Introduction
Descriptive writing can create a vivid impression of a person, place, or thing in the reader’s mind. Unlike other patterns of development, descriptive writing immerses the reader in a rich experience of the subject though using language that appeals directly to the senses. The goal of descriptive writing is to show rather than tell, and the best descriptive writing engages all of the senses—not only sight, but also hearing, touch, smell, and taste.
Reading Highlights Pages 264–269
Effective descriptive writing activates the imagination through using active verbs, modifiers that accentuate sensory detail, connotation, and figurative language. These elements must be used with care, however. Relying too heavily on descriptive language can obscure the point you’re trying to convey, cluttering a passage with too much information instead of providing a clear, concrete picture. When using descriptive language, bear in mind the dominant impression you wish to create.
Pages 269–274
Read Rachel Maizes’ essay “Bad Dog,” looking closely at the highlighted areas, which point out different characteristics of descriptive writing used throughout. When you’ve finished reading, look at the sample graphic organizer in Figure 13.1 on page 272, which offers a handy illustration of the development of a descriptive essay. Then read Mary Roach’s essay “You Are Your Bike,” and review the graphic organizer (Figure 13.2 on page 275) that traces how the different descriptive elements are used.
Pages 274–276
This brief section offers helpful suggestions for integrating description into an essay. The key points are to n Include only relevant details n Keep the description focused n Make sure the description fits the essay’s tone and point of view
Pages 276–277
This section provides tips for thinking critically while you read a descriptive essay. Although it’s aimed toward reading and responding to someone else’s descriptions, the questions can also be useful when evaluating your own writing.
Pages 283–286
Read the “Students Write” essay by Ted Sawchuck. Notice that the topic of his essay, “Heatstroke with a Side of Burn Cream,” appears only in the first sentence of the second
paragraph. Like Rachel Maize’s essay, the author’s topic sentences and other elements have been highlighted, which allows you to see how the author integrates thematic and descriptive elements along with other patterns of development.