Basic Essay
The Assignment
Using your own basic writing knowledge and the tips and ideas in the first chapters of Evergreen, write a short essay describing a memorable meal. The essay should
contain an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion in which you reflect on what you’ve written.
Your introduction should offer your readers some context to the story. Give us some background information. Introduce us to the main characters and setting of this
memorable meal.
The body of your essay should be richly detailed. As you describe the meal and the events surrounding it, try to capture the sounds, smells, tastes, textures and
colors that you remember. As you describe the meal, be thinking about its larger significance. Why did this meal in particular matter?
In the conclusion your essay should attempt to answer the “So what?” question. Why was this meal significant? It may have been the time you pulled a hair out of an
Arby’s sandwich, or it may be the meal where you met your spouse. What did you come to understand about yourself or the world as a result of this meal? How could
someone else relate to it?
You should not use any outside resources for this essay. All the ideas must be your own.
While your essay should be richly detailed, the sentences should be clear and concise.
The essay should be well-organized.
Assignment Goals
Students will apply the writing process to a short, descriptive essay. They will use prewriting techniques such as freewriting, mapping, listing, etc. They will
explore ways of making connections between personal experience and a larger audience. They will write in clear, concise, and correct prose.
The essay will be used to help the instructor and student understand his/her strengths and weaknesses in writing.
