A.

Cheuk ERDW 084 Advanced II Reading and Writing

SAMPLE COMPARISON / CONTRAST ESSAY — Student Ideas

The following contrast essay utilizes students’ brainstormed ideas on the topic of travelling alone and
travelling in a small group.
Legend:
Hook and introduction of two people who are being compared (i.e. travelling alone and travelling
in a group)
Thesis statement and preview of ideas
Topic sentences for each of the points of comparison
Development for travelling alone
Development for travelling in a small group
Transitions to signal shift in discussion

Adventures in Travelling
“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. This popular expression is often in the
mind of many people, especially after several consecutive months of work or study. As such,
they look forward to the time when they are on vacation, when they are ready to seek adventure
and explore different vistas to relax and clear their minds. Travelling is indeed a pleasurable
activity, and it is something which can be done alone or in the company of a couple of other
friends. When deciding which way to travel, there are differences to consider. These differences
lie in flexibility, sense of security, and experience.
To begin, planning and decision-making is what differentiates travelling alone from
travelling in a small group. For lone travellers, time to do activities depends on the traveller
alone. The schedule is somewhat flexible. For example, if the individual wishes to visit a few
sites in a day, he or she may do so at his or her leisure. These travellers need not confer with
others to decide what sites to see and how much time will be spent at those sites. In contrast,
when travelling in a small group, the members would generally need to consult with each other
on some level to make plans on what to visit. Some compromise would also be required to
ensure that all members are able to see sites sufficiently. Thus, deciding on what sites to see and
fitting them in a certain time is how travelling alone and travelling in a small group differs.
Another difference is the sense of safety. When travellers go on a trip alone, they should
be aware of all things at all times. For example, they would need to ensure that they have their
luggage and bags with them and ensure they are not left unattended. To accommodate this,
planners at washrooms at some airports have stalls and space that are large enough for lone
travellers to take their belongings with them. Travellers in small groups, on the other hand,
could take turns minding the luggage while others tend to check in inquiries, go for a short walk
to explore, or go for washroom breaks. The responsibility of keeping belongings safe can be
shared. Another example concerns personal safety. People who travel on their own should be
aware of places to go to for help such as health clinics or hospitals if there are any health
concerns. They would also take precaution by entering information on their cell phones for
immediate contact. If there is any immediate danger, they can call for help from their phone,
whereas if people travel together, there is a sense of cooperation as the members of the group can
help keep an eye on each other.
A. Cheuk ERDW 084 Advanced II Reading and Writing

Not only does travelling alone differ from travelling in a group with respect to safety and
convenience, but it also differs in the travellers’ experience. People who travel alone can share
their experiences, but they can write about them in a journal or keep a photo or video journal
through social media such as Facebook or Instagram. If they talk to family or friends, they will
consider an appropriate time to call, taking time differences into consideration. These travellers
may also be able to strike up conversations more easily with locals as they are compelled to, not
having others to chat with. Unlike lone travellers, travellers in small groups can share their
experiences with their travel mates. They can exchange comments immediately if they want to
share their feelings or observations on a site that they are seeing. Sometimes, these travellers do
not feel a need to converse with locals as it is easier to speak with their own friends. This is
especially true if the language is not shared. In any case, they can almost immediately share
their experiences verbally with their group mates.
To conclude, there are things to consider when deciding whether to travel alone or to
travel in a small group, for they are different. Travellers would need to consider how planning
is done, safety concerns, and the ability to communicate with others during the trip. Either way,
with proper planning and an open mind, both ways are sure to provide a wonderful experience.

Outline
Alone
-flexible according to what one
Flexibility desires to explore
-time to visit displays depends on
person
(no need to negotiate, compromise)
- decide on own what to do, eat,
time spent
- may be vulnerable as lone
Sense of security traveler seems easier target
• pickpocket (need
to be wary at all
times)
- health concern/injury may be
more challenging to address/get to
hospital
- plan and research what one
Experience wants to see (i.e. no
predetermined destinations, may
be very specific)
- not have access to certain parts
of museum
- tend to be more interactive with
locals b/c need to obtain info
- memories captured
journals/video journal
Small Grp
- schedule is set to
accommodate e/o (e.g. tour
group time line is set.
Depending on tour pkg, may
be certain # places to visit/amt
time spent there
- compromising done
- safety in numbers; risk
different in that thieves may
commit different crime (fraud)
- if there are health concerns,
people in grp or friends may
be able to assist
- pickpocket (keep eye on
each other)
- sights are already spelled out
- privy to details about
place/access to certain areas in
museum
- as group, may consult with
mbrs of grp first then w/ locals
- talking to other mbrs,
helping photos