Descriptive Writing Format,

Purpose, Techniques and

Examples, Types and Tips
What is Descriptive Writing
 Descriptive writing is a style or technique of writing
used by the writer to help the reader vividly visualize
the story or situation, using words, metaphors,
adjectives, and other literary techniques.
 This style of writing is useful when you want the
reader to imagine or picture the story or situation
you are writing about.
 The idea is to provide the reader with rich detail for
them to picture in their minds the characters,
settings, objects, emotions, and places or even
events taking place in real-time.
Descriptive Writing Format

 Descriptive writing is a type of writing that uses vivid

details to create a mental image for the reader. It is
often used to describe people, places, things, or
events. Descriptive writing can be used in a variety
of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.

 The Purpose of Descriptive Writing

 The sole purpose of descriptive writing is to describe
something through their writing skills. Unlike a short
story or a report writing, this type of writing provides
a full picture of an imaginative or real situation
through writers’ pen to the readers’ mind.
Here is a basic format for descriptive writing:

 Introduction: Grab the reader’s attention with a

strong opening sentence or phrase. Introduce the
topic of your description and provide some general
background information.
 Body: Use sensory details to describe your topic.
This means using language that appeals to the five
senses of sight, smell, taste, touch, and hearing. You
can also use figurative language, such as similes,
metaphors, and personification, to create a more
vivid image for the reader.
 Conclusion: Summarize the main points of your
description and leave the reader with a lasting
impression.
5 Main Techniques and Descriptive Writing Examples

 1. Five Senses Rule

 For any novice writer
learning the ropes of descriptive writing, the first rule is to
appeal to all the five senses of the reader.
 Using detail that attracts the five senses, sight, hearing,
taste, touch, and smell will surely set the tone right for a
good piece of descriptive writing.
 This kind of detail will make the writing more interesting
and engaging.

 Take a look at the example below:

 ‘The gentle warmth of the morning sun caressed my face,
the moist yet nostalgic fragrance of wet grass after all that
rain transported me back to my childhood.’
2.Removing Apparent
Description
 Description or detail that is very normal and apparent should
be left out of writing as it takes up undue space.
 Using that space to fill your work with fresh new ideas or words
will make your writing more convincing.
 It will also give you more time and room to think of other ways
of making your writing interesting.

 For example:
 ‘The old garden was blooming with colorful flowers once
again.’
 We all know that flowers are colorful and that they grow in
gardens.
 Hence emphasizing this sentence with ‘colorful’ does not add
any new value.
 So, saying ‘The old garden was blooming with flowers once
again’ makes the same image in the readers’ mind as it is.
3. Using Figurative/ Descriptive Literary Techniques

 Techniques such as Personification, Similies, Hyperboles,

Onomatopoeia, and Metaphors are critical masterstrokes
that writers use.
 Not only do these
enhance the language but also provide richness to the wri
ting.
 When you attribute a human quality or emotion to an
inanimate object that is called Personification.
 For example – ‘The chair squeaked as I started to
rock it to and fro..’

 Similies are basic comparison techniques that compare

one thing with another, using the words ‘as’ and ‘like’.
 For example- ‘The warrior was as brave and
fearless as a lion on the battlefield’.
 Hyperboles are the easiest out of the lot.
 They are used to exaggerate and create a

lasting impression on the reader.

 For example – ‘The army rained down

their arrows as the enemy approached

the castle walls’.

 Metaphors are used to compare a thing or

person to something else that has similar
qualities.
 For example – ‘In the morning there

was a blanket of snow covering the

whole garden’.
 Lastly, Onomatopoeia is a very interesting technique
that assigns the sounds to what the words actually mean.
 For example – ‘Pitter-patter, pitter-patter, poured
the rain on the roof of my treehouse’.
 Apart from the main techniques above, there are some
subtle yet powerful ones called Emotive Language and
Oxymorons.
 Emotive Language is a way of evoking a particular
emotional response in the reader.
 For example – ‘the innocent and infectious smiles
of the children filled the room with immeasurable
delight’.
 Additionally, Oxymorons are phrases that contain
two contradictory terms.
 For example- Julia hurriedly stuffed a piece of cake
in her mouth, and said,” this cake is awfully good
Aunt Rose”
4. Using Fresh/New Descriptive Words

 Sometimes, fresh and novel words or phrases stick with

readers.That is why descriptive writing is a constantly
evolving process.There is no one correct way of writing in this
style.If the readers connect with your words then you know
it’s right.
 That is why finding fresh ways to connect with the reader is
important.
 For Example
 It is very common to write ‘the gentle breeze touched my
face
 Try saying ‘a tender breath of fresh spring air caressed
our faces..’
 It is all about trying new words or adjectives and seeing which
ones best convey the feeling you are trying to write about.
5. Reading Good Samples of Descriptive Writing

 Reading is a very easy yet sublime way to improve any type of wri
ting
skill.
 It doesn’t matter whether the material is descriptive or narrative
in nature.
 What matters is that reading is a very subconscious way of
learning how to write well and descriptive writing is no
different. If you wish to succeed as a fine descriptive writer then,
the most natural way to do so is to read descriptive material
yourself.
 Reading and writing are a part and partial of our lives, we are
surrounded by language and words.
 The more we read, the more exposure we get to different writing
styles, new words, and phrases, or even new trends of writing.
 The mind absorbs several concepts, ideas, signs, words, and detail
subconsciously.
 The trick is to make reading a constant habit so that the
information being synced in can also translate through personal
skill and help you tell your story successfully.
Types of Descriptive Writing

 There are many types of descriptive writing.

When you know all the types, it will be
easier for you to realize in which way you
should begin your descriptive piece.

1. Biography
 A biography is a form of detailed work, tell

you about famous people’s life. A biography

may include many surprising facts and
details which you never heard.
2.Travel writing (Travel blogs)

 Travel writing allows the writer to portray skills of

descriptive writing in a great way. You have to
describe the beauty and uniqueness about the
places you visit. The writing must be done in such a
manner that your words takes readers to that place.

3.Journal
 Many people form a journal. It is a daily record of

events or work you do. Journals also refer to

periodicals and newspapers that are published on a
daily basis. In Journal writing, you must give details
of important events to meetings in extended form
to make it informative.
 4. Poetry

 This is a form of writing that describes

feelings, emotions, and ideas. A poem is the
best form of descriptive writing when it
comes to expressions as they have the best
expressive power. A poet can make a dead
person alive through his/her expressive
writing skills and use of apt words in front of
his/her readers.
Here are some secret tips for descriptive writing:

 Appealing to the Senses: Engage your

readers by incorporating sensory details.
Describe not only what things look like but also
how they feel, smell, sound, and even taste.
This helps create a vivid and immersive
experience for the reader.
 Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of outright stating
facts, paint a picture through your words. Use
descriptive language to convey emotions,
actions, and settings. Allow readers to draw
their own conclusions based on the details you
provide.
 Utilize Strong Verbs and Adjectives: Choose
precise and powerful verbs and adjectives to
convey the exact meaning you intend. This adds
depth to your writing and makes it more impactful.
 Create a Strong Mood: Consider the mood you
want to evoke and infuse your writing with
appropriate language. Whether it’s suspenseful,
nostalgic, or serene, your choice of words should
align with the emotional atmosphere you’re aiming
for.
 Employ Figurative Language: Metaphors,
similes, and other forms of figurative language can
add layers of meaning to your descriptions. They
create connections and comparisons that enhance
the reader’s understanding and engagement.
 Use Varied Sentence Structures: Keep your
writing interesting by varying the length and
structure of your sentences. Mix short, punchy
sentences with longer, more complex ones to
maintain a dynamic flow.
 Focus on Specific Details: Rather than
overwhelming your readers with a barrage of details,
select the most important and evocative elements.
This allows readers to focus on what truly matters
and helps to avoid unnecessary clutter.
 Consider the Setting’s Role: Treat the setting as a
character in your narrative. Explore how the
environment influences the events and characters in
your story. This adds depth and context to your
descriptions.

 Create Strong Imagery: Aim to create
images in the reader’s mind. Use words that
paint clear and vivid pictures, allowing
readers to easily visualize the scenes you
are describing.

 Edit with a Critical Eye: After your initial

draft, review your writing critically. Trim
unnecessary words and phrases, ensuring
that every detail serves a purpose. Concise
and precise descriptions are often more
powerful.