Descriptive WritingDescriptive Writing

Don’t tell me the moon is shining;Don’t tell me the moon is shining;

Show me the glint of light on brokenShow me the glint of light on broken

glass. ---Anton Chekovglass. ---Anton Chekov

What does descriptive What does descriptive writing do???writing do???

Captures sights, sounds, smells, and Captures sights, sounds, smells, and tastes in wordstastes in words

Provides specific images and moodsProvides specific images and moods Transports the reader to a different time Transports the reader to a different time

and placeand place Writes from a position of authorityWrites from a position of authority

You should know your topic WELL!You should know your topic WELL!

The Writing ProcessThe Writing Process

PrewritingPrewriting Selecting a topicSelecting a topic Gathering detailsGathering details Focusing your Focusing your

thoughtsthoughts

Writing and RevisingWriting and Revising Connect your ideasConnect your ideas Improving your writingImproving your writing Improving your styleImproving your style

Editing and Editing and ProofreadingProofreading Mechanics checkMechanics check Preparing a final copyPreparing a final copy

Read Sample EssayRead Sample Essay

NoticeNotice The structureThe structure

4 distinct paragraphs4 distinct paragraphs Introduction - Expository sentences right away to Introduction - Expository sentences right away to

place usplace us Details in the bodyDetails in the body The Conclusion – ending details and reason for The Conclusion – ending details and reason for

writingwriting

Your TurnYour Turn

Write a 500 word essay about a time Write a 500 word essay about a time when you ate dinner with your family.when you ate dinner with your family.

Narrative WritingNarrative Writing

Be surprised by the crazy, wonderful Be surprised by the crazy, wonderful events that will come dancing out of your events that will come dancing out of your past when you stir up the pot of memory. past when you stir up the pot of memory. --William Zinsser--William Zinsser

What does a personal What does a personal narrative do???narrative do???

Recreates a specific experience or event Recreates a specific experience or event in your lifein your life

Uses sensory details, specific action, and Uses sensory details, specific action, and revealing dialogue revealing dialogue

Invites the reader to share in your Invites the reader to share in your experiencesexperiences

Asks the reader to feel what you feltAsks the reader to feel what you felt