Unit 4: Description

"Descriptive writing shows rather than tells."  (Gosh, I wish I had said that!) But that is exactly what distinguishes description from other types of explanatory or informative writing.  Description creates images of one or a combination of the five senses--"pictures" of sound, smell, sight, touch, and taste.

Exercises in this unit will challenge your ability to find just the precise words to create "image specific" impressions.  For one exercise, you will describe the physical appearance and mannerisms of a person you know.  For a second exercise, you will describe a place.

Instructional Materials
You might want to check out the PowerPoint outlines for this unit as a primary instructional materials.  Note particularly the discussion of "figures of speech" and some of the problems associated with them.

Here are additional links related to your assignments:

Two Types of Description
Types of Descriptive Words
The Descriptive Catalog
Clumsy Use of Figures of Speech (1) and (2)
How to Write a Descriptive Sentence
Basic Patterns for Organizing Descriptive Paragraphs
Example of the Linear Paragraph
Example of the Revision of the Linear Paragraph
Writing the Emotional Paragraph
Two Techniques for Maintaining Coherency in Descriptive Paragraphs
Editing for Wordiness in Descriptive Writing

Readings in The Longman Writer
Read "Part 3: Description," pages 164 - 171.

Assignment
Complete the "Exercise 3: Description ."

What You Will Submit
You will submit the descriptive essays.

Due Dates for Submission
Submit "Exercise 3: Description" during Week 5.

Student Learning Outcomes
The following Student Learning Outcomes are addressed in this exercise:

1. Students will demonstrate an ability to select and restrict a topic
2. Students will identify the purpose of writing while considering an appropriate tone, language and audience
3. Students will compose a thesis that states the topic and expresses the writers attitude toward that topic
4. Students will organize materials for writing from personal experience observation, interviews, and/or reading using an appropriate pattern of organization
5. Students will apply the rules of standard English grammar

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