Characteristics of Descriptive Essays from Seeing the Pattern 146-150
Uses Sensory Details Sight Sound Smell Taste Touch Try to use a variety of senses in your writing.
Sentences Come Alive Active Verbs Examples Use active verbs rather than adverbs to create “striking and lasting impressions” (148). What is the effect of the revision on the reader’s understanding of the event? The team captain proudly accepted the award. The team captain marched to the podium, grasped the trophy, and gestured toward his teammates.
Dominant Impression Overall attitude, mood, or feeling about the subject Implied thesis of the descriptive essay This is your point—define it clearly
Connotative Language Words have subtle variations in meaning Select words that strengthen your dominant impression. Skinny Svelte Slim Scrawny Cellar Basement
Uses Comparison Simile Metaphor Biting into a tabasco pepper is like aiming a flame-thrower at your parted lips Eating chili peppers is a descent into a fiery hell.
Uses Comparison Personification The television screen stared back at me.
“Eating Chili Peppers” pp. 144-146 Read the sample carefully. What is the dominant impression? What method of organization does the author use? Look at the sentence from the essay that you received. Is the author using sensory details, comparison, or both? BONUS: Is it a special type of comparison? How does this specific sentence help to develop the dominant impression? Consider the connotative meanings of words and images as you think of this question.
Methods of Organization Spatial Chronological Front Back Middle Behind Between To the left Next to Above Below Near Far away North South East West First Next Then Before After Later
Methods of Organization Least to Most Most to Least
Vantage Point The vantage point is like your perspective in the piece. Think of it as a camera for the reader. Fixed: Stays in one place. Moving: Moves from place to place. Choose a vantage point that feels appropriate to your purpose. What vantage point(s) will give your reader the most useful information? From which vantage point(s) can you provide the most revealing or striking details?
p. 151