Descriptive Writing

"A Friendly Clown"

"On one corner of my dresser sits a smiling toy clown on a tiny

unicycle―a gift I received last Christmas from a close friend. The clown's
short yellow hair, made of yarn, covers its ears but is parted above the
eyes. The blue eyes are outlined in black with thin, dark lashes flowing
from the brows. It has cherry-red cheeks, nose, and lips, and its broad
grin disappears into the wide, white ruffle around its neck. The clown
wears a fluffy, two-tone nylon costume. The left side of the outfit is light
blue, and the right side is red. The two colors merge in a dark line that
runs down the center of the small outfit. Surrounding its ankles and
disguising its long black shoes are big pink bows. The white spokes on
the wheels of the unicycle gather in the center and expand to the black
tire so that the wheel somewhat resembles the inner half of a grapefruit.
The clown and unicycle together stand about a foot high. As a cherished
gift from my good friend Tran, this colorful figure greets me with a smile
every time I enter my room."

Observe how the writer moves clearly from a description of the head of the clown to the body to the
unicycle underneath. More than sensory details for the eyes, she provides touch, in the description that the
hair is made of yarn and the suit of nylon. Certain colors are specific, as in cherry-red cheeks and light blue,
and descriptions help the reader visualize the object: the parted hair, the color line on the suit, and the
grapefruit analogy. Dimensions overall help to provide the reader with the item's scale, and the descriptions
of the size of the ruffle and bows on the shoes in comparison to what's nearby provide telling detail. The
concluding sentence helps to tie the paragraph together by emphasizing the personal value of this gift.

"The Blond Guitar" - by Jeremy Burden

"My most valuable possession is an old, slightly warped blond guitar―the first instrument I
taught myself how to play. It's nothing fancy, just a Madeira folk guitar, all scuffed and
scratched and fingerprinted. At the top is a bramble of copper-wound strings, each one
hooked through the eye of a silver tuning key. The strings are stretched down a long, slim
neck, its frets tarnished, the wood worn by years of fingers pressing chords and picking notes.
The body of the Madeira is shaped like an enormous yellow pear, one that was slightly
damaged in shipping. The blond wood has been chipped and gouged to gray, particularly
where the pick guard fell off years ago. No, it's not a beautiful instrument, but it still lets me
make music, and for that I will always treasure it."

Here, the writer uses a topic sentence to open his paragraph and then uses the following sentences to add
specific details. The author creates an image for the mind's eye to travel across by describing the parts of the
guitar logically, from the strings on the head to the worn wood on the body. He emphasizes its condition by
the number of different descriptions of the wear on the guitar, such as noting its slight warp; distinguishing
between scuffs and scratches; describing the effect that fingers have had on the instrument by wearing down
its neck, tarnishing frets, and leaving prints on the body; listing both its chips and gouges and even noting
their effects on the color of the instrument. The author even describes the remnants of missing pieces. After
all that, he plainly states his affection for it.

"Gregory" by Barbara Carter

"Gregory is my beautiful gray Persian cat. He walks with pride and grace, performing a dance
of disdain as he slowly lifts and lowers each paw with the delicacy of a ballet dancer. His
pride, however, does not extend to his appearance, for he spends most of his time indoors
watching television and growing fat. He enjoys TV commercials, especially those for Meow
Mix and 9 Lives. His familiarity with cat food commercials has led him to reject generic
brands of cat food in favor of only the most expensive brands. Gregory is as finicky about
visitors as he is about what he eats, befriending some and repelling others. He may snuggle
up against your ankle, begging to be petted, or he may imitate a skunk and stain your favorite
trousers. Gregory does not do this to establish his territory, as many cat experts think, but to
humiliate me because he is jealous of my friends. After my guests have fled, I look at the old
fleabag snoozing and smiling to himself in front of the television set, and I have to forgive
him for his obnoxious, but endearing, habits."

The writer here focuses less on the physical appearance of her pet than on the cat's habits and actions. Notice
how many different descriptors go into just the sentence about how the cat walks: emotions of pride and
disdain and the extended metaphor of the dancer, including the phrases "dance of disdain," "grace," and
"ballet dancer." When you want to portray something through the use of a metaphor, make sure you are
consistent, and that all the descriptors make sense with that one metaphor. Don't use two different
metaphors to describe the same thing, because that makes the image you're trying to portray awkward and
convoluted. The consistency adds emphasis and depth to the description. Personification is an effective
literary device for giving lifelike detail to an inanimate object or an animal, and Carter uses it to great effect.
Look at how much time she spends on the discussions of what the cat takes pride in (or doesn't) and how it
comes across in his attitude, with being finicky and jealous, acting to humiliate by spraying, and just overall
behaving obnoxiously. Still, she conveys her clear affection for the cat, something to which many readers
can relate.

Narrative Writing

Enchanted Haven: Discovering the Secret Garden

Nestled at the edge of our small town lay a hidden sanctuary that held the power to captivate anyone who
dared to explore its secrets. The vibrant greenery and the scent of wildflowers teased the senses, beckoning
the curious and adventurous. It was known as the "Secret Garden." My journey into this enchanted world
began one bright summer morning. Intrigued by the whispers and rumors surrounding this mystical place, I
ventured beyond the wooden fence that guarded its secrecy. The garden lay untouched and untamed, a
breathtaking mosaic of nature’s wonders. As I stepped onto the soft bed of moss, a world of vibrant colors
and unfamiliar scents enveloped me. The fluttering of butterflies and the melodies of chirping birds seemed
to welcome me into their paradise. The garden was a masterpiece painted by nature's gentle hand. With
every step, I encountered wonders I had never seen before. The flowers boasted an array of hues, some in
shades of purple so deep they almost appeared regal, others in vibrant yellows that shimmered under the
golden sun. Bees danced from bloom to bloom, each petal offering a canvas for their artistry. Exploring
deeper, I stumbled upon a small pond hidden behind a veil of weeping willows. The crystal-clear water
mirrored the azure sky, and its surface gently rippled with the occasional landing of a dragonfly. The serene
atmosphere around the pond drew me in, offering a moment of peace and tranquility. Amidst this floral
symphony, I encountered a peculiar sight: an intricately carved wooden bench bathed in dappled sunlight. It
seemed as though it had been waiting for a visitor, and I couldn’t resist the invitation. Seated upon it, I
marveled at the sheer beauty surrounding me. The tranquility of the garden enveloped me, and I found
solace in its quietude. It was a haven away from the bustle of everyday life, a place where time seemed to
stand still. As the afternoon sun cast long shadows on the garden's floor, I realized that this secret world had
become my own haven, a sanctuary where I could escape the pressures and demands of the outside world.
With reluctance, I bid farewell to this enchanted realm, promising to return to its embrace. As I passed
through the wooden gate and re-entered the outside world, I carried the memories of the garden’s splendor
with me. That experience changed my perspective on nature, introducing me to a realm of tranquility and
beauty. It taught me the importance of finding moments of quiet in a world filled with noise, and the
significance of cherishing the simple marvels of the natural world. From that day forward, the secret garden
became my refuge, a reminder that amidst the chaos of life, there exist oases of peace and beauty waiting to
be discovered. It’s a place where I could retreat, immerse myself in the serene embrace of nature, and revel
in the quiet magnificence that lies just beyond the wooden gate.

The Day That Changed Everything

It was a scorching summer day when my world turned upside down. The sun beamed relentlessly, the air
shimmered with heat, and the sky seemed to be painted in an endless shade of blue. Little did I know that
this particular day would become etched in my memory forever. I woke up with a sense of excitement; it
was the first day of summer camp. I had been looking forward to this day for weeks, imagining the
adventures, new friends, and endless fun that awaited me. I hastily dressed in my favorite camp t-shirt and
shorts, my backpack filled with snacks and a water bottle, eagerly anticipating the day ahead. As I arrived at
the camp, the energy was contagious. The air buzzed with laughter, chatter, and the promise of an
unforgettable summer. I quickly made friends with Sarah, a girl with a contagious smile, and we bonded
over our mutual love for adventure. The camp was a wonderland, with activities ranging from archery to arts
and crafts. I felt like a sponge, ready to absorb every bit of knowledge and experience that came my way.
The day soared by as we giggled through games, marveled at nature hikes, and cheered each other on during
various sports activities. The sun seemed to chase the hours, urging us to embrace every moment. However,
the day took an unexpected turn when a counselor announced an impromptu activity – a team-building
exercise involving a high ropes course. I've always been afraid of heights, but the thrill of the challenge
mixed with the encouragement from my newfound friends pushed me to give it a try. Standing at the base of
the towering structure, my heart raced like a runaway train. Each step up the ladder felt heavier, but the
support from my friends and the counselor's kind words kept me going. As I reached the top and peered
down, a surge of panic gripped me. I froze. I wanted to retreat, to run back down, but Sarah’s voice broke
through my fear, “You can do this! We're here for you.” Her words sparked a sense of determination within
me. With shaky legs and trembling hands, I began my journey across the wobbling ropes, the ground
seeming a world away. With each step, I felt a surge of adrenaline. Fear battled with courage, but I persisted,
fueled by the cheers from below. Inch by inch, I made it to the other side. As I descended, a rush of
emotions flooded through me – pride, exhilaration, and the profound realization that I was capable of more
than I believed. That day wasn’t just about conquering a ropes course; it was about discovering the strength
within, the power of friendship, and the thrill of overcoming fears. It reshaped my perspective, teaching me
that sometimes, the most transformative moments occur when we push beyond our comfort zones. As the
sun dipped low in the sky, painting it with hues of pink and gold, I walked away from camp that day with
newfound confidence and a treasure trove of memories. It was the day that changed everything, a reminder
that sometimes, the most incredible adventures begin with a single step into the unknown.

An Unexpected Turn of Events

In the heart of summer, my anticipation for a long-awaited camping trip soared to its peak. Countless hours
were invested in meticulous planning, coordinating with friends, and assembling the ideal gear. Our
destination, nestled within the serene woods, promised a harmonious escape from the cacophony of daily
life. The day arrived, the sun beamed in the cloudless sky, casting a golden hue on our enthusiastic faces.
We embarked on our journey, the car filled with laughter and high spirits. Each mile brought us closer to the
untamed wilderness that awaited. Little did we know that the unforeseen would soon paint a different picture
of our anticipated adventure. Upon our arrival, we were greeted by an unexpected turn of events. The
campsite, our chosen haven, was closed due to unannounced maintenance. Shock reverberated through our
group; disappointment clouded our excitement. Our perfectly laid plans now seemed like fragile sandcastles
washed away by an unexpected tide. Dismay and confusion hung heavy in the air, but amidst this
disappointment, a faint glimmer of opportunity emerged. With limited options, we embarked on an
impromptu exploration, searching for an alternate spot. As we scouted the area, we stumbled upon a hidden
gem—a lush clearing by a babbling brook, a picturesque locale unspoiled by the usual influx of campers.
Setting up camp in this new spot, the atmosphere changed. Nature enveloped us in its tranquil embrace. The
rhythmic murmur of the brook and the whisper of leaves in the wind formed a soothing symphony. The
evening sky unveiled a canvas of stars, painting a breathtaking scene that surpassed our expectations. As the
night deepened, huddled around the crackling fire, conversations took an unexpected turn. The closure of
our intended site wasn’t merely an inconvenience—it was an invitation to reassess our perceptions. We
realized that the essence of our adventure lay not in the predetermined location, but in the shared moments
and unforeseen discoveries. With the rising sun, the morning brought a newfound appreciation for
adaptability and resilience. The mishap didn’t eclipse our experience; it enhanced it. It nudged us to embrace
the unpredictable, to seek solace in the beauty of spontaneity, and to relish the joy of unexpected
discoveries. This unforeseen turn of events molded our excursion into an adventure of unforeseen treasures.
It altered our perspective, reminding us that sometimes, detours lead to the most extraordinary destinations.
The journey back home wasn’t just a physical return; it was a contemplative reflection on the
unpredictability of life, its surprises, and the importance of being open to the unexpected. That camping trip,
marked by unforeseen disruptions, ultimately became a transformative experience—nudging us to embrace
life's unpredictability with open arms.

Receptive Writing

Example - 1:

In January I spent three weeks volunteering as an English teacher in my town. I've been thinking about
becoming an English teacher for a while so it was a good opportunity to see what it's like. The students had
all just arrived to start a new life in the UK and they had a range of levels from beginner to intermediate.
They came from a variety of countries and had very different backgrounds and experiences.
For me, the most important thing was the relationship with the students. I was nervous at first and did not
feel confident about speaking in front of people. However, I found it easy to build good relationships with
the students as a class and as individuals and I soon relaxed with them. It was a challenge to encourage the
lower-level students to speak in English, but at least they understood a lot more at the end of the course.
At first, planning lessons took a really long time and I was not happy with the results. Classes seemed to be
too difficult for some students and too easy for others, who finished quickly and got bored. I found it was
better to teach without a course book, adapting materials I found online to suit their needs. I learned to take
extra activities for students who finished early and that was much better.
I still need to continue improving my lesson planning. I would like more ideas for teaching mixed-ability
groups and I want to plan the whole course better next time. That way students have a focus for each lesson
and a sense of progress and of what they've covered. I'm also going to put more confident students with
beginners when they work in pairs so conversation activities give everyone more chance to speak and
students can help each other.
Overall, it was a really positive experience and I learned a lot. I've decided that I would like to become an
English teacher in the future.

Example - 2:

Self-Reflection: “Before my internship I knew I wanted to attend grad school, but I always said I want to
work two years then figure it out. My coworkers pushed and poked my brain to really determine what I want
to do now. They made me realize how hard it is to start working and go back to grad school. I have now
figured out that I want to start my master’s degree the following fall. I have also decided that not only do I
want to get my Master’s in Environmental Engineering but I also want to get my Master’s in Business
Administration.” “I discovered that as I continued to learn about the area of reproductive rights, I was drawn
to the social work perspective because of my interest in a “hands-on” approach to aiding women accessing
these services. I also learned that I am much more interested in the practical application of this research,
such as social work practice, rather than performing the actual research. I feel that this experience has
furthered my knowledge in women’s reproductive health issues and will be beneficial for me when I apply
to intern at a local women’s health clinic in the fall.” “I have discovered many different aspects of myself
through my connecting experience. While working with Children’s Online Privacy Protection (COPPA) I
realized that I do have an interest in the laws that regulate the Internet. I enjoyed my assignment and would
like to see how the act develops and how it is enforced in the future… Through my connecting experience, I
have been able to refine my professional goal of becoming a lawyer. The experience has allowed me to
observe the public service career path and now I believe it is a path that I want to take… The experience
taught me that I can do both and I do not have to rule out one or the other. The experience also taught me
that I want to go into an area of law that allows me to prepare and present cases in court.”

Example - 3:

Understanding of Subject:

“The whole idea of conservation and sustainability is important to the field of environmentalism. At
Environment Texas their mission is to have clean air, clean water and open spaces… There were various
bills that Environment Texas was supporting such as an extension to the Clean Water Act that would apply
to intermittent water ways, support for a limit on mercury emissions, a push for more electric cars and better
building codes. All the campaigns had a common goal of bettering the environment through different means
such as more stringent codes and regulation or using more environmental resources.” “I learned that a social
justice view explores the conventions of how local policies reflect issues of morality rather than medical
facts about women’s health, and how these policies negatively affect women seeking these services. I
observed that these perspectives of human rights and social justice remain relevant within the realm of
women’s reproductive health as local policies reflect, or fail to reflect these ideals.” “Social Justice, Politics,
and Law are all relevant disciplinary perspectives to my connecting experience. By interning with the
Consumer Protection Division, I actively participated in social justice by aiding the CPD lawyers in
protecting Texas consumers and the business community. I quickly learned that consumer complaints
formed the basis of many investigations and legal actions that brought companies performing deceptive
business practices to justice. One of the activities I participated in included consumer complaint review and
analysis.”

Comparative Writing

Example - 1:

Brazil VS United States:

All countries are unique. Obviously, countries are different from one another in location, size, language,
government, climate, and lifestyle. Some countries, however, share some surprising similarities. In this case,
Brazil and the United States come to mind. Some may think that these two nations have very little in
common because they are in different hemispheres 1. On the contrary, the two countries share many
similarities.

One important similarity between Brazil and the United States is their massive size. Both Brazil and the
United States are extremely large countries. Brazil covers almost half of the South American continent. It
has a land mass of nearly 3.3 million square miles (8.5 million square kilometers) and is home to
cosmopolitan 2 centers such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Due to its size, few Brazilians can say that
they have traveled extensively within the country’s borders. Like Brazil, the United States takes up a
significant portion of its continent (North America). It extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean
and has a land mass of 3.1 million square miles (8 million square kilometers), not including Alaska, Hawaii,
and other territories. It is home to world-famous cities such as Los Angeles and New York. As a result of its
size, it is fair to say that many people in the United States have not visited much of their country.

Example - 2:
Cooking at Home vs. Restaurants.

Nowadays cafes and restaurants are everywhere and a lot of people like to eat there. But other people prefer
to stay at home and cook themselves and I am one of them. I am sure, cooking at home is much better than
eating out. Moreover, it is safer. If we eat in a restaurant or cafe, we do not know exactly how the meal has
been cooked. We cannot see the cooking process and what products the meal was made of. Additionally,
eating at home is cheaper. All we need is to buy ingredients for the dish. Moreover, cooking process is really
interesting and exciting. For example, we can mix various ingredients and cook whatever we want. On the
other hand some people claim that eating out is more suitable for busy people who do not have enough time
to cook at home. It makes sense, but usually cooking a meal does not take much time. There are many dishes
that can be made in half an hour. Furthermore, I think that if a person wants to eat healthy food, he or she
must be ready to spend some time on cooking at home. Health is much more important than career or
business. Despite other people’s opinion I am still convinced that eating in restaurants and cafes in not as
safe and cheap as it seems. Cooking at home does not need so much time to spend on, besides, it helps to
have fun and save money.

Example - 3:
Laptop VS Desktop Computer:

Both desktop and laptop computers have advantages and disadvantages. If you are trying to determine which
option will best suit your needs, take a look at the advantages and benefits each of them offers. Desktop
computers have more power and more features, easier, and less expensive, to upgrade and offer a better
overall value. Desktop computers have a more comfortable keyboard and a much easier to use mouse and
have larger monitors and less expensive, to repair. Desktop computers have a lower risk of theft, which
means less chance of losing your data and having to pay to replace your computer. Laptop computers are
highly portable and allow you to use your computer almost anywhere. If you are a student, a laptop
computer will be much easier to transport from home to school and back again and take up less room on a
desk or table and can be put away when not in use. Laptop computers have a single cord to contend with,
rather than the multiple cords associated with desktop computer use.While the list of advantages of a laptop
computer may seem sparse when compared to a desktop computer, the deciding factor is portability. Being
able to check email, chat online, write papers and play video games anytime, anywhere may be worth giving
up power and functionality. This is particularly true if you use your computer primarily for checking email
and completing schoolwork. If this is the case, you likely don’t need all of the functions and the increased
power of a desktop computer. On the other hand, if you are a film student or an avid gamer, you may want
to go with a desktop computer, unless you have the expendable income to purchase a high end
laptop.Essentially, the choice comes down to portability versus functionality and cost. While desktop
computers are less expensive, more powerful and more user-friendly, there is a lot to be said for being able
to do your homework in a coffee shop and writing term papers on the beach.
Persuasive/ Argumentative Writing
Example - 1:
Crocs Should Be Allowed in School:
Health starts from the feet up. Prioritize your health by allowing crocs in school. Fungi needs air to prevent
it from getting worse. Crocs are comfortable and when you're comfortable you can focus and learn better.
Heat comes out of your feet and head so if you're hot, crocs can help cool you down. We are athletes and
athletes get athlete's foot, which could impact our performance. One of the best ways to help athletes' feet is
fresh air. Words from a Harvard Healths article [themselves “But socks and shoes largely contribute to the
proliferation of athlete's foot once you have it”(Roberts). This proves that if we need to wear crocs to
prevent Athletes foot from getting worse then they should be allowed at school. Studies prove that kids learn
better when they are wearing more comfortable attire. A lot of people would agree with me when I say crocs
are comfortable and supportive. Wearably weird agrees with me by saying “Crocs are very comfortable
thanks to their lightweight, supportive design and the closed-cell resign design” (Lorna). Lorna is saying that
crocs are comfortable and supportive, so if you don’t believe me then believe her. So therefore crocs are
better for our foot health and our ability to learn. When you’re hot it can lead to serious problems. “Our feet
help to control the body’s temperature, so keeping them cool will stop you from overheating” (Griscti).
Crocs will help to cool you down to prevent overheating. If we aren’t allowed Crocs then we might overheat
or something even worse. Do you want that to happen? Hopefully no, so please let us wear crocs at school.

Example - 2:
Why the Government Should Spend Money on the Arts:
Throughout history the government has been one of the few organization subsidizing different artistry
activities and programs. Most of us might not able to decipher on why the government would add such
activity on their prior list. Let us first trail back on the old age. On an era were entertainment viabilities are
limited. This so-called “ARTS” started as part of a culture proven by the drawings carved in some certain
caves around the globe that portrayed on how our ancestors lived their viscous life hunting hefty animals
and surviving harsh environments. As human civilization progress it resulted a different approach on the
field of arts in which people learnt to make pots and jewelries these materials were embellished by artistic
designs such as wavy line or as well as some curves. And here it comes the advent of paintings, painting was
not even new to the eyes of public as the first sighting of this form of art was about 45,500 years ago in
which the Neanderthalis used charcoal to paint simple geometric shapes on the cave walls. Paintings were
now the new trend of entertainment. In 1800 the first ever style of painting was introduced to the world. It
was Delacroix who proposed Romanticism and 27 more styles were invented after. The government saw this
growing interest as window of opportunity. By exerting efforts and money to aid some sort of artistry
program, the government were able to unlock a new type of job that helped distinguished individuals who
could not finish their studies to gain money through selling their artworks. Afterwards because of Arts
injected into our economy, this has become a medium of expressing thoughts and point of view to some
people. Paintings were now used to advocate, pursue, and contradicts the government on their flawed
leadership. But however, the government did not take this as a large issue instead gave these people the
privilege to freely express themselves.

Example - 3:
Can Relationships Shape Your Future?
If I didn’t have my mom in my life I would not be grateful for the things people get me. I wouldn't be good
at making friends. My brother, S, taught me in sports. My mom was also a big help in my life. She helped
our family learn how to ignore mean things that are said about me and help people that are having a hard
time. Relationships can teach you in bad ways because my parents got divorced. It was very difficult for me
but I still got to see both of them throughout the years. My family also taught me skills that I will need in the
future like survival skills, and how to be able to memorize where I'm walking and back and where I am. She
works her hardest to teach me and my brothers. My life would be so much different if my mom wasn’t in my
life. I wouldn't want to be good at sports and I would be trying to be a farmer or something like that.My
mom made me make new friends when I was scared to make friends. I met my first friend when I was four. I
only got to see him for a year then I left for Missouri. Then I met people that were nice at a new school.
Some of them played basketball so that made me want to play.So if you have friends they can shape your
future a lot. They can help you with sports and help you make more friends. You won't be alone if you have
friends. If you have bad friends you could get in trouble.