Carleton’s Observation/Description ESSAY TWO: 6-8 pages Observation & Description (light research) See AB 9 & “The Garden of Merging Paths” for guidance For Essay Two (E2) you will use the writing and revision process to create a more sophisticated, lightly researched essay that includes specifically detailed, vivid descriptions derived from multiple personal observation visits. The key here is to get out of the UR “bubble” and explore. Your biggest challenge for this essay will be to formulate a narrowly focused thesis that “hooks” reader interest and reveals new information or a new perspective. Be patient and allow your thesis to take form in your mind as you observe, research and write and be willing to allow your thesis to evolve as you process all the information you gain. Even with all the marvels of modern technology, some of the most sensitive and useful “machinery” are still our own active five senses: seeing, hearing, smelling, touching and tasting. For this essay, choose a natural feature of the Richmond area (off campus) and spend some time observing it at varying times and in varying weather recording your observations specifically. Choosing the whole James River might be a bit broad, but you could focus on a specific location and its history or inhabitants. While there are many interesting buildings and historic sites in Richmond, please choose only those that have become part of the natural environment (i.e. abandoned and overgrown) or are mostly natural in setting. There are several interesting parks in Richmond that would offer multiple opportunities. You could choose a location, describe it in detail and then move to research specific items at the location: history, trees, rock formations, animals, insects, plants etc. To enhance the power of your observations you will also do a bit of brief research (and perhaps even an interview if possible) about the subject of your observations. The best writers research their subjects from a variety of perspectives (i.e. history, biology, economics, geology, chemistry etc.) and work to smoothly connect these findings with your own observations to reveal significant and engaging insights. Your essay should be well cited, but not overcrowded. Use MLA format for citations and Works Cited page (not counted in page length). Essay Two should not only inform readers about the subject of your observation and description but it should also reveal some of the thinking you did during the whole process. Possible subjects general & specific: Parks Forest Hill Park, Byrd Park, Bryan Park, Chimborazo Park, Maymont, Belle Isle, William’s Island, Mayo Island, Brown’s Island Water Springs, Wayside Spring; Creeks, Reedy Creek; Canals, Lakes Cemeteries Hollywood Cemetery, Calvary Cemetery Cliffs/Quarries Netherwood Trails “Buttermilk Trail”, Canal Walk, Belle Isle Flora Trees, Plants & Herbs, Vines, Mosses, Fungi, Grasses, Fruits, Wildflowers, Shrubs Fauna Birds, Herons, Hawks, Owls, Bald Eagles; Lizards, Snakes, Turtles, Deer, Beaver, Fox, Muskrat, Raccoon, Opossum, Squirrels, Rabbits Fish Bass, Sturgeon, Catfish, Gar, Carp, Eel, Sunfish, Darter, Clams Links: (not active for Comp Cafe--please copy/paste) http://www.ci.richmond.va.us/parks/james.aspx http://www.ci.richmond.va.us/department/parks_rec/nature_preserve_parks.asp http://www.jamesriverpark.org/ http://www.ci.richmond.va.us/department/parks_rec/hikings.asp http://www.ci.richmond.va.us/department/parks_rec/cemeteries.asp 103 home | course goals | faculty policies | sample assignments | texts reviews | teacher's quick links