MateMusic7453
Description Mad Libs…
Description Mad Libs Prof. Hathaway
Composition II
Consider the following description of the grasshopper invasions that devastated the Midwest in the late 1860s:
They came like dive bombers out of the west. They came by the millions with the rustle of their wings roaring overhead. They came in waves, like the rolls of the sea, descending with a terrifying speed, breaking now and again like a mighty surf. They came with the force of a williwaw and they formed a huge, ominous, dark brown cloud that eclipsed the sun. They dipped and touched earth, hitting people and objects like hailstones. But they were not hail. These were live demons. They popped, snapped, crackled, and roared. They were dark brown, an inch or longer in length, plump in the middle and tapered at the ends. They had transparent wings, slender legs, and two black eyes that flashed with a fierce intelligence.
Eugene Boe, “Pioneers to Eternity”
Directions: Open a new Word document and use the numbered description techniques below to complete each exercise by adding in words and phrases to the sentences. Be consistent with the dominant impression given for each exercise.
Below is the list of numbered description techniques:
Use a hyphenated adjective with an “ed” ending here. – Ex. floppy-eared, grey-furred, speckle-topped.
Use sensory description here. – sight, sound, taste, smell, texture words or phrases – Ex. Red rivulets; frosty glass; acrid, smoky smell; metallic taste.
Use a simile here – A comparison using “like” or “as.” Ex. His fingers are like sausages.
Expand on the simile here – Take the simile further by showing.
Use a metaphor here. A comparison without using “like” or “as.” Ex. Her expression was wooden; His cotton candy words did not appeal to her taste.
Use an active verb here – A verb shows action. Ex. shuffled, scurried, draped, gurgled.
Scruffy Cat
The (1) cat, with (2) , (6) and (6) about the kitchen floor looking like a (3) with (4).
Disgusting Salad
The (1) salad, with (2) and (2) , (6) around on my plate looking/smelling/tasting like (3) that has (4).
Dirty Person
The (1) man had on (2) and (2) , and his face was covered in (2). Looking (or Smelling) (3) , he (6) until he _(you finish the sentence)_ . To look at him, you would think that he was a (5) with (2).
Gloomy Basement
The (1) basement was like a (3) , its _ (name a feature of the basement here)_ as _ (describe the feature in one word) _ as (3) . The _(name another feature of the basement here )_ _ _ (use a verb here that uses personificationgiving human qualities to non-living things) _ until I could feel myself_ (finish the sentence by describing how you feel in the basement)_.
Your Turn
Write your own short description with a clear dominant impression. Include (1),(2),(6) and either (3) or (4) or (5) above. Ideas: a _____dinner, a _____car, a_____ stadium, a _____restaurant, a_____ pet. ..
