DESCRIPTION: THE EVERYDAY ART (OF PERCEIVING WITH THE SENSES)

Please note: This exercise helps even with "non-material" topics, i.e. learning to look closely and report details of any focus is also a crucial skill in formal, writing about an "idea."

ASSIGNMENT: This is a two-part exercise that should total c.500-750wds. Please use MLA format and sub-headings to clarify your response.


PART  A.  Carefully name/identify and describe a "lift-able" object (not a person or animal) in the following 2 ways (again: IDENTIFY each part WITH A CLEAR SUBHEADING): Please don't frame this as a guessing game.

A1. TECHNICALLY: Give its simple physical dimensions, weight, shape, textures, color...mostly visual and touch here, but also maybe, the smell, the sounds it can make, even a flavor?

A2. SUBJECTIVELY: Your personal associations with this object, memories, speculations, connections, etc.. What it is like or a comparison, metaphor that seems right to you.


PART  B.

Describe a scene as though it were a still photograph caught in time (or use a photo). Allow the observable details you report to imply—but NOT fully tell—a story. Say very little or nothing of what led up to this scene/moment and what happened (or may happen) later. The object described above might be a part of the scene. If you use a photograph, it may be  one you know, or just one from the web or print source. Just report what you see and imagine in the present tense. Allow the reader to see, touch, taste, smell, hear and "feel," as you do (even in your imagination). Offer the five-sense experience of what you experience, both literally and figuratively ( i.e. by comparison, metaphor, etc.). Use speculation, reflection and associations. This should be a mix of technical and subjective elements, but from an expanded, personal point of view/perception. Literal description is also an important skill, as in reporting just what you see: e.g.  the sun is an orange half circle on the horizon...

  • Use one sense to depict another, e.g. "sharp, sour color" or "flavor was green and smooth...."
  • AVOID ANY GENERAL MODIFIERS, BEAUTIFUL, MAJESTIC, SWEET, SAD, etc. without including the particular sensory details that prove beauty, sweetness, etc.!
  • Try to AVOID "I SEE," "I HEAR," "I SMELL," ETC. Just report the sensation itself. "The shrill, whistle carried across the valley..." instead of "I hear" the shrill.... However “I” is OK.
  • Use active, vibrant--but believable--verbs that help communicate senses, (and less familiar ones than these....)"whistle carried" "the chocolate coated my mouth..."
  • Use precise words and exact detail as you perceive it. Be careful of the denotative and connotative meanings of the words you use...make sure they all fit the context in some way.

TRY TO BE AWARE OF THE WAY TIME PASSES WHEN YOU REALLY FOCUS ON WHAT YOUR 5 SENSES AND YOUR MIND'S EYE SEE!

Copyright: Jane Thielsen - 2012-all rights reserved