Engl 1301

 

 

Exercise in Descriptive Writing

 

Instructions

Write two short essays of about 300 words each: 1) a subject descriptive essay and 2) an objective descriptive essay.  Follow the guidelines discussed in class and illustrated in your readings.

 

The Subjective Descriptive Essay

Respond to an inquiry from a selection committee about a colleague with whom you have worked for several years.  The job requires sensitive personal relations in which mannerisms, style, carriage, even speech habits are critical factors.  Unfortunately, the committee cannot be more specific about the job itself.

 

Compose a short essay describing those features that best and most fully represent your colleague but which meet the guidelines of the needs of the selection committee.

 

The Objective Descriptive Essay

You and your business partner are considering purchasing a piece of property for opening a small customer service shop.  Your partner is in California looking at similar properties.  You have found what may be an ideal location in the Dallas area.

 

Compose a short essay describing those physical features that will complement the needs for your new shop.  Make the report sufficiently detailed to allow your partner in California to make comparisons to properties that he will be visiting.

 

Format

These two short reports need not be lengthy.  Paragraph formats may be appropriate.  At the same time, you may wish to develop shorter paragraph units, including headings or bulleted lists that will help to set off key features.

 

Criteria for Grading

Your paragraphs will be graded on the following standards:

1)      Completion of the assignment as define above,

2)      Demonstrated mastery of the conventions of standard American written English,

3)      Clarity and organization of details.

 

Submission

Complete the paragraphs as an out-of-class assignment due at the beginning of the next class period.  Include both rough draft and the final copy.  Place a full heading in the upper left corner of your first page.  Include in the heading your name, student ID number, the course and section number, and the name and number of the assignment.