Name:
Date:
EN34
Unit 2 Descriptive Writing
“Family Portrait”
Grade: ___100__/100
Directions: Write a multi-paragraph essay in which you describe the personality of one family member.
Begin typing your essay below:
Emmagene Cass
06 February 2013
Junior English
Unit 2 Essay
Take a Chance
In life, everyone has a unique story that can teach others something they did not know before. Every person is important because they bring something new to the table. Similarly, each member of a family adds their unique personality to make it a whole. Madeleine, the eldest daughter of three holds some of the best character traits that cause many to admire. Madeleine is the role model of role models that leads anyone to follow. She continues to inspire those around her everyday with her bold, entertaining and nurturing personality.
Over a year ago she decided she would be moving to Los Angeles, California. One of the boldest decisions she has ever made, yet headstrong Madeleine is determined to succeed. The reason for the move is to be with her boyfriend of 2 years who is going to school there. Having lived at home during college, this was going to be the first time she lived away from home. That’s something to admire about her: no matter the challenge, Madeleine takes it on without fear of the struggles she may face. The move to California was a big change that would intimidate many, but she knew any obstacles she faced would be worth it. Without any friends or a job in Los Angeles, Madeleine set off for California to be with the one she loved.
The day finally came and petite, little Madeleine - with her bright eyes and wide smile – was ready to go. In order to move several truckloads of her items, the family had to endure the everlasting, seven-hour road trip to California. This may seem a daunting task to many, but if they’re in the same car with Madeleine there comes a sigh of relief. She is the ‘class clown’ of the family and can make even the grumpiest of people crack a smile. The first few hours involve constant singing and dancing to music she grew up on: the classics. Though her voice is no record smashing sensation, she nails every routine. With Madeleine in the car it can safely be assumed there is a video camera recording the entire event. She loves home movies and can’t help but put on a show in front of the camera. Once they reach the city, and that means the infamous Los Angeles traffic, Madeleine continues to entertain while she yells at drivers in her many accents. Whether they’re traveling through massive expanses of dry desert, or stuck in traffic, Madeleine keeps the spirits up of those around her.
Moving to California meant Madeleine had to leave her family behind in Arizona. The family is quite close-knit, but nothing compares to how close she is with her younger sister. Growing up, Madeleine constantly took on the mother-role even if it was not necessary. She took care of her sister in any way possible and always tried to protect her. Everyone in school admired the relationship between the two girls. They grew up doing everything together and shared a lifetime of memories. Even their mannerisms were similar, using hand gestures when they spoke and the way they slacked in posture while laughing. After lifting box after box, they had finally moved Madeleine and her boyfriend into their new apartment. By her high-pitched voice, it was obvious of Madeleine’s excitement, but that all faded when it was time for the family to leave. Her nurturing, caring side took over and was overwhelmed by the fact that she had to part from her sister. This was just another task that demonstrated her bravery; by moving to Los Angeles she had to give up living with her best friend and sister.
Madeleine is a young girl with a vivacious personality that makes her an incredible role model to any. When faced with struggles in life, it often shows a person’s true colors. Although she had to give up everything in Arizona and start a new life, Madeleine remained the bold, entertaining, nurturing person she always has been. She has maintained a great balance in her life in keeping the old, yet embracing the new. Now settled in Los Angeles with the boyfriend everyone loves, Madeleine has gotten the job of her dreams and a baby black lab to make her family complete. Instead of fearing the unknown, Madeleine chose to take a chance in life that turned out to be the best decision she ever made.
Emmagene, what a marvelous look at your sister. I am amazed by the affection in your writer’s voice. Very well done. I would like to find something to criticize but, would be nitpicking, not my thing. Mr. Mitchell













