Assignment: Try It For Yourself

For this assignment you must find an image or photograph of a locale that you will describe.
This can be a personal picture or one from another source. Underneath it you will write a travel
description (400-600 words) which conveys to your reader the experience of being in that place.
Remember to use language which allows you to create the atmosphere of your chosen setting.

In addition to using descriptive language, include some real or fake interviews with locals and do
some research about the place you are writing. You want your piece to be as well rounded and
inclusive as possible.

Follow your piece with a reflective paragraph in which you discuss how this piece represents
your recent growth as a writer (200-300 words).
 Gold, culture and art are three words easily used to
describe the city of Moscow in Russia. Moscow
being the capital of the country really exemplifies
the various aspects of the Russian culture. It is
enchanting, through its many fortresses and
castles and through its busy night and day lives.

Unlike popular belief, Russians are very welcoming

and friendly. They invite you into their culture on
the daily. The many festivals held weekly at the
“Red Square” invite tourists into the traditions that
are part of Russian culture.

The Metro is spectacular. Not only is it used by

more than 6 million passengers, but it also offers
historic artwork and architecture at each stop,
dating centuries. The upkeep and efficiency of the
city is increasing each year and should be an
inspiration to other major cities. At all hours of the
day, the city is in it’s best shape. It is safe and
comfortable for both Russians and for all tourists.

The various museums offer art, history and science

treasures that are significant in shaping Russian but also
international cultures. The “Tretyakov” and “Pushkin”
museums on their own offer one of the best fine art
collections on the planet. There is place for each and
everyone to get inspired and enchanted.

When we ask Moscow citizens what they’re favourite part

of the city was, most said “The Red Square”. The Red
Square is a world of its own. It separates the Kremlin, the
former royal citadel and now the official residence of the
President of Russia, from a historic merchant quarter
known as Kitai-gorod. The buildings surrounding the
Square are all significant. Lenin's Mausoleum, for example,
contains the embalmed body of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin, the
founder of the Soviet Union. The elaborate domed Kremlin
and the palaces and cathedrals of the Saint Basil's
Cathedral are found on the South part of the square. On
the Eastern side of the square are the GUM department
store, and next to it the Kazan Cathedral. The Northern side is occupied by the State Historical
Museum. The Iberian Gate and Chapel have been rebuilt to the Northwest. The square offers
countless tourist stops but it is also part of the city. Moscow citizens often find themselves taking
a shortcut through the square while navigating the city.

All in all, there is something for every visitor. It is very

easy to experience the culture through everyday
interactions will the Russian population and through the
various festival. It is also filled with history and art through
museums and notable architectural buildings.
I think that talking about where I am from really made it easy to write this piece. I really enjoyed
sharing my experience with others.

I feel like this course has really helped me explore various types of writing as well as many
approaches to writing any-kind of piece. I feel more comfortable when tackling an assignment,
more than when I started this course. However, I have not yet decided what kind of writing I
prefer.

I’m still working on my writing skills. I find writing dialogue and certain descriptive techniques to
be challenging. I also go back to the same words and approaches that I’m used to and don’t
often allow myself to find new ways to communicate. In this assignment, I tried to use more
descriptive language that I was not used to. I feel like it made the piece more approachable and
interesting. I still think that I could allow myself to step out of my comfort zone even more and be
more brave with my word choice.