Concrete & Significant Details

Assignment

Writers are frequently advised: show, don’t tell. What this means is that it is crucial to address the senses. Vivid writing contains concrete, significant details.

• ·         Concrete means that there is an image, something that can be seen, heard, smelled, tasted or touched.
• ·         Significant means that the specific image also suggests an abstraction, generalization, or judgment.
• ·         Detail means that there is a degree of focus and specificity.

The notion of detail is important to the image because it moves away from the generalized and toward the particular. For example, creature is a generalized notion, hard to see except in the vaguest way. Animal is still vague; four-legged animal is a little more specific; domestic animal a little more; dog narrows the field; mixed-breed Shepard we can see; old Sammy asleep on the red rug, his haunches twitching in his dream brings the dog into sharp focus in our minds. At the same time this last sentence resonates with the ideas of age and uneasy sleep.  If it said his teeth bared and gnashing in his dream, we’d also guess that old Sam has a capacity for meanness.  Notice how the narrowing specificity of the noun invites active verbs.

Try this:

Begin with the largest general categories you can think of – minerals, food, structures—thing big. Then narrow the categories step by step, becoming more specific until you have  single detailed images. Try it again with the same large categories but narrow in another direction. Can you, without naming a quality, make your images suggest an idea or direct our attitude toward the things you describe?

What is an Image?

An Image is a word or series of words that evokes one or more of the senses. An image appeals to the senses. This is the foundation of imaginative writing. Use abstractions, generalizations and judgments in your writing as we want to envelop the reader into our world of words and help them to see and feel what we see and feel. Human beings are able to communicate largely because we are capable of these kinds of conceptual thinking.
*Abstractions are the names of ideas or concepts, which we cannot in themselves be experienced directly through one or more of our senses, such as intelligence, criticism, love, anger.
*Generalizations can only be vaguely visualized because they include too many of a given group: something, creatures, gym equipment.
*Judgments tell us what to think about something instead of showing it: beautiful, insidious, suspiciously.




Supply the color
What sounds do you hear?
What mood does the picture bring to mind?
What emotion does the picture elicit?
What taste do you remember as you look at the picture?


Imaginative Writing: The Elements of Craft, 3rd Edition, Janet Burroway, Penguin Academics, New York: 2011

Daily Expository Blog Posts

You are to write and post 3 of the prompts to your blog daily for the remainder of the month of October and for the month of November. Post should be 250 words minimum and 500 maximum. Please write in the order listed below.

1.       Explain outdoor living to a person with an apartment in the city.

2.       Explain how two people of different interests and backgrounds could become unlikely allies.

3.       Explain the problems, both personal and societal, that result from obesity.

4.       Describe your vision of an ideal vacation.

5.       Explain, in detail, a situation where a change of plans becomes necessary.

6.       Describe the purposes of the Internet. Include various viewpoints, including that of users and providers.

7.       Describe how and why people choose the particular foods they eat.

8.       Math is a required subject. Explain why it is so important.

9.       Discuss the causes of and problems resulting from teenage smoking.

10.   Discuss a public health concern that you believe is serious enough to warrant immediate attention.

11.   Describe a major environmental problem and what you believe should be done about it.

12.   Discuss how a person achieves fame and fortune and how it changes the individual’s life.

13.   Discuss how conveniences change people’s lives.

14.   Describe techniques or methods that could help teachers do their job more effectively.

15.   Describe how communication has changed in the last 20 years.

16.   Explain what cooperation means to you and why it is important.

17.   Explain the meaning of diversity.

18.   Discuss the importance of pride in one’s work.

19.   What is special about you? Explain what makes you a unique individual.

20.   Discuss the events in the life of your favorite author, sports figure, or performer. Explain how these events relate to the person’s achievements.

21.   Describe techniques and behavior that make a person a good driver.

22.   Explain how different modern life would be without computers.

23.   Explain pollution to a visitor from another planet.

24.   Explain the causes and effects of impulse buying.

25.   Explain the causes and effects of prejudice.

26.   Describe your favorite game. Explain why it is your favorite.

27.   Tell how you can make a new friend.

28.   Explain what you should do if you want to end a relationship.

29.   You must pass a college admissions test. Explain what you have to do to achieve this goal.

30.   You want to buy a new state of the art computer. Detail the steps you would have to take to ensure that you will make an appropriate decision regarding this major investment.

31.   Brothers and sisters do not always get along. Describe the kinds of problems this discord creates in families and the best way to handle a situation like this.

32.   Describe your favorite season and explain why it is your favorite.

33.   Describe a vegetable that you truly dislike.

34.   Describe a typical day of your life.

35.   Describe a master plan that would make your community a better place to live.

36.   Explain how to choose the right college.

37.   With the hope of preserving family history, describe the kinds of questions to ask an older relative.

38.   You are asked to write an article about a person newly arrived from another country. Discuss the kinds of information you would include.

39.   Discuss reasons for appreciating your parents.

40.   If you could live during any decade, which decade would you choose? Why?

41.   Your best friend’s birthday is coming up. Describe the plan you created to make this birthday celebration the kind your friend will always remember.

42.   Describe the tasks you need to complete before you attend college in another state.

43.   Choose a foreign country you would like to visit and explain why you find that country so appealing.

44.   Explain how different modern life would be without cell phones.

45.   Describe the most luscious, decadent dessert you can imagine.

46.   Many people spend a great deal of time with animals. Write about the relationships that people have with animals.

47.   Describe a teenage fad and the reasons you believe caused its popularity.

48.   Describe a favorite music video to a friend who has not had a chance to see or hear it.

49.   You are about to spend a year abroad and must learn a new language. Describe the steps you would take to accomplish this goal as quickly as possible.

50.   Describe a favorite movie to a person who wants to know all about it but will not have the opportunity to see it.

51.   Explain how not getting enough sleep affects your day.

52.   Describe the most effective teacher you have ever had.

53.   Describe a person who is especially interesting.

54.   Compare and contrast understanding and knowledge.

55.   Compare and contrast public schooling and homeschooling.

56.   Describe how weather affects your mood.

57.   Compare and contrast spicy foods and sweet foods.

58.   Compare and contrast foods you eat raw and foods that are cooked.

59.   Compare and contrast dressing for a formal occasion and dressing informally.

60.   Compare and contrast cats and dogs.

The Expository Essay

Summary: This resource begins with a general description of essay writing and moves to a discussion of common essay genres students may encounter across the curriculum. Note: The Modes of Discourse: Description, Narration, Exposition, Argumentation (EDNA) The four genres of essays (description, narration, exposition, and argumentation) are common paper assignments you may encounter in your writing classes. Although these genres, also known as the modes of discourse, have been criticized by some composition scholars, the Purdue OWL recognizes the wide spread use of these genres and students’ need to understand and produce these types of essays. We hope these resources will help.

What is an Expository Essay?

The expository essay is a genre of essay that requires the student to investigate an idea, evaluate evidence, expound on the idea, and set forth an argument concerning that idea in a clear and concise manner. This can be accomplished through comparison and contrast, definition, example, the analysis of cause and effect, etc.

Please note: This genre is commonly assigned as a tool for classroom evaluation and is often found in various exam formats.

The structure of the expository essay is held together by the following:

A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay.

It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the student does not master this portion of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.

Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the structure will collapse.

Body paragraphs that include evidential support.

Each paragraph should be limited to the exposition of one general idea. This will allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. What is more, such conciseness creates an ease of readability for one’s audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph.

Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).

Often times, students are required to write expository essays with little or no preparation; therefore, such essays do not typically allow for a great deal of statistical or factual evidence.

A bit of creativity!

Though creativity and artfulness are not always associated with essay writing, it is an art form nonetheless. Try not to get stuck on the formulaic nature of expository writing at the expense of writing something interesting. Remember, though you may not be crafting the next great novel, you are attempting to leave a lasting impression on the people evaluating your essay.

A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.

It is at this point of the essay that students will inevitably begin to struggle. This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize and come to a conclusion concerning the information presented in the body of the essay.

A Complete Argument

Perhaps it is helpful to think of an essay in terms of a conversation or debate with a classmate. If I were to discuss the cause of the Great Depression and its current effect on those who lived through the tumultuous time, there would be a beginning, middle, and end to the conversation. In fact, if I were to end the exposition in the middle of my second point, questions would arise concerning the current effects on those who lived through the Depression. Therefore, the expository essay must be complete, and logically so, leaving no doubt as to its intent or argument.

The Five-Paragraph Essay

A common method for writing an expository essay is the five-paragraph approach. This is, however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays. If it sounds straightforward, that is because it is; in fact, the method consists of:

1. an introductory paragraph
2. three evidentiary body paragraphs
3. a conclusion

Contributors:Jack Baker, Allen Brizee

Last Edited: 2010-04-17 05:33:24

Persuasive Essays

Directions: Below are 40 persuasive writing prompts. You are to select 10 prompts and write as directed. Please refer to the Persuasive Writing Rubric that was distributed in class. Your work will be grade as per the rubric.

Specifications: All papers shall be submitted on paper and posted on your blog. For submitted papers, the margins are to be 1 inch, doubled spaced, and 12 point font size. All essays are to be 500 words. I do not expect many outside sources as these are opinionated, persuasive papers. If outside sources are used, they must be cited and a bibliography (listing) submitted.

Due dates: October 8^th, 15^th, 22^nd, 29^th; November 5^th, 12^th, 19^th; December 3^rd, 10^th, and 17^th

1.        Medical researchers, cosmetic companies, and others often perform experiments on animals. Many people feel that experimentation on animals is wrong and should be stopped immediately because animals do feel pain, and there are other alternatives. How do you feel? State your position and explain your reasons.

2.       In order to save money, your principal is thinking about canceling all field trips for the remainder of the year. Write an essay persuading her to allow students to continue attending field trips. Use specific reasons and examples to support your response.

3.       Some people are actively involved in promoting and supporting a cause, such as the release of international political prisoners or protecting the environment. Is there a cause you actively support? Write an essay convincing readers to support that cause.

4.      Since the cloning of the sheep Dolly, there has been much debate over whether or not human beings should be cloned. Many people feel this is a violation of the natural order of things and that all research in the area of human cloning should be banned. Others feel that this is a natural progression of science and human evolution and that research in the area of human cloning should be a priority. How do you feel about this issue? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

5.       Many parents give children a weekly or monthly allowance regardless of their behavior because they believe an allowance teaches children to be financially responsible. Other parents only give children an allowance as a reward for completing chores or when they have behaved properly. Explain what you think parents should do and why.

6.       Many people volunteer their time to help others, either through non-profit organizations, churches, or other charitable venues. Write an essay convincing readers to find a charity and volunteer their time.

7.       All-girl schools have been gaining popularity in recent years because of the belief that girls learn better when they aren’t competing with or intimidated by boys, who statistically get more attention in the classroom. Do you think single-sex schools are a good idea? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

8.       Research shows that the average American watches as much as six hours of television each day. Do you think this is too much? Write an essay convincing readers to spend less time in front of the TV.

9.       Many junior high and high schools around the country now require students to spend a certain number of hours each term doing volunteer work or community service. Some people believe this is an excellent idea that promotes good citizenship and cultivates compassion. Others feel that forced volunteerism is not volunteerism at all. How do you feel about this issue? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

10.    Most states allow people to get a driver’s license at the age of 16. Some people feel that 16 is much too young for the responsibility that comes with driving a car and that teenagers should not be allowed to drive until the age of 18. In your opinion, at what age should people be allowed to drive, and why?

11.     As part of the “war on drugs” and in reaction to an increase in school violence, many schools across the nation now conduct targeted searches of student lockers and backpacks. Although the Supreme Court has ruled that public school officials have the right to search students’ persons and property when they have reasonable cause to suspect weapons or drugs, many people feel this is a gross violation of students’ right to privacy. Others feel that since school officials are responsible for the well-being of students while they are in the building, they have the right to search for drugs or weapons at any time. How do you feel about this issue? State your position and explain your reasons with specific examples.

12.    In many countries, citizens are required to serve in the military for a year or more. Do you believe the United States should institute a similar practice? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

13.    Many of us spend hours in front of our computers and communicate more by e-mail or instant-messaging than in person. Some people believe that this is good because it helps shy people communicate more openly with others. Others believe that computer communication prevents us from developing interpersonal skills and limits our ability to have meaningful relationships with others. How do you feel about this issue? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

14.   According to some health organizations, many foods on our grocery store shelves are made with genetically modified ingredients. Most of these foods, however, do not have a GMO (genetically modified organism) label. Do you think there should be a law requiring manufacturers to label foods containing GMOs? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

15.    More and more farmers and food manufacturers are genetically modifying their crops to reduce susceptibility to disease, improve flavor, and reduce costs. Do you think genetically modifying foods is a good idea? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

16.    A few decades ago, many families had half a dozen or more children. Nowadays, more and more families are choosing to have only one or two children. Are smaller families better than larger ones? Why or why not? State your position and support it with specific reasons and examples.

17.    Representatives of credit card companies can often be found on college campuses offering special incentives to get students to fill out credit card applications. Many people feel that this takes advantage of students, who are often low on cash during their college years. Others feel that it is an excellent way to help students begin to build credit and learn financial responsibility. How do you feel about this issue? Take a position and use specific reasons and examples to support your argument.

18.    Good habits improve our physical, emotional, and/or financial health. Select one of your good habits and write an essay persuading readers to make that habit a part of their lives.

19.    What is your all-time favorite movie and why? Write an essay persuading readers to watch this film.

20.   Today, there are more and more reality shows on television. Do these shows make good television? Why or why not? Explain your answer using specific reasons and examples.

21.    Many cities suffer from serious air and noise pollution—as well as endless traffic jams—because of too many cars. Some people feel that cities with extensive public transportation systems should ban passenger cars and force people to walk, bike, or use public transportation. Do you think this is a good idea? Why or why not?

22.   Carpooling, recycling, and planting trees are all activities that are good for the environment. Write an essay convincing readers to actively participate in one of these activities.

23.   The Internet includes many websites with images and content that is inappropriate. Should websites like these be censored by parents? Why or why not? State your position and support it with specific reasons and examples.

24.  Some people prefer to live in the quiet of the country; others prefer the hustle and bustle of the city. Which do you think is the better choice? State your position and support it with specific reasons and examples.

25.   Some people go right on to college after high school; others take a year or more off to work or travel. Which do you think is the better choice? State your position and support it with specific reasons and examples.

26.   Today’s top professional athletes often have salaries and bonuses in the tens of millions of dollars. Do you think these athletes deserve such high compensation? Why or why not? Explain your position and use specific reasons and examples.

27.   For centuries, people have wondered about the possibility of life on other planets in the universe. Do you believe extraterrestrial life exists? Write an essay persuading others to share your point of view.

28.   Some educators argue that every child in every school should have access to computers. Others believe that the value of computers in the classroom is overrated and that computers may actually interfere with the learning process. In your opinion, how important are computers in the classroom? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.

29.   Some people believe that students aren’t learning enough in high school. Should school standards be higher? Explain your answer using specific reasons and examples.

30.   Many schools employ security guards and have installed security equipment such as video cameras and metal detectors in the building. In your opinion, how should security in public schools be handled? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

31.    Across the country, public places such as libraries and museums are now smoke-free environments, and restaurants are required to have separate smoking and non-smoking sections. Some smoke-free advocates are now campaigning to ban smoking in all restaurants and bars. Do you think this is a good idea? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

32.   In a small minority of schools across the nation, students do not earn grades; rather, they receive regular written and oral evaluations of their work. Some people believe that this is more effective for learning than the grading system, which they believe rewards students unevenly and encourages a competitiveness that is counterproductive to learning. How do you feel about this issue? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

33.    Many schools offer students who are native speakers of another language the opportunity to take classes in their native tongue so that they can more easily assimilate and better understand the material. Some educators believe that this is a disservice and that these students should be immersed in the English language. How do you feel about this issue? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

34.   Many people immigrate to the United States because they believe that it is better than their native country. In fact, many people believe that the United States is the best country in the world. Do you agree? Why or why not?

35.   Some people think that school cafeterias should be required to provide low-fat and/or vegetarian lunch options to accommodate the eating habits of all students. Do you agree or disagree? Explain your position and use specific reasons and examples as support.

36.   Elementary and secondary schools around the country are beginning to actively address the problem of bullies. In your opinion, is bullying an issue that should be addressed by schools or left to parents? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

37.    Most private schools require students to wear uniforms. Should public school students wear uniforms too? Argue for or against school uniforms for public school students. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

38.   In order to solve your school’s recent litter problem, your principal asked students to take better care of the campus, but the litter problem continued. Your principal’s reaction is to cancel all extracurricular activities until the problem is resolved. Do you agree or disagree with his reaction? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

39.   If an alumnus donated a large sum of money to your school, how do you think that money should be spent? Write an essay convincing school officials to allocate the money in the way you think is best for the school.

40.  Many people feel that American society is too competitive. Do you agree? If so, is this a good thing or a bad thing? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

From 501 WritingPrompts