Page 295 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

Real-World Description: Secret Shopper
Many times, people ask how writing essays will help them in the “real

world.” This real-world assignment gives just one example of how

descriptive writing might be used outside the classroom.

Stores or restaurants often hire “secret shoppers” who are asked to

write reports about their experiences in a particular store or restaurant.
The reports focus first on the store or restaurant environment: Is it

clean, neat, and inviting? Next come the employees: Are you greeted

immediately? Are employees friendly and professional? Next, what

about the merchandise or the food? If it is merchandise, is it logically

and invitingly arranged? Can you find what you want easily? If the

establishment is a restaurant, is the food invitingly presented? Is it hot
and fresh? How does it taste?

For this assignment, choose a store or restaurant—it may be the

college bookstore or cafeteria if you wish—and pretend you are a

secret shopper hired to evaluate the place from a customer’s point of
view.

Peer Revision Checklist for

Descriptive Essay

1. Does the introduction draw the reader in and give

any necessary background?