What does selection of detail mean

To make a subject less static, writers often choose to relate observations about changes in the subject's form or condition. Such details give people, places, and things a sense of history. Good writers will look for evidence of these changes in their subjects. From a speck of rust on the frame of a car to a potato in the pantry which has grown roots, the observation of changes is an effective way to breathe life into subject matter.

The phrase "point of view" refers to position from which an object, person, or event is observed. Before beginning to write, an author must decide upon which point of view would best complement the subject matter. Choosing to approach a subject from the most interesting or informative point of view is essential to effective observational writing. Perhaps a story might be better told from the point of view of the grandfather as opposed to the daughter?

Or perhaps a critical essay would benefit from scientific, rather than conversational, point of view? Point of view holds the power to determine the audience's response to writing.

Effective observational writing employs many different techniques, yet must always do so with purpose. It is not useful to describe everything about a subject. If this occurs, a reader will become bogged down with inconsequential information. Rather, a writer should be careful to focus his or her attentions upon a clear dominant idea. Ultimately, successful writers are able to focus primarily upon details and images which enhance or expand upon the reader's understanding the dominant idea.

Knowing what to exclude from a piece of writing is as important as knowing what to include. Showing vs. The distinction between these two types of writing can be defined in very basic terms.

Writing which "tells" is plain and straightforward, yet often has difficulty involving the reader. An example of a "telling" sentence would be, "Kathy was sad. For example, how do we know that Kathy is sad? How is she behaving? What does she look like? Writing which "shows" generally incorporates vivid descriptive detail in order to help the reader evaluate evidence in order to make the appropriate judgments.

Comment: This sentence tells the reader exactly what judgment need to be made about Mrs. However, because this analysis of Mrs.

We know that this woman loves to garden, but "love" is an ambiguous word. For example, how much does she love to garden? How does she express this love? There is no room for interpretive analysis, because none of the pieces of the puzzle have been provided.

Comment: The "showing" version of Mrs. Jones' story does a more effective job of involving the reader. Although the word "love" is never mentioned in relationship to her garden, the reader can clearly infer Mrs. Jones' feelings through the descriptive depiction of her actions. Readers have not merely been "told" that Mrs. Jones loves her garden. Instead, readers are able to see and feel this love for themselves.

Comment: In this sentence, the author makes a clear statement of opinion. However, an unsupported opinion does not have the power to affect or influence a reader. Instead of merely claiming that Dennis Rodman is a poor role model, the author must describe the situation in order to fully explain why he has come to that conclusion.

The reader must be given all of the necessary evidence to "show" that Rodman is poor role model. Otherwise, the argument is neither moving, nor convincing. Comment: In this "showing" example, the author has reserved judgment for the audience.

With the evidence provided, it is likely that a reader would come to the conclusion that Dennis Rodman is a poor role model.

However, because this is a conclusion that the reader has come to of his or her free will, the argument is far more effective. A simile is a comparison of two seemingly dissimilar objects. Its purpose is to make a unique connection between things which appear essentially unlike, usually through using the words "like" or "as. The following paragraph, written by a student writer, makes fairly effective use of sensory detail.

Good options here include articulating a plan to continue work in a particular research area, a desire to earn a PhD or teach at the university level, or future plans to work as an independent or corporate consultant. Learning all you can about the target program or scholarship, which usually begins with a visit to the school or award website, will give you concrete closing material for your essay. Such material, of course, could be integrated to give natural closure to your personal essay, thus affiliating you with the program of choice.

Your goal is to create a personal and professional link between yourself and the graduate school. Go beyond simply inserting the school name into the final paragraph; prove that you have done your homework. Finally, as a practical matter, many students visit their target programs on their own, sometimes even before they apply. Not only does this give them the opportunity to get a feel for the area and meet other grad students or faculty, it also helps them generate relevant material to include in their personal statement.

Skip to main content. From what we already know to what we want to know. Term Effect. Definition is the result of an action or event, usually considers withe cause as a method of development. Effect can also describe the impression a sentence or whole work makes on the reader. Term Anaphora. Definition is the repetition of a word or expression at the beginning of a successful sentence. Term Anecdote.

Definition is a brief narrative or retelling of a story or event. It may be used as an essay opener or closer, for example, or just for entertainment. Term Epistrophe.

Definition is the repetition of a word or expression as the end of a sentence. Term Essay. Definition is a short nonfiction composition in one central theme or subject in which the writer may offer personal views.

Term Evidence. Definition is the factual basis for an arguement or an explanation. Term Grammar. Definition is a set of rules that specify how a given language is used correctly. Term Inductive Reasoning. Definition is the process of reasoning to a conclusion about a whole class by examing some of its members.

Term Introduction. Definition is the opening of a written work which often contains a thesis. Term Juxtapostition. Definition is the act of placing two or more things side by side for comparison to make a point. Term Logos. Definition refers to the use of reason as a controlling principle in an arguement. Term Overview. Definition is a brief summary of a whole work. Term Semantics. Definition is a branch of linguistics that studies the meaning of words, their historical and psychological development, their connotations, and their relation to one another.

Term Selection of detail. Definition is the specific words, incidents, images, or events the author uses to create a scene or narrative. Term Speaker. Definition is the narrator of a poem. Term synonym. Definition is a word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. Term Paraphrase. Definition is to put another writer's thoughts into your own words.

Definition is the placing of clauses or phrases one after another without coordinating or subordinating connectives. Term Person. Definition is the grammatical distinction between the speaker, the one spoken to, and the one spoken about. Term Tension. Definition in a work of literature is a feeling of excitement or expectation the reader or audience feels because of the conflict, mood, or atmosphere of the work.

Term Texture. Definition describes the way the elements of a work of prose or poetry are joined together. Term Litotes. Definition is an understatement used for effect. Term Archetype. Definition is a plot that repeats basic historical or primitive life patters. Term Ballad. Definition is a simple narrative verse that tells a story that is sung or recited. Term Bard. Definition is a poet. It used to be poets who related stories of heroes to the accompaniment of a musical instrument.

Term Bathos. Definition is the use of ludicrous, commonplace language; the use of insincere or overdone sentimentality. Cite this Article Format. Nordquist, Richard. Imitation in Rhetoric and Composition. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for ThoughtCo.

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