Another pair of words to learn this semester (in addition to "abstract" and "concrete") is "General" and "Specific." Examples of general words or descriptions would be "students" or "teachers" or "television networks." Such words are fine, and we sometimes have to use them in our writing, but in order to get the reader to "see" your writing, you will have to include some very specific details as well. Instead of "students," notice how much more interesting it is when you write "Sam, that tall, thin guy in my English class who has a nose ring and who always wears a black leather jacket." Now we see Sam, and we're much more likely to take an interest in whatever you want to say about this student as opposed to just some general idea of "student." Even when you can't go into as much detail on a description, being more specific in the few words you have can be helpful. Instead of saying "television networks," say NBC or FOX or CBS or PBS or whichever one you really want us to think about. Instead of generic "teachers," of course it's more interesting to be specific. Even "college teachers" is more specific that "teachers." "Columbia College teachers" more so. "Columbia College Television teachers" more so still. "Luke Palermo, that brilliant, industry-savvy guy who runs the Television department" is even more specific. Your second assignment for the forum: post a message with your own examples of a general term or phrase and a more specific term or phrase--go ahead and have fun adding more specific details if you want. And in your first paper, the Expressive Essay, you'll need to use lots of good, specific details.