General vs. Specific Details
Which would you prefer, general writing or the specific one? What's the difference anyway? Making a choice between writing in general or specific terms is not as straightforward as making a distinction between abstract and concrete themes. You don't either write "in details" or "in general terms." Instead, those two terms refer to either ends of a wide range, with plenty of room in between.
When writers chose to use general details instead of being specific, they do so with a purpose. The information that is contained in general details is not as important as other elements of the narrative.
In general, the more detailed a work, the better it will be because it paints a clear picture in the reader’s mind.
• Specific details create a stronger, fuller image in your readers' minds. Imagine a writer describing a "car" - you can conjure up any of a thousand images, right?
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Now, imagine a "white 2009 Toyota Corolla." The latter is just considerably easier to make a concrete picture of.
Specific details make it easier to hook the reader emotionally. How do you feel about a "cellphone"? How about an "iPhone 3GS with a boatload of entertainment apps"? The first one is just a benign object; the latter, on the other hand, you are likely to love or hate.
• Specific details make what you are communicating clearer. The more particulars you include, the clearer your message becomes.
• Specific details are livelier and more colorful. General topics are incredibly boring compared to more specific things. The right amount of details make words on a page sound bouncier and full of life.