You can create a mood or a particular image or feeling by using specific words to tell about your view of a subject. It is important to give the reader as much information about the subject as possible. A good description will give a reader clues to what might happen in a story. It helps the reader visualize where the story is occurring The description does not just tell what something looks like; it also tells how the subject makes you feel. It describes emotions, too.
You will write a descriptive paragraph that gives an accurate image through words. You are to describe the teacher's lounge at Banbury Heights. You should describe the setting using the 5 senses we have talked about in class (sight, smell, taste, touch and sound). A level 3-4 piece of writing must include at least 3 of the senses.
Use specific language when describing. Avoid words like "nice" or "beautiful". If something is beautiful, tell why. Describe it in detail. What is beautiful to you may not be beautiful to someone else. Better yet, use a thesaurus to find more specific language. Try adorable, attractive, breathtaking, charming, dazzling, exquisite, remarkable, scenic, or picturesque instead of beautiful.
Example:
It was a vision that I will never forget. The late autumn sun burned brightly down through the thin wispy clouds, which could not dull the brightness of the day. AH around me the forest was ablaze in a sea of colour. Tall stands of oak, maple and birch trees appeared to burn with a thousand shades of yellow, red and orange. This brightness was contrasted only by the deep green of the tall, fragrant pines, which stood majestically. As I took in the beauty of the scene, my eyes were drawn to a trickle of cascading water that rushed over the shimmering rocks. The sound of the rushing water combined with the sound of the gentle breeze that whistled through the trees sent a tingle down my spine. I still dream about that day in the forest.
It was a vision that I will never forget. The late autumn sun burned brightly down through the thin wispy clouds, which could not dull the brightness of the day. AH around me the forest was ablaze in a sea of colour. Tall stands of oak, maple and birch trees appeared to burn with a thousand shades of yellow, red and orange. This brightness was contrasted only by the deep green of the tall, fragrant pines, which stood majestically. As I took in the beauty of the scene, my eyes were drawn to a trickle of cascading water that rushed over the shimmering rocks. The sound of the rushing water combined with the sound of the gentle breeze that whistled through the trees sent a tingle down my spine. I still dream about that day in the forest.
Be creative with your writing. I am not looking for a description that is accurate. I am looking for a description that paints a strong picture in the mind of the reader. Have fun!
A copy of the rubric can be downloaded by clicking on the download files tab.
