U2 Descriptive Portrait Portfolio
Page 1: Step-by-Step Essay Description
Page 2: Essay format example and Requirements Checklist
The portfolio for Unit 2 is to write a descriptive portrait of someone you know.
Step 1:
Choose someone familiar and important to you to write about. (You can use I, me, or my in THIS portfolio only (No other essays this semester). Please do not address the reader.) This person can be:
A close family member or loved one
A close friend
An interesting neighbor or acquaintance
Someone you know that inspires you...
Important Note: It NEEDS to be someone you have had contact with at some point in your life. (i.e. not your favorite celebrity or sports star, etc.)
Step 2:
Once you have chosen the person you want to describe, brainstorm details about that person you can include in your description.
This Descriptive Details Chart can help.
Be sure to also include sensory details such as sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. This Sensory Details Chart can help you identify specific sensory details.
Step 3:
When you have a complete list of possible descriptive details, consider how you can create an overall impression of the person you are describing.
The Overall Impression Chart can help you with this.
Step 4:
Now that you have collected a list of details and considered the overall impression you want to make, outline and organize your essay before writing it all down.
This Descriptive Essay Outline can help you organize your thoughts.
Step 5:
When you begin drafting your essay, remember that the first draft of your essay should include the following elements:
A central idea or impression that your audience can relate to and get a good sense of the person being described.
A very clear organization of your essay with well thought out transitions between ideas.
Specific details and words that appeal to the 5 senses and create a vivid mental picture of the person you’re writing about.
U2 Descriptive Portrait Portfolio
Page 1: Step-by-Step Essay Description
Page 2: Essay format example and Requirements Checklist
If you’re having trouble figuring out how to structure your essay, you can use the following chart to help plot out your essay.
Introduction
(4-5 sentences)
Introduce your subject
In 2-3 sentences describe who they are to you in your life.
Give a thesis statement that makes it clear why you have chosen this person. Include details that you will elaborate on in Body Paragraphs 1-3.
Body Paragraph 1
(5-10 sentences)
Describe your subject’s appearance.
Body Paragraph 2
(5-10 sentences)
Describe their mannerisms (distinctive actions or ways of speaking).
Body Paragraph 3
(5-10 sentences)
Describe their character (personal qualities that make them unique.
Conclusion
(4-5 sentences)
Summarize your main points and emphasize the overall impression.
Answer the question, “So what?”
Be sure to review the Descriptive Writing Rubric before writing your first draft so that you capture all the important elements on which your essay will be graded. Also, please review pages 150-172 of your Writing With Power textbook for important information on completing this essay.
Essay Requirements Checklist:
Is your topic on a person you have had actual contact with in your life?
Have you described your subject with sensory details that paint a picture of who they are to you?
You should not be writing a narrative essay.
Does your essay meet the minimum word count?
For Standard 600-800 words
For Honors 750-1000 words
Is your essay in MLA Format?
Your essay should be in proper MLA format (12-point font, double-spaced, in Times New Roman, Heading with your name, teacher’s name, class, and date, and Header with last name and page number).
