A comparison essay generally focuses on the similarities of two items, whereas a contrast essay focuses on the contrasts. Thus, they are similar in that they both discuss multiple things about which you have knowledge, but they differ in their treatment of these topics. For example, in a comparison essay, you might discuss several features of people that are common to both Jesus and Mohammed. You could then go on to say that although they are alike in many ways, they also have some important differences too. This would be a comparison essay because it is discussing several related things. In a contrast essay, you would discuss each person's traits that are unique to them. For example, you could write that while Jesus was kind and loving, Mohammed was violent and retributive. This would be a contrast essay because it is discussing two different things that are being compared. There are various other types of essays as well. An argument essay discusses something through analysis of evidence, whereas a synthesis essay brings together information from different sources. An overview essay is very broad. It usually covers a topic over a long period of time or across multiple disciplines. An exploration essay goes into detail on one particular subject.