Part 5: Understanding the writing point
Task 8: The text is Part 3 is an example of a descriptive essay. Which of the following do you think are true about this type of essay?
1. They do not contain a thesis statement. 2. They may contain a personal reflection or anecdote. 3. They only contain one point of view. 4. They will often use interesting and dynamic adjectives and adverbs. 5. They will often focus on the senses (e.g., taste, smell, sound).
Task 9: Share your answers with a partner. Identify specific parts of the text which support your position.
Task 10: Read the following key facts about descriptive essays.
1. The overall structure of a descriptive essay is similar to what has been discussed before in this book, namely: introduction – main body – conclusion. The essay should also follow essential writing principles such as ‘general to specific’.
2. The overall purpose of a descriptive essay is, as the name suggests, to describe something. This might be an object, place, experience, situation or emotion, for example. It may also include interesting comparisons.
3. Before writing the essay, it is particularly important to brainstorm as many ideas as possible, to ensure that the content of your essay will be as rich as possible. From this, you can select the best ideas to use in your essay.
4. In a descriptive essay, you are able to use subjective language more than in many other essay types. This kind of ‘personal reflection’ and using anecdotes or stories can be very useful for making your piece of writing feel alive. It is also important to match this information with academic information and support.
5. In terms of the language, you should feel free to use more interesting language than you might normally in an academic essay, particularly in terms of adjectives and adverbs. However, do not just put these words in for no reason. Think about why you are using them.
Part 6: Checking your understanding
Task 11: Create the outline of a descriptive essay, using the information presented above. The topic you choose should be one which, ideally, you are passionate about, and which you have some personal experience or knowledge of. Some ideas for a topic include:
• a social issue (e.g., care for the elderly, drugs) • an environmental issue (e.g., climate change, water wars) • a work of art that you like (e.g., a painting, a sculpture) • a person who you admire (e.g., a writer, an artist)
Remember that it is still important to consider all the different sides of the issue, even if you have strong views about it.
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