Observation essay (3-4 pages) -10%
An observation essay both observes and interprets a place in the D.C. metro area. These essays use observation to support of a theme or thesis. Students discover their theme by analyzing specific details of the place. They visit the place they chose at least twice, taking notes on its layout, objects, and inhabitants. In particular, they take note of what people do there, how they move through the space, and any other details that seem interesting, revealing, significant, or strange. Then they notice any repetitions in their notes, using one or two of these emerging patterns as a theme of their essay.
Outcomes for observation essay
• Develop flexible strategies, including peer review, for working through the stages of the writing process: generating, revising, editing, and proofreading
• Develop ideas in support of a theme or thesis
• Demonstrate basic essay structure: controlling theme or thesis, effective organizational pattern, transitions, successful introduction & conclusion
• Support assertions/ideas with evidence that includes concrete detail while excluding irrelevant (off topic) evidence
• Write clear, grammatically correct English while making effective use of stylistic elements such as active verbs, emphasis, parallelism, etc.
