Assignment Task:
Touchstone: Write in Different Modes
ASSIGNMENT: For this Touchstone, you will be writing two separate, distinct paragraphs. You will write one single paragraph in the informative mode and one single paragraph in the descriptive mode. Keep in mind that one single paragraph should be indented and contain no space breaks between sentences. Need Assignment Help?
The informative paragraph must be written in a non-biased tone and explain, teach, or inform (avoid writing in the first person).
The descriptive paragraph must use sensory details to describe a place or object.
Don't forget to complete Part B: Reflection Questions to self-evaluate your experience completing this Touchstone.
An example touchstone is provided below for reference. Please read this before writing your own touchstone.
Touchstone 2 Example
In order to foster learning and growth, all work you submit must be newly written specifically for this course. Any plagiarized or recycled work will result in a Plagiarism Detected alert. Review Touchstones: Academic Integrity Guidelines for more about plagiarism and the Plagiarism Detected alert. For guidance on the use of generative AI technology, review Ethical Standards and Appropriate Use of AI.
A. Directions
Step 1: Write an Informative Paragraph
For the informative paragraph, be creative and choose a topic that you already know something about or can be conveyed using common knowledge (information that the majority of people either know or can find in a number of sources). Do not conduct any outside research for this paragraph. Be sure to write in an objective and unbiased manner with your intended audience and purpose in mind. You may write about any topic you wish that you know something about. Below are some sample topics that may help you get started:
The background, history, or rules of a particular game or sport
The materials, tools, background, or approach for a hobby you enjoy
The action/process for an activity such as driving, planting a garden, grilling a steak, etc.
The history of a place that you know a lot about (a city, state, natural attraction, etc.)
A scientific process or concept that you are very familiar with
Step 2: Write a Descriptive Paragraph
For the descriptive paragraph, use sensory language and vivid details to describe a place or a thing. Sensory details describe how something looks, sounds, feels, smells, or tastes. You should use precise language to "show" rather than "tell" about what you are describing (the more you show, the less you need to tell). Be sure to write with your intended audience and purpose in mind. What you write about is entirely up to you as long as you use vivid details and sensory language to bring the description to life. However, below are some sample topics that may help you get started:
Describe a room in your house
Describe your favorite spot to spend time
Describe a meal that you enjoy eating or cooking
Describe a unique family tradition
Step 3: Answer the Reflection Questions
Below your assignment, include answers to all of the following reflection questions.
What do you think your strengths and weaknesses are in terms of sentence construction and paragraph development? (1-2 sentences)
Explain how writing for a particular purpose and audience shaped each of your paragraphs. (3-5 sentences)
Discuss your feelings about writing in different modes. Is there a particular mode you enjoy writing in more than another? (3-5 sentences)
Explain how different writing modes that you have learned about might be applied to scenarios in your real life. (3-5 sentences)