Answer:
A compare-and-contrast essay is a type of essay that compares and contrasts two or more objects, ideas, or concepts. The purpose of this type of essay is to help the reader understand the similarities and differences between the objects or concepts being compared. Therefore, a thesis statement for a compare-and-contrast essay would typically state the two or more objects being compared and the main points of comparison.
Out of the options given, "Big universities and community colleges share many characteristics" would most likely be found in a compare-and-contrast essay, as it suggests that there are similarities between two different types of colleges that will be explored in the essay. The other options are not inherently comparative in nature, so they are less likely to be found in a compare-and-contrast essay.