin with a paragraph discussing all the facets of the first topic. Then, move on to another paragraph and talk through all the aspects of the second subject.

You can use both alternating and blocking techniques. Combining the two approaches is also an option. You can apply the alternating method in some paragraphs, then switch and use the block method. This method will help you offer a much deeper analysis of the subjects.

Have a reason for comparing the two things. Only select the points of comparison that resonate with your purpose.

Comparing and contrasting are essential analytical skills in academic writing. When your professor issues you with such an essay, their primary goal is to teach you how to:

• Engage in critical thinking
• See and make connections between words or ideas
• Move beyond mere descriptions or summaries to developing interesting analysis
• Get a deeper understanding of the subjects or items under comparison, their key features, and their interrelationships with each other.

Ultimately, your essay should enlighten readers by providing useful information.

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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:

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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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.

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.

‘Ancient Egypt and Early China’

Anthony Barbieri  knows it sounds a little strange to compare the New Kingdom of Egypt (ca. 1548-1086 BCE) with the Han dynasty of China (206 BCE-220 CE). They existed more than 1,000 years and nearly 5,000 miles apart — gaps that would seem to give pause to a scholar’s suspicion that the empires shared a cultural DNA largely missed by the rest of the world.

Undeterred, the UC Santa Barbara professor of history, who specializes in ancient China, dove into training like an Olympian. With the help of a $238,700 New Directions fellowship from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Barbieri became, for all intents and purposes, a graduate student in Egyptian archaeology and hieroglyphics at UCLA.

The result after seven years of study and research: “Ancient Egypt and Early China: State, Society, and Culture” (University of Washington Press, 2021), Barbieri’s groundbreaking comparison of the two civilizations.

The similarities between New Kingdom Egypt and Han dynasty China are both stark and subtle. Both sat on river plains that required sophisticated management to feed their people; each relied on warfare and diplomacy to expand and maintain their empires; both had notorious leaders who enacted radical reforms and were later undone by overreach; each had a system of universal justice; both maintained a culture of highly trained scribes; each developed elaborate tomb models that provided for the afterlife; and both created board games that helped one find paradise in the afterlife.

Comparative studies of civilizations are not new. As Barbieri notes, multiple scholars have compared Roman and Greek societies with that of China. But those cultures were contemporaneous, allowing for the possibility of contact and influence. Not so with the New Kingdom and the Han dynasty.

“There’s no direct contact between the two, obviously, because the time-frame is skewed,” he said. “I did that intentionally because then you don’t get cross-contamination, which can hamper a cross-cultural comparison.”

So why compare New Kingdom Egypt and Han dynasty China? For Barbieri, two key reasons stand out: For one, he’s had a keen interest in Egyptology for many years. His education as a de facto grad student gave him the solid grounding he wanted. More importantly, he believes immersing himself in a new field allows him to avoid “the trap” of overspecialization, which can lead to a kind of academic tunnel vision.

As he has stated in an online  lecture  about the book, “One of the benefits of comparative study is to make what seems familiar, unfamiliar, to break oneself out of the routine of thinking that certain things about China or certain things about Egypt are normal or characteristic of those civilizations and to force oneself to think differently about the situation.”

Barbieri credits his graduate advisor at Princeton, Robert W. Bagley, who was fascinated by Egypt, for helping him think outside the China box.

“Even though he was a China specialist,” Barbieri said, “almost the only thing we ever read together was Egyptology or anthropology, because he said you have to read outside your field. He trusted me to teach myself about China, but he said, ‘You really have to read outside your field. You have to see what anthropologists and other people are doing.’ ”

Barbieri — who reads and speaks modern Chinese, reads ancient Chinese, Japanese and ancient Egyptian, and plans to learn ancient Greek — said that his study of Egyptology offered him new ways to think about China and led directly to his book, which is the first of its kind.

“As I was sitting in those classes at UCLA,” he said, “every time stuff would come up, I would always be thinking about China. What does this look like in China? Or how is this similar? How is this different than China? And so the book started writing itself in my head while I was in these classes. I realized that this would make a fantastic book that no one had ever attempted before.”

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About UC Santa Barbara

The University of California, Santa Barbara is a leading research institution that also provides a comprehensive liberal arts learning experience. Our academic community of faculty, students, and staff is characterized by a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration that is responsive to the needs of our multicultural and global society. All of this takes place within a living and learning environment like no other, as we draw inspiration from the beauty and resources of our extraordinary location at the edge of the Pacific Ocean.

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Home — Essay Samples — History — Mayan Civilization — Comparison and Contrast of Egypt and Mayans

Comparison and Contrast of Egypt and Mayans

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Published: Mar 20, 2024

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