Descriptive Writing Learning Stations
DIRECTIONS: Answer the following questions. All answers should be in the form of complete sentences unless you are asked to list. In addition to completing the packet, you will write a descriptive paragraph of 8-11 sentences each for FIVE of the items included in the stations. I will give paragraph writing requirements once we complete stations. The completed packet is due on: ____________.
STATION 1.
Take turns carefully opening the bag and smelling the contents. Do not remove the towel from the bag. Answer the following questions based on your impression of the scent.
Describe your first impression of this item.
What sense does it appeal to most?
Describe and explain two other smells that remind you of this one.
A simile is a comparison using like or as. For example, she is as slow as a turtle. Write two similes based upon this smell.
Now write an appropriate topic sentence relating your initial impression of the item. Be sure to give some of the details included in this section to help demonstrate your impression.
STATION 2.
Take turns touching the item in this station. Rub your hand across the surface of it.
List 10 synonyms that could be used to describe the way the item feels. Circle the four best words.
Besides its typical use, give three original uses (uses you thought of on your own) for this item. Why would they be effective uses?
A metaphor is a comparison that does not use like or as. An example is as follows: His mustache was a bird perched on his upper lip. Write two metaphors for this item. They can be creative and original, but they should not be ridiculous or absurd.
Station 3
Take turns viewing the picture at this station.
Briefly describe the scene in this picture. Use 2-3 complete sentences.
How many different types of flowers are there? How many different colors?
Are there people in this picture? Where do you think the people are?
Focus your eyes on the foreground (the front) of the picture and scan the entire view from front to back. Then describe the picture using spatial order. Spatial order details are arranged according to their location. Use words such as: north, south, beyond, around, in the distance, close by, farther, across, etc. Write a paragraph (5-7 sent.) that takes the reader from the front to the back. DO NOT JUMP AROUND.
Station 4.
Take the item you are given and pop it in your mouth, and before gobbling it down, answer the following while it’s still on your tongue.
Think back to a memory involving a similar taste. What was the event? Explain how you felt at the time? Is your overall impression of the taste positive or negative?
If you like this taste, compare it to a similar taste you like as well.
If you do not like this taste, contrast it to a taste you enjoy.
Why would comparison/contrast be an effective way to describe a taste? Be specific.
Station 5.
Take turns carefully opening the bag and smelling the contents. Do not remove the contents.
What is this smell? Have you smelled it before?
Many people say that our sense of smell holds memory for the longest amount of time. Do you agree with this? Why or why not?
Does this smell bring back any memories for you? Does it remind you of a particular person?
Describe an environment in which this smell would be present. Give many details about your scene in a 5-7 sentence paragraph.
Station 6
Keeping the volume low, play the musical selection.
Do you like the music? Why or why not (you must have a mature explanation with thoughtful reasons.)?
List five interjections (words that express strong emotion like “bam,” “wow”) that sound like the musical sounds at the beginning of the selection.
Of what do the sounds in this song remind you? Explain why?
ONCE YOU HAVE ROTATED THROUGH ALL SIX STATIONS COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
Make sure you answered each and every question from each station with complete sentence answers. If you did not finish a section, finish it now.
Using your own sheet of paper with the MLA Heading: Station 7, use all FIVE senses to describe your bedroom by answering each of the following questions in complete sentences.
1. What do you see in your room (you should use spatial order)?
2. What do you touch in your room?
3. What do you smell in your room?
4. What do you hear in your room?
5. List seven vivid adjectives to describe your room.