English help....??

Question

Im writing a descriptive essay about a person who inspires me, how should I go about the opening paragraph...and how to expand from there?? any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

Have you done any prewriting? Think about describing beyond what they look like, certainly do that though, but describe what they mean to you. In the introduction, you could start with a quote or a story. You might start with how you came to know this person. Check out this site for essay writing tips:
http://www2.actden.com/writ_den/tips/essay/index.htm

Answer 2

When doing a descriptive essay, use the thesaurus as much as possible so as to not be redundant. Also, make sure you have a dictionary on hand to help you with context. I once wrote a similar essay and I started it out like this:

My mother has been the most important influence in my life. She has taught me to be kind and generous and, whenever possible, to help those in need.

From there I went on to explain what she had done to make me look up to her. Use words that you would use in everyday conversation, then look in a thesaurus and see if there isn't a word you can substitute for some of the more redundant words or a phase that can change the way you may say what ya mean but not the meaning itself.. (For instance, instead of saying "She taught me how to____," you can say, "her instructions on how to do ____ helped me understand the importance of___whatever it was she taught__"

Good luck!)