Descriptive Writing PDF

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Descriptive Writing...

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DESCRIPTIVE WRITING Descriptive writing uses details in order to create a strong image of a topic by appealing to the five senses. Descriptive writing makes good writing even better. A descriptive paper is one that describes a topic in great detail in a paragraph, essay, or more. Descriptive writing often moves in spatial order. Example: When the moon is full, the light reflects off the water, bouncing up and shining on the waves as they start to break. When the clouds cover the moon, the darkness is complete. The world stands still and silent for a moment. *Source- MacMillan Learning

Rule 1: If you’re writing a descriptive paper, you will want to have a topic sentence (for paragraphs) or thesis statement (for essays). This is the point the writer makes about the topic. (See handout on topic sentences/thesis statements for more info.)  

The California summer nights come alive with the setting sun. The end of the semester is a time that fills me with satisfaction.

Rule 2: This body of a descriptive paper develops the topic sentence/thesis statement. It contains facts, reasons, examples, and details, but mostly details. The details often describe the five senses: sight, touch, sound, taste, and smell. (See handout on sensory detail for more info.)  

The freezing air conditioning gave me the chills. The smell of burnt toast loomed through the air.

Rule 3: Use figurative language in the body of your paper to be more descriptive. Figurative language comprises of metaphors, similes, personification, and hyperbole. (See handout on figurative language for more info.)  Metaphor- a direct comparison: Life is a journey. She is an angel.  Simile-a comparison with like or as: Life is like a journey. She is like an angel.  Personification- giving words lifelike qualities: The music danced in my ears.  Hyperbole- exaggeration: I know! You told me 50,000 times. Rule 4: Details in the body of a paper are also often expressed with descriptive words, like adjectives. Adjectives are words that describe people, places, things, and ideas. (See handout on parts of speech for more information).  The hot sun set behind the mountains.  The clear water splashed in the pool. Last Modified 11/15/17

Rule 5: The details in the body of a descriptive paper are most likely arranged spatially. To guide the reader, you may use prepositions like “next to,” “in front of,” “below,” “at the back,” etc. in order to guide the reader around the space you’re describing. (See handout on paragraph/essay development for more information) 

As she entered the room, the light from the windows at the back cast light that lit up all the pictures on the wall to the left. In front of her, a mirror reflected her image.

Rule 6: The conclusion of a descriptive paper summarizes the ideas and brings it to a closing. In your conclusion, try to answer this question: What general impression do you want your reader to have of the thing you are describing? See example conclusion below. (See handout on paragraph/essay development for more information) PRACTICE: Read the following descriptive paragraph and then answer the questions that follow. Check with a tutor when you’re done. Late at night, the ocean near my grandmother’s house always fills me with wonder. It is dark. Lit only by the moon. When the moon is full, the light reflects off the water, bouncing up and shining on the waves as they start to break. When the clouds cover the moon, the darkness is complete. The world stands still and silent for a moment. Then, I hear the waves coming toward me, swelling, breaking, and bursting into surf that I cannot see. I hear them gently go back, only to start again. Gulls call in the distance. During the day, their call sounds raw, but at night it softens and sounds like a plea. Now that I am in touch with my senses, I am hit with a smell of salt and dampness that seems to coat my lungs. I stand completely still, just experiencing the beach, as if I have become a part of the elements. The experience always calms me and takes away the strains of everyday life. *Source- MacMillan Learning

1. What is being described in this paragraph (the topic)? Does the topic sentence express that well? 2. What kinds of details are used in the body to describe the topic? Find the adjectives, and any metaphors, similes, or uses of personification. 3. What uses of the five senses were used to describe this topic? PRACTICE: Describe your favorite place to study. Be as detailed as you can in one paragraph. Check with a tutor when you’re done. Last Modified 11/15/17...