This writing assignment asked me to explain different topics in clear, organized ways by describing a recipe, demonstrating a process and answering a question with supporting details. Through completing these sections, I learned how important it is to give step-by-step instructions, use examples that connect to real life and write in a way that helps readers easily understand my meaning. I also learned that explanatory writing is most effective when it is personal, informative and carefully organized.
Cooking a dish: Meatloaf
Personal Introduction: When I was a teenager with nowhere else to go, my neighbor, Shari, whom I affectionately call “Momma Shari,” welcomed me into her home and helped support me through high school. She wasn’t my biological mother, but she treated me like family. Growing up under her care, I always looked forward to her delicious meatloaf, a dish she made better than anyone else I’ve ever known. It was the first recipe I learned to make on my own. I now prepare this dish whenever I want a comforting meal that brings back those memories.
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
2 pounds ground beef
4 slices of torn bread (2 slices per pound of ground beef)
2 large eggs
1 large onion finely chopped
1/2 cup ketchup for topping
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons sage
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, torn bread, eggs, onion, salt, pepper and sage.
Mix with clean hands until combined.
Transfer the mixture into 2 loaf pans, shaping it evenly.
Spread a thick layer of ketchup on top to flavor.
Add a little water to the bottom of the pan around the meatloaf, just enough to cover the bottom.
Bake uncovered for 55-60 minutes, or until the meatloaf is cooked through and the top is slightly caramelized.
Let the meatloaf rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Demonstrating a Process: How to Tie a Bowline Knot
Introduction: The Bowline knot is for camping, climbing and boating because it creates a secure loop that won’t slip under tension. Knowing how to tie this knot can be useful for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities or needs a dependable knot for practical use.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Hold the rope so you have a working end that is approximately 12 to 18 inches long, and a standing end that remains stationary. The working end should be noticeably shorter than the standing end, but long enough to comfortably tie the knot. This helps ensure you have enough rope to complete the bowline knot without excess or shortage.
- Make a small loop near the end of the rope, leaving enough length for your desired loop size. The working end should be on top of the standing part.
- Begin by holding the rope so you have two ends: the working end and the standing end. The working end, which is sometimes referred to as “the rabbit” in classic knot-tying rhymes, should be approximately 12 to 18 inches long and is used to tie the knot. The standing end remains stationary. Make sure the working end is shorter than the standing end, but still long enough to comfortably form the bowline knot. This setup helps ensure you have enough rope to complete the knot without excess or shortage.
- Wrap the working end around the back of the standing part.
- Bring the working end back down through the loop (the rabbit goes back into the hole).
- Pull the working end to tighten the knot, making sure the loop does not slip. The bowline should create a fixed loop that holds firm but is easy to untie even after bearing weight.
Answering a Question: Why Are Electric Scooters So Popular on College Campuses?
Electric scooters address environmental concerns by offering a greener alternative to cars. University officials and city leaders, however, have debated their safety and impact on pedestrian traffic. Despite these challenges, electric scooters remain popular because they save time, are easy to use, and fit the on-the-go lifestyle of today’s students.
Their appeal comes from convenience; students can quickly travel between classes and avoid parking hassles. According to 2026 industry trends, scooters are no longer just for leisure but have become a “top-tier” commuting solution for students dealing with the realities of large universities, according to Fitzsimmons (2019) and Ink (2020). In addition, According to an article in the New York Times, scooters are relatively affordable; many students can rent one for just a few dollars per trip, making them accessible even on a budget.
Sources Cited:
Fitzsimmons, E. G. (2019, June 19). Electric scooters are coming to New York, but you can’t rent One in Manhattan (published 2019). https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/19/nyregion/scooters-nyc.html
Ink, S. (2020, August 28). NACTO’s 2019 shared mobility analysis shows 136 million trips taken. Better Bike Share. https://betterbikeshare.org/resource/nactos-2019-shared-mobility-analysis-shows-136-million-trips-taken/
Sonja M. West 