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DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY:
A descriptive essay describes a thing.
So now you know everything about writing a descriptive essay.
Not likely!
What's wrong with that sentence is it tells instead of shows.
Let me try again:
All essays "describe", but a "descriptive essay" focusses on a physical description of a topic in order to make a point. Generally, this essay form begins with a vivid introduction of the topic, a collection of images and metaphors that catch the reader's attention by appealing to his senses. The reader sees and feels the experience of standing in a field of new mown hay, of the terror of the slow, clacking ascent to the top of a roller coaster, of the painful loneliness suggested by the finely tuned, exquisite cell phone that glitters in the moonlight, but never rings.
The concept of writing in a way that shows rather than tells quite naturally comes in play in this essay form. Describing your kid brother by writing "He was sick." does not have the impact of "Jeremy's face suddenly turned an ugly shade of pale gray. His eyes turned yellow as he bolted from his chair, gagging convulsively, a horrid, green-brown eruption of vomit flowed with each gurgling cough." Yeah! Now I'm showing!!
Your turn. What are you going to describe?
Stuck for an idea? How about:
Describe an object that has lots of meaning for you: your car, your guitar, your pet cat. Etc
Describe a place that has lots of meaning for you: looking into the Grand Canyon, a city or home from your past.
Describe a person who has some special meaning for you: family member, lover, enemy, leader, boss.
If you're still stuck for an idea try reading through the list on the Topic Generator Page.................................
Now that you've got a topic, so what?
Why do you want to show us this description?
What is your point? thesis?
I hope you could tell that my "point/thesis" was about how showing has more of an impact that telling.
What's yours?
Now: Do an exploratory. Show don't just tell. Describe the day, the place, the sounds, the...
If you would like to use the convenient and friendly Exploratory Draft page.............................
Suggestion: To help you show rather than tell use active verbs. Instead of "He is sick." say "He barfed on my shoe." Not, "I am in love." but, "I love how her sweet lashes sweep across my cheek when we hug." Wow! Is this fun or what?
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