Observation essay is a written “photograph" of some experience. Preparatory stage usually includes the observation itself. This stage is aimed at collecting as much information as possible using mostly sight, smell, touch, hearing and taste; however sometimes it may be useful for the writer to pay attention to such senses as, for example, cold, heat, pain, pressure, etc.
The process of observation naturally results in thinking, setting up hypotheses, trying to answer certain questions. All these should be reflected in field notes. Therefore, the writer should make detailed field notes during the process of observation, recording every minor detail, even the one that may seem insignificant during the process of observation. Each minor detail may animate the future essay and relieve it from the routine tone. Inclusion of personal experiences endured by the writer during the process of observation may also animate the essay and make it less formal. The writer of an observation essay should give sufficient detail to transfer the reader into the observed atmosphere. Minor strokes as “crystal chandelier" or “mahogany table" will solidify the observation and provide the reader with sensation of presence in the described position.
