Observation

Dual Enrollment 1 ENG1105

Observation

Purpose To present an intriguing place, person or activity in your community ("community" may be broadly interpreted: it may be your hometown, another community to which you belong--like an athletic team or choir, the community here at Northwestern, etc.). You want to present this place, person or activity in an engaging and introspective way. Note: You cannot observe or participate in an illegal activity for this paper. Pre-writing Process Because the paper is observational in nature, your pre-writing work must include direct observations and interviews:

• This paper cannot be based on a past experience written from memory. • This paper must be based on both observations and interviews, not just one of those. • You may be a participant in this experience or just an observer. • Regardless, remember the following:

o Interview other people who are participants o Take time to “sit on the sidelines” and just observe

• Take detailed observation and interview notes to be able to present dialogue and vivid description. Content Observational essays are a bit more fluid than the structure of our other essays, but they must do the following within your essay:

• Introduce the subject--describing the place, person or activity • Demonstrate a careful reflection upon the subject • Make clear why this particular place, person or activity deserves such careful observation without

"hitting us over the head" with this subject's importance. • Show us why this subject is so interesting and attention-worthy as opposed to telling us.

Conveying a Thematic Impression

• Through well-placed anecdotes • Through dialogue • Through activities that convey the subject's importance & interest • Through direct description

Thesis The thesis in this essay will probably not be as overt as in the other essays. Rather, the underlying thesis will most likely be, "This person/place/ activity is endlessly fascinating, and here is why." Therefore, your entire essay will attempt to make this subject as engaging to the reader as it is to you. Required Elements

• Clear & compelling explanation of the person, place, or activity • Vivid descriptions and passages that show instead of tell • A sense of enthusiasm for subject that clearly comes through in essay • Organized approach: consider how you will go about presenting your subject to the reader • Optional element: Visual

The final draft must be a minimum of 1500 words.