Event Description

Event Description 1) An Event Description must begin with an effective topic sentence which does 2 things: a) names the subject or event, and b) sets the tone. What is the topic sentence? Does it do both? 2) Who is the audience for the model? How do you know? 3) How is the model organized? a) spatial – moves from one location to the other, b) chronological – time from beginning to end, c) overall impression to specific details.

Event Description 4) Read through the model and find 3 facts. How did the author present these facts in an interesting and relevant way? 5) List 3 examples in the model where the author presents his own impression of the ice storm and how it affected him. 6) In the model find an example of the author appealing to each of the five senses. 7) Choose a paragraph, and tell how it relates to the introduction.

Answers 1) second sentence sets the mood 2) adult audience, high reading level 3) chronological order 4) anything which can be checked 5) spectacle…, atmospheric zamboni, exhausted marathon runners, heros, the victims, etc. 6) splintered, the utter darkness, frigid residences, fed and comforted, glassy crashing 7) second paragraph explains meterological forces

Event Description Characteristics of an Event Description Topic sentence names the event and sets tone Level of language and understanding matches audience Follows specific type of organizational pattern Presents facts in an interesting way Written from author’s point of view Appeals to the five senses Ties paragraphs together

Parallel Structure Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance (in a sentence). This can be a word, phrase, or clause. The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as “and” or “or.”

Parallel Structure Words and Phrases With -ing form Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and biking. With infinitive form Parallel: Mary likes to hike, to swim, and to ride a bike.

Parallel Structure Mary likes to hike, swim, and ride a bike. Do not mix forms NOT parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bike. Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and riding a bike.

Parallel Structure NOT parallel: The manager was asked to write her report quickly, accurately, and in a detailed manner. Parallel: The manager was asked to write her report quickly, accurately, and thoroughly.

Parallel Structure Clauses A parallel structure that begins with clauses must continue with clauses. NOT parallel: The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and to do some warm-ups. Parallel: The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and that they should do some warm-ups.

Parallel Structure Lists after a colon Be sure to keep all elements in the same form NOT Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs. Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and irregular verbs.

Parallel Structure Proofreading Strategies: - skim your paper, pausing at words “and” and “or.” Check for parallelism. - for items in a list, put them in a column to see if they are parallel. - listen to the sound as you read, is there a series or rhythm being repeated? Check for parallelism.

Parallel Structure Fill in the following sentence blanks with words or phrases of your own. Watch for parallelism. Subways are ____, ____, and ____. At those parties, we had lot of fun. We ____, ____, and ____. If you ____ and ____ you will feel healthy. It was a clear May day. In the park, ____, ____, and ____.