Saturation Reporting
1. A “saturation” report describes some place, group, or individual you know well or that you can get to know well first hand. It requires keen observation skills and careful note-taking.
2. It uses fictional techniques to write a non-fictional article. You will set the SCENE, use CHARACTERIZATION, and include DIALOGUE. Your “VOICE” will need to be SUBTLE rather than overt.
3. It must be filled with factual information. Your reader will want plenty of details to remain interested in your observations and experiences.
4. Your POINT OF VIEW can be quite flexible. For example, you can:
be an active participant in the action, interrupting your report to comment on your impressions
OR
remove yourself and share your impressions though implication
OR
move in and then move out, reflecting both direct and implied commentary
5. Much of what you “say” in your article will be implied through your use of fictional techniques - through your manipulation of how you describe the details of the scene, character(s), dialogue, etc.
6. Your TONE will be determined by what you choose to include. Your focus and choice of words will color your observation, revealing your attitude toward your experience.
SATURATION / OBSERVATION Sample Paragraphs – WHAT’S REALLY GOING ON?!?
A. The SLANT - Ms. Fadave’s class is brilliant!
As I entered Room 204, my class buzzed in anticipation of today’s lesson. Some students were enthusiastically sharing homework assignments in an effort to display their brilliance, while others noted their neighbors’ answers, striving to learn everything possible about the topic. No one-dimensional, pat answers for them! This class exudes curiosity. No matter that I cry “Enough!” The discussion continues until each student un-turns every possible intellectual stone within the four walls of the room.
B. The SLANT - Ms. Fadave’s class is wild!
As I approached Room 204, the low roar of students’ voices seem to chant “PARTY!” Papers were being tossed in a frenzy from student to student as they feigned surprise with their cries of “WHAT HOMEWORK?” These declarations trailed off with a slight whine, followed by an embarrassed chuckle, as the search for a neighbor’s work continued. Finally, the last paper airplane sailed through the air, as my party animals scrbbled each others’ answers on crumpled scraps of paper. Sitting back with satisfied smirks, their faces seemed to say, “Yep! Got my homework done just in time.”