Descriptive Essay

Descriptive writing is a literary device in which the author uses details to paint
a picture with their words.

•This process will provide readers with descriptions of people, places, objects,
and events through the use of suitable details.

•The author will also use descriptive writing to create sensory details as a
means of enhancing the reading experience.

•If done effectively, the reader will be able draw a connection through the use of
sensory details that include seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, and tasting.

•These techniques will assist you in becoming not only a better writer, but will
also make your writing more engaging for readers.
Most forms of writing involve description.

In a short story, characters and places need to feel real for the reader.
Description of events, feelings and atmosphere helps to achieve this.

There are a number of ideas and skills you can use to improve the quality of
description in your writing.

Using interesting words can help to stop writing becoming dull and flat.
 Word choice

The first words that occur are not always the most interesting that could be
used, for example "nice" and "really". It can help to think about what specific
verbs and adjectives apply to the situation.

For example, "We had a really nice dinner," could become, "We enjoyed a tasty meal"
 or "the children had a great time at the
circus"

could change to "the children shared a

thrilling night at the circus".

Variety makes writing interesting but

remember adjectives are only one way
of improving descriptions.

Careful choice of verbs can help too.

Observation
All the senses can be utilised to create an impression. Think about what you
can see, hear, smell, feel and taste.

Even when describing an entirely fictional setting or type of character, such as

an alien or fantasy monster, you need to base your description on recognisable
terms.

In the following extract, note how a variety of senses are used.

"He walked into the classroom and crossed to his desk. The floor was worn
where years of boys had kicked and scuffed in their rush to escape. A damp,
sickly-sweet aroma arose from the pile of jackets crushed in one corner and
a blind tap, tapped against the window where a stone or ball had cracked the
glass. Mr Jones rubbed his hands across the smooth polished top and
examined his finger tips for dust."
 Describing scenes

Good description should make a scene vivid to the reader. It should be clear, strong,
and believable. This applies to both real places and events and imaginary ones.

When writing descriptively you should consider the time and place. For example, a
deserted park at night requires a completely different description from a busy park
during the daytime.

How much description you put in depends on the purpose of your writing. If you want
to set a scene for a story you will need less than if you are opting for a descriptive
essay.
It is possible to put in too much description.

You should select details which are needed to create the impression you want your
reader to have. Focus on what is needed for plot, to create a mood, or to capture
atmosphere.

Consider these two descriptions of a room.

"The room was square with a window along one side. It had four chairs and a TV and
video. There was a drinks cabinet and computer in the corner. The carpet was red and
the ceiling cream."

"The room was brightly lit by a large window and housed several modern pieces of
electrical equipment but the effect was softened by a drinks cabinet and a warm red
carpet."doorways waiting for a bus which never seemed to arrive."
The first description is like a list. It gives a lot of information, which will not be needed later in
the story.

The second gives an overall impression of the room and also manages to hint at the character
behind it. In this case, it suggests someone who likes technology but wants to be comfortable too.

Consider how the description of the following scene helps to portray the mood of the character.

"A wet, dull day greeted Mary as she stepped into the grey light. Men huddled by in drab wet
coats or stood in dismal
 Describing people
When describing people, ensure they are believable.

If writing about a real person think about their life, history, and background. If
writing about a fictional character, you should try to come up with these details
for your character.

•What would this sort of person say?

•What would this sort of person do?
•What would this sort of person think?

When describing a character's appearance avoid a list-like approach.

Remember you don't have to describe everything from the top of a person's
head to their toes. Instead, select aspects of their appearance which help to
reveal the character's personality.
Consider the following two descriptions.

"Mary had blonde shoulder length hair and blue eyes. She wore a gold chain
and a tight blue dress. She had blue leather shoes and carried a briefcase.“

"Mary was smart and efficient in a stylish way."

The second description encourages the reader's imagination, creating an

image rather than a list.

The focus of your description can vary as required. For example, instead of
describing the whole picture you can concentrate on a person's face or
movement. Circumstances can change a person's eyes, or their mouth or even
the way they hold their head.
Consider the following two descriptions.

"Mary's eyes widened and sparkled as she read the news, her mouth slowly
turned upwards.“

"Mary's eyes darted from side to side. She moistened her lips and swallowed
hard.“

Each of these descriptions show Mary experiencing very different emotions.

In the first she is feeling happy because of what she has just read. In the
second she seems tense.
A writer controls how a reader sees characters.
Look at the descriptions below and think about how the writer describes the
character.

"Paul was tall and slim and walked effortlessly across the room.“

"Paul was lanky and skinny and strode across the room in an ungainly
manner.“

The first description uses flattering words, while the second uses negative
words. Depending on which is used, the reader could get a very different
impression of Paul.
In order to successfully complete the required writing assignments for A’ Level
English, you will need to understand how to use a variety of descriptive styles.

This lists below give examples of the most important elements in the writer’s
toolkit.

1. Figures of Speech

2. Change of Focus

The ability to change focus from the describing of one thing to another when writing a
story, description, or a narrative, gives depth to a piece of work.

A focus change is best used between a group of paragraphs to provide the

reader with a rounded picture of the scene or situation you are trying to describe.
3. Range in paragraph length
Having a variety of different paragraph lengths within a piece of writing can make it more
interesting and engaging. The occasional short single sentence paragraph can give
emphasis to a sudden change in atmosphere.
e.g. Suddenly, the storm stopped.