Composition #1

Writing Assignment #1 – Descriptive Paragraph

For this assignment, you will write a descriptive paragraph of a photograph of your choice. Your paragraph should be at least eight sentences long.

Choosing your photo

To begin this assignment, you need to find a photograph you are interested in writing about. I recommend that you pick a color photo (unless black-and-white is part of the style of the photo). You can use a photo from a magazine or from the Internet. If you choose an online photo, you should print out a color copy that you can bring to class.

Please do not use personal photos that include people you know personally or celebrities with whom you have strong associations.

Prewriting & Outline – worth 10 points

Observe and brainstorm

1.     Look at your photo carefully. Make a list of everything you notice. Include small details, as well as your impressions and major features of your photo.

2.     Free-write for five minutes on your photo.

Create an outline

1.     What is your overall impression of your photo? What is the main point you want to make about it? Draft your topic sentence.

2.     Identify three to five points you want to make about your photo that support your topic sentence. (Remember, the final draft of your paragraph must be at least eight sentences long!)

3.     Organize your points in the order you will discuss them in your paragraph.

To get credit for your prewriting & outline, you must show it to your instructor before the end of the class period.

Draft of descriptive paragraph – worth 10 points

Write a draft of your descriptive paragraph and bring it to class. Your draft should follow your outline and include a topic sentence that expresses your main idea, as well as supporting sentences that develop your supporting points with specifics and details. You may type your draft or neatly handwrite it. Please double-space!

To get credit for draft, you must bring it to class on the day it is due and participate in the in-class draft workshop.

Final draft – worth 80 points

Revise your essay based on the feedback you receive during the in-class draft workshop. Type and double-space your paragraph.