ENG110 – College Writing
Unit 1 Assignment: Descriptive Paragraph
Due Date: 11:59 p.m. EST, Sunday, of Unit 1
Points: 100
Overview:
In this unit, you learned about the elements of narrative and descriptive essays. Now,
you will write one paragraph that makes use of strong descriptive phrasing of a person
or place. The locations and characters in a movie or setting often are compelling
because they resonate with the viewer. In your paragraph, you will show how one
character or location is significant to you.
Instructions:
•
Write one paragraph about your favorite character or location from a movie or
television series. (Please be aware that if you share information that is
distressing, then your instructor is mandated to share that information with our
counseling center.)
•
Consider the following questions when writing this paragraph:
o What about this character or location makes it so significant?
o How would you describe that character or location to someone who has
not seen the movie? Consider appearance, personality, and sensory
imagery when building this description.
Narrative and descriptive writing is a combination of description and reflection. You want
to include specific details to show the reader what you are writing about and then reflect
on your subject. Remember to use the five sentences to allow the subject to come alive
for the reader.
Requirements:
•
Please submit a Microsoft Word document or PDF.
•
The assignment should be a minimum of seven (7) sentences in length and
should include the following:
o An APA-style title page (see Unit 1’s Readings and Resources for a
sample)
Copyright 2022 Post University, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
o Seven (7) sentences for the paragraph.
o Double-space the assignment and use 1-inch margins.
o
You should use an APA-recommended font; 12 Times New Roman font is
suggested (see Unit 1 documents under the Title page for a list of other
acceptable fonts).
•
Your writing should be free of punctuation, spelling, and grammar errors and
should contain appropriate word choices for an academic setting with a clear
sentence structure.
•
Utilize the senses (sight, sound, taste, touch, smell) to help you tell the story.
•
Include reflection about your subject in your writing.
Be sure to read the criteria by which your work will be evaluated before you write
and again after you write.
Copyright 2022 Post University, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Evaluation Rubric for the Descriptive Essay Assignment
CRITERIA
Description
and Details
Reflection
Organization
and Structure
Paragraph
Length
APA Format
Novice
Emerging
Competent
Exemplary
(15–19 Points)
(20–22 Points)
(23–25 Points)
Content does not
include any
description or
details that utilize
the senses.
Content includes
very little
description or
details that utilize
the senses.
Content includes
some description
or details that
utilize the senses.
Content includes
descriptions or
details that effectively
utilize the senses.
There is no clear
reflection on the
subject in the
assignment.
There is little clear
reflection on the
subject in the
assignment.
There is some
clear reflection on
the subject in the
assignment.
There is clear
reflection on the
subject in the
assignment.
(0–11 Points)
(12–15 Points)
(16–17 Points)
Many details are
not in a logical or
expected order.
Paragraph
structure is not
properly used in
the assignment.
Writing has little
discernible
organization, and
some details are
not in a logical or
expected order.
Paragraph
structure is
somewhat properly
used in the
assignment.
(0–14 Points)
(0–5 Points)
Writing is
organized, and
details are placed
in a logical order.
Paragraph
structure is
typically properly
used in the
assignment.
(18–20 Points)
Writing is effective,
purposeful, and well
organized.
Paragraph structure
is effectively properly
used in the
assignment.
(6–7 Points)
(8 Points)
(9–10 Points)
Paragraph is only
one sentence.
Paragraph is
between 2 and
4 sentences.
Paragraph is
between 5 and
6 sentences.
Paragraph is at least
7 sentences in
length.
APA format is not
followed.
APA format is
sometimes
followed.
APA format is
mostly followed.
APA format is
followed.
Copyright 2022 Post University, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
CRITERIA
Grammar and
Mechanics
Novice
Writing is hard to
understand
because of errors
in grammar,
spelling, and
punctuation.
Word choice is
inappropriate for
an academic
setting. Sentence
structure is often
unclear.
Emerging
Competent
Exemplary
Writing is
sometimes difficult
to understand
because of several
errors in grammar,
punctuation, and
spelling. Word
choice is
sometimes
inappropriate for
an academic
setting. Sentence
structure is
sometimes
unclear.
Writing is easy to
understand despite
minor errors in
punctuation,
spelling, and
grammar.
Appropriate word
choice is used for
an academic
setting.
Sentence structure
is mostly clear.
Writing is free of
almost all
punctuation, spelling,
and grammar errors.
Appropriate word
choice is used for an
academic setting.
Sentence structure is
clear.
Copyright 2022 Post University, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED