1 Chapter 7 Description

2 To describe something—a person, a place, or an object—is to capture it in words so others can imagine it or see it in their mind’s eye. The best way for a writer to help the reader get a clear impression is to use language that appeals to the senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Description is useful in English class, the sciences, psychology—anywhere that keen observation is important.

3 On November 27, 1922, when archaeologist Howard Carter unsealed the door to the ancient Egyptian tomb of King Tut, he stared in amazement at the fantastic objects heaped all around him. On his left lay the wrecks of at least four golden chariots. Against the wall on his right sat a gorgeous chest brightly painted with hunting and battle scenes. Across from him was a gilded throne with cat-shaped legs, arms like winged serpents, and a back showing King Tut and his queen. Behind the throne rose a tall couch decorated with animal faces that were half hippopotamus and half crocodile. The couch was loaded with more treasures. To the right of the couch, two life-sized statues faced each other like guards. They were black, wore gold skirts and sandals, and had cobras carved on their foreheads. Between them was a second sealed doorway. Carter’s heart beat loudly. Would the mummy of King Tut lie beyond it? Descriptive Paragraph

4 Egyptian officials in King Tut’s tomb prepare the boy king’s mummy for placement in a climate-controlled glass box. ©Ben Curtis/Pool/epa/Corbis

5 Since space order is often used in description, transitional expressions indicating place or position can be useful. Transitional Expressions Indicating Place next to, near on top, beneath close, far toward, away up, down, between left, right, center above, below front, back, middle

6 © Cengage Learning 2014

7 1.An unusual man or woman: for example, an athlete, an entertainer, someone with amazing hair or clothing, or a teacher you won’t forget 2.A food, object, or scene from another country 3.A workspace or place on campus that needs improvement (to be safer, more useful, more attractive) 4.A painting, sculpture, or other work of art 5.A scene of poverty or despair 6.Someone or something you found yourself staring at 7.A workspace or environment that would motivate employees to work 8.A scene of peace (or of conflict) 9.A room that reveals something about its owner 10. A tool or machine you use at work 11. A shop that sells only one type of item: cell phones, Western boots, flowers, car parts, cooking items 12. An interesting person you have met on campus 13. A crowded place: dance club, library, fast-food restaurant, town square, or theater lobby 14. A fascinating or frightening outdoor scene 15. Writer’s choice Suggested Topics for Descriptive Paragraphs

8 EXPLORING ONLINE For good tips for improving your description writing, with sample paragraphs, go to: html For an in-depth tutorial for writing a descriptive paragraph, with professional samples, go to: phs/a/descparhub.htm