word snapshot assignment

Insert a screenshot or screen clipping

Without leaving the app that you are working in, you can add a snapshot of the screen to your Office file to enhance readability or capture information. This feature is available in Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word.

Screenshots are useful for capturing snapshots of programs or windows that you have open on your computer. When you click the Screenshot button, open program windows are displayed as thumbnails in the Available Windows gallery. You can insert the whole program window, or use the Screen Clipping tool to select part of a window. Only windows that have not been minimized to the taskbar can be captured.

When you choose Screen Clipping , your entire window will temporarily become opaque or “frosted over.” After you select the part of the window that you want, your selection will show through this opaqueness.

Note:  Only one screenshot at a time can be added. To add multiple screenshots, repeat steps 2 and 3 below.

Click in the document at the location where you want to add the screenshot.

(In Outlook, an email message must be open, and the insertion pointer must be in the body of the message.)

In PowerPoint : On the Insert tab, in the Images group, click Screenshot .

The Available Windows gallery appears, showing you all the windows that you currently have open. Do one of the following:

To insert a screenshot of an entire window into your document, click the thumbnail image of that window.

To add a selected portion of the first window shown in the Available Windows gallery, click Screen Clipping ; when the screen turns white and the pointer becomes a cross, press and hold the left mouse button and drag to select the part of the screen that you want to capture.

Tip:  If you have multiple windows open, you'll first need to click the window you want to capture before starting the screenshot process. This will move that window to the first position in the Available Windows gallery. For example, if you want to take a screen clipping from a web page and insert it into a Word document, first click the screen with the website, and then go directly to your Word document and click Screenshot . The screen with the web page will be in the first position in the Available Windows gallery, and you can click Screen Clipping to select a portion of that screen.

The window or portion of the screen you selected is automatically added to your document. You can use the tools on the Picture Tools tab to edit and enhance the screenshot.

Take a screenshot by using one of the keyboard shortcuts listed below. Then open the captured image, edit it as needed, and save the file. Then you can insert the saved image file in a document, if you like. 

Take a screenshot

There are three options for taking a screenshot:

After you take the screenshot, a thumbnail image appears in the corner of your screen. Click it to edit the screenshot.

Edit the image

To open the captured image, go to Finder, and locate the image under Recents or Desktop .

Open the image in the editor of your choice to make any changes you want. By default, the image is saved in the Desktop folder.

Insert the image in a document

Open the document that you want to insert the image in.

Select Insert > Pictures > Picture from File . Navigate to the folder where the image is stored, select it, then select Insert .

Use the Windows Snipping Tool to capture screen shots

Crop a picture

Add clip art to your file

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What Is a Snapshot in Writing? (30 Best Examples)

If you’re reading a narrative and suddenly feel like you’re standing in the middle of a freeze frame, you’ve just experienced a snapshot.

What is a snapshot in writing?

A snapshot is a brief, vivid description of a particular scene or moment. In a snapshot, an author temporarily zooms in on a person, place, or thing to describe it with rich sensory details. Snapshots help immerse the reader more deeply in an article, essay, or story.

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about snapshots in writing.

What Is a Snapshot in Writing? (Full Explanation)

Table of Contents

A snapshot is a momentary glimpse into a scene that is usually much larger.

In writing, snapshots are used to focus on specific details that help to create a more vivid picture for the reader. These details can be anything from the way the light hits a character’s face to the way someone’s hand feels when it’s wrapped around a cup of coffee.

Usually, snapshots rely heavily on sensory information:

By carefully selecting which details to include and which to leave out, authors can create snapshots that are both evocative and concise.

The concept of snapshots comes from author and educator, Barry Lane, who introduced snapshots in his book, After the End: Teaching and Learning Creative Revision .

In describing snapshots, he uses the analogy of a photographer zooming in on his or her subject.

And a snapshot is like a photographer zooming in on some small aspect of a larger scene. The photographer’s eye can zero in on a particular detail that catches his or her attention, and the camera can freeze that moment in time.

In the same way, a writer can take a single event or experience and provide a detailed account of it.

By focusing on a specific moment (and specific details within that moment) the writer can provide a more nuanced and intimate portrayal of what happened.

In doing so, the snapshot can give readers a more vivid sense of what it was like to be there.

Types of Snapshots in Writing

There are several different types of snapshots you can use in writing.

Most of the differences come down to the type of writing and how you apply the snapshot technique to your particular piece of content.

What Is a Snapshot in an Essay?

When you’re writing an essay, a snapshot is like taking a photo of a small, specific detail that captures the essence of your topic.

It’s usually a sensory-rich description of something.

A good snapshot adds flavor to an essay and can even be used to make a larger point about the topic.

For example, if you’re writing about the need to clean up the trash on the beach, you might describe in vivid detail the piles of rotting seaweed, plastic bottles, and used food wrappers that make it impossible to enjoy a day at the shore.

The stench of rotting seaweed. The crunch of used food wrappers underfoot.

The sad realization that your family vacation is ruined.

A well-chosen snapshot can offer a powerful glimpse into the world you’re writing about, so choose wisely.

What Is a Snapshot in a Story?

In many ways, a story is like a journey.

The plot is the road that takes the characters from point A to point B, and along the way, the readers are treated to glimpses of the scenery.

But occasionally, the author will take a detour, slowing down to describe a particular scene in detail.

This is what we call a snapshot.

It’s a small slice of life that helps to round out the characters and allows the readers to take a break from all the action.

For example, in J.D. Salinger’s, The Catcher in the Rye , there is a brief scene where Holden Caulfield watches his little sister Phoebe ride on a carousel.

In just a few short paragraphs, Salinger paints a vivid picture of the scene.

We get a sense of both Holden’s love for his sister and his anguish at his own lost innocence. Snapshots are valuable moments in a story, and they can often be some of the most memorable.

What Is a Snapshot in an Article?

You can also apply snapshots to blog posts and articles. Let’s pretend that I was writing an article about cats.

When writing about my acrobatic cats, I like to use snapshots to add levity and break up the text. For example, when describing how I taught my cats to high-five, I might write:

“I held up my hand, palm out, and waited for one of them to make contact. After a few false starts, Whiskers finally got the message and smacked his paw against mine. It was a triumphant moment.”

By providing such a specific and concrete description, I invite readers to share in the moment and see my cats in a new light.

Plus, it’s pretty dang cute.

30 Snapshot in Writing Examples

Here are 30 simple examples of snapshots in writing:

• Sunlight Through Trees : The morning sun cast its golden rays through the dense canopy of the forest. Each beam of light created a mesmerizing pattern on the ground, illuminating patches of earth and leaves in a dance of light and shadow. The scene was like a living, breathing painting, with the sun playing the role of the artist, and the forest floor as its canvas.
• Breeze in the Trees : As the gentle breeze whispered through the trees, it carried with it the soft rustling of leaves. This symphony of nature was both calming and invigorating. The leaves, each moving in its own rhythm, created a delicate harmony that seemed to speak of ancient, whispered secrets and the timeless dance of nature.
• Pond’s Glittering Surface : The pond’s surface sparkled brilliantly under the midday sun. Each ripple reflected light like tiny diamonds, creating a dazzling display of natural beauty. The water, so clear and pure, seemed to hold within it the very essence of tranquility, inviting onlookers to pause and lose themselves in its serene depths.
• Morning Birdsong : Early in the morning, the air was filled with the clear, melodious sounds of birdsong. Each note rang out crisp and pure, a natural melody that signified the start of a new day. The birds, unseen but clearly heard, provided a soundtrack that was both uplifting and soothing.
• Moss’s Cool Touch : The moss beneath my fingers was a tapestry of nature, cool and damp to the touch. Its vibrant green hue was a feast for the eyes, and its soft, spongy texture was a gentle reminder of the earth’s nurturing presence. This small patch of moss was a world unto itself, a microcosm of life’s simple pleasures.
• Old Books’ Musty Smell : The musty smell of old books filled the air in the dusty library. Each book held stories of times gone by, their pages yellowed with age. The scent was a mix of paper, ink, and time, creating an atmosphere that was both nostalgic and magical.
• Sharp Tang of Lemonade : On a scorching summer day, the lemonade’s sharp tang was a welcome respite. The icy drink, beaded with condensation, was a burst of refreshment. Its sourness tingled on the tongue, a reminder of summer’s exuberance and the simple joy of a cold beverage on a hot day.
• Children’s Laughter and Sprinklers : The sound of children’s laughter mingled with the hiss of sprinklers was the quintessence of summer joy. The kids, drenched and gleeful, darted through the water jets, their laughter ringing out. This scene was a celebration of childhood – unrestrained, carefree, and full of life.
• Sand Between Toes : Walking along the beach, the sensation of warm sand between my toes was grounding. Each grain seemed to tell a story, a tale of oceans, winds, and time. The beach was a vast canvas, and my footprints were temporary artworks, soon to be swept away by the next tide.
• Snowflakes Melting on Tongue : Catching snowflakes on my tongue was a delight of winter. Each flake, unique and intricate, melted quickly, leaving a fleeting coolness. This simple act was a reminder of nature’s delicate beauty and the transient, ephemeral nature of life’s most enchanting moments.
• Rain on a Windowpane : Raindrops raced down the windowpane, each following its own winding path. The sound was a gentle tap-tap-tap, a lullaby of sorts that soothed the soul. Outside, the world was a blur of grey and green, a watercolor painting brought to life by the weeping sky.
• Crackling Campfire : The campfire crackled and popped, its flames dancing merrily. The smell of burning wood was comforting, a reminder of nights spent under the stars. The warmth of the fire pushed back the night’s chill, drawing us closer together in a circle of light and camaraderie.
• City at Night : The city at night was a tapestry of lights, each shining like a star against the dark canvas of the sky. The hum of traffic, the distant sound of music, the occasional laughter – all these sounds melded into a rhythm that pulsed with the life of the city.
• Freshly Baked Bread : The aroma of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen, a warm, inviting scent that spoke of home and comfort. The crust was golden and crisp, the inside soft and fluffy. Each slice was a piece of culinary art, a testament to the simple pleasures of life.
• Autumn Leaves Falling : Leaves fell like rain, their colors – red, orange, yellow – a fiery tribute to autumn. They carpeted the ground in a mosaic of hues, each leaf a reminder of the cycle of life and the beauty of change.
• Frost on a Window : Frost etched intricate patterns on the window, a natural masterpiece crafted by the cold. The delicate filigree was a work of art, each line and swirl a testament to the beauty that can be found in the most unexpected places.
• Busy Marketplace : The marketplace was a cacophony of sounds and colors. Vendors called out their wares, their voices mingling with the chatter of customers. The air was filled with the scents of spices, flowers, and fresh produce, a sensory overload that was both exhilarating and overwhelming.
• Quiet Morning Coffee : The first sip of coffee in the quiet of the morning was a moment of pure bliss. The rich aroma, the warm mug in my hands, the smooth taste – it was a ritual that marked the start of a new day, a moment of peace before the world awoke.
• Street Performer’s Dance : The street performer’s dance was a whirlwind of motion and color. Each movement was precise and fluid, a display of skill and artistry. The crowd watched in awe, captivated by the performance that transformed the street into a stage.
• Garden in Bloom : The garden was in full bloom, a riot of colors and scents. Bees buzzed from flower to flower, a harmonious dance of nature. The air was sweet with the fragrance of blossoms, a reminder of the earth’s bountiful beauty.
• Mountain Summit at Dawn : Standing atop the mountain at dawn, the world seemed vast and infinite. The rising sun painted the sky in shades of pink and orange, a breathtaking display of nature’s artistry. The air was crisp and clean, a reward for the arduous climb.
• Night Sky Stargazing : Lying under the night sky, the stars seemed close enough to touch. Each one was a point of light in the vast darkness, a reminder of the universe’s immense beauty and mystery. The Milky Way was a luminous river, a celestial pathway across the heavens.
• Winter’s First Snow : The first snow of winter was a magical event. The world was transformed into a wonderland of white, each flake a delicate jewel. The silence of the snowfall was profound, a peaceful hush that blanketed the earth.
• Rainbow After Rain : After the rain, a rainbow arched across the sky, its colors vivid and clear. It was a symbol of hope and renewal, a natural phenomenon that never failed to bring a sense of wonder and awe.
• Busy City Subway : The subway was a microcosm of the city’s life. People from all walks of life came together in this underground world, each on their way to somewhere. The sound of the train, the murmur of conversation, the rhythmic movement – it was a symphony of urban existence.
• Sunset Over the Ocean : The sun setting over the ocean was a daily spectacle of beauty. The sky was ablaze with colors, reflecting on the water’s surface. The sound of waves crashing against the shore was a soothing backdrop to the visual feast.
• Old Guitar’s Melody : The old guitar had a sound that was both warm and nostalgic. Each note resonated with memories, a melody that spoke of past joys and sorrows. The strings, worn with time, still held music that could touch the soul.
• First Blossom of Spring : The first blossom of spring was a sign of new beginnings. The delicate petals, soft and vibrant, were a stark contrast to the barren branches. This single flower was a promise of the renewal and beauty that was to come with the changing season.
• Hiking Trail in the Woods : The hiking trail wound through the woods, a path of discovery and adventure. The trees stood tall and strong, their leaves whispering secrets. The smell of earth and foliage was invigorating, a connection to the wild and untamed.
• Busy Beehive : The beehive was a hub of activity, a community working in perfect harmony. The buzz of the bees was a testament to their tireless efforts, each one contributing to the life of the hive. The scent of honey was sweet in the air, a reward for their hard work.

You can, of course, elaborate on each sentence, expanding it into a paragraph or more.

Here is a longer, bonus example to make snapshots in writing clear:

The man approaches the cemetery gates with a heavy heart.

The leaves on the trees are just beginning to turn, and the air is chill and damp. He shivers as he walks through the gate, his footsteps echoing in the silence. He follows the path to his wife’s grave, his eyes lingering on the headstone. The stone is cold and hard beneath his fingers, and he can feel the sharp edges of the letters cutting into his skin. He traces her name with his fingertip, lingering in the curve of the final letters. The man sinks to his knees, burying his face in his hands. The sobs come unbidden, shaking his body with their force. He stays there for a long time, until the sun has sunk below the horizon and the stars are shining in the sky. Then, with one last look at his wife’s grave, he picks himself up and starts back down the path.

Why Do Authors Use Snapshots?

When done well, snapshots can give readers a deep sense of the characters and world that they are reading about.

Here are some of the main reasons authors use snapshots:

• They break up the plot
• They add significance
• They magnify emotion
• They show the author’s skill
• They make the reader feel something

When done poorly, they can feel like an author is simply showing off their powers of observation.

As with all things in writing, it’s important to use snapshots sparingly and only when they genuinely add to the story being told.

How Do You Write a Snapshot?

To write a successful snapshot, follow these tips:

• Choose a scene to describe
• Select 1-3 sensory details
• Use figurative language

First, choose a scene to describe. It could be something as mundane as doing the dishes or as momentous as witnessing a natural disaster. Whatever you choose, make sure it is interesting and evocative.

Next, select 1-3 sensory details to include in your description.

What do you see? What do you smell? What do you hear? What do you taste? The more specific you can be, the better.

Finally, use figurative techniques to bring your snapshot to life.

Compare the scene or subject to something else. Use metaphors and similes to describe it in more detail.

By following these tips, you can create a snapshot that will leave your readers with a clear mental image of the scene you are trying to describe.

Here is a good video about using snapshots in writing:

How Do You Write a Snapshot in a Story?

To write a snapshot, you need to choose three sensory details in each sense to describe the setting or experience.

For example, if you’re describing a creepy playground, you might use the following details:

• The sight of the rusted swings creaking in the wind.
• The sound of the chains clanking against the metal poles.
• The smell of mold and mildew in the air.
• The feel of the splinters in the wood as you touch it.
• The taste of blood in your mouth after you fall down.

You can also use snapshots to describe characters, emotions, or objects.

For example, you might use the following details to describe a character:

• The sight of her cold, hard eyes.
• The sound of his voice as he grunts in pain.
• The smell of her perfume as she walks by.
• The feel of his warm hand on your cheek.

Snapshot Writing Tool

I use several free and paid snapshot writing tools for all of my writing.

Here are my favorite tools:

• Canva to give me a physical image for writing inspiration
• Jasper Art to come up with new images to perfectly describe my subject
• Jasper AI to easily and quickly generate sensory rich details
• Asking questions to help me explore my subject

You can also use this simple snapshot writing tool I made for you:

Snapshot Writing Exercise

Here is a snapshot writing exercise I call, Snapshots in Writing: Slowing Down to Describe Something in Sensory Detail .

Writing is often about capturing a moment in time, whether it’s a memory from our childhood or a scene from a work of fiction. But in order to truly bring a reader into that moment, it’s important to slow down and include as much sensory detail as possible.

This lesson plan will help your students practice this skill by writing their own snapshots.

• Introduction. To begin, explain to your students that they are going to be writing their own snapshots, or brief descriptions of a particular scene or moment. Tell them that the key to writing a successful snapshot is to slow down and include as many sensory details as possible. Explain that they should try to use all five senses – sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste – in their descriptions.
• Brainstorm. Next, give your students an opportunity to brainstorm ideas for their own snapshots. You could provide prompts (e.g., describe your favorite place, describe a time when you were very scared, etc.), or let them choose their own topics. Once they have an idea, have them write down as many sensory details as they can think of. Encourage them to be creative and specific.
• Practice. Once they have brainstormed ideas and listed out details, it’s time for your students to start writing their snapshots. Remind them to take their time and include as many details as possible. Encourage them to use descriptive language and active verbs to really bring their scenes to life.
• Group Sharing. When they are finished writing, ask volunteers to share their snapshots with the class. As each student reads their piece, pay attention to the level of detail included and offer feedback accordingly. If a student has omitted important details, point it out and encourage them to add more next time they write a snapshot. On the other hand, if a student has gone overboard with too many details, help them edit their piece so that it is more concise.

By following these steps, your students will be well on their way to writing vivid and engaging snapshots.

Snapshot vs Thoughtshot in Writing

Snapshots are different than thoughtshots in writing.

Let’s continue the photography example to help explain the difference between the two writing techniques.

A snapshot is like a photograph of something or someone else. It captures the subject in all its detail, providing the reader with a clear and concise image.

In contrast, a thoughtshot is more like a self-portrait.

It focuses on the author’s thoughts and feelings, providing insight into their personal opinion on the subject.

Both snapshots and thoughtshots are valuable tools in writing, but it’s important to know the difference between them.

Final Thoughts: What Is a Snapshot in Writing?

Snapshots are a great literary technique but difficult to master.

Don’t get discouraged if your first few attempts at snapshots sound less than literary. It takes time to develop the skill of masterfully describing something in detail.

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