Description / 93of importance in the Glossary.] Or, for a description of a setting or scene, use spatial
order. [See spatial order in the Glossary.]
The preceding example can be organized by an order of importance, describing first
the most obvious characteristics of the topographical map (the snake-like contour
lines) followed by the less obvious characteristics (degree of incline or decline).
Select the method that seems most logical for your subject and number the details
in that order.
STEP 6: Prewriting—Developing the Topic or Thesis
Sentence
Finally, you are ready to write a topic or thesis sentence. [See topic sentence and the-
sis sentence in the Glossary for quick reference, and see Writing a Paragraph and Writ-
ing a Multi-Paragraph Paper in Chapter 2, Writing, for complete details and examples.]
Use the statement of purpose developed in Step 3 to develop your topic or thesis
sentence. If you are writing a paragraph, your topic sentence should include these
specifics:
- stated subject to be described
- attitude toward subject
Examine the following topic sentence and then develop one for your own descriptive
paper.
The topographical map may look like a child’s inept efforts to follow the lines,
but a closer look shows three purposes for the squiggly dividing marks.STEP 7: Writing—Following the Plan
To prepare your first draft, begin with the topic or thesis sentence and develop sup-
porting details in the order you selected in Step 4. As you write, try to include tech-
niques that will enhance your description:
- Use colorful language, specific nouns and vigorous verbs, especially those that
create images of the senses. - Where appropriate, make a conscious effort to include figures of speech,
allowing subtle comparisons to spark the reader’s imagination. - Include adequate supporting details to clarify the subject being described. [See
specific detail in the Glossary.] - Conclude with a clincher that adds a final bit of descriptive imagery.