IT IS ALL IN THE DETAIL!^[1]

Good writing shows detail not generalizations.

Consider the two passages: one is more detailed than the other.

PASSAGE ONE: I found my trip to see my fiancé was marvelous. Being with him was even more thrilling than I thought it would be. I think it’s real love.

PASSAGE TWO: He had a two-week leave after Basic, so I flew to Jersey and we stayed with his parents on the Shore. It was great being with him—even when his whole family watches us watch television.

YOUR TURN

1. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO PASSAGES?
2. HOW DOES THE DETAIL IN THE SECOND PASSAGE CHANGE THE WAY IT IS READ BY THE READER?
3. WRITE A DETAILED PASSAGE RELYING ON FACTS AND DETAIL RATHER THAN GENERALIZATION.