Bmc o&n english_language_composition(descriptive essays)_slideshare
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Good descriptive writing has several key traits: ideas, organization, word choice, sentence fluency, and editing. For ideas, a piece should have a specific focus, original perspective, and use experience and details rather than common knowledge. Organization uses references to the five senses in a logical sequence with transitional words and supporting details. Word choice creates vivid pictures through action verbs and concise language. Sentence fluency varies structure and length for easy reading. Editing ensures grammatical correctness. Descriptive writing should show experiences through imagery that engages the reader's senses rather than just telling about them.
Bmc o&n english_language_composition(descriptive essays)_slideshare
- 2. The Traits of Good Writing A piece of writing has all of these important traits: *Ideas *Organization *Word Choice *Sentence Fluency *Editing
- 3. Ideas & Content A good piece of writing: ~ Make the focus of the topic more specific ~ Use a new and original perspective ~ Write from experience ~ Select, interesting details (not just common knowledge)
- 4. Organization A good piece of writing has descriptions containing: • - References to the five senses: • Sight, Sound, Smell, Touch, Taste (where applicable) - Logical and effective order of sentences, structure, & sequence. - Use transitional words (e.g. “then”, “suddenly”) These words emphasize the sequence of the events and description. - place supporting details where they are most appropriate Add interesting words that give a better sense of the atmosphere. (“fiery sunsets, calm, soothing waters etc.) - use a conclusion that gives - a sense of resolution
- 5. Word Choice Word choice is crucial to making descriptions: - Use words to create mental pictures Use several words to create a full description. - Use action verbs (vivid verbs)- - Use language that is natural and not overdone - Be concise (shorter sentences)
- 6. Sentence Fluency Sentence fluency makes the composition easier to read: Student should therefore: • Vary sentence beginning, structure, and length • Use complete sentences • Use transitions (internal & external) to promote cadence
- 7. Editing For the O and N Level candidate, editing is an important requirement of the writing task in Paper 1. All the best word choices as well as good fluency would be ineffective if the candidate does not edit or check his/her work for grammatical errors So…just check your completed writing and hone out the points that are not expressed well.
- 9. What is Descriptive Writing? Descriptive writing paints a picture for the reader. Let the reader share your experience through your words. Show it! Don’t tell it! Use imagery that appeal to the 5 senses: Touch Taste Smell Sound Sight Imagery: The use of vivid description to create pictures, or images, in the reader’s mind.
- 10. How do I Make it Great? Be specific! Expand your ideas! Be original and creative! Stretch your imagination! Use figurative language to make strong comparisons (similes, metaphors) Use sensory details that appeal to the 5 senses.
- 11. For Example: Instead of this: The hot, yellow sun went behind the mountain and covered the valley in red. Try this: The sun cut itself on a sharp peak and bled into the valley.—John Steinbeck
- 12. Mind Your Words! Use strong, specific nouns Modify nouns with strong adjectives big, bad wolf, dazzling smile, Antique, decorative mirror) Use vivid verbs! The car screeched to a halt The sting of her slap left him speechless
- 13. Here are some examples “Dark shapes glide through the night sky on silent wings, their sinister shadows outlined against the light of a full moon. Swooping down to the earth, they hover near houses and deserted buildings, breaking the peace of the night with their disturbing presence. Carriers of disease, drinkers of blood, companions of witches and demons, bats – the very word brings a shiver of fear to most people.” ~ Sylvia A. Johnson, Bats
- 14. A Description of the Wind “Anybody could see how cold it got. The wind already had glass edges to it, stiffening muscles and practically cutting through the stitches of our clothes. When it blew, the chill stabbed our teeth like icicles, and our voices jiggled every time we talked.” From Parrot in the Oven: Mi Vida by Victor Martinez
- 15. Recall The elements of good descriptive writing are? Must have Ideas and Content Organization Sight Sound Smell Taste Touch Sentence Fluency