Observational Writing

No one else experiences the world exactly as you do. In observational writing you present your view of something you have observed closely over a period of time. You describe all its details, especially those related to your five senses.

Quickwrite

• You must write from the viewpoint of an observer, not from the viewpoint of someone taking part in the action.
• Write about your topic, not yourself.
• Use the word "I" as little as possible.

1. Looking: Closely observe a person or an object that you already know well. Look until you see something you hadn't noticed before, until the person or object seems somewhat unfamiliar. What's new? Can you describe it?
   
   
2. From Your Memory: Remember a place where you have been happy. Describe it in detail. Focus on sounds, smells, tastes, sights, and physical sensations.
   
   
3. Animal Antics: Recall an animal that you've spent time watching. It may be a pet, a zoo animal, or even an insect. Describe how the animal looks, sounds, and behaves.
   
   
4. Focus on Firsts: Do you remember the first time you rode a bike, skated, visited the city, or tasted a new food? Describe your observations of your favorite "first".

Choosing Your Topic

• Use the quickwrite that interests you the most and that you can describe in greatest detail.
• Complete an Observational Writing Worksheet with facts, action, and sensory details about your topic.

Rough Draft

• Review the Observational Writing Framework.
• Using Word, begin writing your rough draft.
• Open a New Document and Save it as: your name obs.
• Put a heading on your document and give it an appropriate title.
• After the title, use Control+2 to double space your writing.
• Remember to save often as you work.

Self Edit

• Use Spelling and Grammar Check to edit your rough draft.
• Save.
• Print it and turn it in.

Second Draft

• Review the Observational Writing Framework again.
• Check to see if your Introduction paragraph has 5 or more complete sentences and contains the correct information.
• Check to see if your Body paragraph has 8 or more complete sentences and contains the correct information.
• Check to see if your Conclusion paragraph has 5 or more complete sentences and contains the correct information.
• Make additions and changes.
• Use Spelling and Grammar Check to edit your second draft.

Peer Edit

• Find someone with whom to peer edit.
• Trade computers and go to Tools - Track Changes/Highlight Changes to edit each other's work.
• Also, use the Evaluating and Revising Observational Writing Worksheet to edit for content.
• Return to your computer and go to Tools - Track Changes/Accept or Reject Changes.
• Save.

Final Draft

• Read through your work one more time and make sure it is correct (mechanics) and complete (content).
• Make any necessary changes and save.
• Highlight your three paragraphs and use Control+1 to change it to single space.
• Format the Font, Border (black only), and Columns (2).
• Add appropriate Clip Art if you choose.
• Save again and PRINT.