Descriptive Writing The difference between the almost right

Descriptive Writing “The difference between the almost right word and the right word is the same as that between lightning and the lightning bug. ” -- Mark Twain

Naming Identify objects, people (anything that you see) Focus on _____ Detailing Explore the features, characteristics, and qualities of the objects identified through naming Focus on _______ and __________

Comparing Making comparisons about what you are describing in order to express further detail in interesting ways Focus on creating Similes: _____________________ Metaphors: ___________________ Metaphors often sound stronger than similes Example: The classroom is like a box. OR The classroom is a box. **The metaphor (2 nd sentence) sounds more serious—either works, but it depends on the tone and meaning the writer is trying to convey.

Sensory Detail Sight – visual, what do you see? Hearing – sound; think of creating onomatopoeias: __________ Examples: ____________________ Smell – scent Touch – feel, texture Taste – flavor ACTIVITY: Watch Video and record sensory details on worksheet. **See Description Packet for words related to each of the five senses.

Use Action Verbs I am mad about my bad grade on the test. VS My cheeks flushed red as I ripped the test into tiny pieces. Am is a ______ verb. Flushed and ripped are ______ verbs. ACTIVITY: Revise one sentence from today’s free writing by using an action verb. Share sentences with the class. *See page 237 for another example of how active verbs enhance the description of a sentence.

Concrete vs. Abstract Terms ______terms/images/ideas can be understood through the senses while _____ ones cannot. Examples of Concrete Terms: _____________ Examples of Abstract Terms: _____________ Abstract terms are imprecise and more general. They are useful for identifying overall concepts, such as stating ideas in an introduction or thesis statement. Concrete terms are clearer and often more interesting than abstract. They are useful for supporting arguments and offering details. Your goal as a writer is to make your meaning clear, so work to use fewer abstract terms and more concrete terms.

Creating a Dominant Impression The dominant impression is the _________ writers want to leave with their reader. Your descriptions should contribute to your dominant impression. You might begin writing with a dominant impression in mind, or you might discover the dominant impression while writing. Either way, there should be a clear and focused main idea expressed through your writing.

In-Class Example Describe the classroom. First, NAME the objects and people that you see. Second, use words to DETAIL the objects and people. Third, try to create similes and metaphors in order COMPARE the objects. What is the dominant impression created?