"Digging for Details"
Binoculars allow you to "zoom in" and focus on what you are looking at. Metaphorically speaking, I want you to "use your binoculars" to look at the details you selected. Imagine you are looking at those details more closely than before. What do you notice now that you did not notice before? To "use your binoculars" in writing, I want you to ask questions about the details you wrote. Asking questions allows you to "zoom in" and "focus" on the details you selected. This way, blurry details become clear and sharp. Here are examples of questions I wrote about my general details:
- What shape are the windows? How many windows are there? What can you see outside the window? Is the glass clear? What kind of light is coming through the windows? How are the windows covered or decorated? What are the window blinds made of? ...
- What do the students look like? How old are the students? What are their names? What is their behavior like? What are they whispering about? Are they doing anything else while they whisper? What expressions are on their faces? What does the whispering sound like? ...
Give the questions you wrote back to your partner. Once you get your details and questions back, write two NEW details that are more specific. This time, try to include the answer to one (or more) of the questions in your detail. For Example:
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This strategy is called "digging for details." The more questions you ask about your writing, the more specific details you will be able to add to your story. When you read, generate questions about your writing on your own. If you want, you can give a section of your writing to a friend to read, and ask them to generate a list of questions.
Assignment:
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