Elements of Language: First Course, Chapter 1

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Writer's Model

Eyewitness Account

An eyewitness account tells the story of an interesting or memorable event that the writer witnessed. A good eyewitness account uses facts and vivid details to help the reader picture the event clearly.

Many eyewitness accounts use the structure illustrated in the framework below. Print this framework and use it as a guide when you write your own eyewitness account

Introduction
• Salutation
• Attention-grabbing opener
• Statement of the event

Open with a salutation Follow the correct letter form for your greeting.
Grab your reader's attention A question, story, or personal note can get your reader interested.
Write a brief statement about the event Let your reader know what the event was and why it was interesting or exciting.

Body
• First event and details
• Second event and details
and so on

Describe the event Discuss each small event that made up the main event. Some events may need their own paragraphs, but you can also combine short events into a single paragraph.
Elaborate on each detail Use descriptive language to show your reader what the experience was like.
Provide background information You may need to include additional information, such as definitions for terms that are unfamiliar to your reader.

Conclusion
• Your feelings or questions about what you observed
• Importance of the event
• Closing for the letter

End your account effectively Make it clear why the event was important to you and why you wanted to share it. Then, close with a personal note to your reader.