This essay goes beyond the description of a person, place, thing, or mood as you seek the essence
of a particular item or event. When the reader finishes the paper, he or she should feel as if the
person, place, thing, or mood has taken on a new meaning.
For example, if you describe a person in your paper, the reader should be able to picture that person
clearly in their mind, and KNOW them as if they have truly met and spent time with the person
themselves. If you describe a place, the reader should feel as if they have BEEN there when they
are done. The title of this essay says it all. You MUST saturate it with sensory details.
Under no circumstances should you leave out ANY of five senses. This paper will be graded on how
rich and deep your descriptions are, so pick something you know WELL. I advise NOT choosing a
person, but something you love to DO or a place you have been so many times you don’t need to be
there again to describe it. You can use “I” in this paper, and sometimes it is even appropriate to use
“you” but this is about the ONLY time that is okay.
2 ½ pages minimum
Standard paper format
All 5 senses must be used
Must be focused on ONE person, place, or thing
While a formal intro with thesis and formal conclusion aren’t appropriate for this type of
paper, you still must lead me in and lead me out in a creative way
People have had the most success with writing about events and places. But you may choose
whatever you wish!
