Descriptive Essay Assignment Details

So you've made it through two weeks of class! I hope everyone is enjoying the course so far; I know I am.

Our next essay assignment will be to write a descriptive essay. I hope you're familiar with what that is -- if not, then you haven't read through chapter 11 (12, if you have the new edition).

Successful descriptive essays have a dominant impression, so you'll need to decide what impression you want to convey about your subject. Let's say, using the example we discussed in class about the hailstorm earlier this year, that your dominant impression is that the storm was frightening. Each of the details you use in your essay should contribute to that specific impression. Don't forget to title your essay, too.

You'll also need to make use of sensory details. What sounds/smells/sights about this object could you describe that might contribute to the dominant impression? A successful essay will make good use of this.

 Your essay will need to be organized, have an introduction, body paragraphs and a conclusion. Each body paragraph needs a topic sentence that ties into the dominant impression.

Of course, your final draft will need to be free of error. So don't forget to get editing assistance at the CLE!

Possible topics are listed at the end of chapter 11 (12 for the 6th edition), but here are a few to consider:

1. In "Eating Chilli Peppers," the author describes the love that some people have for eating peppers. Write an essay for your classmates describing a food that a family member or close friend enjoys but that you dislike.

2. Write an essay describing destruction or devastation you have observed as a result of a natural disaster, an accident, or a form of violence. 

3. Write a report for your local newspaper on a local sporting event you recently observed or participated in.

4. Write a letter to persuade your parents to loan you money. The loan may be to purchase a used car or rent a more expensive apartment, for example. Include a description of your current car or apartment.

5. Write a description of your ideal internship (or job, perhaps?).

The specifics: 

Minimum of 2 pages
Double spaced
Times New Roman font (or something similar)

Due Dates:

Rough Draft: Wednesday, September 11th (please bring 3 copies to class for peer review!)
Revised Rough Draft to instructor: Monday, September 16th

Here's the rubric I'm using to grade this essay

Let me know if you have any questions. I'm here to help!