3. Descriptive writing paints a picture with words and the primary purpose is to describe people, places, situations, processes, things or even feelings in such a way that a picture is formed in the reader's mind. Capturing an event through descriptive writing involves paying close attention to the details by using all of your five senses.
- Descriptive writing relies on detail and requires suitable vocabulary, descriptive powers and creativity.
- Introduce the subject to the reader with an effective opening statement. This often indicates your impression of the subject you are describing.
- The body contains paragraphs describing varied aspects of the subject.
- The acronym SIDES works especially well here - strong verbs, imagery, detail, experience and suggestion.
- The present tense is often used to create a feeling of immediacy.
- Adjectives, adverbs and figures of speech should be used appropriately.
- Avoid using the same beginnings of sentences as this causes monotony.
4. Persuasive Writing
**You have a belief, a point of view or an opinion and it is your objective to influence or persuade your audience or readers to agree with you. Take a stand and support your opinion.
- You may be given a topic such as 'Pocket money teaches independence.'
- Effective planning, e.g. with a Mind Mao, will ensure that you structure your argument logically.
- The introduction is vital because it captures the attention of your reader, clearly states your opinion and conveys your thesis statement.
The thesis statement is made up of one or two sentences. It highlights the main idea that will run through your work and outlines the manner in which you will formulate your argument.
A strong opening would be a question, a proposal or a 'shocking statement' e.g. ***'Money grows on trees!'
- In the *body it is essential that you support your viewpoint with examples and/or facts.
Related facts should be grouped in paragraphs of their own.
Connecting words back up your argument and make it more convincing e.g. Furthermore, of equal importance, in addition, it is clear that and consequently.
Rhetorical questions and repetition may be used for emphasis.
- Your conclusion should be short, strong and memorable. It should tie up and summarise what you have said. e.g. 'Careful handling of pocket money today ensures clever budgeting for tomorrow,'
To follow 5. Discursive or Expository Writing
Source: EBH Joubert English Grammar
http://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/descriptive_writing
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