Descriptive+Writing+Unit

**Descriptive Writing Unit** Descriptive writing is characterized by sensory details (those that appeal to what we see, hear, feel, taste, and smell). It is important to use vivid and specific adjectives and verbs in your descriptions to avoid "telling." Instead, you want your reader to feel like s/he is there with you in the moment experiencing it with you.

In the Writer's Toolkit link, you will find:
 * A list of sensory words and a list of active verbs to help you when writing.
 * A downloadable page with some potential openings/beginnings to use in your essays. This year, I do not want you to open an essay with a question.
 * A list of the "Ick!" words (words to avoid). Please realize that when a sentence contains an "ick" verb, the problem will not usually be solved by replacing the verb. The entire sentence should be rewritten. Use the "Changing the Subject" technique found in the Writer's Toolkit link for examples of how to do this. Feel free to contribute challenging sentences that you would like me to assist you with corrections.

Here are downloadable copies of the essay rubric and editing guidelines for the descriptive essay:

Descriptive Essay Rubric: (What I will be grading on the descriptive essay)



Editing Sheet: (Use to edit your first draft)