Observation Practice and Writing Assignment

OBSERVATION

Observation is a reporter's best friend and an essential tool for writing stories that are vivid, specific and interesting.

PRACTICING OBSERVATION (Minor Grade)

Select an event to observe continuously for at least 15 minutes.  As you observe, write notes of your observation (try to access multiple senses not just sight). Following the observation and note taking, transcribe your observations by creating at least five sentences that describe the scene. Make sure that the sentences describe only what you observe with your senses, no opinions or interpretations are valid for this activity (yes, Jack, even you).

Post your five sentences to your blog with the heading OBSERVATION PRACTICE.

OBSERVATION ASSIGNMENT (Major Grade)

Due date:            Tuesday, Sept. 29 

Word count :      400 (please stick to it; it’s a purposeful number)

Attend an event that you can observe. Suitable options for observation include:  a live sporting event at school or in the community; a meeting of any club or organization at school; a lecture class or guest speaker; a pep rally or other schoolwide activity; band, drama, dance team or debate rehearsal; another event approved by your adviser (anything will work so long as there is a lot of activity).

 

You do not have to remain in one place – although you may if you wish.

Take notes or begin writing a description of what you see. Then weave your notes into a 400-word, third-person feature that conveys to someone who is not there what the scene looks and feels like at that specific time and place.

Do not interview anyone, but you may incorporate things you hear into your piece. 

Do not interpret or judge what you observe, merely record what your senses take in.

Remember to SHOW, not TELL.

You should write your piece as soon as possible after leaving the scene that you have observed.  The visual and aural scene must be taken in quickly and selectively described. 

Consider the simplicity of the sentences and details in W.C. Heinz’s “Death of Racehorse.”  In that piece as in most pieces like this, less is more.

Post your response to your blog with the heading, OBSERVATION ASSIGNMENT. Please post by Sept. 29 for full credit.