Friday, October 10, 2008

The one time I saw a smile from Thanasis Triperinas, Yeero Yeero

The discussion on the art of the essay today was based on writing by Nathan Logsdon, Corry Wiggins and Matt Cravens.

Your teacher noted the following . . .
- the need for more description, especially description of ambience.
- the need for balance by finding something to observe other than praise. Remember, your lives are filled with ad copy. It's the best-paid and most clever writing you consume. It teaches you how to sell something. Persuasion is your default game.
- credibility lies in providing a balanced viewpoint.
- opinion words such as "spectacular" are pretty cheap. Descriptive words such "articulate," "adequate volume," "tender," "bland," and "grim-faced" consume more time and thought in the writing process.
But they offer a much more complete picture to the reader.
- ingredients, whether they are cucumbers or a pool of water on stage, need to be discovered and included.

Be aware that I have written a post offering you a goodly sample of evaluative and descriptive words. Use these words and terms like them.

Trying to prepare you for college and professional life is something for which I'm well qualified. The school board would bill my time at about $150 an hour. Yet some of you are writing $5 essays. Don't dash off a 15-minute story when you stand to gain more by a lengthier, determined effort.

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