Kellie Schmitt's The Old Man Isn T There Anymore

What makes a good observation? When making an observation, one would need to gather enough information to be able to fully describe what was observed. The details gathered would cover all areas of the action observed: what was seen, heard, touched, tasted, how it made one feel and can the reader relate to what is being described. In The Old Man Isn’t There Anymore, Kellie Schmitt created an effective observation by using sensory details, appeal to the reader’s emotion using pathos, and relating her experience in China to experiences in the United States. A good observation is very descriptive and detailed. An effective type of detail are sensory details that are observer by the senses: sight, sound, smell, touch, or taste. Schitt observed a new lifestyle while living in a new country. The language, eating habits, and how people greet one another are all parts of life that she learned about the Chinese culture. The most effective sensory detail in the observation of the funeral was sight, the actions and gestured that were viewed by …show more content…
The sensory details: sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste, are very relatable and effective due to how the senses are used so often to observe and analyze every day parts of life. Appealing to a reader’s emotions is effective in many ways. The reader may be very passionate about the topic of discussion and the appeal to the emotions of that person can be very powerful; therefore, have a greater effect on them than another reader. Also being able to connect the observation to a personal or common, relatable event can trigger a reaction in the reader that they have had a similar feeling or can understand where the author is coming from. All three techniques are effective and positive ways to deliver a good