The purpose of a descriptive essay is to describe a person, place, or thing in such vivid detail that the reader can easily form a precise mental picture of what is being written about.
The author may accomplish this by using imaginative language, interesting comparisons, and images that appeal to the senses.
You may want to describe: someone you admire, a famous person, someone who impacted your life, an interesting person you met.
Adjectives to use: interesting, shy, diffident, pushing, overbearing , talented, lonely, sociable, likeable, a pest, intelligent, introvert, extrovert, approachable, unapproachable, businesslike, humble, timid, practical, impractical, a good mixer, a good conversationalist, anti-social, retiring, a sport, a snob, a bore, a know-all, difficult, arrogant, shrewd energetic, conceited, modest, brash, self-confident, lazy, ambitious, easy-going, strict, cunning.
When describing people you may want to include:
- Physical appearance
- Personality, character
- Attitudes, behavior
- Interests, hobbies, profession
- Your personal impression / opinion
Types of places: the country, the country-side, outdoors, the seaside, a beauty spot, a tourist spot, a tourist’s paradise/attraction, the beach, a historic monument , a ruined place, a world famous sight, the site of battle.
Adjectives for places: remote, imposing, superb, easily accessible, inaccessible, peaceful, interesting, memorable, awe-inspiring, world-famous, off the beaten track, little/much visited, tourist-ridden, beautiful, picturesque, isolated, breath-taking, pretty, bustling sleepy, lively, sparsely populated.
When describing places you may want to include:
- Location
- Physical characteristics, atmosphere
- Special attractions
- The culture and people in the place
- Historical details
- Your personal impression / opinion
When describing things you may want to include:
- Physical appearance
- Origin (where it was made)
- Use
- Your personal impression / opinion
DESCRIBING EVENTS / EXPERIENCES / THOUGHTS:
When describing events you may want to include:
- The setting – where and when it happened – PAST TENSES
- What happened – in chronological order
- Your impression or opinion about it.
THINGS TO CONSIDER AS YOU WRITE YOUR DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY:
- Think of an instance that you want to describe.
- Why is this particular instance important?
- What were you doing?
- What other things were happening around you? Is there anything specific that stands out in your mind?
- Where were objects located in relation to where you were?
- How did the surroundings remind you of other places you have been?
- What sights, smells, sounds, and tastes were in the air?
- Did the sights, smells, sounds, and tastes remind you of anything?
- What were you feeling at that time?
- Has there been an instance in which you have felt this way before?
- What do you want the reader to feel after reading the paper?
- What types of words and images can convey this feeling?
- Can you think of another situation that was similar to the one you are writing about? How can it help explain what you are writing about?
- Is there enough detail in your essay to create a mental image for the reader?