For writing a comparative essay it is important to have strong analytical skills as in this type of writing you would be required to compare and contrast between two subjects and decide your own stand on it. The topic can be anything and thus whatever topic you choose, you must ensure you have vast knowledge on both the subjects.
Taking a stand is also not an easy task, as you have to justify why you hold such an opinion in order to convince you readers of your point of view. It can be two types. You would either be required to support one side and explain why you have chosen to support it or will have to simply draw comparisons between the two ideas or subjects, focusing on both similarities and dissimilarities.
Comparative essays on cultural contexts can be written in a very interesting way and it also provides you with ample scopes to delve into the brilliance of different cultures that existed from time to time and still do. Culture is a topic which in itself has a wide connotation and can fit in concepts, ideas and practises of varying types.
To make the essay look more organised and comprehensible you can include your points or arguments in separate paragraphs. You can talk about one of the subjects in one paragraph and about the other in the next.
If you are asked to compare and contrast between two distinct cultures belonging to two different civilisations, the first thing you are supposed to do is learn about the backgrounds in details, before you even begin to write about it.