Writing Exercise - Descriptive Adjectives

Look at this picture of a sailor with a cigarette.  Look at the details of the man's face, the details of his hands, his fingers.  Take note of his facial hair, the creases of his skin and folds of his clothes.  What is he doing? How do you know?  What suggests he is a sailor?  What else do you notice?

First, in the comments box below, write a paragraph describing the man in this picture.  Write like you are telling a blind person about this photo; no detail is too small.  You must paint the whole picture for them. Write at least 5 sentences, using at least 10 different adjectives to describe him/it.  For example "The picture is of a rugged old man as he is lighting his cigarette.  You see his hands cupped in front of his face, smoke billowing away from the thin cigarette in his mouth."  Publish the comment under the name Physical Description.

Second, write a comment describing the personal character of this man (invent it) or of a person whom you know fairly well.  Don't use any names, only personality traits and emotional characteristics.  Say instead "this man..." or "this person is..." and use adjectives like charming, careful, or forgiving.
"This sailor is an honorable man.  He has always been trustworthy, honest, and loyal in our many adventures across the world.  His disarming voice makes even suspicious strangers immediately fond of him.  He is a gifted storyteller and..."
Publish this comment under the name Personal Description.


Click HERE for a list of helpful adjectives.
Or use a Thesaurus to find similar words.
The rules for the use of Commas, HERE.

Writing Exercise #1 - Introductions

I am a young man interested in continuously learning and growing as a person.  This is why I decided to serve the community through my commitment to AmeriCorps.  Through my service I hope to acquire new skills and experiences that will enrich my life in meaningful and lasting ways.  Already, in my time as a teacher at Neighborhood House I have helped people to learn useful skills and in turn have learned about them and myself.  The differences and shared aspects of our lives have shed light on who we are as a community and who we are as human beings.  I know the experience will influence the decisions I make and the course of my life for years to come as I help to build a supportive global community where we all can thrive.



Please post a comment with an anonymous paragraph about yourself, your goals that have brought you to this class and what you hope to gain from this experience.  Use the following questions to help you develop the paragraph.

1)  What is something in your life you are passionate about, how would you describe yourself in one sentence? (parenthood, equality, learning, meeting people, etc)

2)  How does this thing you are passionate about affect your life? What do you do because you are this way? (volunteering, going to school, working two jobs)

3)  Why are you here in this class?  Why are you studying to get your GED?

4)  What have you learned or gained from your hard work already? (confidence, friends, passed tests)

5)  What do you expect to gain through achieving your GED?  How will it benefit your life?