To Be Vivid, Be Specific

A writer might jot a note to herself like “Healthy food too expensive” when it pops into her mind that she might like to write about that topic. After she’s done some research and prewriting, she might decide to begin her paper by sketching the setting in which that inspiration came to her:

At the farmers’ market, I linger in front of fragrant, plump strawberries. They clash gorgeously with the radishes on the next table over. That table is like an enormous mixed salad, spilling over with lettuces and mushrooms and green beans and herbs. The table after that sells honey and cheese. I would love to buy all these things, but I drag myself away. My budget doesn’t let me buy food at the farmers’ market.

In fact, many Americans cannot afford fresh, healthy food, whether they shop at a farmers’ market, a supermarket, or a big-box store.

Now readers can see, vividly and specifically, what led the writer to begin thinking about her topic. Details can bring a scene to life or make an idea persuasive; however, details that have little to do with the point the writer wants to make should be left out.