Description of My Favorite Study Room - Essay Example

English Essays Lesson 3 Descriptive Writing of My Favorite Study Room Organization: The vantage point is my favorite study chair where I make my studies and compositions. The time is about 11 p. m when I believe that my creative faculties are at best. Sitting there on my revolving chair I could make a close and keen observation on everything that was part of me- my studies, thoughts and feelings. Looking straight upwards the triangular shaped ivory clock, turning to right the light blue window curtains, and leaning completely backward to the chair the golden-colored crystal ceiling lamp was all visible to me. Topic sentences: 1. I was absorbed deep in my thoughts on my chair wondering where to start my description with and suddenly I was wakened by the clattering sound of the clock which struck eleven. 2. As thoughts about the bird song haunted my inner thoughts and emotions, I could sense the gentle touch of a cool breeze in my right ear which prompted me to have a glance at the window and the gliding light blue window curtain. 3. It is my habit to lean on to the chair backward and observe the golden-colored crystal ceiling lamp whenever I wanted to relax myself. Openings: I was absorbed deep in my thoughts on my chair wondering where to start my description with and suddenly I was wakened by the clattering sound of the clock which struck eleven. 1. The clock struck eleven and the bird’s cry that followed brought my attention to the ivory clock. 2. Experiencing a novice’s writer’s block, I was in no man’s land to begin my description; the ringing sound of the clock was sufficient enough for me to have a good attempt. 3. It is not an easy task to get initiated into the writing process all on a sudden and one needs to be inspired by something; the clattering sound of the clock was instrumental in my case. 4. Empty mind, dazed thoughts and turbulent emotions! That was my position until the clock’s clamor instilled fresh thoughts into the barren land of my thought process. 5. Lost in deep and wandering thoughts I was brought back to reality when I heard the clock struck eleven. First Draft:- Empty mind, dazed thoughts and turbulent emotions! That was my position until the clock’s clamor instilled fresh thoughts into the barren land of my thought process. I remembered the fact that I came to my study room half an hour ago determined to break the ice with the description of the room. As usual, I occupied my seat leisurely on the sofa that was placed at the extreme back of the study room which made it convenient for me to observe everything that was in the room. On my right side, there was the door that opened into my bedroom and to my left there was another door that leads to the living room. In between the door and sofa, there was a wash basin and the drinking water was kept ready on a small stand. To the extreme right end of the room there was the window that opened to the scenery outside which had a light blue blind. Looking straight in front of me there was the writing table and my study chair. To the left of the table a small shelf with my library collection would attract the attention of anyone. The walls of the room were in cream color which really fascinated me. On the walls, there were a lot of pictures that depicted natural scenery and beautiful mountain falls that I collected from various parts of the country. The Florescent tube was shining brightly and there was yet another crystal ceiling lamp in the centre of the room. Unable to start my description at that vantage point I moved myself to the chair where I was absorbed in deep thoughts not knowing where to start my description. I was back into my normal self when I heard the ringing sound of the clock when it struck eleven. There was a long slender pendulum attached to the clock on which a minute image of a wild canary was carved in wood. To my delight the ringing sound was followed by an automatic bird song. As thoughts about the bird song haunted my inner thoughts and emotions, I could feel the gentle touch of a cool breeze in my right ear which prompted me to have a glance at the window and the gliding light blue window curtain. I got up from the chair and moved towards the window, and keeping the light blue curtain to the side, peeped outside and was cheered by the myriads of color and light. From there, I had another sight of my room from a different angle and the clock was only partially visible to me. Having experienced the scintillating and soothing effect of the cool breeze I was once again on my chair after some time. It is my habit to lean on to the chair backward and observe the golden-colored crystal ceiling lamp whenever I wanted to relax myself. The unique design of the crystal ceiling lamp always sparked my imagination and its rays did bring about enthusiasm and mirth in my life. I leant there relaxed and relieved not knowing whether I have provided an effective description of my study room and whether my readers would be interested in my writing. Revised Draft: Empty mind, dazed thoughts and turbulent emotions! That was my position until the clock’s clamor instilled fresh thoughts into the barren land of my thought process. I remembered the fact that I came to my study room half an hour ago, determined to break the ice with the description of the room. As usual, I occupied my seat leisurely on the sofa that was placed at the extreme back of the study room which made it convenient for me to observe everything that was in the room. On my right side, there is the door that opened into my bedroom and another one on the left to the living room. In between the door and sofa, one comes across a wash basin, and the drinking water was kept ready on a small stand. To the extreme right end of the room there is a window that opened to the scenery outside. Looking straight in front of me there is the writing table and my study chair. A small shelf with my library collection on the left of the table could easily be noticed. On the cream colored walls, the pictures of natural landscapes and beautiful mountain falls adorn their places. The Florescent tube shines brightly and there is yet another crystal ceiling lamp in the centre of the room. Unable to start my description at that vantage point, I moved myself to the chair where I was absorbed in deep thoughts not knowing where to start my description. I was back into my normal self when I heard the ringing sound of the clock at eleven. There is a long slender pendulum attached to the clock on which a minute image of a wild canary is carved in wood. To my delight, the ringing sound is always followed by an automatic bird song. As thoughts about the bird song haunted my inner thoughts and emotions, I could feel the gentle touch of a cool breeze in my right ear which prompted me to have a glance at the window and its gliding light blue curtain. I got up from the chair and moved towards the window, and keeping the light blue curtain to the side, peeped outside and was cheered by the myriads of color and light. From there, I had another sight of my room from a different angle and the clock was only partially visible to me. Having experienced the scintillating and soothing effect of the cool breeze, I retreated to the chair. It is my habit to lean backward on to the chair and observe the golden-colored crystal ceiling lamp whenever I wanted to relax myself. The unique design of the crystal ceiling lamp always sparks my imagination and its rays do bring about enthusiasm and mirth in my life. I leant there relieved as well as anxious, unable to see for myself whether I have provided an effective description of my study room and whether my readers would be interested in my writing. Lesson 4 Narrative Writing My Seminar Paper: It seemed to me the day was damp and cloudy and the atmosphere was quite depressing. My father was driving the car carefully and the car was moving smoothly just as a boat floating over a calm sea. We were on the way to our destinations- me to my college and my father to his work site. My father was telling a lot of things regarding the present trends in interior designing to which I paid little attention as my mind were tormented with thoughts of the day’s paper presentation in the college. Poor Father! He has only one topic in all his communication to me- that of interior designing. Being a highly successful interior designer by profession, he always had something new to comment on the art of interior designing. With his long beard, flat long face and sparkling eyes, he appeared to be a serious artist. My father must have noticed my gloomy mood. He enquired: “What’s worrying you, Dane?” “Nothing serious dad”, I replied. Looking out through the side glass I could see the gigantic buildings and the large number of vehicles passing by. Glimpses of the last day’s sociology class were still vivid in my mind. It was the sociology professor’s usual practice to assign a seminar to one of the students on each weekend. Lots were taken to decide the topic as well as to choose the student who is to present the seminar. The class was silent and I could see pressure mounting up on each one’s face when she took out the first lot regarding the topic of the seminar. “Racial Discrimination”, she read it out. Now, this was the most anxious moment that everyone was awaiting so eagerly so as to know who would be the lucky person! Thus, the second lot was taken and the professor had a covered up smile on her face. “Dane Lucas”, her voice brought a sigh of relief on everyone except me, and she repeated her usual policy that it was not enough to speak something on the topic, but one should be able to offer some practical solutions to the problem. Of course, I did have some good researches on the assigned topic. I searched online, read books and collected many articles on racial discrimination. I allowed the ideas to rule over my mind and one could find me walking to and fro in my room late at night, recollecting and convincing myself of the arguments I had to convey. I was able to collect details regarding the various forms of racial discrimination, its underlying reasons, and I had a sound knowledge regarding the legislative measures undertaken by the Governmental agencies to combat all sorts of racial discriminations. But the real struggle started when I thought about the possible solutions to the issue. The points I came across in my study materials did not satisfy me as my and many of my friends’ experiences in the American society did not support them. The whole night I was brooding over solutions, but I could not locate any. As the time approached me to start to the college, my tension increased, and sad to say I could not even recollect the points I had already prepared. Quite mechanically, I had my breakfast and the fact that there was only twenty minutes traveling distance to my college really embarrassed me and added to my discomfort. There was sudden break; I was brought back to my conscious self and I could feel the crying sound of the wheels which echoed the feelings of my own anguish heart. Soon, there was Sam Uncle at the glass door. He is working under my father as an assistant interior designer and is a rare companion to us during our morning ride. A lean, stout, masculine man, he had knowledge on everything under the sun and he always loved to express his views on anything and everything. We continued our ride and I was completely immersed in my thoughts until, to my surprise, their talk turned naturally to discrimination at the work place. I listened carefully to the elaborate details provided by Sam Uncle regarding the many cases where discrimination caused problems and disputes in their work places. I was confident to intervene at this juncture and shared my own understanding regarding the issue. But, some how I managed to conceal the actual cause for my tension and worry, as I did not have the habit of seeking helps from them. Within no time the college gate was visible and I could again feel the pressure building up within me. “There should be change in one’s outlook and attitude- a sort of personal conviction to cherish oneness with the whole of humanity” remarked Sam Uncle as if in a revelation, as I was about to get out of the car. The sudden relief and peace of mind his comment offered me was beyond description as I could very well understand its implication on my seminar paper. “Dane, remember that even a very small object is equally important as any other when you do the interior designing of a room. Can you imagine your room without the small window that gives you freedom to see and experience the outer world?” added my father with a thought provoking gesture. No doubt, it was like adding fuel to the fire as his words opened new horizons of thoughts in me. I jumped out of the car with a rejuvenating enthusiasm, happiness and energy as if I were affected with some spirits. I could never imagine how would my seminar have been had I not received timely boosting from Sam uncle and my father. Everyone was astonished at my performance in the seminar hall and everyone including my professor and class mates congratulated me and showered me with praise and appreciation. This experience proved to be very much significant in my life as it enabled me to view things from a different point of view and this also developed an attitudinal change in me to listen and learn from others. Lesson 5 Reflective Writing My journey towards being a writer was quite unexpected and unprecedented as I doubted whether I could ever become a writer when I was 10. Things took a different turn after three years when I knew that I have the creativity and originality to be a writer. As a writer I have improved myself a lot through my experiences and there is no doubt that the English Composition Course has molded the writer in me. My attitudes and outlooks regarding writing have undergone drastic changes based on my experiences, new learning, and even my thought processes have had many positive changes. I did have many preconceptions about writing in the initial stages of writing, and I feel now that most of them have been modified or altered in course of time. I had a number of preoccupations regarding the writing process. One of them was that I strongly believed from my childhood that not everyone could become a writer. Later, I became aware of the fact that there are no born writers and that everyone becomes one through a long and continuous process. When I was 13, I realized that I had a flavor for writing; even then I was confused regarding the organization of a work, the use of transitions and the use of figures of speech etc. I was unaware of the whole process of writing and didn’t know the process of developing the plot, characterization or establishing a suitable setting for the composition. Whether writing should be an intellectual or imaginative process or a mixture of both was yet another thought that haunted me as writer in my initial stage. As a child I was very much interested in the narrative mode of writing. Stories seemed to capture my attention and in the initial stages and I had a sort of preoccupation that everything should be clear down to earth in a story to avoid any sort of ambiguity in the reader. The use of images, symbols, personification and other stylistic devices were a bit difficult for me as I was not sure whether they should be the intellectual products of a writer or the children of my emotional or creative faculty. As I grew older and developed as a writer, the power of words both in poetry and philosophical discourses delighted the writer in me. Until now I never realized that I was spending a lot of time correcting myself, rather than allowing myself to go ahead with my natural flavor in writing. I faced so many writer’s blocks when I started the composition of my first story when I was only ten. As a child I struggled myself to complete the composition of a creative poem my English teacher assigned me. I couldn’t begin the poem for a long time as I couldn’t decide where to start my poem and how to conclude it. Later as the date of submission approached I started my assignment some how. Then I realized that I was getting new ideas and thoughts and when the teacher appreciated me for my work, I became aware of the fact that it is sufficient to give a vent to my creative talents rather than suppressing them. A similar crisis occurred to me when I started to give shape to my descriptive essay, as I was at a dilemma as where to start my description with. But once I started the composition it was a continuous process and each break I took while I was involved in the writing process provided me with fresh thoughts and impressions. The descriptive and narrative essays I composed convinced me of the fact that writing process requires clear and imaginative thinking; the process of revising and editing really helps one to have better organization. Adding or modifying the text to supplement any missing details or to avoid unnecessary description or narration that doesn’t go in accordance with the general theme, I believe, would make writing more powerful and sound. I also understood that the process of writing is a continuous process and that it necessitates me as a writer to cherish the theme in mind for a long time until I am in a position to start writing. Becoming a writer, from my own experiences, involves a lot of emotional struggles and mental preparation. When I narrated something I usually visualized the setting, the background and always thought from the characters’ own point of view. Being a writer, I am convinced of the fact that I cannot depict the inner feelings and thought process of my characters until and unless they become part of me and I begin to develop an emotional bond with them. At times, I needed to carry the theme as well as the characters for long in my heart until I could give physical shape to them in the form of writing. As a writer my focus was always to be creative and original in my themes and narration. I would like to share one of my experiences where I had to depict the character of a mentally retarded person who comes to normalcy occasionally. The process of characterization was highly demanding and painful to me. Very often, I myself felt that I was going out of order. Sleepless nights, unbearable burden and depression were the immediate impacts of the work on me. At last, when I had finally conceptualized his character and gave him shape, I felt myself to be another almighty Creator. And the immense satisfaction that the writing offered me was really beyond words and even my parents were astonished to find me in such an ecstasy. I also recognized that as a writer I need to pay close attention to everything around me. I felt that keen observation and being sensitive to issues and incidents will make me a better humanitarian and would make me an effective writer. I loved to observe the beauty of nature, listen to the bird’s song, and see the setting sun. Sitting in the lap of nature, I framed most of my images in writing, and nature offered me similes and metaphors to capture the thoughts and feelings of my readers. It is equally important to observe the society, the state, and the individuals with whom one is associated as they would give a writer like me with fresh themes and novel characterization. Being a writer demanded me first of all to be a serious reader and I did develop a literary taste of my own. As a writer, I always appreciated any one with the creative ability to write. It was my reading that shaped my sensibility and I always cherished a fascination for phrases and compositions that were really innovative, novel and literary. I valued my conversations and contacts with other writers who have established themselves. They were highly inspirational and I could realize that there was something that united us together- love of words. To conclude, my journey towards being an effective writer was slow and steady. The English Composition Course has been instrumental in the development of my writing talents. I have realized the importance of brainstorming and free writing in the initial stages of the writing process. Similarly, it has made me, I believe, more systematic, focused, and organized in my thought and writing process. The practices of prewriting, rough drafting, revising and editing my descriptive and narrative essays have been very useful to me. Lesson 6 Persuasive Essay Should restrictions be placed on the use of mobile (cell) phones in public areas like restaurants and theaters? Why or why not? Prewriting for a Thesis: Yes, restrictions should be placed on the use of mobile phones in public areas like restaurants and theatres. A. I still remember one of my experiences that occurred three years before. My friend Casino and I went to watch the movie Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone and we couldn’t enjoy or concentrate in the movie as the man who sat next to our seat was talking noisily to someone. We were thoroughly disturbed because of this indiscrete social behavior of the man. I have come across a number of other instances where people talk through phones so loudly in restaurants that everyone’s individual freedom is negated and the result is ultimate disorder and confusion. B. Four reasons in support of my view:- a) Using mobile phones in public places curtails the individual freedom of others. B) It can be a nuisance to others. C) One is encroaching the privacy and normal life of others. D) The loud ringing tone of the mobile phone very often causes sound pollution in public places and causes distraction to the public. C. There can be many opposing view points on my standpoint: - a) Communication should be possible at all times. B) It is the right of individuals to use mobile phones as it enhances their individual freedom and choice. D. Supporting viewpoints: - a) Access to free communication anytime is the primary purpose of mobile phone use. B) Restrictions to use mobile phones in public places curtail the freedom of the individual to communicate at his/ her convenience. E. We should understand the fact that our exercise of individual freedom should not cause hindrance in others’ freedom. Judicious and restricted use of mobile phones in public places prove to be a more socially accepted behavior as we do not cause distraction and harm to the public. Thesis: I strongly believe that indiscriminate use of mobile phones in public places should be restricted as it curtails the individual freedom of others and causes distraction to the public. Plan of Argument: You should agree with my position for these three reasons:- ■ I am convinced that using mobile phones in public places curtails the individual freedom of others as people are encroaching into the privacy and normal life of others ■ It can be a nuisance to others especially when people tend to talk in such a way as to create unrest and discomfort among the common public. ■ The loud ringing tone of the mobile phone very often causes sound pollution in public places and causes distraction to the public. Support:- A. I am convinced that using mobile phones in public places curtails the individual freedom of others as people are encroaching into the privacy and normal life of others (First main point) 1. My experience at the theatre. (Supporting evidence and explanation) 2. People making long calls at the railway station, public parks etc.(Supporting evidence and explanation) 3. It is the right of individuals to use mobile phones as it enhances their individual freedom and choice. (Opposing claim to this point) 4. One’s individual freedom shouldn’t be exercised in such a way to curtail t6he freedom of others. (Supporting evidence refuting that opposing claim and explanation) B. It can be a nuisance to others especially when people tend to talk in such a way as to create unrest and discomfort among the common public. (Second main point) 1. My experience at a public restaurant. (Supporting evidence and explanation) 2. My experience at a public party. (Supporting evidence and explanation) 3. Why should people get distracted when I talk in public? Why should they interfere in my affairs? (Opposing claim to this point) 4. People get distracted not because it is their business but you don’t allow others to carry out theirs. (Supporting evidence refuting that opposing claim and explanation) C. The loud ringing tone of the mobile phone very often causes sound pollution in public places and causes distraction to the public. (Third main point) 1. My friend’s experience at a public meeting. (Supporting evidence and explanation) 2. Instances of people keeping the mobile phone in the loud mode even in places of worships and schools. (Supporting evidence and explanation) 3. How can I know about the call unless I keep my mobile phone with a ring tone? (Opposing claim to this point) 4. It is advisable to keep the mobile phones either switched off or in the silent mode so that one can attend the calls that need urgent attention or call the person concerned at his private convenience. (Supporting evidence refuting that opposing claim and explanation) Conclusion:- ■ I strongly believe that indiscriminate use of mobile phones in public places should be restricted as it curtails the individual freedom of others and causes distraction to the public -Restatement of thesis: [one sentence] ■ We should understand the fact that our exercise of individual freedom should not cause hindrance in others’ freedom. Judicious and restricted use of mobile phones in public places prove to be a more socially accepted behavior as we do not cause distraction and harm to the public- Review of main points: [three to five sentences] ■ Therefore, I would agree with the statement that there should be only restricted use of mobile phones in public places- Final statement: [one sentence] Final Draft of Essay: There is no doubt that mobile phones have become an indispensable part of the modern man’s life. I would like to bring your attention to the indiscriminate use of mobile phones in public places like the restaurants and theatres in this essay. Most of us have seen people indulged in conversation through cell phones and I am sure that all of us will have one or other story to narrate regarding the indiscriminate use of the same. Why, we ourselves may have the habit of using mobile phones in public places. There are people who make use of mobile phones both in the discriminate and indiscriminate manner. For my part, I strongly believe that indiscriminate use of mobile phones in public places should be restricted as it curtails the individual freedom of others and causes distraction to the public. I am convinced that using mobile phones in public places curtails the individual freedom of others as people are encroaching into the privacy and normal life of others. I still remember one of my experiences that occurred three years before. My friend Casino and I went to watch the movie Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone and we couldn’t enjoy or concentrate in the movie as the man who sat next to our seat was talking noisily to someone in phone. We were thoroughly disturbed because of this indiscrete social behavior of the man. I have come across a number of other instances where people talk through phones so loudly in restaurants, public parks and railway stations that everyone’s individual freedom is negated and the result is ultimate disorder and confusion. I am sure that people who make such calls do have their own justifications to do so. There are many who believe that using mobile phones in public is their right as it is a matter of their own individual freedom and choice. On the other hand, one should bear in mind that one’s individual freedom should be exercised in such a way so as not to curtail the freedom of others. I strongly feel that we should respect and take into account the feelings of others too. Similarly, it can be a nuisance to others especially when people tend to talk in such a way as to create unrest and discomfort among the common public. Last day, I happened to find a lady babbling about using her cell phone in a public restaurant, making herself a butt of ridicule in front of all the people present there. Of course, she has succeeded in getting the attention of everyone. I do not think that she was talking non-sense, but there was an evident lack of propriety and decorum in her demeanor. I have also found many people doing the same kind of unnecessary talk at public parties to the disgust and discomfort of the public. Such people do raise a variety of questions like “Why should people get distracted when I talk in public?” and “Why should they interfere in my affairs? “But they do not realize that people get distracted not because it is their business but because they do not allow others to concentrate or carry out their businesses. Most people do not care to switch off or keep their mobiles in the silent mode in public places. The loud ringing tone of the mobile phone very often results in sound pollution in public places and causes distraction to the public. I would like to share one of my friend’s experiences in this regard. He happened to attend a public meeting in Los Angeles last month and the celebrity guest was interacting with the public in her majestic fashion. Suddenly, there was a loud ringing tone from her cell. She as well as the public felt for certain that it was inappropriate from her part not to have switched off her mobile when she attended such an important public function. I have also had a number of experiences where people have kept their mobile phones in the loud mode even in places of worships and schools remarking: “How can I know about the call unless I keep my mobile phone with a ring tone?” I know of many people who need to attend emergency calls at any time of the day and many business people have to coordinate their activities constantly. My argument is not always to keep the cells switched off in public places. Instead one needs to learn to use the mobile services, keeping in mind his commitment and responsibility towards the common man. Need and necessity are two central factors when it comes to the use of mobile phones in the public. Depending upon the need of the hour, it is always advisable to keep the mobile phones either switched off or in the silent mode so that one can attend the calls that need urgent attention or call the person concerned at his private convenience. Thus, it should be kept in mind that indiscriminate use of mobile phones in public is a practice that is to be discouraged and I would suggest their restricted use instead. There are many who misuse mobile phones in public by taking illegitimate photos and videos. We should understand the fact that our exercise of individual freedom should not cause hindrance in others’ freedom. Judicious and restricted use of mobile phones in public places prove to be a more socially accepted behavior as we do not cause distraction and harm to the public. Therefore, I would agree with the statement that there should be only restricted use of mobile phones in public places and I believe that there are many who share the same point of view. Read More