Descriptive Writing!

Let’s Start at the Very Beginning…

paragraphs

sentences

words

Letters

What is a paragraph?A group of sentences that relates one main idea.Why should we use paragraphs?What are the parts of a paragraph?– Main idea– Topic sentence– Supporting sentence– Clincher sentence

Parts of a ParagraphMain idea – topic around which the paragraph is organizedTopic sentence – states the main idea of the paragraph– Where can it go?

Supporting sentence – gives specific details that explain or prove the main idea.Clincher sentence – pulls together the preceding sentences by emphasizing the main idea.

Supporting Sentences

Sensory details – words that appeal to one or more of your five senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell)

Fact – statement that can be proved true by direct observation or by checking a reliable sourceExamples – specific instances or illustrations of a general idea

EXAMPLE! Today's car manufacturers have not only developed the fastest autos in history, but also the most comfortable and convenient. Soft, reclining, adjustable seats await the driver as he gets in. Even his feet get special attention, being cushioned on foamy floor carpets. Starting the vehicle presents no problems with an automatic transmission. A key is turned, a lever moved, and the car is off. In addition, no matter what the weather is like, the heater sends hot or cold air in to suit the occasion

. The car radio supplies music and news for the driver's enjoyment. Sudden stops and sharp corners mean nothing as power brakes and steering can stop or turn the car on a dime.

Modern drivers never had it so good!

A Closer Look at Sensory Details

Which do you like better?

I woke up to the radio and smelled some coffee.

ORThe thick, burnt scent of roasted coffee tickled the tip of my nose just seconds before the old, faithful alarm blared a distorted top-forty through its tiny top speaker.

Essay ProcessChoose a subjectLimit or narrow the subject downPlan your compositionOutline your compositionWrite the first draftRevisingWrite the final draft

Essay FormatUnique Title (in quotation marks)Introduction– Thesis (last line in the intro paragraph)

Body 1 (with topic sentence)Body 2 (with topic sentence)Body 3 (with topic sentence)Conclusion– Clincher sentence (last line in the

paragraph)

IntroductionGive the reader a preview of what the composition aboutTwo functions:– To introduce the subject to the reader – To interest the reader in the subject

Three techniques:– Ask a question– Tell an anecdote– State an intriguing or interesting fact

Ends with a thesis sentence (states the main idea or purpose of the essay)