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This type of paper requires the writer to describe a person, place, thing or
even an emotional or mental state. Descriptions paint a picture in words. There
are two types of descriptive writing: objective and subjective. Objective
descriptions simply report the facts. Police reports often include objective
descriptions. In contrast, subjective descriptions try to make the reader feel
one way or another about the subject. This type of description, then, tries to
create a dominant impression, which is a particular mood or feeling. In other
words, the writer often passes judgment over a person, place or thing, deciding
if the subject makes him/her feel happy, relaxed, nervous, frightened,
etc.
The writer controls the dominant impression through careful word choice,
figurative language, and selection of vivid details or emphasis. As you write
your paper, first appeal to the five senses. However, in doing so, your word
choice can help you achieve a dominant impression. For example, is the person
you are describing walking, sneaking, strolling or limping? Each of these words
imparts a different feeling. Also, whenever possible, try to use figurative
language like similes or metaphors. Depending upon your comparison, you will
create a different dominant impression. For example, is the house white like
snow or white like bleached bones? In addition, some of your details make create
a positive impression, others a negative one. Emphasizing one type over the
other (e.g. more positives than negatives) you can influence the reader's
reaction to your subject.
Description Assignment:
- Describe, in as much detail as possible, a possession that has a
particular significance or meaning for you. You may have to provide some
background details about your item, a kind of history: Where did it come
from? Who owned it first? How did you come into possession of it? In
addition, what does this object reveal about you, your values and beliefs?
- Describe an institution that played a significant role in your life (your
home and family, your high school, LCCC, your job, the armed forces, etc.).
How, has this experience shaped your life in terms of values, goals,
beliefs, etc. Among other things, include the location (such as the
buildings and/or town, etc.), using as much detail as you think necessary.
Also, describe the people you met in terms of the physical qualities and
their personalities. Try using bits of conversations, mannerisms and actions
to depict their character. In addition, can you draw some overall conclusion
about this institution?
- Read Malcolm Cowley's "The View from 80". Try to write "The
View from (your age here)". In other words, describe what it's like to
be a student your age. What are some of the benefits of being this age? The
drawbacks? What do you hope to accomplish in the future? What do you think
are some of the misconceptions people have about you and people your age?
What do you think society expects of you? The goal here is to give your
reader an accurate depiction of what it's like to be at your stage in life.
- Describe a location that has a particular significance for you, such as
your home, a vacation spot, a foreign country, etc. Why is this area
important or special for you? What kind of memories do you have about it?
- Try to recapture a childhood memory or experience, either a positive or
negative one. You may want to write about your time in elementary school,
when you lived in another state and had to move, etc. Please attempt to
impart your feelings and reactions to your audience through vivid
description and perhaps figurative language. Also, why did you choose to
write about this memory? What kind of impact has this event had on your
life?
- Try to describe a moment or event in your life when you experienced a
strong emotion, such as happiness, fear, anger, sadness, etc. Whenever
possible, show the audience how you felt through careful word choice and
vivid images. You may also need to include some background information about
this experience.
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