Week 6 assignment

Assignment Instructions

One of the biggest mistakes we make when writing a narrative essay is that we tend to tell rather than show details. This means that we state things bluntly instead of painting a mental picture that can get the same information across in a better way. The reason its better to give readers a mental image instead of just telling them something (such as how a character feels) is because an image can convey much more information, while also engaging the reader in your story.

Lets look at an example of telling:

Sam was sad because he dropped his ice cream cone.

Now lets look at an example of showing this same information:

As the ice cream tumbled to the hot pavement, Sam burst into streaming tears.

The second version is the better of the two options because it gives the necessary information in a way that puts the reader into the scene as it unfolds. Conversely, the first option doesnt put the reader into the story, and isnt as engaging for the audience because of that fact.

Step One:

Take a look at the following eight lines of text that are all telling rather than showing.

Telling Sentences:

1. The dog was happy to go on a walk.
2. Sally loved running.
3. It was a big storm.
4. The hall was really crowded.
5. Michael was really good at his job.

Step Two:

In a Word document, write a new version of the sentence where the information is shown through description and action (as the above example did). Feel free to add details to make the new version come alive.

Step Three:

Submit your Word document by clicking Submit Assignment. Your document should:

• Be 12 pt in size.
• Be in Times New Roman font
• Have 1-inch margins
• Be double spaced
• Be saved and submitted as a Word document (either .doc or .docx)

MS Word is the only acceptable document for credit. PDF and all other formats submitted will not be graded and will result in a 0 grade.

Optional: Get ahead! Receive specialized writing feedback by submitting your paper for review.

Rubric

ENG120 Week 6 Assignment: Adding Details

ENG120 Week 6 Assignment: Adding Details

CriteriaRatingsPtsThis criterion is linked to a learning outcome

Details

15 Pts

Meets Expectations

The submission includes revisions to each of the original 5 sentences. Each revision remains one sentence in length, maintains the original meaning, and incorporates at least one specific descriptive adjective or adverb that adds concrete information not present in the original sentence, resulting in a clearer or more detailed description.

8 Pts

Approaching Expectations

The submission includes revisions to each of the original 5 sentences. One revision combines ideas into more than one sentence or alters the original meaning. Only four sentences include a specific adjective or adverb that adds concrete information not present in the original sentence, resulting in limited improvement in clarity or descriptive detail.

0 Pts

Does Not meet Expectations

The submission includes revisions to fewer than the original 5 sentences. Two or more revisions combine ideas into more than one sentence or alter the original meaning and/or a specific descriptive adjective or adverb are missing or insufficient resulting in minimal or no improvement in clarity or descriptive detail.

0 Pts

No Submission

No Submission

15 pts

This criterion is linked to a learning outcome

Mechanics

7 Pts

Meets Expectations

The submission includes consistent grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, spelling, and word usage. Errors, if present, are minor and do not interfere with clarity or meaning.

4 Pts

Approaching Expectations

The submission includes a developing understanding of grammar and mechanics. Noticeable errors in sentence structure, punctuation, or word usage affect clarity or meaning.

0 Pts

Does Not meet Expectations

The submission includes frequent or significant errors in grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, or word usage that interfere with meaning.

0 Pts

No submission

No submission

7 pts

This criterion is linked to a learning outcome

APA

3 Pts

Meets Expectations

The submission includes standard APA formatting, using Times New Roman 12-point font, double-spacing, and 1-inch margins.

2 Pts

Approaching Expectations

The submission includes mostly accurate APA formatting with minor errors in Time New Roman 12-point font, double-spacing, or 1-inch margins.

0 Pts

Does Not meet Expectations

The submission includes formatting that demonstrates limited understanding of APA guidelines. Required elements such as Time New Roman 12-point font, double-spacing, or 1-inch margins are missing, incorrect, or inconsistently applied.

0 Pts

No submission

No submission

3 pts