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By using Descriptive Structure and Unique Strategies when writing about Tiger Woods as one of TIME magazine's 100 most influential people of 2021, Justin Timberlake effectively engages the reader.
By using Descriptive Structure and Unique Strategies when writing about Tiger Woods as one of TIME magazine's 100 most influential people of 2021, Justin Timberlake effectively engages the reader.
"Tiger Woods"
"Tiger Woods"
By: Justin Timberlake
Last year, Tiger Woods and I spent time together, just the two of us, talking about being fathers. We discussed how we want our children to see us and how you balance your dedication to them with competitive drive. I told him about how my son, who just turned 4, has started to realize what I do. We bonded over the fact that we wanted our children to watch us at our best. Tiger told me that he hoped his children, who are 11 and 10, would one day see him win a major.
On April 14 in Augusta, Ga., they did just that when Tiger won his 15th career major—and first in 11 years—capping arguably the greatest comeback in sports history. What a dream come true. For Tiger. For all of us.
Over the past few years, Tiger rehabbed rigorously from all the surgeries, and returned to the top of the game. While pundits doubted he’d ever win again, Tiger’s commitment never wavered. The thing we don’t always appreciate is the patience. Tiger spent countless hours in the gym, and on the golf course, with a singular goal in mind. All the work he did when people weren’t watching allowed him to hug his children on the same hallowed ground he hugged his father 22 years ago, amid all the adulation, a Masters champion once again.
Structure
Structure
Descriptive
Descriptive
Justin Timberlake writes a descriptive essay to illustrate Tiger Woods. Rather than taking the approach of Tiger being a great golfer, which is a well-known fact, he instead discusses Tiger’s relationship with his children through figurative language to add depth to his accomplishments. Tiger’s kids serve as a metaphor for his golf career. The ability to hug his kids following a major win, rather than celebrate with the fan-fare, is what makes Tiger a champion on the golf course.
Strategies
Strategies
- Hooks the reader right away
Justin Timberlake skips to the good part right away. He states, “Last year, Tiger Woods and I spent time together, just the two of us, talking about being fathers.” He tells the reader what they are getting from the opening sentence; the essay will be about two regular guys having a conversation. Rather than showcasing Tiger as a famous athlete, Timberlake highlights him as a dad who he has spent time with.
2. He knows what he is talking about
2. He knows what he is talking about
Timberlake knows something about excelling at his craft. He states, “We bonded over the fact that we wanted our children to watch us at our best.” He doesn’t tip toe around phrases like “in my opinion”, but instead owns the fact that he is a great musician and can relate to Tiger as an outstanding golfer.
3. Makes it personal
3. Makes it personal
By telling a story about his son, Timberlake makes the essay personal. He explains, “I told him about how my son, who just turned 4, has started to realize what I do.” The reader learns Timberlake is just another dad with a son who has yet to embrace his career.
4. Conveys his own enthusiasm
4. Conveys his own enthusiasm
Timberlake is obviously a golf fan and more specifically a Tiger Woods fan. He captivates the reader by showing his enthusiasm for Tiger’s return to golf as, “the greatest comeback in sports history.” He goes on to describe, “What a dream come true. For Tiger. For all of us.” This is personal for Timberlake. A fantasy fulfilled. The reader relates to Timberlake’s excitement for this momentous occasion.
5. Organizes the essay in order of importance
5. Organizes the essay in order of importance
Beginning: He begins by establishing a connection with Tiger. They are both relatable fathers. He doesn’t showcase Tiger as one of the best golfers of all time. He is just another dad.
Middle: Timberlake acknowledges Tiger’s golf acumen, coming back after injury to win his 15th major. He is now more than an average dad.
End: Timberlake highlights the extraordinary work Woods puts in to get there. He describes his commitment, patience, and effort in the gym. He uses vivid words such as “hallowed ground” to describe the revered and holy place where he hugs his children. He also describes Tiger as a “champion” for defeating all rivals. Timberlake suggests that he is now more than an average dad, for as he greets his children, they have seen him at his best.
Vibe
Vibe
Inspirational Narrative
Inspirational Narrative
This is an inspirational narrative about one of the best golfers of all time whose goal was to have his children see him at the top of his game. Like many parents, Tiger’s most important fans are his kids. For them to witness his hard work, determination, and ultimately one of the greatest comeback stories in sports, was all the “adulation” that he needed. Additionally, Timberlake’s word placement provides even more inspiration. The end of each paragraph when strung together states, “...win a major…For each of us…once again.” Comeback stories expand our perception of what is possible. They allow us to keep our hopes alive. Perhaps Timberlake is trying to inspire Tiger Woods to do it all again.
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