An effective document does more than simply convey information — it provides details that bring a subject to life. Consider the differences between the following passages from featured writer Caitlin Guariglia’s essay on her family trip to Italy.

Example 1: Minimal Details

The next morning we met our tour guide. He was full of life. He took us to the main historical sites that day. They were spectacular, but I enjoyed listening to Marco more than anything we saw.

Example 2: Extensive, Concrete Details

The next morning we met our tour guide Marco. A large, sturdy man who looked like my grandmother cooked for him, he was confident and full of life. He took us to the main historical sites that day: the Vatican, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum. While all that was spectacular, I enjoyed listening to Marco more than anything we saw. He was a true Roman, big, proud, and loud. The Italian accent made it seem like he was singing everything he said, making it all seem that much more beautiful.

Both examples convey the same main idea. The first example, however, does little more than state the facts. The second example, by providing details about the tour guide’s physical appearance, personality, and voice, gives readers a more concrete and more intimate understanding of the subject. (For advice about integrating details from your sources effectively, see Chapter 19.)