On November 27, 1922, when archeologist Howard Carter unsealed the door to the ancient Egyptian tomb of King Tut, he stared in amazement at the fantastic objects heaped all around him.
What will be described in this paragraph? (topic)
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The writer can also give a general impression of this scene. what overall impression of the tomb does the writer provide? In other words, what is he saying about the topic/subject of the paragraph? (central idea)
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Here is the entire paragraph:
On November 27, 1922, when archeologist Howard Carter unsealed the door to the ancient Egyptian tomb of King Tut, he stared in amazement at the fantastic objects heaped all around him. On his left lay the wrecks of at least four golden chariots. Against the wall on his right sat a gorgeous chest brightly painted with hunting and battle scenes. Across from him was a gilded throne with cat-shaped legs, arms like winged serpents, and a back showing King Tut and his queen. Behind the throne rose a tall couch decorated with animal faces that were half hippopotamus and half crocodile. The couch was loaded with more treasures. To the right of the couch, two life-sized statues faced each other like guards. They wore black, wore gold skirts and sandals, and had cobras carved on their foreheads. Between them was a second sealed doorway. Carter's heart beat loudly. Would the mummy of King Tut lie beyond it?
What are three specific details that support the central idea?
What words indicate richness and unusual decoration? They help the reader visualize the scene.
On November 27, 1922, when archeologist Howard Carter unsealed the door to the ancient Egyptian tomb of King Tut, he stared in amazement at the fantastic objects heaped all around him. On his left lay the wrecks of at least four golden chariots. Against the wall on his right sat a gorgeous chest brightly painted with hunting and battle scenes. Across from him was a gilded throne with cat-shaped legs, arms like winged serpents, and a back showing King Tut and his queen. Behind the throne rose a tall couch decorated with animal faces that were half hippopotamus and half crocodile. The couch was loaded with more treasures. To the right of the couch, two life-sized statues faced each other like guards. They wore black, wore gold skirts and sandals, and had cobras carved on their foreheads. Between them was a second sealed doorway. Carter's heart beat loudly. Would the mummy of King Tut lie beyond it?
What type of order has the author chosen for this paragraph?
Why might he or she have chosen that order? What effect does it have?
The writer probably brainstormed and freewrote to gather ideas and then made an outline or plan.
On November 27, 1922, when archeologist Howard Carter unsealed the door to the ancient Egyptian tomb of King Tut, he stared in amazement at the fantastic objects heaped all around him.
- To the left:
- To the right:
- Across the room:
- Behind the throne:
- To the right of the couch:
- Between the two statues:
- Conclusion:
Transitional Words and Phrases Indicating Place for Description:
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above, below front, back, middle
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Checklist for Writing a Descriptive Paragraph:
1. Narrow the topic in light of your audience and purpose.
2. Compose a topic sentence that clearly points to what you will describe or gives an overall impression of the person, scene, or object.
3. Freewrite or brainstorm to find as many specific details as you can to capture your subject with words.
2. Compose a topic sentence that clearly points to what you will describe or gives an overall impression of the person, scene, or object.
3. Freewrite or brainstorm to find as many specific details as you can to capture your subject with words.
4. Select the best details. Drop irrelevant ones.
5. Make a plan or an outline for the paragraph, numbering the details in the order in which you will present them.
6. Write a draft of your descriptive paragraph, using transitional word or phrases wherever they might be helpful.
7. Revise as necessary, checking for support, unity, logic, and coherence.
8. Proofread for errors in grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, spelling, and mechanics. Fix them! 😃
5. Make a plan or an outline for the paragraph, numbering the details in the order in which you will present them.
6. Write a draft of your descriptive paragraph, using transitional word or phrases wherever they might be helpful.
7. Revise as necessary, checking for support, unity, logic, and coherence.
8. Proofread for errors in grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, spelling, and mechanics. Fix them! 😃
Don't tell a story! Paint a picture.
👉 Before you come next time, think of a scene (real or based on reality) you would like to describe.
On November 27, 1922, when archeologist Howard Carter unsealed the door to the ancient Egyptian tomb of King Tut, he stared in amazement at the fantastic objects heaped all around him. On his left lay the wrecks of at least four golden chariots. Against the wall on his right sat a gorgeous chest brightly painted with hunting and battle scenes. Across from him was a gilded throne with cat-shaped legs, arms like winged serpents, and a back showing King Tut and his queen. Behind the throne rose a tall couch decorated with animal faces that were half hippopotamus and half crocodile. The couch was loaded with more treasures. To the right of the couch, two life-sized statues faced each other like guards. They wore black, wore gold skirts and sandals, and had cobras carved on their foreheads. Between them was a second sealed doorway. Carter's heart beat loudly. Would the mummy of King Tut lie beyond it?
