The Bedford Reader Chapter 5 Description The Bedford Reader Chapter 5 Best Description Ever

Turn to page 137 Look at the picture and read the paragraph Answer the questions

The Method Like narration, description is a way you often express yourself You describe somewhere you have been, someone you meet all the time Description has 2 purposes: To convey information without bias or emotion or To convey it with feeling

When writing without bias First, you write an objective (impartial) description Description in academic writing is usually without bias For example, a biology report of a particular species of frog

When writing with emotion You see this in magazine ads for a new car You might write this in an email to a friend about your first day of junior year in high school Turn to page 138 (last paragraph) to read this type of description

The Process First, understand why you are writing the description Then consider your audience (what it needs to be told) Then, either look at your subject or imagine it Finally, ask yourself which features you need to report to your audience for your specific purpose

Dominant Impression and Thesis What is the overall impression you want the audience to have? For example, a description of an old house might include squeaking bats and shadowy halls For example, an ad for an old house might include working fireplace and proximity to public transportation The Dominant Impression is like the THESIS of your description-the main idea your reader should take away.

Details Use images Use figures of speech Use specific and concrete language Turn to page 142 and let’s read the blue box

Description in Paragraphs Turn to page 143 for examples of “Writing About Television” & “Writing in an Academic Discipline”

Turn to page 170 Let’s read “My Face” Page 172 “Journal Writing”

Answer Questions on Meaning, Writing Strategy, Language and “Suggestions for Writing” #1