2.0 Planning and organizing

A descriptive composition about an event should consist of:

1. an introduction in which you mention the name/ type, time/ date, place and reason(s) for celebrating;

2. a main body in which you describe the preparations for the event and the event itself

3. a conclusion which includes people's feelings or comments on the event.

Introduction Paragraph 1 Set the scene name, time/ date, place of event, reason(s) for celebrating Main Body Paragraph 2 preparations (food, decorations, etc) Paragraph 3 description of actual event (costumes, music, atmosphere, dancing, activities, etc) Paragraph 4 explanation 1 and reason Paragraph 5 explanation 1 and reason Conclusion Final paragraph feelings, comments, final thoughts

NOTE: The number of paragraphs depends on whether the composition task asks for only a description of events or also asks you to explain its significance or how important it is.

Compare the topics below. Describe a typical wedding in your country. This topic asks only for a description of an event. The style is impersonal. Present tenses should normally be used. Describe a wedding you attended and explain why it made an impression on you. This topic asks for a description of an event in narrative form, together with reasons why you enjoyed the event. The style is rather informal. Past tenses should be used.

(Successful Writing. Proficiency. St’s book. p.34)

(Successful Writing. Upper-Intermediate. St’s book. p.20)

2.1 Points to consider

• When you describe annual events (e.g. a celebrations/ festival which takes place every year), present tenses are used and the style is formal. However, when giving a personal account of an event which you witnessed or took part in, past tenses are used and the style may be less formal. The passive is frequently used to describe preparations/ activities which take place.

e.g. Pumpkins are carved and placed in windows and costumes are designed.

• To make your description more vivid and interesting, narrative techniques and a variety of descriptive vocabulary (use of sophisticated adjectives and/ or adverbs) can be used to set the scene and describe the atmosphere.

e.g. Cheerful fans shouted enthusiastically as the rock star arrived.

e.g. Bright lights sparkled over the water as the fireworks spread like huge, colourful flowers and the onlookers who crowded the harbour gasped in wonder and admiration.

• You can use the passive to describe events when the activity is more important than the agent (i.e. the person who did it)

e.g. After the parade, speeches are made and hymns are sung.

(Successful Writing. Proficiency. St’s book. p.34)

(Successful Writing. Upper-Intermediate. St’s book. p.20)