Descriptive Essay Writing

Descriptive Essay Examples

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Amazing Descriptive Essay Examples for Your Help

Published on: Jun 21, 2023

Last updated on: Jul 23, 2024

Descriptive Essay Examples

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Descriptive Essay: Definition, Tips & Examples

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Descriptive essays are very commonly assigned essays. This type of essay enhances students' writing skills and allows them to think critically. 

A descriptive essay is often referred to as the parent essay type. Other essays like argumentative essays, narrative essays, and expository essays fall into descriptive essays. Also, this essay helps the student enhance their ability to imagine the whole scene in mind by appealing senses.

It is assigned to high school students and all other students at different academic levels. Students make use of the human senses like touch, smell, etc., to make the descriptive essay more engaging for the readers. 

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Examples make it easy for readers to understand things in a better way. Also, in a descriptive essay, different types of descriptions can be discussed. 

Here are some amazing examples of a descriptive essay to make the concept easier for you. 

Descriptive Essay Example 5 Paragraph

5 paragraphs essay writing format is the most common method of composing an essay. This format has 5 paragraphs in total. The sequence of the paragraphs is as follows;

  • Introduction
  • Body Paragraph 1
  • Body Paragraph 2 
  • Body Paragraph 3
  • Conclusion 

Following is an example of a descriptive essay written using the famous 5 paragraph method. 

5 Paragraph Descriptive Essay

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Descriptive Essay Example About A Person

Descriptive essays are the best option when it comes to describing and writing about a person.  A descriptive essay is written using the five human senses. It helps in creating a vivid image in the reader’s mind and understanding what the writer is trying to convey. 

Here is one of the best descriptive essay examples about a person. Read it thoroughly and try to understand how a good descriptive essay is written on someone’s personality.

Descriptive Essay Example About a Person

Descriptive Essay Example About A Place

If you have visited a good holiday spot or any other place and want to let your friends know about it. A descriptive essay can help you explain every detail and moment you had at that place. 

Here is one of the good descriptive essay examples about a place. Use it as a sample and learn how you can write such an essay. 

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Descriptive Essay Example for Grade 6

Descriptive essays are frequently assigned to school students. This type of essay helps the students enhance their writing skills and helps them see things in a more analytical way.

If you are a 6 grader and looking for a good descriptive essay example, you are in the right place.  

Descriptive Essay Example for Grade 7

Here is one of the best descriptive essay examples for grade 7. 

Descriptive Essay Example for Grade 8

If you are looking for some amazing descriptive essay examples for grade 8, you have already found one. Look at the given example and see what a well-written descriptive essay looks like. 

Descriptive Essay Example for Grade 10

Essay writing is an inevitable part of a student's academic life . No matter your grade, you will get to write some sort of essay at least once. 

Here is an example of a descriptive essay writing for grade10. If you are also a student of this grade, this example might help you to complete your assignment.

Descriptive Essay Example for Grade 12

If you are a senior student and looking for some essay examples, you are exactly where you should be. 

Use the below-mentioned example and learn how to write a good essay according to the instructions given to you. 

Descriptive Essay Example College

Descriptive essays are a great way to teach students how they can become better writers. Writing a descriptive essay encourages them to see the world more analytically.

Below is an example that will help you and make your writing process easy.

College Descriptive Essay Example

Descriptive Essay Example for University

Descriptive essays are assigned to students at all academic levels. University students are also assigned descriptive essay writing assignments. As they are students of higher educational levels, they are often given a bit of difficult and more descriptive topics. 

See the example below and know what a descriptive essay at the university level looks like. 

Short Descriptive Essay Example

Every time a descriptive essay isn't written in detail. It depends on the topic of how long the essay will be.  

For instance, look at one of the short descriptive essay examples given below. See how the writer has conveyed the concept in a composed way. 

Objective Descriptive Essay Example

When writing an objective description essay, you focus on describing the object without conveying your emotions, feelings, or personal reactions. The writer uses sight, sound, or touch for readers' minds to bring life into pictures that were painted by words.

Here is an example that you can use for your help. 

Narrative and Descriptive Essay Example

A narrative descriptive essay can be a great way to share your experiences with others. It is a story that teaches a lesson you have learned. The following is an example of a perfect narrative descriptive essay to help you get started.

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How to Start a Descriptive Essay? - Example

If you don't know how to start your descriptive essay, check this example and create a perfect one. 

How to Start a Descriptive Essay - Example

Subjective Descriptive Essay Example

It is a common concept that a descriptive essay revolves around one subject. Be it a place, person, event, or any other object you can think of. 

Following is one of the subjective descriptive, easy examples. Use it as a guide to writing an effective descriptive essay yourself. 

Writing a descriptive essay is a time-consuming yet tricky task. It needs some very strong writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Also, this is a type of essay that a student can not avoid and bypass. 

But if you think wisely, work smart, and stay calm, you can get over it easily. Learn how to write a descriptive essay from a short guide given below. 

How to Write a Descriptive Essay?

A writer writes a descriptive essay from their knowledge and imaginative mind. In this essay, the writer describes what he has seen or experienced, or ever heard from someone. For a descriptive essay, it is important to stay focused on one point. Also, the writer should use figurative language so that the reader can imagine the situation in mind. 

The following are some very basic yet important steps that can help you write an amazing descriptive essay easily. 

  • Choose a Topic

For a descriptive essay, you must choose a vast topic to allow you to express yourself freely. Also, make sure that the topic you choose is not overdone. An overdone will not grab the attention of your intended audience. Check out our descriptive essay topics blog for a variety of intriguing topic suggestions.

  • Create a Strong Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is the essence of any academic writing. When you select the descriptive essay topic, then you create a strong thesis statement for your essay.  

A thesis statement is a sentence or two that explains the whole idea of your essay to the reader. It is stated in the introductory paragraph of the essay. The word choice for creating the thesis statement must be very expressive, composed, and meaningful. Also, use vivid language for the thesis statement.  

  • Collect the Necessary Information

Once you have created the thesis statement and are done writing your essay introduction . Now, it's time to move toward the body paragraphs. 

Collect all necessary information related to your topic. You would be adding this information to your essay to support your thesis statement. Make sure that you collect information from authentic sources. 

To enhance your essay, make use of some adjectives and adverbs. To make your descriptive essay more vivid, try to incorporate sensory details like touch, taste, sight, and smell.

  • Create a Descriptive Essay Outline

An outline is yet another necessary element of your college essay. By reading the descriptive essay outline , the reader feels a sense of logic and a guide for the essay. 

In the outline, you need to write an introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs and end up with a formal conclusion.

Proofreading is a simple procedure in which the writer revises the written essay. This is done in order to rectify the document for any kind of spelling or grammatical mistakes. Thus, proofreading makes high-quality content and gives a professional touch to it. 

You might be uncertain about writing a good enough descriptive essay and impress your teacher. However, it is very common, so you do not need to stress out. 

Hit us up at CollegeEssay.org and get an essay written by our professional descriptive essay writers. Our essay writing service for students aims to help clients in every way possible and ease their stress. Get in touch with our customer support team, and they will take care of all your queries related to your writing. 

You can always enhance your writing skills by leveraging the power of our AI essay writing tools .

Place your order now and let all your stress go away in a blink! 

Barbara P (Literature)

Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

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How to Write a Descriptive Essay | Example & Tips

Published on July 30, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 14, 2023.

A descriptive essay gives a vivid, detailed description of something—generally a place or object, but possibly something more abstract like an emotion. This type of essay , like the narrative essay , is more creative than most academic writing .

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Table of contents

Descriptive essay topics, tips for writing descriptively, descriptive essay example, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about descriptive essays.

When you are assigned a descriptive essay, you’ll normally be given a specific prompt or choice of prompts. They will often ask you to describe something from your own experience.

  • Describe a place you love to spend time in.
  • Describe an object that has sentimental value for you.

You might also be asked to describe something outside your own experience, in which case you’ll have to use your imagination.

  • Describe the experience of a soldier in the trenches of World War I.
  • Describe what it might be like to live on another planet.

Sometimes you’ll be asked to describe something more abstract, like an emotion.

If you’re not given a specific prompt, try to think of something you feel confident describing in detail. Think of objects and places you know well, that provoke specific feelings or sensations, and that you can describe in an interesting way.

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example of a descriptive essay

The key to writing an effective descriptive essay is to find ways of bringing your subject to life for the reader. You’re not limited to providing a literal description as you would be in more formal essay types.

Make use of figurative language, sensory details, and strong word choices to create a memorable description.

Use figurative language

Figurative language consists of devices like metaphor and simile that use words in non-literal ways to create a memorable effect. This is essential in a descriptive essay; it’s what gives your writing its creative edge and makes your description unique.

Take the following description of a park.

This tells us something about the place, but it’s a bit too literal and not likely to be memorable.

If we want to make the description more likely to stick in the reader’s mind, we can use some figurative language.

Here we have used a simile to compare the park to a face and the trees to facial hair. This is memorable because it’s not what the reader expects; it makes them look at the park from a different angle.

You don’t have to fill every sentence with figurative language, but using these devices in an original way at various points throughout your essay will keep the reader engaged and convey your unique perspective on your subject.

Use your senses

Another key aspect of descriptive writing is the use of sensory details. This means referring not only to what something looks like, but also to smell, sound, touch, and taste.

Obviously not all senses will apply to every subject, but it’s always a good idea to explore what’s interesting about your subject beyond just what it looks like.

Even when your subject is more abstract, you might find a way to incorporate the senses more metaphorically, as in this descriptive essay about fear.

Choose the right words

Writing descriptively involves choosing your words carefully. The use of effective adjectives is important, but so is your choice of adverbs , verbs , and even nouns.

It’s easy to end up using clichéd phrases—“cold as ice,” “free as a bird”—but try to reflect further and make more precise, original word choices. Clichés provide conventional ways of describing things, but they don’t tell the reader anything about your unique perspective on what you’re describing.

Try looking over your sentences to find places where a different word would convey your impression more precisely or vividly. Using a thesaurus can help you find alternative word choices.

  • My cat runs across the garden quickly and jumps onto the fence to watch it from above.
  • My cat crosses the garden nimbly and leaps onto the fence to survey it from above.

However, exercise care in your choices; don’t just look for the most impressive-looking synonym you can find for every word. Overuse of a thesaurus can result in ridiculous sentences like this one:

  • My feline perambulates the allotment proficiently and capers atop the palisade to regard it from aloft.

An example of a short descriptive essay, written in response to the prompt “Describe a place you love to spend time in,” is shown below.

Hover over different parts of the text to see how a descriptive essay works.

On Sunday afternoons I like to spend my time in the garden behind my house. The garden is narrow but long, a corridor of green extending from the back of the house, and I sit on a lawn chair at the far end to read and relax. I am in my small peaceful paradise: the shade of the tree, the feel of the grass on my feet, the gentle activity of the fish in the pond beside me.

My cat crosses the garden nimbly and leaps onto the fence to survey it from above. From his perch he can watch over his little kingdom and keep an eye on the neighbours. He does this until the barking of next door’s dog scares him from his post and he bolts for the cat flap to govern from the safety of the kitchen.

With that, I am left alone with the fish, whose whole world is the pond by my feet. The fish explore the pond every day as if for the first time, prodding and inspecting every stone. I sometimes feel the same about sitting here in the garden; I know the place better than anyone, but whenever I return I still feel compelled to pay attention to all its details and novelties—a new bird perched in the tree, the growth of the grass, and the movement of the insects it shelters…

Sitting out in the garden, I feel serene. I feel at home. And yet I always feel there is more to discover. The bounds of my garden may be small, but there is a whole world contained within it, and it is one I will never get tired of inhabiting.

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The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can apply to both.

If you’re not given a specific prompt for your descriptive essay , think about places and objects you know well, that you can think of interesting ways to describe, or that have strong personal significance for you.

The best kind of object for a descriptive essay is one specific enough that you can describe its particular features in detail—don’t choose something too vague or general.

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What is a descriptive essay?

The descriptive essay is a genre of essay that asks the student to describe something—object, person, place, experience, emotion, situation, etc. This genre encourages the student’s ability to create a written account of a particular experience. What is more, this genre allows for a great deal of artistic freedom (the goal of which is to paint an image that is vivid and moving in the mind of the reader).

One might benefit from keeping in mind this simple maxim: If the reader is unable to clearly form an impression of the thing that you are describing, try, try again!

Here are some guidelines for writing a descriptive essay.

  • Take time to brainstorm

If your instructor asks you to describe your favorite food, make sure that you jot down some ideas before you begin describing it. For instance, if you choose pizza, you might start by writing down a few words: sauce, cheese, crust, pepperoni, sausage, spices, hot, melted, etc. Once you have written down some words, you can begin by compiling descriptive lists for each one.

  • Use clear and concise language.

This means that words are chosen carefully, particularly for their relevancy in relation to that which you are intending to describe.

  • Choose vivid language.

Why use horse when you can choose stallion ? Why not use tempestuous instead of violent ? Or why not miserly in place of cheap ? Such choices form a firmer image in the mind of the reader and often times offer nuanced meanings that serve better one’s purpose.

  • Use your senses!

Remember, if you are describing something, you need to be appealing to the senses of the reader. Explain how the thing smelled, felt, sounded, tasted, or looked. Embellish the moment with senses.

  • What were you thinking?!

If you can describe emotions or feelings related to your topic, you will connect with the reader on a deeper level. Many have felt crushing loss in their lives, or ecstatic joy, or mild complacency. Tap into this emotional reservoir in order to achieve your full descriptive potential.

  • Leave the reader with a clear impression.

One of your goals is to evoke a strong sense of familiarity and appreciation in the reader. If your reader can walk away from the essay craving the very pizza you just described, you are on your way to writing effective descriptive essays.

  • Be organized!

It is easy to fall into an incoherent rambling of emotions and senses when writing a descriptive essay. However, you must strive to present an organized and logical description if the reader is to come away from the essay with a cogent sense of what it is you are attempting to describe.

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A descriptive essay is the most creative of all essay types. It involves the use of sensory descriptors and impactful narratives to depict an object, person, or even something abstract like an emotion. This type of essay is administered by teachers and professors to gauge your understanding of language. 

In this article, we will guide you through everything there is to know about descriptive essays. This includes the descriptive essay definition, some descriptive essay topics, and various examples. To help you in your essay-writing process, we have also included an outline of a descriptive essay. 

But let’s start from the beginning: What is a descriptive essay?

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What is a descriptive essay?

A descriptive essay is a highly creative form of writing which describes an object, person, location, experience, emotion, or situation. It makes use of vivid imagery and different figures of speech to create a beautiful and immersive experience for the reader.

This type of essay is often assigned in creative writing courses in schools or colleges. It does not involve the presentation of arguments or information. It just involves creatively expressing yourself with the help of various language devices. 

Unlike a narrative essay which involves telling a story, a descriptive essay only focuses on one particular object or idea. Although most essay topics are non-fictional, descriptive essay topics can either be fictional or non-fictional. 

Let us look at a few examples of topics for a descriptive essay.

Descriptive essay topics

Since writing a descriptive essay is a creative form of writing, it can cover a wide range of topics. These topics can range from practical experiences such as “My Grandpa’s Couch” to thought experiments such as “Living in a world with no concept of time”. 

Here are a few more descriptive essay topics:

  • Exploring a ghost town
  • A starry night in the mountains
  • A day in the life of an explorer
  • Trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Wandering through the Swiss meadows 
  • My childhood home
  • Memories of grandma’s farm
  • Experiencing euphoria for the first time
  • My description of utopia
  • My most treasured possession

Descriptive essay structure

Since descriptive essays are highly creative in nature, the descriptive essay structure is much more fluid as compared to most academic essay types. Although they do follow a general structure, there is no specific descriptive essay format. It serves more as a guideline than a hard and fast rule. 

Descriptive essays generally don’t revolve around proving a point or making an argument. The goal is to simply provide a vivid and detailed description of a particular subject.   

Let’s study the basic structure of a descriptive essay:

1. Introduction

Wondering how to start a descriptive essay? Like all essay types, the introduction of a descriptive essay is composed of three key elements: A hook, some background information, and a thesis statement. 

However, the thesis statement of a descriptive essay is different from the thesis statements of most academic essays. It simply makes a claim regarding the subject of your choosing.

Here’s an example of a descriptive essay introduction: 

  • Background information
  • Thesis statement

The last day of school—a momentous occasion that marks the culmination of a year’s worth of hard work and growth. Excitement hangs in the air as students gather for one final day of shared experiences and unforgettable memories. The hallways buzz with chatter and laughter, mingling with the anticipation of summer freedom. It’s a day of mixed emotions, as the promise of lazy days ahead clashes with the bittersweet farewell to teachers and classmates who have become like family. The last day of school is a mosaic of emotions, a snapshot of a moment that holds the weight of an entire academic journey, and a prelude to the new adventures that lie just beyond the horizon.

2. Body paragraph 

A descriptive essay usually has three body paragraphs. However, the length and number of paragraphs may vary depending on the complexity and scope of your essay topic. 

A body paragraph comprises of a topic sentence that focuses on a particular aspect of the subject. The topic sentence is elaborated upon by sensory, contextual, and emotional descriptors. Each paragraph ends with a transition sentence that provides context for the next paragraph.  

Let’s understand this better with the help of an example: 

  • Topic sentence
  • Description
  • Transition sentence

Classrooms brim with finality and accomplishment. Doodles and scribbles now grace once-neat desks, testifying to idle daydreams and shared laughter. Colorful displays and academic achievements adorn the walls, silently witnessing each student’s growth. Empty lockers echo the countless exchanges and whispered secrets they once held. Yearbooks circulate like cherished artifacts, pages filled with smiling faces and heartfelt messages. Laughter and hugs fill the hallways as friends make promises to keep in touch and embark on summer adventures. The last day of school etches indelible memories, a tapestry of nostalgia and celebration that encapsulates the joy, camaraderie, and growth of their academic journey.

3. Conclusion

The conclusion of your essay should begin with the restatement of your thesis statement along with its broader implications. You can then provide a quick summary of all the important aspects mentioned in the body paragraphs. 

Finally, you can end your essay with a powerful statement or a clincher. This can include anything from a powerful lesson to a thought-provoking quote. The goal is to leave the reader with something to think about.

Here’s an example: 

  • Restated thesis statement
  • Summary of body paragraphs
  • Concluding statement

As the final bell echoes through the hallways and students scatter in all directions, school leaves behind a lingering sense of closure and anticipation. It is a day filled with mixed emotions—a blend of nostalgia for the memories created, gratitude for the knowledge gained, and excitement for the new chapter that awaits. The last day of school symbolizes a milestone in each student’s journey, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. It is a time to reflect on the growth, challenges overcome, and friendships forged along the way. The last day of school is not an end, but rather a stepping stone towards new horizons, where each student will continue to learn, explore, and thrive.

Now that we’ve understood how to structure a descriptive essay, let’s figure out how to write it!

How to write a descriptive essay

In order to write a perfect descriptive essay you must effectively make use of multiple creative writing devices. These creative writing devices include figures of speech, imagery, sensory and emotional descriptors, as well as evocative language.  

If you find the essay writing process challenging, we’re here to equip you with essential tips on writing a descriptive essay. Let’s take a look at how to write a descriptive essay: 

1. Use figures of speech

Literary devices such as similies, metaphors, and imagery are creative devices that describe an object or a person in a figurative sense. These creative devices add an element of interest to your essay, making it more vivid, vibrant, and colorful. 

The use of figures of speech can turn an otherwise boring piece of writing into a masterpiece. Take a look at the following example:

On that spot stood an old banyan tree with thick bark and intertwining branches.

Although this example is a good start, it can be made much more interesting with the use of figures of speech .

On that spot stood an old banyan tree with its resolve as strong as iron. Its arms intertwined as they reached for the skies, yearning for the sun.  

The use of literary devices such as personification and metaphor makes the banyan tree in the second example come to life. This is how you can make your writing more vivid, descriptive, and poetic.

2. Use your senses

Sensory descriptors are one of the most important aspects of a descriptive essay. The key is to make the reader experience what you’ve experienced. This means appealing to all five senses of the reader. 

Although the visual aspect is important, you should also focus on how something sounds, feels, and smells. The experience of touching, smelling, or feeling something is more evocative than simply viewing it. 

Some sensory descriptors are used in a literal sense:

The smell of rain in July takes me back to my childhood. The pitter-patter reminds me of my mother’s footsteps, bringing us delicious snacks. 

They can also be used metaphorically:

The beautiful, cold gaze of the moon stunned us all.

3. Use evocative language

It is a good idea to use strong, evocative language that conveys an intense action or emotion. Creative use of words is an important factor in writing a descriptive essay since passive language leads to a dull, boring essay.  Let’s take a look at the following sentences: 

The 100-meter race was completed by Usain Bolt in under 10 seconds.

Usian Bolt whizzed through the 100-meter race in under 10 seconds!

The use of the word “completed” indicates no action and the use of passive voice makes the example dull. On the other hand, the phrase “whizzed through” indicates speed and intensity which makes the second example much more interesting to read.

Now that we’ve understood the different methods of writing a descriptive essay, let’s understand its outline.

Descriptive essay outline

The outline of a descriptive essay is less structured compared to most academic essay types. It merely serves as a guideline that you can use to flesh out your essay. It also helps you develop a coherent structure and logical flow for your topic sentences. 

If you’re not familiar with creating an essay outline, you can take help of essay outline generators . In order to help you further develop your essay, we’ve created an outline for your reference. The following descriptive essay outline revolves around the nostalgia experienced when going through an old diary.

Turning the Pages of Time

I. Introduction

A. Hook: Engaging opening sentence to grab the reader’s attention.

B. Background: Briefly explain the significance of finding your old diary and the memories associated with it.

C. Thesis statement: Clearly state the main idea of the essay, highlighting the emotional journey of rediscovering your old diary.

II. The discovery

A. Setting the scene: Describe the circumstances and location where you stumbled upon your old diary.

B. Initial emotions: Express the range of emotions that flooded your mind upon finding the diary.

C. Anticipation: Share the anticipation and curiosity about what lies within the pages of the diary.

III. The diary’s contents

A. Opening the pages: Describe the physical act of opening the diary and the smell and texture of the pages.

B. Memories unfolded: Reflect on the memories and experiences captured in the diary entries.

C. Emotional impact: Discuss the emotional response evoked by reading your own words and reliving past moments.

IV. Nostalgic reflections

A. Time traveling: Explain how reading the diary transported you back to the time and place when the entries were written.

B. Reconnecting with your past self: Describe the process of reconnecting with your past self and reevaluating your thoughts and experiences.

C. Lessons and insights: Highlight any valuable lessons, self-discoveries, or personal growth revealed through the diary’s contents.

V. Resonating with present self

A. Relevance to current life: Discuss how the insights and reflections from the diary still resonate with your present self.

B. Perspective shifts: Explain any shifts in perspective or newfound understanding that arose from revisiting the diary.

C. Appreciation: Express gratitude for the diary and its role in preserving and enriching your personal history.

VI. Cherishing the rediscovery

A. Preservation: Discuss the steps you took to preserve and protect the diary after finding it.

B. Future reflections: Share your intentions and plans for continuing the habit of journaling or preserving personal memories.

C. Closing thoughts: Reflect on the lasting impact of finding your old diary and the value of personal reflection and self-expression.

VII. Conclusion

A. Recap: Summarize the emotional journey of rediscovering your old diary.

B. Significance: Emphasize the personal and emotional significance of reconnecting with your past self through the diary.

C. Closing remarks: Conclude with a reflection on the power of personal artifacts and the importance of preserving one’s history.

Now that we have taken a look at the descriptive essay structure let’s look at an example.

Descriptive essay example

To help you better understand the process of descriptive essay writing, we’ve constructed an example. The following example revolves around an imaginary situation. It describes the writer’s voyage through the cosmos.

Exploring the Cosmos

As the rocket engines ignited, the powerful thrust propelled us into the vast expanse of space. The vibrations rattled through the cabin, merging with the palpable anticipation that filled the air. We were embarking on a remarkable journey through the cosmos, leaving behind the familiarity of Earth and venturing into the unknown.

Outside the small window, the twinkling stars grew brighter, casting a mesmerizing glow on the infinite darkness. The view was awe-inspiring as if we were floating amidst a sea of diamonds, each one beckoning us to explore its mysteries. The depth and grandeur of space stretched out before us, reminding us of the minuscule nature of our existence in the universe.

As we traversed through the cosmic void, weightlessness engulfed our bodies, releasing us from the Earth’s gravitational pull. Every movement became a ballet, effortlessly gliding from one corner of the spacecraft to another. The sensation was both exhilarating and disorienting as if the boundaries of physical limitations had dissolved.

The silence in space was profound, a symphony of tranquility. Without the interference of atmospheric sounds, we were left with the gentle hum of the spaceship’s systems and the rhythmic beating of our own hearts. It was a humbling reminder of the vastness and serenity that lay beyond our home planet.

Farther into our journey, celestial bodies came into view, captivating us with their sheer beauty. The fiery hues of neighboring planets illuminated the darkness, displaying their own distinct personalities. We marveled at the majestic rings of Saturn, a delicate masterpiece encircling the giant planet, and the crimson swirls of Jupiter, a tempestuous giant with its own cosmic dance.

Time seemed to lose its grip on the vastness of space. Hours felt like mere moments as we traveled through light-years, witnessing the unimaginable beauty of celestial phenomena. We were reminded of the sheer magnitude of the cosmos, a testament to the wonders that lie beyond our earthly confines.

Eventually, the time came for us to return to our home planet. As we reentered Earth’s atmosphere, the fiery descent illuminated the sky, marking our triumphant return. The journey through space left an everlasting mark on our souls, forever changing our perception of our place in the universe.

Our journey was more than a physical exploration; it was a voyage of wonder and introspection. It taught us the fragility and interconnectedness of all things and ignited an insatiable curiosity to continue unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos. We were forever transformed by the immensity and beauty that awaited us beyond our pale blue dot in the vast expanse of space.

After writing the essay, it’s important to edit and proofread it, which is a not easy. If you find essay editing challenging, you can consider taking the help of an essay editing service .  

Want to keep reading? Here are the newest articles we’ve worked on:

  • How to Start an Essay
  • Expository Essays | Step-by-Step Manual
  • How to Write an Argumentative Essay
  • Types of Essays
  • Compare and Contrast Essay

Frequently Asked Questions

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example of a descriptive essay

What is a Descriptive Essay? How to Write It (with Examples)

What is a Descriptive Essay? How to Write It (with Examples)

A descriptive essay is a type of creative writing that uses specific language to depict a person, object, experience, or event. The idea is to use illustrative language to show readers what the writer wants to convey – it could be as simple as a peaceful view from the top of a hill or as horrific as living in a war zone. By using descriptive language, authors can evoke a mental image in the readers’ minds, engaging readers and leaving a lasting impression, instead of just providing a play-by-play narrative.

Note that a description and descriptive essay are not the same thing. A descriptive essay typically consists of five or more well-written paragraphs with vivid imagery that can help readers visualize the content, as opposed to a description, which is typically one or more plain paragraphs with no particular structure or appeal. If you are still unsure about how to write a compelling descriptive essay, continue reading!

Table of Contents

What is a descriptive essay, types of descriptive essay topics.

  • Characteristics of descriptive essays

How to write a descriptive essay using a structured outline

Frequently asked questions.

A simple descriptive essay definition is that it is a piece of writing that gives a thorough and vivid description of an object, person, experience, or situation. It is sometimes focused more on the emotional aspect of the topic rather than the specifics. The author’s intention when writing a descriptive essay is to help readers visualize the subject at hand. Generally, students are asked to write a descriptive essay to test their ability to recreate a rich experience with artistic flair. Here are a few key points to consider when you begin writing these.

  • Look for a fascinating subject

You might be assigned a topic for your descriptive essay, but if not, you must think of a subject that interests you and about which you know enough facts. It might be about an emotion, place, event, or situation that you might have experienced.

example of a descriptive essay

  • Acquire specific details about the topic

The next task is to collect relevant information about the topic of your choice. You should focus on including details that make the descriptive essay stand out and have a long-lasting impression on the readers. To put it simply, your aim is to make the reader feel as though they were a part of the experience in the first place, rather than merely describing the subject.

  • Be playful with your writing

To make the descriptive essay memorable, use figurative writing and imagery to lay emphasis on the specific aspect of the topic. The goal is to make sure that the reader experiences the content visually, so it must be captivating and colorful. Generally speaking, “don’t tell, show”! This can be accomplished by choosing phrases that evoke strong emotions and engage a variety of senses. Making use of metaphors and similes will enable you to compare different things. We will learn about them in the upcoming sections.

  • Capture all the different senses

Unlike other academic articles, descriptive essay writing uses sensory elements in addition to the main idea. In this type of essay writing, the topic is described by using sensory details such as smell, taste, feel, and touch. Example “ Mahira feels most at home when the lavender scent fills her senses as she lays on her bed after a long, tiring day at work . As the candle melts , so do her worries” . It is crucial to provide sensory details to make the character more nuanced and build intrigue to keep the reader hooked. Metaphors can also be employed to explain abstract concepts; for instance, “ A small act of kindness creates ripples that transcend oceans .” Here the writer used a metaphor to convey the emotion that even the smallest act of kindness can have a larger impact.

  • Maintain harmony between flavor and flow

The descriptive essay format is one that can be customized according to the topic. However, like other types of essays, it must have an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The number of body paragraphs can vary depending on the topic and available information.

It is crucial to remember that a descriptive essay should have a specific topic and goal, such as sharing personal experiences or expressing emotions like the satisfaction of a good meal. This is accomplished by employing exact language, imagery, and figurative language to illustrate concrete features. These language devices allow the writer to craft a descriptive essay that effectively transmits a particular mood, feeling, or incident to readers while also conjuring up strong mental imagery. A descriptive essay may be creative, or it may be based on the author’s own experiences. Below is a description of a few descriptive essay examples that fit into these categories.

  • Personal descriptive essay example

A personal essay can look like a descriptive account of your favorite activity, a place in your neighborhood, or an object that you value. Example: “ As I step out of the front door, the crisp morning air greets me with a gentle embrace; the big chestnut tree in front, sways in the wind as if saying hello to me. The world unfolds in a symphony of awakening colors, promising a day filled with untold possibilities that make me feel alive and grateful to be born again”.

  • Imaginative descriptive essay example

You may occasionally be required to write descriptive essays based on your imagination or on subjects unrelated to your own experiences. The prompts for these kinds of creative essays could be to describe the experience of someone going through heartbreak or to write about a day in the life of a barista. Imaginative descriptive essays also allow you to describe different emotions. Example, the feelings a parent experiences on holding their child for the first time.

Characteristics of descriptive essay s

The aim of a descriptive essay is to provide a detailed and vivid description of a person, place, object, event, or experience. The main goal is to create a sensory experience for the reader. Through a descriptive essay, the reader may be able to experience foods, locations, activities, or feelings that they might not otherwise be able to. Additionally, it gives the writer a way to relate to the readers by sharing a personal story. The following is a list of the essential elements of a descriptive essay:

  • Sensory details
  • Clear, succinct language
  • Organized structure
  • Thesis statement
  • Appeal to emotion

example of a descriptive essay

How to write a descriptive essay, with examples

Writing an engaging descriptive essay is all about bringing the subject matter to life for the reader so they can experience it with their senses—smells, tastes, and textures. The upside of writing a descriptive essay is you don’t have to stick to the confinements of formal essay writing, rather you are free to use a figurative language, with sensory details, and clever word choices that can breathe life to your descriptive essay. Let’s take a closer look at how you can use these components to develop a descriptive essay that will stand out, using examples.

  • Figurative language

Have you ever heard the expression “shooting for the stars”? It refers to pushing someone to strive higher or establish lofty goals, but it does not actually mean shooting for the stars. This is an example of using figurative language for conveying strong motivational emotions. In a descriptive essay, figurative language is employed to grab attention and emphasize points by creatively drawing comparisons and exaggerations. But why should descriptive essays use metaphorical language? One it adds to the topic’s interest and humor; two, it facilitates the reader’s increased connection to the subject.

These are the five most often used figurative language techniques: personification, metaphor, simile, hyperbole, and allusion.

  • Simile: A simile is a figure of speech that is used to compare two things while emphasizing and enhancing the description using terms such as “like or as.”

Example: Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving – Albert Einstein

  • Metaphor: A metaphor are also used to draw similarities, but without using direct or literal comparisons like done in similes.   

Example: Books are the mirrors of the soul – Virginia Woolf, Between the acts

  • Personification: This is the process of giving nonhuman or abstract objects human traits. Any human quality, including an emotional component, a physical attribute, or an action, can be personified.

Example: Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world – Louis Pasteur

  • Hyperbole: This is an extreme form of exaggeration, frequently impractical, and usually employed to emphasize a point or idea. It gives the character more nuance and complexity.

Example: The force will be with you, always – Star Wars

  • Allusion: This is when you reference a person, work, or event without specifically mentioning them; this leaves room for the reader’s creativity.  

Example: In the text below, Robert Frost uses the biblical Garden of Eden as an example to highlight the idea that nothing, not even paradise, endures forever.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay

– Nothing Gold Can Stay by Robert Frost (1923)

Descriptive essays need a combination of figurative language and strong sensory details to make the essay more memorable. This is when authors describe the subject matter employing senses like smell, sound, touch, and taste so that the reader can relate to it better.

Example of a sensory-based descriptive essay: The earthy fragrance of freshly roasted chestnuts and the sight of bright pink, red, orange fallen leaves on the street reminded her that winter was around the corner.

  • Word choice

Word choice is everything in a descriptive essay. For the description to be enchanting, it is essential to utilize the right adjectives and to carefully consider the verbs, nouns, and adverbs. Use unusual terms and phrases that offer a new viewpoint on your topic matter instead of overusing clichés like “fast as the wind” or “lost track of time,” which can make your descriptive essay seem uninteresting and unoriginal.

See the following examples:

Bad word choice: I was so happy because the sunset was really cool.

Good word choice: I experienced immense joy as the sunset captivated me with its remarkable colors and breathtaking beauty.

  • Descriptive essay format and outline

Descriptive essay writing does not have to be disorganized, it is advisable to use a structured format to organize your thoughts and ensure coherent flow in your writing. Here is a list of components that should be a part of your descriptive essay outline:

  • Introduction
  • Opening/hook sentence
  • Topic sentence
  • Body paragraphs
  • Concrete details
  • Clincher statement

example of a descriptive essay

Introduction:

  • Hook: An opening statement that captures attention while introducing the subject.
  • Background: Includes a brief overview of the topic the descriptive essay is based on.
  • Thesis statement: Clearly states the main point or purpose of the descriptive essay.

Body paragraphs: Each paragraph should have

  • Topic sentence: Introduce the first aspect or feature you will describe. It informs the reader about what is coming next.
  • Sensory details: Use emphatic language to appeal to the reader’s senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell).
  • Concrete details: These are actual details needed to understand the context of the descriptive essay.
  • Supporting details: Include relevant information or examples to improve the description.

Conclusion:

  • Summarize key points: Here you revisit the main features or aspects of the subject.
  • Restate thesis statement: Reinforce the central impression or emotion.
  • Clincher statement: Conclude with a statement that summarizes the entire essay and serve as the last words with a powerful message.

Revision and editing:

  • Go over your essay to make sure it is coherent, clear, and consistent.
  • Check for logical paragraph transitions by proofreading the content.
  • Examine text to ensure correct grammar, punctuation, and style.
  • Use the thesaurus or AI paraphrasing tools to find the right words.

A descriptive essay often consists of three body paragraphs or more, an introduction that concludes with a thesis statement, and a conclusion that summarizes the subject and leaves a lasting impression on readers.

A descriptive essay’s primary goal is to captivate the reader by writing a thorough and vivid explanation of the subject matter, while appealing to their various senses. A list of additional goals is as follows: – Spark feeling and imagination – Create a vivid experience – Paint a mental picture – Pique curiosity – Convey a mood or atmosphere – Highlight specific details

Although they both fall within the creative writing category, narrative essays and descriptive essays have different storytelling focuses. While the main goal of a narrative essay is to tell a story based on a real-life experience or a made-up event, the main goal of a descriptive essay is to vividly describe a person, location, event, or emotion.

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Descriptive Essay

Descriptive Essay Writing

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

How To Write An Impactful Descriptive Essay?

By: Cathy A.

12 min read

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Dec 17, 2019

Descriptive Essay

Wondering how to write an impressive descriptive essay? Writing a descriptive essay is both fun and challenging. You need to describe the main topic in detail and by engaging the five senses of the readers.

Students usually get this type of essay in high school and college. Writing a descriptive essay is different from other essays.

You need to focus on describing a certain person, place, or event.

Luckily for you, the following blog post will provide some helpful tips on how to create an engaging essay.

Continue reading to learn how to write an A-worthy descriptive essay.

Descriptive Essay

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What is a Descriptive Essay?

A descriptive essay is a detailed paper that describes a place, person, situation, object, or emotion. Different people have different points of view and your job is to explain yours in detail.

You may be asked to write a descriptive essay about the beach or forest or about a person or situation. The purpose of this essay is to test the writer’s ability in expressing and explaining their experiences.

Descriptive writing should create a picture in the reader’s mind. You may be required to write a descriptive essay as a high school or college essay assignment.

For a compelling essay, using adjectives and adverbs, details, and figurative language is fundamental. Without proper usage of words, you will not be able to invoke the readers' emotions.

What is the Purpose of a Descriptive Essay?

The purpose of a descriptive essay is to describe a person, place, or personal experience in vivid detail so that the reader can create a picture in his mind.

The descriptive essay is written to get the reader to understand by using descriptive language. It is different from narrative essays, where the writer tells the story about someone else. Usually, it starts with a real-life event and then the content follows the author's imagination.

Descriptive essays are not intended to persuade the reader or show facts and figures to prove something. Descriptive essays are like word paintings that contain personal and descriptive details and these are mostly assigned to students of creative writing.

How to Start a Descriptive Essay

A strong start for your descriptive essay is essential. Analyze your topic from every angle and document the following details:

Analyze the main subjects in detail and observe minute things.

  • Start with observing all the possible aspects of the subject.
  • Don't just observe the object but also its surroundings.
  • Focus on details and features of the subject and develop opinions about them.
  • Be thoughtful; this first step will be the basis for the essay.

Physical Settings

Describing the physical settings is a must in a descriptive essay. When describing, keep the following points in mind.

  • Focus on the subject's position and observe nearby objects
  • Note the time of day and kind of lighting: natural or imitated
  • Physical settings: all the basic and decorative elements
  • The position and shape of the objects
  • Alignment and any other observable information

Physical Features

When describing the physical features of the subject, living or nonliving, consider the following points.

  • Living or nonliving; describe the features in detail
  • The subject's skin color, texture, smoothness, expression, and age
  • The features of inanimate objects in the picture, color, surface, and texture

Create Drama

Storytelling and drama are the life and blood of a good descriptive essay. It turns your essay into an exciting and interesting piece of writing. However, be subtle about adding drama to your sentence structure and add it to complement your story only.

Focus On Your Feelings

Focus on how you feel about the particular topic or person and stick to it. It is easy to get involved when working on the essay. But, focus on your own feelings and write an essay based on them.

Use Of Specific Vocabulary

Vocabulary is important. Select the best words for describing an action or object. Don't always use the first word that comes to mind.

Write slowly and thoughtfully, and use specific words to convey your thoughts.

Psychological Aspects

Writing about a certain situation or behavior of a person focuses on the mental aspects and emotions involved in them.

For Example, describe your emotions when your friend misplaced your notes right before the exam.

You may have had several emotions in that incident. Maybe you were prepared for exams, but this situation put you under pressure and made you feel frustrated and hurt.

Explore those emotions and describe the feelings they aroused. Describe the body language also, if relevant.

Ask Yourself, WHY?

This is the most valuable tip for students. When you are looking at a particular subject, and having difficulty analyzing its aspects, ask yourself "WHY".

  • Why is the subject the way it is?
  • Why does the person you are describing have such a deep-set and cold eyes?
  • Why is the animal so wounded and terrified?
  • Why is this particular place famous?

It is a good practice and after some time you will do it naturally. Knowing the why is important if you want to describe your topic properly.

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How To Write A Descriptive Essay?

When you write a descriptive essay, you help your readers visualize an event, a person, or a story. It is written to make your readers feel what you feel about the respective subject.

A descriptive essay seeks to appeal to some or all of the audience’s five senses. Some key things to consider are:

  • Discussing your subject thoroughly
  • Focusing on details and adding them in your essay
  • Sharing your personal feelings and experience about the subject
  • Observing and describing all sensory details of your subject

Here are the steps to write a descriptive essay easily.

1- Choose an Engaging and Focused Essay Topic

An important step that all strong descriptive essays share is having a focused topic. Before you make the outline, identify the purpose of your essay and use it to create an appropriate thesis statement.This type of paper does not require much personal opinion from you. Its main goal should be focusing on information that will make a dominant impression in readers' minds instead.

2- Research and Gather Important Details

When writing a descriptive essay, it is important to make sure you include as many details and sensory information as possible. This helps your reader fully understand the images that are being presented in their mind's eye.You can organize these ideas into categories so they're easy for you to access when needed.

3- Create an Outline of Your Essay

Your essays must be organized by having subheadings that are clear and concise. Group your main points into individual body paragraphs, each of which should only cover one idea or topic at a time.

4- Write your Essay’s Introduction

A good introductory paragraph is much like a road map because it provides direction to your readers.

It provides relevant background information before diving into more specific details related to how something works or why something happens. These could include statistics or stories from real-life scenarios.

5- Write the Main Body Section of Your Essay

Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence that keeps the reader hooked on what you are saying. Use specific details instead of making generalized statements, and make sure to give examples if necessary.

6- End with a Strong Conclusion

The conclusion of an essay is the final paragraph, and it should summarize all that you have said throughout. It's a good idea to restate the main points and key details from the essay in this section.

It is important so the reader has everything they need for better understanding before ending off on something new.

If necessary be sure not to introduce anything odd or unusual, to avoid any confusion.

7- Proofread and Revise the Essay Carefully

Once you are done writing the essay, proofread and revise it carefully. Make sure that it is free from all kinds of errors.

Descriptive Essay Outline

Like all the other essays, a descriptive essay also follows the usual 5-paragraph essay structure and format.Before starting, it is important to create an outline. Following are the fundamental elements of your descriptive essay outline:

Descriptive Essay Introduction

The introduction sets the footing for the entire essay. Before heading towards the body section, the reader will come across the introduction.

It is the first impression of your work. It is very important to write an engaging introduction so that the readers read the essay till the end.

Start the essay in an easy-to-understand way and language. Provide background information on your topic so they can understand it and its importance.

To make sure the reader feels your emotions and decides to continue reading further, incorporate the following points in your introduction.

The following tips will guide you on how to write a good introduction for a descriptive essay.

  • Attract the reader's attention with an interesting fact, phrase, or quote
  • Don't bombard them with information
  • Go straight to the main pointsInclude enough information to introduce the topic and its significance.
  • Summarize the argument and the main topic and craft your thesis statement

Descriptive Essay Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is an integral part of your essay. It focuses on the argument and the writer’s main idea, which is to be discussed in the essay.

This statement also provides the writer with a chance of explaining the purpose and scope of the topic. It is intriguing and engaging.

A thesis statement is written at the end of the introduction, it is mainly a single sentence that describes the essay objective. The thesis statement should act as a guide to the reader on what to expect in the essay body. It is like a table of contents of a book, to the reader on contents you will get an idea of what the book is all about so you get to understand it better.

It is like a table of contents of a book. By reading it, you will get an idea of what the book is all about.

A good thesis should contain the following things:

  • Define the essay scope - it should narrow down all the points to clarify its purpose.
  • Avoid using common words - you should be creative with your choice of words.
  • Create suspense - it should attract the reader to the body paragraphs of the essay.

For further information on how to write a thesis for a descriptive essay, check out the following examples.

  • Descriptive essay example about a Place

“Even though monarchy is long gone, Buckingham Palace is here to remind us of the aesthetic beauty of that era.”

  • Descriptive essay example about a Person

“One of the characteristics of Spider-Man is his youthfulness, and the fact that he talks to himself more than Hamlet.”

  • Descriptive essay example about an Emotion

“For numerous reasons, the dark forest is my greatest fear, though not a fear which is necessarily smart to face.”

Descriptive Essay Body Paragraphs

Body paragraphs of the essay come next after the introduction and thesis statement. It is the main part that continues your essay.

Usually, an essay consists of three body paragraphs but you can add more if needed.

Don't add more than one central idea in one paragraph. Fusing different ideas will confuse the reader.

Build your paragraphs according to the thesis and introduction.

  • Start each body paragraph with the main sentence
  • Use transitions to move between paragraphs smoothly
  • Each paragraph should be five to six sentences long

Descriptive Essay Conclusion

The concluding paragraph is the last part of an essay, and probably your last chance to impress your reader.

The last part that the reader can keep in mind is the conclusion, which is as important as the rest of the essay.

To make it interesting and thought-provoking, include the following points:

  • Restate the thesis statement
  • Summarize the main points
  • Add an intriguing closing statement

After writing the conclusion, make a review of your essay, identify the mistakes and maintain a good tone throughout the essay.

Descriptive Essay Format Sample

Here is the descriptive essay format to help you understand how you can write a winning descriptive essay.

DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY FORMAT (PDF)

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Descriptive Essay Topics Ideas

Descriptive essay topics are often related to physical settings, locations, living beings, and objects.

Make sure that your essay includes the five senses, touch, taste, smell, sight, hearing, or at least one of them. It depends on the topic and the kind of feeling that you want to arouse.

Below are some descriptive essay ideas and ways to achieve them.

Living Beings

When you want to write about a person like a family member, consider the following elements:

  • Gender, age, complexion, and expressions
  • Physical features
  • Height, body type, and approximate weight
  • Kind of clothes

These details will add depth to the description and your readers will actually see your narrative.

When animals are the subject, you can add the above points plus the following details:

  • Species and animal
  • Size, weight, color
  • Behavior patterns
  • Temperament
  • Trained or wild?
  • Real or fictional?

Inanimate Subjects

Geographic locations and structures.

When your subject is a place or a building, add the following points:

  • Research about the place and its historical background
  • The color and the building's type
  • A famous place or landmark to draw a comparison and inspire interest

Human behavior and psychology is a compelling descriptive essay subject. When writing about it:

  • Describe the consequences of a particular behavior
  • Discuss the emotional dimension of the topic and how you perceive it personally

Event Or Travel Experience

A travel experience makes a good descriptive essay since you have experienced the event first hand.

Give a detailed description of the place, people at the venue, and the atmosphere of the location.

Idea, Concept, or Occupation

When writing on such topics, focus on how an idea or concept affects society and its different aspects.

Example Descriptive Essay Topics for Students

Choosing a topic for your descriptive essay is quite interesting. You get to choose something that you have an emotional connection with.

When writing a descriptive essay about a person or place, adding their personal traits will be helpful.

Some examples of descriptive essay topics include:

  • Compose a detailed descriptive essay about your best friend.
  • Describe a fancy place that you have created.
  • Describe your dream vacation destination.
  • Describe your favorite mall or store.
  • Describe your childhood home.
  • Descriptive essay about nature.
  • Descriptive essay about a place you visited.
  • Describe the personality of your Maths teacher.
  • Discuss the main characters of your favorite movie.
  • Descriptive essay about chocolate.
  • Write an essay using unique Words to describe yourself.
  • What makes me unique?
  • My first love.

Descriptive Essay Examples

Study these descriptive essay examples and sample papers to understand the main idea, structure, and purpose of descriptive essays.

DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY ON MARKET (PDF)

DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE PERSON (PDF)

To help you understand how to write a great descriptive essay, we have a whole blog post dedicated to it. We know that talking about something is one thing and demonstrating it is completely different.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the features of a descriptive essay.

A descriptive essay provides a perfect opportunity for writers to express their feelings on any subject. Descriptive writing has rich sensory details which appeal to all of your senses.

How do you start a descriptive essay introduction?

The introduction to the descriptive essay should set the scene and introduce the main topic. You can use these sensory details to get a sense of what the essay is all about.

What are the two types of descriptive essays?

There are two types of descriptive essays. The first type deals with people, and the second one is about objects.

What are the elements of a descriptive essay?

Here are the key elements of a descriptive essay.

  • Sensory details
  • Figurative language
  • Central and main theme
  • Precise and clear language
  • Proper organization of ideas

What makes good descriptive writing?

Good and effective descriptive writing consists of vivid sensory details that appeal to all senses including the sense of sight, smell, touch, hearing, and taste. Moreover, these essays also explain people’s feelings in writing.

Cathy A.

Finance Essay, Literature

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Descriptive Essay: Definition, Examples & Tips for Writing a Descriptive Essay

When you are asked to write an essay , there are many different types to choose from. One such type is the descriptive essay which is favoured by a lot of authors. In this article, we are going to be looking at the descriptive essay in a little more detail such as what they are used for and how you can write a good descriptive essay yourself. We are also going to take a look at an example of a well written descriptive essay and a selection of topics about which you could write.

What Is A Descriptive Essay?

A descriptive essay is one which is used in order to describe something. These essays can describe anything from a person or place to an item or idea. The idea of the descriptive essay is to give the author a chance to hone their writing skills by way of description. On top of this, the descriptive essay is a great chance for the author to use their creative skills – the more vivid the description, the more the reader can picture clearly what is being talked about. This means that the writer should employ all their skills to paint an image for the audience.

How To Write A Good Descriptive Essay

Now that we have a good understanding of what a descriptive essay is, we are going to take a look at some handy tips for how to write one and the process that should be followed in order to create a convincing descriptive essay.

Choose A Topic

Any essay requires an engaging topic and the descriptive essay is no exception to this rule. When choosing a topic, you should choose something which you have an interest in as this will make you more passionate about your writing. There are a whole host of things you could write about so let’s take a look at some ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

  • Describe a summer holiday.
  • Describe your oldest memory.
  • Describe a member of your family .
  • Describe a book you have read.
  • Describe a movie you have seen.
  • Describe an invention.
  • Describe a place that means a lot to you.
  • Describe your ideal home or room.
  • Describe something from your imagination.
  • Describe an outfit or an item of clothing.
  • Describe a piece of jewellery.

Create An Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is used to lay out the purpose of the essay and should be referred back to at varying points throughout your writing. It should be included in the introduction so that your readers are clear on what the essay is about.

Speak To The Senses

When planning your essay it is important to remember that a descriptive essay should appeal to the senses. When describing your subject you should include how it looks, smells, how things taste, what can be heard and how something feels. It is important to lay out these senses in your essay outline as using these will create a much clearer picture for the reader.

Create Your Essay Outline

An essay outline is used to order your ideas and make rough notes of anything that is to be included in the work. Every essay should be written with the assistance of an essay outline, and it should look something like this:

  • Introduction -Include your thesis statement, a hook to grab the attention of the reader (this could be a personal story, anecdote , joke or fact) and a little bit about the purpose of the essay.
  • Body 1st paragraph -This section will detail the first point of your essay. In the case of a descriptive essay, you might detail how something looks in the first paragraph. A traditional essay is made up of three body paragraphs and each of these should be outlined too. That being said, there is some leeway when writing an essay and you can write more or less body paragraphs depending on what you need.
  • Conclusion -This final part of your essay outline should refer back to the thesis statement and sum up all the ideas which have been presented throughout the essay.

Further Tips For Writing A Descriptive Essay

In order to write a clear, concise and easy to read descriptive essay, there are some more points that you should consider whilst writing. These tips will help you to construct an essay which will be well received and credited.

  • Make sure that you take the time to properly brainstorm before you begin writing your descriptive essay. This is important because it will help you to make sure that you include all of your ideas and miss nothing out.
  • The language that you use within your essay should be concise and clear, making it easy for the reader to get a grasp of. Whilst you want to use colourful descriptions that easily paint a picture, you do not want to over-complicate the language and therefore make the essay unreadable.
  • Consider using synonyms (understandable ones) to make your writing sound more intelligent and creative. These will also add to the descriptive flair of this type of essay.

Example Of A Descriptive Essay

In order to gain a greater understanding of what a well written descriptive essay looks like, we are now going to take a look at an extract from a descriptive essay called ‘Yarn’ written by Kyoko Mori .

Those yellow mittens which I had made in 7th grade home ec had proven that I dreamt in colour. For the section about knitting, we were 1) meant to create a pair of mittens and 2) the hands must be the same size, so when they were held together, none of the stitches would stick out of the thumb, the fingers or from the cuff. Somewhere, in between the making of the 4th and the 5th mitten to meet this requirement, I dreamt that the yellow ball of yarn which was in my bag turned green. It was so bright, it was eclectic, I awoke in the knowledge that, once again, I was doomed for a D in that class.

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Descriptive Essay: Your Guide to Writing an Effective One

example of a descriptive essay

A descriptive essay is one of the four main types of essays, alongside narrative, argumentative, and expository essays. Among these, descriptive essays can be particularly challenging because they demand a keen eye for detail and an appreciation for aesthetics. By vividly describing scenes and details, you engage your reader’s senses, making your essay memorable and engaging. In this guide, our essay writers will break down the writing process for you, offering step-by-step instructions, practical examples, and clear definitions to help you excel in your next assignment.

What is a Descriptive Essay?

Descriptive writing aims to vividly portray something through essays, helping readers visualize and feel the scene or object being described. Such essays draw on detailed descriptions to create a clear and impactful image that not only presents the subject but also evokes emotions and memories.

There are three main techniques used in descriptive writing: naming, detailing, and comparing .

Naming identifies the subject and its characteristics, answering questions like 'What is it?' and 'What features does it have?'

Detailing elaborates on these features, providing answers to detailed questions such as 'How many are there?' and 'What is its value?' Techniques like synesthesia and comparisons enhance these descriptions.

Comparing uses similes and metaphors to make descriptions more vivid, linking the subject to familiar concepts.

Description vs. Descriptive Essay

What Is the Purpose of a Descriptive Essay?

The purpose of a descriptive essay is multifaceted. Primarily, it allows writers to give readers a vivid impression of a person, place, or event, making the subject come alive through words. By using detailed descriptions, writers can help readers visualize settings and characters as if they were seeing them firsthand.

Additionally, descriptive essays can serve to clarify abstract ideas. By describing these concepts with concrete images and examples, writers make complex ideas easier to understand and more relatable to the reader.

Descriptive essays also aim to make information more memorable. When details are vivid, they are more likely to stick in the reader's mind, enhancing recall and engagement with the text.

Lastly, it can bolster an argument by providing concrete, detailed evidence that supports a point of view. This helps persuade the reader by making the argument more tangible and credible.

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Descriptive Essay Topics

When you're tasked with writing a descriptive essay, you'll usually get a prompt that asks you to describe something. These descriptive essay prompts allow you to explore different settings, time periods, and imaginative scenarios in your essays. 

Personal Prompts:

  • Describe a favorite childhood memory.
  • Describe a treasured family heirloom.

Imaginative Prompts:

  • Describe a day in the life of a pirate.
  • Describe what it would be like to explore an underwater city.

Historical Prompts:

  • Describe the atmosphere of a bustling ancient marketplace.
  • Describe the experience of witnessing a significant moment in history, like the moon landing or the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Nature Prompts:

  • Describe the sights and sounds of a peaceful forest at dawn.
  • Describe the feeling of standing at the edge of a majestic waterfall.

Everyday Prompts:

  • Describe the chaos of a busy morning commute in a big city.
  • Describe the tranquility of a sunset picnic in the countryside.

If you need topic ideas for other essay genres, consult our guide on narrative essay topics .

How to Write a Descriptive Essay in 8 Steps

Now that you understand the essence and purpose of this type of essay let's explore some fundamental yet valuable tips for writing a descriptive essay. 

How to Write a Descriptive Essay in 8 Steps

Step 1: Select Your Topic

The first step in creating a captivating descriptive essay is choosing the right topic. Start by paying close attention to your surroundings. 

  • Consider describing a person you know well in your life, like a sibling, a close friend, or a teacher who has made a significant impact on you.
  • Alternatively, you could focus on a specific place or object that holds sentimental value to you, such as a favorite vacation spot, a cherished childhood toy, or a meaningful piece of jewelry.
  • Another option is to explore a strong emotion that you have experienced, like excitement, nostalgia, or determination. 

Avoid using overly technical or jargon-filled language in your topic selection. Instead, aim for simplicity and clarity to ensure that your chosen topic resonates with your audience and allows you to convey your unique perspective effectively.

Step 2: Gather Details

Once you've selected your topic for your descriptive essay, the next step is to gather details that will bring your chosen subject to life on the page. Start by closely observing your subject, whether it's a person, place, object, or emotion. Pay attention to its appearance, characteristics, and any unique features that stand out to you.

For example, if you've chosen to describe your childhood home, take note of its architectural style, color scheme, and any distinctive elements like a front porch or a cozy fireplace. Recall memories associated with the home, such as family gatherings or quiet moments spent reading in your favorite spot.

If your topic is a person, like a close friend or family member, observe their physical appearance, mannerisms, and personality traits. Consider the ways in which they interact with others and the impact they have on your life.

Step 3: Draft an Outline

When structuring your essay, you can organize your paragraphs from top to bottom or near to far, chronologically, or from general to specific. Here's a simple descriptive essay outline from our custom writers to guide you: 

Section Description
Introduction Provide a brief overview of the topic.
Present your thesis statement.
Body Paragraph 1 Describe aspect 1 of your topic.
Provide supporting details and examples.
Body Paragraph 2 Describe aspect 2 of your topic.
Provide supporting details and examples.
Body Paragraph 3 Describe aspect 3 of your topic.
Provide supporting details and examples.
Conclusion Summarize the main points discussed.
Offer final thoughts or reflections on the topic.

Step 4: Develop a Thesis Statement

When developing your thesis statement, consider the main points or aspects of your subject that you want to highlight in your essay. Think about the emotions or impressions you want to evoke in the reader and tailor your thesis statement accordingly.

For example, if you're writing about your favorite childhood memory, your thesis statement could be: 'My summers spent at my grandparents' farm were filled with laughter, adventure, and a sense of belonging.'

Or, if you're describing a beautiful sunset, your thesis statement might be: 'The breathtaking colors and serene atmosphere of the sunset over the ocean evoke a sense of peace and wonder.'

Step 5: Craft the Introduction

Start your descriptive essay introduction by hooking the reader with an engaging opening sentence or anecdote related to your topic. This could be a vivid description, a thought-provoking question, or a surprising fact. For example:

  • Growing up on my grandparents' farm, each summer brought new adventures and unforgettable memories that still warm my heart to this day.

After hooking the reader, provide some background information or context for your topic. This could include brief details about the setting, time period, or significance of your subject. For instance:

  • Nestled in the rolling hills of the countryside, my grandparents' farm was a sanctuary of simple pleasures and cherished traditions.

Finally, end your introduction with your thesis statement, clearly stating the main point of your essay. This ties everything together and gives the reader a roadmap for what to expect in the rest of your essay. 

Step 6: Compose the Body Paragraphs

Once you've crafted your introduction, it's time to compose the body paragraphs, where you delve into the details and descriptions that bring your topic to life.

Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect or detail of your topic, expanding upon the ideas presented in your thesis statement. Use vivid language, sensory details, and descriptive devices to paint a clear picture for the reader.

For example, if you're writing about summers spent at your grandparents' farm, you could dedicate one body paragraph to describing the sights and sounds of the farm:

  • The rolling fields stretched out before me, golden waves of wheat swaying gently in the breeze. The air was filled with the sweet scent of wildflowers, mingling with the earthy aroma of freshly turned soil.

In another body paragraph, you might explore the adventures and activities that filled your days:

  • From sunrise to sunset, there was never a dull moment on the farm. Whether we were exploring the woods, splashing in the creek, or helping with chores, each day brought new excitement and adventure.

Continue with additional body paragraphs, each focusing on a different aspect of your topic and providing rich, detailed descriptions. Be sure to vary your language and sentence structure to keep the reader engaged and interested.

Step 7: Conclude the Essay

The conclusion should bring together all the ideas presented in your essay. Avoid introducing any new information in the conclusion. Instead, focus on evaluating your thoughts and reflections on the topic. End with a strong final sentence that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

For example, if you were writing about summers spent at your grandparents' farm, your conclusion might reflect on the significance of those memories:

  • 'As I reminisce about the summers spent amid the rustic charm of my grandparents' farm, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the simple pleasures and cherished moments that shaped my childhood. The laughter echoing through the fields, the adventures awaiting around every corner, and the sense of belonging that enveloped me there will forever hold a special place in my heart.'

Step 8: Refine Your Essay

Once you've finished writing your essay, it's time to refine it for clarity and impact. Start by reading your essay aloud to yourself. Listen for any sentences that sound awkward or unclear. Mark these sentences so you can revise them later.

You can also read your essay aloud to others and ask for their feedback. Invite friends, family members, teachers, or mentors to listen to your essay and share their thoughts. Ask them if there are any parts that are difficult to understand or if they have trouble picturing the subject you're describing.

Be receptive to constructive criticism and feedback. Use it as an opportunity to improve your essay and make it stronger. And if it sounds too demanding right now, you can buy cheap essay to sidestep the hassle and reclaim some much-needed free time.

Descriptive Essay Format

The standard format for a descriptive essay typically includes five paragraphs: an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. However, you can also organize your essay into sections, allowing for flexibility in the length of the body paragraphs.

Introductory Paragraph: This paragraph sets the scene by describing where, when, and to whom the experience occurred. It should include descriptive words to capture the reader's attention.

First Body Paragraph: Here, the writer provides details that allow the reader to visualize the situation. Descriptive language is key in painting a clear picture for the reader.

Second Body Paragraph: More details are provided, with a focus on using descriptive adjectives. Figurative language, such as metaphor (e.g., describing the city as a 'jungle of concrete'), can enhance the imagery.

Third Body Paragraph: The writer continues to appeal to the reader's senses with visually descriptive words. Figurative language, like personification (e.g., describing the wind as a playful dancer), adds depth to the description.

Conclusion: The conclusion alludes to another sense, such as touch or sound, and uses strong words to signify closure. It ends with a powerful concluding sentence to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Descriptive Essay Examples

In this section, you'll discover essay examples that demonstrate how to captivate your readers' attention effectively. After exploring these examples, you might find yourself tempted to ask, 'Can someone do my homework for me?' - and that's completely understandable! We're here to help you become more confident and articulate communicators through your writing!

3 Additional Tips for Writing

While writing a descriptive essay, your goal is to make your subject come alive for the reader. Unlike more formal essays, you have the freedom to be creative with your descriptions, using figurative language, sensory details, and precise word choices to make your writing memorable.

3 Additional Tips for Writing

Use Figurative Language: Figurative language, like metaphors and similes, adds flair to your descriptions. Instead of sticking to literal descriptions, use comparisons to create unique and memorable imagery. 

  • For instance, describing a city as a bustling beehive of activity ' or a forest as ' a blanket of whispers ' adds an unexpected twist that captures the reader's attention.

Engage Your Senses: In a descriptive essay, don't just focus on what something looks like; appeal to all the senses. Describe how things smell, sound, feel, and even taste, if applicable. This adds depth and richness to your descriptions, making them more immersive. 

  • For example, instead of just describing a beach visually, include sensory details like feeling the warm sand between your toes , hearing the rhythmic crash of waves , and t asting the salty sea breeze.

Choose Your Words Carefully: Use effective adjectives, verbs, and nouns to convey your impressions vividly. Avoid clichés and opt for original, precise language that reflects your unique perspective. Take the time to review your sentences and consider if there are better word choices that could enhance your description.

In Wrapping Up

To sum it up, descriptive essays are all about encouraging students like you to explore your surroundings and unleash your creativity by describing scenes in detail with words. When you carefully select and organize these descriptive details, it not only enhances your writing but also sharpens your critical thinking skills. Plus, diving into this expressive writing style allows you to appreciate the beauty of language and feel more connected to written communication. And remember, if you ever need a little boost in your writing journey, our descriptive essay writing service is here to help!

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How To Write A Descriptive Essay?

What is a descriptive essay, what is the purpose of a descriptive essay.

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Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

example of a descriptive essay

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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Axelrod, R. B. and Cooper, R. C. (2008). The st martin’s guide to writing. (English Edition). New York: Bedford/St Martins

Okono, U. M. (2021). Descriptive essay: An assessment of performance by undergraduates of AkwaIbom State University. Erudite Journal of Linguistics and Languages . https://www.globalacademicstar.com/download/article/descriptive-essay-an-assessment-of-performance-by-undergraduates-of-akwa-ibom-state-university.pdf

Okono. U. M. (2020). “Qualities of a good essay: An assessment of the writings of Nigerian undergraduates.” International Journal on integrated Education. 3: vi.

https://irsc-asc.weebly.com/uploads/3/1/8/1/31813909/e7__descriptive_essay_guidelines.pdf

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Descriptive Essay Examples

Caleb S.

Descriptive Essay Examples & Writing Tips

13 min read

descriptive essay examples

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Struggling to write a descriptive essay that engages your reader? It can be frustrating to spend hours writing, only to feel like your essay is not meeting your expectations.

Relax, you're not alone! Many students find it difficult to capture readers' attention through descriptive writing.

But don't worry! Our examples of descriptive essays are here to help. These examples provide you with the perfect starting point, helping you to understand how to structure your essay to make it memorable. 

Don't let your descriptive essay fall flat. Explore our examples and learn how to write an essay that your readers won't be able to forget.

Let's dive in to learn more.

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  • 1. Grasping the Concept of Descriptive Essays
  • 2. Descriptive Essay Examples
  • 3. How to Write a Descriptive Essay?
  • 4. Tips to Write a Good Descriptive Essay

Grasping the Concept of Descriptive Essays

A descriptive essay is a type of essay in which a writer describes a specific subject in detail. The writer takes help from vivid language to paint a picture in the reader’s mind by engaging the human senses. 

Whether you are writing about a person or an historical events, use strong adjectives and adverbs to present sensory details. The main objective of writing a descriptive essay is to describe a particular subject, person, place, or situation. 

It is written in a way to make the reader feel the same way as you do. It is like a narrative essay where you provide a detailed description of the subject. 

Descriptive essays vividly depict a subject, engaging the reader's senses. They transport readers to the scene described, making it feel real.

To help you grasp the essence of a descriptive essay and enhance your descriptive writing skills, here is a selection of descriptive essay examples pdf that showcase the art of painting with words.

Descriptive Essay Example 5 Paragraph

By following a 5 paragraph structured approach, you'll learn how to create a captivating essay that vividly brings your subject to life.

It consists of five distinct paragraphs, organised in the following sequence:

  • Introduction
  • Body Paragraph 1
  • Body Paragraph 2
  • Body Paragraph 3

Here's an example of a descriptive essay using the classic 5-paragraph structure.

Subjective Descriptive Essay Example

Subjective descriptive essays are written based on personal experiences. Take a look at the below examples to understand this descriptive essay format. 

Objective Descriptive Essay Example

The objective descriptive essay is a type of descriptive essay in which you describe a person, place, or thing without any emotions or opinions.

Take a look at the below examples to understand this format better.

Descriptive Essay Example About an Object

Personal Descriptive Essay Example

In a personal descriptive essay, the writer vividly portrays a significant aspect of their life, allowing readers to connect emotionally.

Below is an example of an essay focused on a memorable childhood experience.

Descriptive Essay Example About A Person

Looking for a descriptive essay example about a person? Check out our outstanding example:

Descriptive Essay Example About A Place

Describing a place can be tricky. If you want to write a descriptive essay about a place, it is even more difficult. To understand this format better, let's take a look at this descriptive essay example about a place. 

Short Descriptive Essay Example

Many students fail to understand the key to writing a short descriptive essay. If you are one of them, here is an example that will help you get an idea of how to write it. 

Narrative and Descriptive Essay Example

A narrative descriptive essay is a type of descriptive essay where you narrate a story in an interesting manner. Take a look at the below example to understand how to write this type of essay. 

Narrative Descriptive Essay Example

Descriptive Essay Example for Middle School

Middle school students often struggle to write essays. Descriptive essay assignments might even prove to be more difficult. Here is an example that will help middle schoolers understand this format better.

Descriptive Essay Example for Grade 6

Descriptive Essay Examples For Grade 7

Descriptive Essay Example for High School

High school students face similar challenges as middle schoolers when it comes to descriptive writing. It is difficult to describe something without being generic. If you're going through something similar, here are some examples for you.

Descriptive Essay Example for High School Students

Descriptive Essay Example for Grade 10

Grade 12 Descriptive Essay Examples

Descriptive Essay Example for University and College

College and University students have to deal with complex and more challenging descriptive essay topics. Mostly, they don't have time to write such lengthy essays. Here are some examples that can help them understand such essays better.

Descriptive Essay Example for University Students

Descriptive Essay Example College

Thesis for Descriptive Essay Example

How to Write a Descriptive Essay?

There are many elements to an amazing descriptive essay. For starters, it's important that the writer stays focused on one point when learning how to write a descriptive essay.

Also, uses figurative language so readers can imagine what they're reading about in their minds.

Below are some steps as well as how to write a descriptive essay examples that you should follow for writing.

1. Choose a Good Topic

The best way to make an interesting essay is by choosing a unique topic. It will allow you the freedom of creativity. Be careful not to choose something familiar because it might get boring quickly for readers.

Short on descriptive topic ideas? Check out our extensive list of descriptive essay topics to get inspiration.

2. Create a Strong Introduction

In your opening paragraph, introduce your subject and provide some context. Engage your readers' curiosity by offering a glimpse of what you'll be describing.

Your introduction should have a topic sentence and it must set the tone and establish the mood for the essay.

Here are samples for how to write introduction for your descriptive essays:

How to Start a Descriptive Essay - Examples

Introduction of a Descriptive Essay - Examples

3. Write a Thesis Statement

It is the most important part of any essay. When you are planning a descriptive essay, you need to come up with a strong thesis statement .

A thesis statement is usually one or two sentences that explain the whole point of your essay to the reader.

4. Collect Information

To write a good essay, you need relevant information supporting your thesis statement. Make sure that you get your information from reliable sources.

5. Make an Outline

An essay outline is a way to organize your thoughts and plan what you will say in your essay. In the outline, you should have an introduction, a thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Don’t know how to make an outline? Visit our descriptive essay outline blog and learn to create impressive outlines for your descriptive essays.

6. Use Descriptive Language

The heart of your essay lies in the details you provide. Use vivid, sensory language to help your readers envision what you're describing. 

Engage all five senses — sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch — to make your description come to life.

7. Conclude Effectively

In your conclusion, summarise the key points and leave a lasting impression. Reinforce the emotional impact of your description and provide a sense of closure.

Make your readers feel like they've completed a journey with you.

How to End a Descriptive Essay - Examples

8. Proofreading

Proofreading is the process of looking for and correcting any spelling or grammatical errors in a written essay. Proofreading makes a document look more professional, so it is important to do it before submission.

How to Write a Descriptive Essay - Example

Tips to Write a Good Descriptive Essay

Writing a good descriptive essay is both a difficult and easy task. Here we have listed some useful descriptive writing tips that will make your writing process easy and simple.

  • Preplanning:  Before you start writing, plan your essay, and write all the essential details. Please do not think that you will remember it just because you know something; it does not happen this way. Write down all the details and assemble them all in one place.
  • Use Descriptive Language: Employ vivid and specific language to paint a detailed picture. Instead of general terms, opt for precise adjectives and powerful nouns to convey a clear image.
  • Appeal to Emotions: Connect with your readers on an emotional level by describing not just the physical attributes but also the emotional significance of the subject. Help readers feel what you felt.
  • Create an Outline:  Creating a descriptive essay outline before starting the essay will keep you focused on the essay topic. Include what you will add to each of the sections. Divide it into the introductory paragraph, thesis statement, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
  • Edit and Revise:  No writing process is complete without thorough editing and proofreading. Spelling and grammar checking the essay for plagiarism are the main steps before the final submission of the essay.

Want more tips to improve your descriptive writing skills? Here is a short video clip to help you out. 

If you are not sure that you could write the essay yourself, let the experts at MyPerfectWords.com help you out. Our  descriptive essay writing service can craft custom-tailored, original, and high-quality essays in no time.

We specialize in providing custom papers and essays for various academic levels and subjects. So if you are looking for assistance with your " Do my essay cheap " request,  professiona help, our services are your best bet!

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Caleb S. has been providing writing services for over five years and has a Masters degree from Oxford University. He is an expert in his craft and takes great pride in helping students achieve their academic goals. Caleb is a dedicated professional who always puts his clients first.

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Descriptive Essay

Descriptive essay generator.

example of a descriptive essay

Essays are written due to various reasons and purposes. Some of the authors want to inform, some want to expose while some want to persuade. However, in descriptive essay writing , the essayist composes for the sake of displaying a picture out of his/her describing words. It may sound easy and simple but don’t be deceived, there are still more to learn. Read through this article to get hold of significant and beneficial new knowledge.

What is Descriptive Essay? A descriptive essay is a type of writing that aims to vividly describe a person, place, object, or event. In this type of essay, the writer uses sensory details such as sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch to create a clear and vivid image in the reader’s mind. The goal of a descriptive essay is to evoke a strong emotional response or create a vivid impression of the subject being described.

Descriptive Essay Format

Introduction.

Hook: Start with a sentence that captures the reader’s attention. This could be a striking fact, a question, or a vivid description. Context: Provide some background information to set the scene. Describe the setting, the situation, or the object of the essay. Thesis Statement: End the introduction with a clear thesis statement that outlines the main aspects or the overall impression of your subject.

Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect or a detail that contributes to the overall picture you are trying to paint. Use the “show, don’t tell” technique by employing vivid imagery and sensory details.

Paragraph 1: Sight

Topic Sentence: Introduce the aspect of sight. Details: Describe what you see in vivid detail. Use adjectives and adverbs to bring the scene to life. Closing Sentence: Wrap up the paragraph by summarizing the importance of the visual details.

Paragraph 2: Sound

Topic Sentence: Focus on the sounds related to your topic. Details: Describe what can be heard, whether it’s the background noise, a specific sound related to the subject, or the absence of sound. Closing Sentence: Conclude by explaining how the sounds contribute to the overall impression.

Paragraph 3: Smell

Topic Sentence: Highlight the aspect of smell. Details: Describe the aromas and scents. Whether it’s pleasant or pungent, detail how it impacts the scene or the subject. Closing Sentence: Summarize how the smell adds to the depth of your description.

Paragraph 4: Touch

Topic Sentence: Discuss the sense of touch. Details: Describe the textures and temperatures. Explain how something feels to the touch and why it’s important to your description. Closing Sentence: Link the tactile details to the overall experience.

Paragraph 5: Taste (if applicable)

Topic Sentence: Introduce the sense of taste, if relevant. Details: Describe the flavors and the experience of tasting something related to your subject. Closing Sentence: Reflect on how taste enhances the description.
Summary: Briefly restate your thesis and summarize the main points of your essay. Significance: Explain the significance of the subject and the impact it has made on you or the impression it leaves. Closing Thought: End with a final thought or reflection, leaving the reader with something to ponder.

Example of Descriptive Essay

“The Sunset at the Beach” As I walked down the sandy path towards the ocean, the first thing that struck me was the vast expanse of the sea, stretching endlessly towards the horizon. The sun was beginning to set, painting the sky in shades of orange, pink, and purple. The beauty of the sunset at the beach was a breathtaking spectacle that I had come to witness. Introduction The beach has always been a place of serenity for me, especially during the sunset. The way the sun dipped below the horizon, leaving behind a tapestry of colors, always seemed magical. On this particular evening, the scene was set for a perfect display of nature’s artistry. Body Paragraphs The Vision of the Sunset As I stepped onto the soft, warm sand, my eyes were immediately drawn to the horizon. The sun, a fiery orb, was slowly descending, casting its golden glow across the sky. The clouds, mere wisps earlier in the day, now looked like cotton candy, stained with hues of pink and lavender. The reflection of the sunset on the water added a layer of brilliance to the scene, with the light dancing on the waves as they gently lapped against the shore. The Symphony of the Waves The sound of the waves provided a soothing background melody to the visual spectacle. Each wave crashed against the shore with a rhythm that was both calming and invigorating. In the distance, seagulls called to one another, their cries adding to the orchestral performance of nature. The rustling of the palm leaves in the gentle breeze played a soft, whispering harmony, creating a symphony that only the beach at sunset could offer. The Aromatic Breeze With every breath, the salty tang of the sea air filled my lungs, a distinctive aroma that immediately relaxed my body and mind. There was a freshness to it, a reminder of the vast, untamed ocean before me. Mixed with the faint scent of sunscreen and the earthiness of wet sand, the beach’s aroma was invigorating, grounding me in the moment. The Touch of Nature As I walked along the water’s edge, the cool water washed over my feet, providing relief from the day’s residual heat. The sand, now cooler than the afternoon sun, felt soft and comforting beneath my toes. Occasionally, a stronger wave would rush further up the beach, encouraging me to dig my feet into the sand, feeling the grains shift against my skin. Conclusion The sunset at the beach was not just a visual masterpiece; it was an experience that engaged all the senses. As the sun finally disappeared, leaving behind a sky painted in dark blues and purples, I felt a sense of peace and contentment. The beach at sunset had offered me a moment of beauty, tranquility, and a deep connection with nature. It was an unforgettable scene, etched in my memory, reminding me of the simple, yet profound joys of life.

Descriptive essays generally focus more on visualizing a specific topic of interest. Considering that aspect, showing you what it looks like may be helpful as well. Thus, we cautiously gathered the best samples and templates of descriptive essays for you to rely on, here are they:

Bright Topic Ideas for Your Descriptive Essay

The list of the possible topic ideas for your descriptive essay is limitless. There are a lot of choices to choose from and sometimes, it is really difficult to pick one. If you are being indecisive regarding your topic idea, here are some smart concepts to help you select one.

Descriptive Essay Ideas About People

  • Description of your favorite music genre
  • Treating a popular villain as a good protagonist
  • The right words that would compliment your singing idol
  • Why your squad is the best?
  • What qualities should your future spouse possess?
  • Why your aunt is the best?

Descriptive Essay Ideas About Places

  • Why Manila Bay has the best sunset?
  • The perfect adjective to describe your hometown
  • Details on your recent vacation destination
  • Why your favorite coffee shop is worth the visit?
  • What makes Paris unique?
  • The best description for your workplace

Descriptive Essay Ideas About Things

  • Why your wedding ring is the most luxurious?
  • The description of your favorite blanket
  • What makes your research paper great?
  • Description of your proposed food product
  • Perfume: more than just the bottle
  • Why your bag is great

Descriptive Essay Examples & Templates

Descriptive narrative essay example.

Descriptive Narrative Essay

Descriptive Essay Outline Example

Descriptive Essay Outline

Short Essay Plan Example

Short Essay Plan1

Biographical Narrative Essay Example

Biographical Narrative Essay1

College Narrative Essay Example

College Narrative Essay

Personal Narrative Essay Example

Personal Narrative Essay

Short Narrative Essay Example

Short Narrative Essay1

High School Descriptive Essay Example

High School Narrative Essay1

Free Simple Descriptive Essay Plan

Free Simple Essay Plan

Basic Descriptive Essay Writing Example

Writing Descriptive Example

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Short Descriptive Essay Example

Short Descriptive Essay

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Descriptive Essay Structuring Example

Structuring Descriptive Essay

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Simple Descriptive Essay Example

Descriptive Sample

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Narrative Descriptive Essay Example

Narrative Descriptive Sample

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Descriptive Essay Prewriting Example

Prewriting Descriptive Essay

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Personal Descriptive Essay Example

Personal Descriptive

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Descriptive Essay Characteristics Example

Characteristics Essay Example

Descriptive Essay Description Guide Example

Descriptive Essay Description Guide Example

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Descriptive Essays about Places Example

Descriptive Essays about Places Example

Excellent Descriptive Essay Example

Excellent Descriptive Essay Examples

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Descriptive Essay Writing Exercise Example

Descriptive Essay Writing Exercise Examples

Educational Descriptive Essay Example

Educational Descriptive Essay Examples

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Spring Break Descriptive Essay Example

Spring Break Descriptive Essay Examples

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Descriptive Essay Sentence Writing Example

Decriptive Essay Sentence Writing Example

Descriptive Essay Paragraph Guidelines Example

Descriptive Essay Paragraph Guidelines Examples

Stylish Descriptive Essay Rubric Example

Stylish Descriptive Essay Rubric Examples

Descriptive Essay Writing Techniques Example

Descriptive Essay Writing Techniques Examples

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Free Descriptive Essay Example

Descriptive Essay Example

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Basic Descriptive Essay Example

Basic Descriptive Essay

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Sample Descriptive Essay Example

Sample Descriptive Essay

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Descriptive Essay in PDF Example

Descriptive Essay in PDF

Printable Descriptive Essay Example

Printable Descriptive Essay

Direction Descriptive Essay Example

Direction Descriptive Essay

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Descriptive Essay Scoring Guide

Descriptive Essay Scoring Guide

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Professional Descriptive Essay

Professional Discriptive Eassy

Descriptive Essay Format Example

Discriptive Eassy Format

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Assignment Descriptive Essay Example

Assignment Discriptive Eassy

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What are the 4 types of essays?

An essay is an extended piece or composition that shows and supports a thesis or proposition. Essays help the expression of an author’s ideas in various ways. Before composing your own essay, it is important to identify its purpose first, and in doing that, distinguishing its type would be a great beginning. Correspondingly, here are the four different types of essays:

Narrative Essays: to tell

Taking it into its most basic sense, narrative essays are used if the author wants to tell a story about a real-life adventure. This type of essay is expressed in a particular point-of-view. Commonly, it is the author’s viewpoint that is being followed. Moreover, in writing your own short narrative essay , apply realistic emotions and appropriate sensory details to provide your readers with the full taste of your story. By doing this, you are not simply telling them but also engaging them in the story’s sequence and elements. It is also advisable to state verbs as vivid and as precise as possible. The thesis statement of a narrative essay is commonly found in the opening sentence or the last sentence of the introductory paragraph.

Descriptive Essays: to describe

You may confuse yourself between narrative and descriptive essays ; however, differentiating both is really easy. Rather than telling a story, a descriptive essay illustrates a specific topic such as a person, place, experience, emotion, event, etc. by means of words. You don’t simply state your experience in this type of essay; on top of that, you let your reader experience the same thing through your descriptions. In writing your own short descriptive essay , it is important to remember that you are not writing to tell but to show. Using sensory and vivid words is also recommended.

Expository Essays: to uncover and clarify

From its name itself, an expository essay is used to expose something on matters that are known to others. This type of essay is a genre of composition that aims to explain, illustrate, clarify or explicate a certain subject for the readers. Thus, an expository essay could include investigation and evaluation of ideas. This could be derived through comparison and contrast, definition, giving examples, assessment of cause and effect, etc. Moreover, in composing an expository essay, the author set his/her emotions aside for this type of essay is based on mere facts. The first point-of-view is not applied in this essay as well.

Persuasive Essays: to convince

If the expository essays talk about the facts then persuasive essays talk about arguments. The main purpose of a persuasive essay is to win over the trust of the reader to accept your viewpoint, opinion or proposition as the author. In writing a persuasive essay, your opinions should be supported by relevant facts and logical and sound reasoning. Though the essayist should lay all necessary details from both sides of the argument, he/she must comprehensibly explain why one side is correct or more favorable than the other.

Despite essays being categorized into four types, it is also important to know that an essay is not limited to one type only. In some cases,  a narrative essay could also be mixed with a short descriptive essay or a short persuasive essay combined with an expository type. Nevertheless, identifying the purpose of your essay is vital before writing. However, if doing it challenges you, knowing these types is a great substitute.

What Is the Purpose of a Descriptive Essay?

Some people like to watch movies rather than to read books. This is because an actual image is easier to absorb than that on writing. This is why it’s important for a writer to pay close attention to detail. A descriptive essay conclusion should provide the reader with a mental picture of a given matter.

This is especially essential when writing pieces meant for a younger audience, as they have a more imaginative mind than the average adult. A writer must be creative when using imaginative language in order for the reader to properly comprehend what is being portrayed. To do so, the writer should also be knowledgeable about the topic. After all, you don’t want to give your readers the wrong interpretation .

How to Write a Descriptive Essay

A good descriptive essay comes from a knowledgeable and imaginative mind. Thus, in  descriptive writing , it’s important for one to be specific on details. After seeing a few samples that we have shown earlier, here is a step-by-step guideline to help you in composing a descriptive essay worth reading.

1. Choose a topic.

If there is no given topic, it would be great to select one that you are knowledgeable and familiar with. Considering that your whole descriptive essay would revolve on this specific subject, choosing a topic that you recognize would keep everything simpler for you. By doing such, you can freely decide what words are the most appropriate to use; as a result, it will be easier for you to describe your topic. Furthermore, your reader could be meticulous and educated on your subject, so being knowledgeable about your own topic is wise prevention against bad impression.

2. Construct your thesis statement.

Alright, now that you have your own topic already, it is important to know what specific message you want your reader should focus on reading your whole essay. Thus, it is important to always provide a thesis statement , the umbrella sentence of all your ideas. Write this in one concise sentence in your introduction and conclusion. Often, a thesis statement is mentioned in the last sentence of your introductory paragraph.

3. Gather the necessary information and ideas.

Though you are already proficient in your topic, it is still recommendable to research about your specific subject. With this, you are not just gaining new information but also checking the correctness of your knowledge. It would also be great to expand your vocabulary, especially in adjectives and adverbs, since writing one of these involve loads of describing. Moreover, also focus on the sensory words that correspond to sight, smell, taste, sound, and touch of the given subject.

4. Create an outline.

Obtaining all of the significant details, crafting an  essay outline  for your work will allow you to arrange your contents in a rational and chronological order. Also, being educated with different formats in writing an essay would really make a great difference in your composition.

5. Proofread.

After writing your own descriptive essay, it might feel perfect already, but most of the time, it is not. Hence, read your entire work and review if there are any errors pertaining to your grammar and spelling. Furthermore, asking for help from a well-versed friend of yours to conduct a peer-review to your work would be extremely useful.

6. Finalize your composition.

The next thing to do after the editing is to finalize your descriptive essay to its finest version. Make sure that your essay follows a specific format, consisting of the proper  parts of the essay .

Smart Tips for Writing a Descriptive Essay

The fundamentals of the descriptive writing procedures are now given to you; nevertheless, it would always be great to aim for something better. Now, here are some intelligent tips that would make your essay certainly more compelling.

Establish a connection with your writing.

The key to writing a good effective essay  is to have the passion to write it; thus, in choosing your topic it would be great to have a familiar one or a subject that truly makes you curious. Let your interest be the seed of your fruitful composition.

Spend time to think.

In writing your own descriptive essay, let your brain do its job. Do not rush, give yourself an adequate amount of time to ponder on the necessary details that you should include and what approach you should apply. Provide yourself a clear plan of your descriptive essay writing. Moreover, look at your topic from different angles. This will allow you to take a closer look at every detail of your subject.

Apply the word vomit technique.

The word vomit technique or also called as “ free writing ” is the spontaneous use of words without considering any rules. This is a good technique in making a draft of your  starting an essay . It allows your ideas to keep flowing without exerting much effort. Once this is done, you can pick out points that would go well with your essay.

Take a break before finalizing it.

Because right after writing your composition, your thought highly recognizes your word construction; thus, it does not really notice the errors and automatically treats them as correct pieces of your work. Allowing your mind to clear out for a while will make it easier for you to critic your own work. Furthermore, utilizing grammar-checking software is also a splendid move.

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Write a descriptive essay about a place you love to visit and what makes it special.

Describe in a descriptive essay your dream job and what it would be like to work there.

Jun 27, 2023

Descriptive Essay Examples: Bring Your Writing to Life with Vivid Descriptions and Engaging Language

Dive into the vibrant world of descriptive writing! Discover how to captivate your audience with rich details and stirring language, creating immersive experiences with your words!

Immerse yourself in the vibrant art of descriptive writing in this comprehensive guide. Throughout this article, we'll explore the intricacies of crafting descriptive essays, offering you useful tips, and showcasing compelling examples.

 You'll learn the essence of sensory details in creating vivid imagery, the structure of a captivating essay, and pointers for picking engaging topics. Our journey will feature rich examples like a description of the Grand Canyon, demystifying the language techniques used.

 So, are you ready to amplify your writing skills and charm your readers with words? Dive right into the world of descriptive essays and let your creativity flow!

Understanding Descriptive Essays

Before we delve into crafting engaging descriptive essays, let's clarify their fundamental purpose. Each essay type serves a unique role, and for descriptive essays, the objective is to paint an elaborate picture using vivid language and sensory details. As a writer, your goal is to transport readers to a particular location, event, or time, allowing them to experience it through their senses.

Among different essay types, each comes with a specific objective. Let's consider a few:

Narrative Essays: These essays recount a story or event. Your goal here is to craft a captivating narrative that keeps your reader engrossed from beginning to end.

Descriptive Essays: The focus of a descriptive essay is to create a vivid mental image for your reader. By using intricate details and expressive language, you invite readers into a sensory experience, making them feel as if they're part of the story.

Expository Essays: In an expository essay, the aim is to clarify or inform. You should present information in a clear, concise manner, educating your reader about a particular topic or issue.

Persuasive Essays: Persuasive essays aim to convince the reader to adopt a certain viewpoint or perform a specific action. Your task here is to utilize evidence and logical reasoning to support your argument, persuading your reader to agree with your stance.

In the context of creative writing, which includes forms like short stories, poetry, novels, and memoirs, descriptive writing serves as an essential tool. Through the use of metaphors, vivid descriptions, and other literary devices, writers can create a powerful impact and engage readers in an imaginative experience.

Whether you are aiming for fiction or non-fiction, creative writing offers a platform to explore your creativity, express your thoughts, ideas, and experiences in an original and unique way. It invites experimentation with styles, genres, and techniques, allowing for the creation of unique literary pieces.

Improving creative writing skills is an ongoing journey, with numerous resources available, including online courses and writing workshops. So, embark on your creative journey, explore your imagination, and unlock your creative potential!

In conclusion, understanding an essay's objective is a crucial step towards successful writing. A clear definition of the essay's purpose guides you to develop a robust thesis statement and structure your arguments effectively, making your essay a compelling read.

The Framework of a Descriptive Essay

Descriptive essays breathe life into words by painting a vivid picture of a person, place, thing, or experience. They employ sensory details and expressive language to make the subject come alive for the reader. Here's a basic yet effective structure you might use when crafting a descriptive essay:

1. Introduction

Your introduction should pique the reader's interest and provide some context for your essay's subject. Begin with an engaging statement about your subject, an intriguing rhetorical question, or an interesting fact to hook your audience. Subsequently, introduce your thesis statement, a clear declaration of the particular aspect or impression of the subject you will be describing.

2. Body Paragraphs

The body of your essay should dive into a detailed description of your subject. Each paragraph should spotlight a unique facet of your subject, using sensory details to paint a vibrant image for the reader. Language techniques such as metaphors, similes, and personification can enhance your descriptions. Depending on your subject and its characteristics, you may want to organize your paragraphs in chronological or spatial order.

3. Conclusion

The conclusion should encapsulate the key points of your essay, leaving a lasting impression on your reader. Restate your thesis statement and offer a brief summary of your main points. Conclude with a striking statement or image that underscores your essay's primary theme.

Bear in mind that this structural blueprint for a descriptive essay is flexible and may require adjustments based on the specific topic or purpose of your essay. Still, this basic outline provides a robust foundation to organize your thoughts and guide your journey in crafting a compelling descriptive essay.

Expanding Your Imagination: Descriptive Essay Writing Inspiration Ideas

Crafting a remarkable descriptive essay involves bringing a scene to life with your words. This immersive style of writing can be applied to a variety of topics. Here are some areas you might want to explore:

1. Recalling Cherished Memories

Our minds are vaults of experiences just waiting to be unraveled. Dive into your childhood memories and bring forth a moment that left an indelible mark on you. Remember to describe the environment, your emotions, people around you, and why this memory has remained so vivid over the years.

2. Exploring Unfamiliar Territories

Have you always dreamt about a certain place but never had the chance to visit? This is your opportunity to transport your readers to this location using your imagination. Research, craft an image, and explore this place in your mind, then share it with your audience.

3. The Magic of the Seasons

Every season carries its unique charm. Pick your favorite season and describe its essence. Use sensory details to communicate the change in the atmosphere, the transformation in the landscape, and how these alterations make you feel.

4. Delving into Personal Relationships

Consider a person who has made a significant impact on your life. It could be a family member, a friend, or even a celebrity. Describe them and explain why they are so influential. Discuss their characteristics, their words, actions, or ideas that have inspired you.

5. Relishing in the Gastronomic Delights

Food can elicit powerful memories and emotions. Describe your favorite dish or a memorable meal in great detail. Use descriptive language to convey its flavors, textures, and aromas, and share why it holds a special place in your heart.

6. Reimagining Historical Events

Historical events offer rich ground for descriptive essays. Choose an event that interests you and imagine you're a part of it. Describe the environment, the people, their emotions, and the atmosphere during this event.

Remember, the key to writing a compelling descriptive essay is to paint a vibrant picture using your words. By carefully selecting your subject and using detailed, sensory language, you can create a narrative that captivates your readers and provides them an experience to remember. Be creative, have fun with your writing, and let your imagination roam free.

Descriptive Essay Examples

Example essay 1: "my favorite place" .

My favorite place in the world is my grandparents' farm in the countryside. As I walk down the dirt road that leads to the farmhouse, I am greeted by the sweet smell of hay and the sound of crickets chirping in the distance. The rolling hills that surround the farm are covered in lush green grass and dotted with wildflowers of every color. The old wooden barn and weathered farmhouse are a testament to the many years of hard work and love that my grandparents have put into this land. I can't help but feel a sense of peace and belonging when I am here, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the memories of my family.

Example Essay 2: "The Haunted House" 

As I stepped through the creaky gate and onto the overgrown path that led to the abandoned mansion, I felt a chill run down my spine. The house's ivy-covered walls and broken windows loomed over me like a giant beast waiting to pounce. The air was thick with the scent of decay and mold, and the sound of rustling leaves and distant whispers made me feel as if I was not alone. As I explored the dark and eerie interior of the house, I couldn't help but feel as if I was stepping into a nightmare. The peeling wallpaper and rotting floorboards added to the sense of dread, and the only light came from the occasional flash of lightning that illuminated the shadows. I left the haunted house feeling as if I had been transported to another world, a world of darkness and fear.

Example Essay 3: "A Day at the Beach" 

The sun was blazing down on the white sand and turquoise waters of the beach as I settled onto my towel and let the warm breeze wash over me. The sound of crashing waves and seagulls filled the air, and the salty smell of the ocean mingled with the sweet scent of coconut oil and sunscreen. The water was crystal clear, and I could see schools of brightly colored fish darting in and out of the waves. As the day wore on, I built sandcastles with my nieces and nephews, went for a swim in the cool water, and soaked up the sun until my skin was golden brown. As the sun began to set and the sky turned fiery orange and pink, I knew that this was a day I would never forget.

Example Essay 4: "The City at Night" 

The city comes alive at night, its streets bathed in the glow of neon lights and the hum of activity. The air is filled with the scent of roasted peanuts and hot dogs, and the sound of honking horns and chatter of people fills your ears. The towering skyscrapers loom above you, casting long shadows that stretch across the sidewalks. The city never sleeps, and you feel alive in its energy and vibrancy.

Example Essay 5: "My First Love" 

The moment I laid eyes on her, I knew I was in love. Her eyes were like pools of emerald green, and her smile was like sunshine on a cloudy day. Her voice was soft and musical, and I could listen to her talk for hours. We spent every moment we could together, exploring the city, watching movies, and talking about everything and nothing at all. Even now, years later, I can still feel the warmth of her hand in mine and the thrill of our first kiss.

Example Essay 6: "A Winter Wonderland" 

As I stepped outside into the winter wonderland, I was struck by the beauty of the snow-covered landscape. The trees were draped in a blanket of white, and the snow sparkled like diamonds in the sunlight. The air was cold and crisp, and my breath formed puffs of steam as I exhaled. I bundled up in my warmest coat and gloves and set out to explore the snowy wonderland, feeling like a child again.

Example Essay 7: "The Perfect Day" 

The perfect day for me is one where the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the world is filled with endless possibilities. I wake up early and savor a cup of hot coffee as I watch the sunrise from my front porch. Then, I spend the day exploring the great outdoors, hiking in the mountains, swimming in a crystal-clear lake, and soaking up the beauty of nature. In the evening, I enjoy a delicious meal with my loved ones, and we laugh and share stories until the stars come out.

Example Essay 8: "A Magical Place" 

As I stepped through the door of the tiny bookstore, I felt as if I had been transported to a magical world. The shelves were lined with books of every size and color, and the air was thick with the scent of old paper and ink. The cozy armchairs and crackling fireplace invited me to curl up with a good book and get lost in a story. I spent hours exploring the aisles and discovering hidden treasures, feeling as if I had found a secret portal to another world.

Example Essay 9: "The Taste of Home" 

The taste of my grandmother's cooking is something that will always hold a special place in my heart. Her homemade apple pie was the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, with a buttery crust that melted in my mouth. Her hearty beef stew warmed my soul on cold winter nights, and her homemade bread was the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Every bite was infused with love and care, and I can still taste the flavors of my childhood in every dish she made.

Example Essay 10: "The Seashore"

 As I walked along the sandy shore, the sound of crashing waves filled my ears and the salty ocean air tickled my nose. The sun beat down on my skin, warming me from the inside out. I closed my eyes and listened to the seagulls calling overhead and the laughter of children playing in the distance. The water lapped at my toes, sending chills up my spine. It was the perfect day at the beach, and I never wanted it to end.

Example Essay 11: "The Concert" 

The roar of the crowd and the pulsing beat of the music filled the arena, making my heart race with excitement. The lights flashed in time with the music, casting the performers in a rainbow of colors. The lead singer's voice soared through the air, and I felt as if I were transported to another world. The energy was electric, and I couldn't help but dance along with the crowd, lost in the music.

Example Essay 12: "Autumn Leaves" 

The trees were ablaze with color, their leaves a riot of red, orange, and gold. The air was crisp and cool, and the sound of rustling leaves echoed through the quiet streets. The smell of wood smoke and pumpkin spice filled the air, and I felt a sense of peace and contentment wash over me. As I walked through the park, I kicked up piles of leaves and marveled at the beauty of the season.

Example Essay 13: "The Old House" 

The old house was a thing of beauty, its weathered exterior and ivy-covered walls telling the story of years gone by. As I stepped inside, the creaking floorboards and musty smell of old books greeted me, transporting me back in time. The rooms were filled with antique furniture and intricate wallpaper, and the sunlight streaming through the dusty windows cast a warm glow over everything. I felt as if I were a character in a novel, exploring the secrets of this forgotten place.

Example Essay 14: "The First Snowfall" 

As I looked out the window, I saw the first snowflakes of the season drifting down from the sky. The world outside was transformed, the trees and buildings dusted with a layer of pristine white. The air was cold and crisp, and the sound of snow crunching underfoot was a satisfying crunch. I couldn't help but smile as I stepped outside, feeling the snowflakes land on my cheeks and melt against my skin.

Example Essay 15: "The Mountain" 

As I hiked up the mountain, the air grew cooler and the scenery became more breathtaking with every step. The rugged landscape was dotted with trees and boulders, and the sound of rushing water filled the air. I paused to catch my breath and took in the panoramic view of the valley below, feeling small and insignificant in the face of such natural beauty. It was a humbling experience, and I felt grateful for the opportunity to witness it.

Example Essay 16: "The Market"

 The market was a cacophony of sights, sounds, and smells. The vendors called out their wares in a dozen different languages, and the smell of spices and fresh produce mingled in the air. I wandered through the crowded stalls, admiring the handmade crafts and sampling the local delicacies. It was a feast for the senses, and I couldn't help but be swept up in the energy of it all.

Example Essay 17: "The Sunrise" 

As the sun rose over the horizon, the sky was painted with hues of pink, orange, and gold. The world was quiet, and the only sound was the gentle lapping of the waves on the shore. I watched in awe as the sun slowly crept higher into the sky, casting its warm glow over everything in its path. It was a peaceful moment, and I felt a sense of renewal and hope for the day ahead.

Remember, when writing a descriptive essay, it's important to use sensory details to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. These examples demonstrate how descriptive language can help to bring a place, experience, feeling, or season to life. Use these examples as inspiration for your writing and experiment with different techniques to find your unique style.

In conclusion, the art of crafting a compelling descriptive essay lies in harnessing sensory details and vivid language to immerse readers in your narrative. Constant practice and experimentation with various literary techniques will help refine your unique style.

To further boost your writing skills, consider leveraging the power of AI tools like Jenni.ai . This advanced writing assistant provides features such as AI Autocomplete, In-text Citations, and Paraphrase & Rewrite, effectively enhancing your writing process. With global acclaim, Jenni.ai accelerates your writing speed and caters to a broad spectrum of writing needs.

In essence, combining your creativity with potent AI assistance can elevate your writing quality, efficiency, and overall experience, ultimately taking your descriptive essay skills to the next level.

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Essay Papers Writing Online

How to write a captivating descriptive essay that paints a vivid picture in the reader’s mind.

Write descriptive essay

Have you ever wanted to transport your readers to another world with your writing? To paint vivid images in their minds, evoke powerful emotions, and create a lasting impact? If so, mastering the art of descriptive writing is an essential skill that you simply cannot afford to overlook. Crafting a captivating descriptive essay requires more than just a basic understanding of language – it demands the ability to engage all five senses, to create a sensory symphony that envelops the reader.

Join us on a journey of exploration and discovery as we delve into the nuances of descriptive writing. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of composing a descriptive essay that will leave your audience spellbound. From selecting a compelling topic to employing effective literary devices, we will equip you with the tools and techniques necessary to bring your writing to life.

Along the way, we will share invaluable tips and tricks gathered from seasoned writers who have mastered the art of description. You will learn how to harness the power of strong verbs and sensory details, infuse your writing with emotion, and create a narrative that lingers in the minds of your readers. So, whether you aspire to become a novelist, a poet, or simply want to enhance your overall writing skills, this guide is your passport to unlocking the secrets of captivating descriptions.

Choose the Perfect Topic for Your Descriptive Essay

Choose the Perfect Topic for Your Descriptive Essay

When it comes to crafting a descriptive essay, the topic you choose plays a vital role in the overall success of your writing. A well-chosen, engaging topic allows you to capture the attention of your readers and transport them into the world you are describing. In this section, we will explore the various factors to consider when selecting the perfect topic for your descriptive essay.

First and foremost, it’s important to choose a topic that you have a genuine interest in. When you are personally invested in the subject matter, it will naturally shine through in your writing. Whether it’s a place you love, a person you admire, or an experience that left a lasting impression on you, selecting a topic that resonates with you will give your descriptive essay an authentic and enthusiastic voice.

In addition to personal interest, it’s crucial to consider the audience you are writing for. Think about who will be reading your essay and what they might be interested in. Are you writing for nature enthusiasts? Foodies? Travel enthusiasts? Tailoring your topic to suit the preferences of your target audience will help to ensure that your descriptive essay is relatable and engaging to them.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a topic is the availability of descriptive elements. A good descriptive essay is characterized by vivid and sensory details that bring the subject to life. Consider whether your chosen topic has plenty of descriptive elements that you can explore and describe in your writing. For example, if you choose to write about a specific place, consider whether it has interesting sights, sounds, smells, and textures that you can vividly portray in your essay.

Lastly, it’s essential to select a topic that allows for a unique and fresh perspective. Avoid choosing overused or cliché topics that have been covered extensively. Instead, find a unique angle or approach to a common subject that will make your essay stand out. This could involve focusing on a specific aspect or moment within a broader topic, or showcasing a lesser-known aspect of a well-known subject.

By considering your personal interest, the preferences of your audience, the availability of descriptive elements, and a unique perspective, you can choose the perfect topic for your descriptive essay that will captivate your readers and make your writing truly memorable.

Create an Outline for Your Essay

Developing a clear and organized outline is an essential step in the process of crafting a well-written descriptive essay. By creating an outline, you can effectively structure your thoughts and ensure that your essay follows a logical progression. It serves as a roadmap for your writing, allowing you to focus on the main ideas and supporting details that you want to include.

Before beginning your outline, take some time to brainstorm and generate ideas. Consider the main aspects or features of the subject you are describing and think about the specific details that you want to highlight. This brainstorming process will help you establish a strong foundation for your outline and guide your writing throughout the essay.

When creating your outline, start by identifying the main sections or paragraphs of your essay. Each section should focus on a different aspect or feature of the subject. Within each section, include the specific details, examples, or evidence that you want to incorporate to support your description.

Remember to maintain a logical progression throughout your outline and essay. Start with an engaging introduction that provides some background information and sets the tone for your essay. Then, move on to the body paragraphs, which should present the main ideas or features of the subject in a clear and organized manner. Finally, conclude your essay with a thoughtful and concise summary that reinforces the main points and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Additionally, consider the order in which you present your ideas within each section. You may choose to present them in a chronological or spatial order, depending on the nature of the subject. Experiment with different arrangements and see which one flows best for your essay.

An outline acts as a roadmap for your essay, allowing you to navigate through the writing process with clarity and organization. By investing time in creating a solid outline, you can ensure that your descriptive essay is well-structured, coherent, and engaging.

Use Sensory Details to Bring Your Writing to Life

Engaging all five senses in your writing is essential to creating vivid and immersive descriptions. By incorporating sensory details, you can transport your readers into the world you are portraying, evoking emotions and allowing them to experience what you are describing.

Instead of simply stating that something is loud, show how the sound reverberates through the air, making your reader’s eardrums vibrate. Instead of writing that a room is cozy, describe the soft texture of the cushions, the warm glow of the fireplace, and the aroma of freshly baked cookies hanging in the air.

When you focus on sensory details, your writing comes alive. Paint a picture with words, allowing your readers to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch the world you have created. Use colorful and descriptive language to appeal to the senses, creating a more immersive and engaging experience for your audience.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different sensory details. Think about the atmosphere, the different elements present, and how they affect the senses. How does the rain feel on the skin? How does the scent of flowers linger in the air? These small details can make a significant impact on the reader’s experience.

By incorporating sensory details into your writing, you can elevate your descriptive essay from a mere collection of words to a vibrant and captivating piece of art. So next time you sit down to write, remember to engage all five senses to bring your writing to life.

Organize Your Essay with Clear and Cohesive Paragraphs

When it comes to writing a descriptive essay, it is important to organize your thoughts and ideas in a clear and coherent manner. A well-structured essay not only helps the reader understand your message, but it also showcases your ability to convey information effectively.

One way to achieve this is by using clear and cohesive paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect or idea related to your topic, providing detailed descriptions and supporting evidence. By dividing your essay into paragraphs, you create a logical flow that guides the reader through your thoughts.

To ensure the clarity and cohesiveness of your paragraphs, it is important to start each one with a clear topic sentence. This sentence should introduce the main idea of the paragraph and serve as a guide for the reader. From there, you can provide supporting details, examples, or evidence that further develop the main idea.

In addition to topic sentences, it is important to use transitional words and phrases to create a smooth transition between paragraphs. These words and phrases help the reader understand the connection between your ideas and how they relate to each other. Some examples of transitional words and phrases include “however,” “in contrast,” “similarly,” and “on the other hand.”

Furthermore, organizing your paragraphs in a logical order can greatly enhance the clarity and cohesiveness of your essay. Consider the most effective way to present your ideas, whether it be in a chronological order, a spatial order, or by importance. This will help the reader follow along easily and understand the progression of your thoughts.

Finally, it is important to conclude each paragraph in a way that summarizes the main points and leads into the next paragraph. This helps to maintain a strong flow throughout your essay and ensures that your ideas are well-developed and connected.

In conclusion, organizing your essay with clear and cohesive paragraphs is essential for conveying your ideas effectively. By using topic sentences, transitional words and phrases, logical order, and effective conclusions, you can create a well-structured essay that engages the reader and showcases your descriptive writing skills.

Show, Don’t Tell: Use Vivid Language and Examples

Show, Don't Tell: Use Vivid Language and Examples

When it comes to writing a descriptive essay, it’s important to remember the old adage: “show, don’t tell.” This means that instead of simply stating facts or describing something in a straightforward manner, you should use vivid language and examples to bring your writing to life. By using descriptive language, you can create a more engaging and immersive experience for your readers.

One way to bring your writing to life is by using vivid language that appeals to the senses. Instead of simply saying that something is “big,” you can use more descriptive words like “enormous” or “massive.” Similarly, instead of saying that something is “beautiful,” you can use words like “stunning” or “breathtaking.” By choosing words that evoke strong emotions and sensory experiences, you can paint a more vivid picture in the minds of your readers.

In addition to using vivid language, it’s important to provide specific examples to support your descriptions. Instead of making broad statements about a person, place, or thing, try to include specific details that help to illustrate your point. For example, instead of saying that a beach is “peaceful,” you could describe the sound of the waves crashing against the shore and the feel of the warm sand between your toes. By providing specific examples, you can help your readers to better visualize and understand what you are describing.

To further enhance your descriptive writing, you can also incorporate figurative language, such as metaphors and similes. These literary devices can add depth and richness to your descriptions by comparing one thing to another in a creative and imaginative way. For example, instead of simply saying that a sunset is “beautiful,” you could compare it to a painting that is “a fiery masterpiece, with colors that dance across the sky.”

Overall, when writing a descriptive essay, it’s important to use vivid language and examples to bring your writing to life. By creating a sensory and emotional experience for your readers, you can make your writing more engaging and memorable. So, instead of telling your readers what something is like, show them through your use of descriptive language and specific examples.

Revise and Edit Your Essay for Clarity and Conciseness

After completing the initial draft of your detailed composition, it is imperative to carefully review and modify it for clear and precise language. By revising and editing your essay, you can enhance the overall quality of your writing and effectively convey your ideas to the reader.

Begin by carefully reading through your essay, identifying any areas where your language may be unclear or confusing. Look for opportunities to rephrase sentences or clarify ideas, making sure that your message is easily understandable. By using precise vocabulary and avoiding unnecessary jargon or ambiguous terms, you can improve the clarity of your essay.

It is equally important to ensure that your writing is concise and to the point. Review each sentence and paragraph, considering whether any redundant or repetitive information can be eliminated. Aim for brevity, expressing your thoughts in a concise and straightforward manner. Remove any unnecessary qualifiers or excessive adjectives that may detract from the clarity of your essay.

Pay attention to the organization and flow of your essay as well. Check that your ideas are presented in a logical order and that your paragraphs transition smoothly from one to the next. Consider whether any information can be rearranged or added to improve the overall coherence and comprehension of your essay.

After revising for clarity and conciseness, it is crucial to proofread your essay for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and punctuation errors. Read through your essay multiple times, checking for any typos or inconsistencies. Consider using online tools or asking a peer to provide feedback to catch any errors you may have overlooked.

By revising and editing your essay for clarity and conciseness, you can enhance the impact of your writing. Ensure that your ideas are effectively communicated and easily understood by making precise language choices and eliminating any unnecessary or confusing information. Take the time to carefully review your essay, and you will be rewarded with a polished and well-crafted piece of writing.

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Learning Objectives

  • Determine the purpose and structure of the description essay
  • Understand how to write a description essay

The Purpose of Description in Writing

Writers use description in writing to make sure that their audience is fully immersed in the words on the page. This requires a concerted effort by the writer to describe his or her world through sensory details.

As mentioned earlier in this chapter ,   sensory details are descriptions that appeal to our sense of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Your descriptions should try to focus on the five senses because most people rely on at least some these senses to experience the world. The use of sensory details, then, provides you the greatest possibility of relating to your audience and thus engaging them in your writing, making descriptive writing important not only during your education but also during everyday situations.

Writing at Work

Whether you are presenting a new product or service to a client, training new employees, or brainstorming ideas with colleagues, the use of clear, evocative detail is crucial. Make an effort to use details that express your thoughts in a way that will register with others. Sharp, concise details are always impressive.

The Structure of a Description Essay

Description essays  typically describe a person, a place, or an object using sensory details. The structure of a descriptive essay is more flexible than some of the other rhetorical modes. The introduction of a description essay should set up the tone and point of the essay. The thesis should convey the writer’s overall impression of the person, place, or object described in the body sections or paragraphs.

The organization of the essay may best follow  spatial order , an arrangement of ideas according to physical characteristics or appearance. Depending on what the writer describes, the organization could move from top to bottom, left to right, near to far, warm to cold, frightening to inviting, and so on. For example, if the subject is a client’s kitchen in the midst of renovation, you might start at one side of the room and move slowly across to the other end, describing appliances, cabinetry, and so on. Or you might choose to start with older remnants of the kitchen and progress to the new installations. Maybe start with the floor and move up toward the ceiling.

Writing a Description Essay

Choosing a subject is the first step in writing a description essay. Once you have chosen the person, place, or object you want to describe, your challenge is to write an effective thesis statement to guide your essay. The remainder of your essay describes your subject in a way that best expresses your thesis. Remember, you should have a strong sense of how you will organize your essay. Choose a strategy and stick to it.

Every part of your essay should use vivid sensory details. The more you can appeal to your readers’ senses, the more they will be engaged in your essay. See Appendix 1: Readings: Examples of Essays to read a sample description essay.

Self-Practice Exercise 4.3

H5P: Documentation tool

Exercise Preamble

Choose something to describe; it can be anything you like, but if you’re feeling stuck, here are some suggestions:

  • Train station
  • Your office
  • A coffee shop
  • Lobby of a movie theater
  • Mystery option (Choose an object to describe but do not explicitly tell what it is. Describe it, but preserve the mystery.)

For this exercise, we will be thinking as far as the outline.

  • What sensory details will you highlight in your description, and what words will you use to evoke them? Try to touch on as many of touch, taste, sight, smell, and sound as you can.
  • What order will you share your details in: spatial (eg. describing details as they appear clockwise in a space) or sensory (eg. describing details in the order your senses experience them)? Give a few points to illustrate.
  • Determine your thesis statement. Yes, even descriptive writing has a thesis that states a claim or perspective.
  • Try drafting a rough outline for this descriptive piece. Pay special attention to making sure the details are specific and that the order you reveal the details in makes sense.

Key Takeaways

  • Description essays should describe something vividly to the reader using strong sensory details.
  • Sensory details appeal to the five human senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.
  • A description essay should start with the writer’s main impression of a person, a place, or an object.
  • Use spatial order to organize your descriptive writing.

ENGL Resources Copyright © by Tara Horkoff. All Rights Reserved.

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How to write a descriptive essay

Published September 27, 2020. Updated April 21, 2022.

Descriptive Essay Definition

A   descriptive essay  is a type of paper where the writer describes an experience, person, place, or object (the essay topic) in great detail .  

Overview of a Descriptive Essay

A descriptive essay is written in order to have the reader experience a person, place, object, event, or thing just as the writer did. In a   descriptive essay,  the writer uses several descriptions to communicate what the topic was like to the reader. These descriptions usually relate to the five senses (sight, touch, sound, smell, taste). These essays also use descriptive language, such as similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia, and emotive language. A descriptive essay should have an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Worried about your writing? Submit your paper for a Chegg Writing essay check , or for an Expert Check proofreading . Both can help you find and fix potential writing issues.

This page will cover the following points:

Key takeaways

What is description, five senses, descriptive language, possible topics for a descriptive essay, what is a descriptive essay, parts of an essay.

  • Describe your topic using the five senses: sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste.
  • Use descriptive language, such as similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, onomatopoeia, and emotive language.
  • Remember: a descriptive essay is still an essay and should have a thesis or argument that brings your ideas together.
  • A descriptive essay should have an introduction, body, and conclusion.

How do you describe someone or something?

My Aunt Tilly wears sundresses with flowers, drinks sweet ice tea, smells like magnolias, and calls everyone ‘darlin.’’

This sentence describes a person. You see what Aunt Tilly wears, you know what she drinks, you have an idea of what she smells and sounds like. All of those descriptions involve the senses.

After finishing that physics exam, I feel like I was put through a wood chipper!

This sentence is comparing one thing – a physics exam – to another thing – being put through a wood chipper. That kind of comparison is called a simile. What does that tell you? Being put through a wood chipper sounds pretty violent: you go in whole and come out in little pieces.

My cat starts demanding to speak to the manager when her dinner is late.

This sentence shows an animal doing a human action: demanding to speak to the manager. This is called personification – when we give human attributes to non-human things (including animals).

All of these are techniques used in descriptive writing.

To help you write a descriptive essay, this guide will:

  • walk you through different description techniques
  • list some descriptive topics you can write about
  • show what a descriptive essay needs in order to be an essay
  • take you through the parts of a descriptive essay, with a sample

Ready to dive in?

The five senses are:

Writing what you SEE is the easiest and most common kind of descriptive writing using the five senses. The further down the list you go, the more difficult and less common the description. But the more evocative it is as well, because the reader needs to use more imagination to understand.

Look at the following descriptions about a pair of slippers:

My favorite slippers are brown suede with shearling inside.

When I walk down the hall wearing my favorite slippers, each step whispers “shhh, shhh, shhh.”

My feet feel cuddled by a cloud when I wear them.

My old slippers smell like my sixth-grade gym locker room.

I’m sure my slippers would taste like rancid corn chips.

Each of those descriptions gives you some idea about the slippers. The first description of what they look like is pretty straightforward – and a little boring, isn’t it?

But as you read down the list of descriptions, they become more interesting because the senses they’re using are not as common. What do you imagine about slippers that taste like rancid corn chips?

As you write a descriptive essay, try to work in as many of the five senses as you can.

In addition to using the five senses, you can also use descriptive language.

A simile is a figure of speech comparing two things using the words “like” or “as”:

The crow was cawing, loud as a scream.

The water in the stream was flowing slowly, like an old man out for a stroll.

A metaphor is a figure of speech that describes one thing as another, without using the words “like” or “as”:

The children in the playground were a gaggle of geese, squawking and running everywhere.

Grandma’s cotton candy hair was arranged in an elaborate pouf.

Personification

Personification is a figure of speech giving human qualities to non-human things:

In late winter, the trees cry maple syrup tears.

The baby deer skittered on the frozen pond like a girl just learning to ice skate.

Hyperbole is an overly exaggerated statement:

I hugged him like I wanted to fuse our two bodies into one.

Christmas was three days away, an eternity for young Emily.

Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia is a word that sounds like what it’s describing:

We walked along the gravel, our shoes crunching down the path.

The bag of cement landed on the ground with a definitive thump.

Emotive language

Emotive language is deliberately using certain words to elicit an emotional response.

Look at these two sentences:

The intimidating coach told us how we were going to execute the next play.

This sentence tells you what happened. If you remove the word “intimidating,” would you feel afraid of that coach? No, you’d have no reason to. There is no emotion attached to that sentence.

The coach barked directions for the next play, stabbing her finger in the air for emphasis.

This sentence, however, shows you what happened. The fact that the coach barked orders gives an impression of harsh, loud words. Stabbing her finger for emphasis also sounds scary. You don’t need the word “intimidating” in this sentence since the words convey that emotion already.

Now that we’ve discussed different techniques for describing, where could you apply them? What kinds of descriptive essays can you write?

Describe a person

  • Describe a person who inspires you
  • Describe your favorite book character

Describe a place

  • Describe your ideal vacation
  • Describe your dream home

Describe a situation

  • Describe your proudest moment
  • Describe a time you felt paralyzed by fear

Describe an event

  • Describe your happiest birthday party
  • Describe the first time you spoke in public

Describe a behavior

  • Describe how you acted during a breakup
  • Describe a child having a tantrum

A descriptive essay is definitely an essay, with all of the requirements that any essay has: a topic, organization, flow, information, etc.

While you could just ramble on and on describing a person you love, if your writing doesn’t have a point, if it’s not organized, and if it doesn’t conclude, then it’s not an essay.

Depending on what you’re describing, you can choose different ways to organize your essay. For example, if you’re describing a person, you might want to describe them physically first, then emotionally, intellectually, or psychologically. Start with the outside, and work your way in.

If you’re describing a place, you might want to organize your writing spatially. A room could be described from one side to the other. A town could be described as if you were walking or driving through it.

If you’re describing an event or a situation, you might want to describe it chronologically. First this happened, then this, then that.

Every essay you write will have three parts: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

Think of the organization of an essay like this:

  • Intro – Tell your reader what you’re going to write about.
  • Body – Write about it.
  • Conclusion – Tell them what you wrote about.

Let’s go through each of those parts for a descriptive essay. Each part will include a sample.

Introduction

You want to begin your essay with a hook. A hook is an interesting opening that “catches” your reader’s attention and makes them want to read more. Your hook is usually the first sentence. It doesn’t have to be about what you’re describing – that comes a little later – but it needs to be connected to your topic somehow.

After you’ve hooked the reader, you want to give some context, or background information. Think of each sentence in your intro as a stepping stone. Each sentence brings you closer to your thesis statement.

Once you’ve given some context, write a thesis statement, which tells the reader exactly what they’re going to read about. Think of it like a map to the rest of your essay.

Sample introduction

Can you identify the hook, background information, and thesis statement in this sample?

I grew up in the suburbs, surrounded by formulaic houses on streets laid out in a grid with trees evenly spaced on the sidewalks. As a child of the suburbs, I dreamed of traveling. To where? Basically, anywhere on Earth but there. I wanted to see the world in all its diverse wonder. My dream came true when I turned 20 and got to sail in the Caribbean.

A typical essay will have between one and three body paragraphs, although you can write as many as you need (or as many as your teacher assigns you). Regardless of how many body paragraphs you have, they will all be organized in a similar manner.

Start with a topic sentence to show your reader what is coming up. This is a general sentence that gives an overview of that paragraph. It should also logically connect to the thesis statement.

The substance of a descriptive body paragraph is, of course, the descriptions. Whatever you’re describing, it goes here.

End a body paragraph with a sentence that summarizes what you wrote or that leads into the next paragraph.

Sample body paragraphs

Can you identify the topic sentences in each body paragraph? Can you identify the different kinds of description? Which sentences include description using the five senses? Which use descriptive language like similes, personification, and onomatopoeia?

My family and I flew into the St. Vincent airport and were met by my father’s friend, Jack, who was going to take us around the island on his sailboat. We would be sailing for a week: four adults in a 50-foot schooner. As soon as we exited the airport, my sunglasses fogged up from the heat and humidity. A sheen of perspiration covered my bare arms. I took a deep breath, inhaling the smell of palm trees and hibiscus. Jack drove us out to the marina, where we caught our first glimpse of our new accommodations.

The sailboat was tied up to a pier, floating on water of a color I thought only existed through Instagram filters. The boat itself was rocking gently, like a baby in a bassinet. When I first looked at the vessel, I wondered how four adults would fit into this floating contraption. Once we stepped inside, though, I saw how well organized the space was. There was room for all of us to move about comfortably, even if it was unsettling at first to walk on a floor that was also moving. Jack told us how to untie the lines and off we went, into the Caribbean Sea.

The first day, we sailed partway around the island, then found an anchorage in time for sunset. The sky changed from blue to yellow to orange and pink, and finally to gray. The moon was like a spotlight, creating twinkling sparkles on the water. Our anchorage was next to a small island, a rock covered with trees that came to life as the sun set. An orchestra of sounds erupted from the island, peeps and chirps and whistles filling the salty air around us. We ate dinner in the cockpit, feeling the boat rocking gently with the rising and falling of the swell.

This is how your essay ends and the last impression your reader takes away.

Conclude your essay by reminding the reader of your thesis statement (in the introduction). Then, summarize main points from your essay.

If you want, end with a closing statement: an idea that you want your reader to walk away with.

Sample conclusion

Can you identify the sentence that returns to the thesis statement? Can you identify the summary of the main points? Can you identify a closing statement?

I had wanted something different than my cookie-cutter suburb, and that year, my dream came true. I sailed in the Caribbean, feeling the wind in my hair and the water on my skin; seeing colors I didn’t believe existed; smelling green vegetation; and hearing birds, insects, and frogs living their best lives. I confirmed that travel is something I needed in my life. That sailboat in St. Vincent was just the beginning.

Example descriptive essay on  Sailing in St. Vincent’s

If you would like the downloadable version, open the  descriptive essay example .

Before you turn in that paper, don’t forget to cite your sources in APA format , MLA format , or a style of your choice.

Published August 19, 2020

By Halina Stolar. Halina has a Master’s degree in teaching and taught English as a Second Language and writing for almost 15 years overseas. She now works as a freelance writer and geeks out over grammar for fun.

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Descriptive Essay

Definition of descriptive essay, qualities of a descriptive essay, difference between a description and a descriptive essay, examples of descriptive essays in literature, example #1:  the corner store (by eudora welty).

“Our Little Store rose right up from the sidewalk; standing in a street of family houses, it alone hadn’t any yard in front, any tree or flower bed. It was a plain frame building covered over with brick. Above the door, a little railed porch ran across on an upstairs level and four windows with shades were looking out. But I didn’t catch on to those. Running in out of the sun, you met what seemed total obscurity inside. There were almost tangible smells — licorice recently sucked in a child’s cheek, dill pickle brine1 that had leaked through a paper sack in a fresh trail across the wooden floor, ammonia-loaded ice that had been hoisted from wet croker sacks and slammed into the icebox with its sweet butter at the door, and perhaps the smell of still untrapped mice.”

Example #2: And the Orchestra Played On (by Joanne Lipman)

“The hinges creaked when I opened the decrepit case. I was greeted by a cascade of loose horsehair — my bow a victim of mites, the repairman later explained. It was pure agony to twist my fingers into position. But to my astonishment and that of my teenage children — who had never heard me play — I could still manage a sound. “It turned out, a few days later, that there were 100 people just like me. When I showed up at a local school for rehearsal, there they were: five decades worth of former students. There were doctors and accountants, engineers and college professors. There were people who hadn’t played in decades, sitting alongside professionals like Mr. K.’s daughter Melanie, now a violinist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. There were generations of music teachers.”

Example #3: Yarn (by Koyoko Mori)

“The yellow mittens I made in seventh-grade home economics proved that I dreamed in color. For the unit on knitting, we were 1 supposed to turn in a pair of mittens. The two hands had to be precisely the same size so that when we held them together, palm to palm, no extra stitches would stick out from the thumb, the tip of the fingers, or the cuff. Somewhere between making the fourth and the fifth mitten to fulfill this requirement, I dreamed that the ball of yellow yarn in my bag had turned green. Chartreuse, leaf, Granny Smith, lime, neon, acid green. The brightness was electric. I woke up knowing that I was, once again, doomed for a D in home ec.”

Example #4: The Taj Mahal (by Salman Rushdie)

“And this, finally, is why the Taj Mahal must be seen: to remind us that the world is real, that the sound is truer than the echo, the original more forceful than its image in a mirror. The beauty of beautiful things is still able, in these image-saturated times, to transcend imitations. And the Taj Mahal is, beyond the power of words to say it, a lovely thing, perhaps the loveliest of things.”

Function of Descriptive Essay

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WTO / Education / How to Write a Descriptive Essay (12 Best Examples)

How to Write a Descriptive Essay (12 Best Examples)

 A Descriptive Essay is a category that describes something such as a place, object, experience, situation or emotion, etc, in a detailed and vivid manner.

It requires the writer to use his/her creative writing ability to paint a picture in the reader’s mind by providing a comprehensive account of the experience. This essay is often assigned to students in high school and in composition classes.

The writer of a descriptive essay has the creative freedom to use precise language to describe his/her subject/topic.

12 Best Descriptive Essay Examples

Formal Person Descriptive Essay Example for Word Document

Purpose of Writing a Descriptive Essay

A descriptive essay enables writers to immerse their audience in their words with sensory details . It also enables writers to capture and share events with their audience vividly. The figurative language used in these essays helps the reader understand the writer’s story through visualisation, making the content more interesting to write or read. These essays also give writers almost unrestricted freedom of choosing the meaning of expressions through their sentence composition.

Type of Topics in a Descriptive Essay

These types of essays are a powerful way for writers to communicate their experiences. However, they must first decide what they are going to write about. The topics writers explore will help them plan out how they will write the essay.

Writers can therefore consider the following types of topics in a descriptive essay:

Personal descriptive essay

These essays detail a writer’s personal experience . The writer may describe an event, person, place, or object they love or care for. They provide a first-hand account of their experiences, making it a descriptive narrative that relies more on their memory than research.

It was past midnight, and I was sound asleep when I heard it, a subtle crackle of my living room floor. I sat up on my bed, opened my eyes to the pitch-black darkness of my room, my back open to the relative cold, I waited, hoping that it was nothing, but then I heard it again. My heart was pounding, but I had to find out who or what that was. So I slowly, carefully, and quietly tiptoed my way to my bed.

Imaginative descriptive essay

An imaginative descriptive essay details a fictional, historical, or fantastical situation. It can discuss anything from travel to civil rights.This essay is based on fiction, requiring the writers to depend on their creative ability to bring the essay to life.

The sky was still empty, not a single star, nothing but the bright shimmering light of the moon. The only reason it shone so bright was that it was inching ever so close. They walked along the river bed surrounded by a thick wilderness of trees, exhausted, but they couldn’t stop; they could feel it haunting them, slowly preying on them in the thick trees waiting for one of them to drop their guard.

Conceptual descriptive essay

This essay details a writer’s exploration of ideas and emotions. The writer is expected to carefully explore the concept and formulate a concise, exciting thesis. The sole purpose of the ideas explored in a conceptual descriptive essay is to provide a clear definition explanation.

Depression, it’s an empty, isolating, and hopeless feeling. Some days the heart is in a weightless existence, and then there are those days. Days when there is nothing but an overwhelming feeling of pain. It entraps you in your own body, and some say it as if they walk around with an open wound on their chest.

How to Write a Descriptive Essay

Writing this essay requires a writer to be creative and expressive. Therefore, the writer must follow a step-by-step process to ensure that the content is effectively conveyed.

Writers should consider adhering to the following process when writing a descriptive essay:

Select a specific topic

When writing a descriptive essay, writers should first select a topic that enables them to use colourful language and provides them with creative freedom. Writers must also consider who their readers are to ensure the topic aligns with their reader’s interests. The writer can then decide on a topic and write a thesis statement that will summarise their concept.

Collect information

Secondly, writers should collect information concerning the topic. Collecting information for essays can help writers find details that can be used during the writing process. Therefore, writers can provide vivid details concerning how an event occurred or the characteristics of the person, place, or object.  The information also helps strengthen the essay’s contents by enabling the writer to provide names and dates.

Make an outline

Thirdly, an outline of the main points should be made. Outlining enables the writer to categories the information collected into individual paragraphs ahead of writing. This enables writers to plan and manage their writing time and identify what they cover. It also ensures that writers can focus on the main points covered in the essay’s body paragraphs.

Write an introductory paragraph 

Next, such an essay must have an introductory paragraph. The thesis statement should be a part of the introductory paragraph. A good introductory paragraph should capture the reader’s interest in the descriptive essay.

Writers can use rhetorical questions or bold statements in the introductory paragraph to hook their readers. Using rhetorical questions in the introduction adds creative flair to the essay, while a bold statement draws extra attention to the provided information.

Write body paragraphs

The writer must then ensure that each paragraph of the main body of the essay has a topic sentence. The topic sentence spotlights the main idea of the paragraph, therefore, informing the reader of what it is about. A topic sentence also unifies the contents of the paragraph, therefore, ensuring a coherent order of sentences.

Concluding paragraph

The final paragraph of an essay should be an overall summary, drawing all the points together. Writers should use the final paragraph to reaffirm the essay thesis, indicating to their readers that they have achieved the essay’s goal. This paragraph is also the writer’s last chance to impress the reader.

Proofread your essay

Finally, once the writing is complete, writers must read the first draft of the descriptive essay to ensure its error-free. Proofreading also helps ensure that writers have properly conveyed their ideas, ensuring that the essay is of high quality.

Descriptive Essay Example

Descriptive essay about “a place i love”.

I have always been fascinated with the great outdoors. A place like the Amazon rainforest, a vast tropical wilderness of trees with relatively small inclusions of vegetation like the savanna, grasslands, swamps, bamboos, and palm trees. This beautiful, luscious forest can be enormous, gentle, and sometimes scary.

I have enjoyed the beauty of nature since childhood; being in places like the Amazon has provided me with surreal experiences. However, to be in a vast forest that covers an area roughly the size of the USA, making it the largest rainforest on earth, is incredible. Walking through thick, moist vegetation and sometimes finding ourselves surrounded by an army of cutter ants hard at work with leaves on their backs as they march down the highway of trees was both scary and wonderful.

The warm climate of the amazon made wearing heavy clothing like jackets unnecessary and frankly impossible except at night when the temperature would drop dramatically. This warm climate makes the Amazon ideal for pesky tiny mosquitos; therefore, mosquito repellant is essential for anyone who visits. However, nothing could beat the fresh air filled with the smell of palm trees and wood.

When I first visited the Amazon, the paths weren’t defined; therefore, we had to use machetes to make our way through different jungle parts. However, one of the most incredible breathtaking moments was watching the sunset in an iron-made tower about 37 meters high where we could see the treetops.

To summarize my visit to the Amazon, the experience can only be fully described as wild, unforgettable, and sometimes even emotional. In the Amazon, nature meets beauty making the experience an inseparable part of the self.

Writers should consider going through descriptive essay examples before writing. Descriptive essay examples help writers understand how they can write certain types of essays. They also expose writers to good ideas, writing styles, and essay structure. Writers can also note down mistakes made by other authors , therefore, enabling them to improve the contents of their essays.

Writing Tips for a Descriptive Essay

When writing such an essay, writers should ensure they have a goal in mind. The goals set will help them assess if communication was effective or not. Setting goals will also help them form their thesis statement enabling them to establish their argument.

Writers should therefore consider the following tips when writing a descriptive essay:

Spend some time brainstorming

Once a topic for the descriptive essay has been selected, the writer should brainstorm by writing down some ideas about it. The writer can write down a few points breaking down the topic or key information about an experience that he/she wants to include in the essay. Brainstorming will help inspire creativity and enable the writer to compile a descriptive list for each word/piece of information.

Use of clear and concise language

This essay should be written in clear and concise language. This ensures that the content remains to the point. It also helps ensure that the writer sustains the reader’s attention. Using clear and concise language leaves no room for interpretation due to efficient communication by the writer.

Use of figurative and vivid language

This essay should enable the reader to visualize the contents on the page; this makes it necessary for the writer to use figurative and vivid language. Figurative language enables writers to use phrases that go beyond the literal meaning by using devices such as similes and metaphors.

This helps make the essay memorable, especially when the devices are used in an original manner. The use of vivid language such as a stroll in place of a walk can serve a distinct purpose of forming a firm image of the action in the reader’s mind.

Use your senses

The use of the writer’s senses during writing brings the content to life. Sensory details like sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch helps the writer form an image or evoke an emotion in the reader’s mind. It also helps the writer engage with readers’ human experiences, making them feel a part of the story.

Choose the right words

Each word used in an essay makes an impression on the reader; therefore, writers should carefully choose their words. The words used by the writer help the reader emotionally connect with the writer’s experience. The right words also help give credibility to the writing because readers can discern content written in clarity.

Relate the essay to what you were thinking

The contents of a descriptive essay should relate the thoughts of the writer with that of the reader. This helps create a connection between the two parties. Emotionally connecting with readers keeps them hooked to the essay and helps ensure effective communication of content.

Make a long-lasting an impression

A writer should strive to make a long-lasting and clear impression on the reader because the experience was effectively communicated. Writers are also able to evoke reader’s interest in their other essays. The impression writers make using this essay also enables them to impact the reader’s opinions.

If a writer’s essay describes a horrible experience with dolphins, readers are likely to fear encountering one.

Be organised

A descriptive essay should be organised to make it easier for the reader to understand the writer’s thesis. The organisation also makes it easier for the writer to put the essay together. Being organised ensures the flow of information between the writer and the reader; therefore, the essay’s goal is reached.

Frequently Asked Questions

Writers can select a descriptive essay by first deciding on a topic that they would like to cover. The topic can be chosen by thinking of a specific place, situation, experience, person, or emotion that the writer can interestingly describe. The topic may also have personal significance to the writer. When selecting a topic, the writer should ensure that he/she can provide a detailed description using particular features. If the topic is general or vague, it may disinterest the reader.

A descriptive essay has an introduction that must contain a thesis statement at the end, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The body paragraph of an essay provides more details, while the conclusion reaffirms the essay thesis.

The key to writing a descriptive essay is a vivid description that enables readers to form a comprehensive picture of the events on the page. In addition, the description used enables the writer to appeal to the emotions of the reader. 

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What Is a Descriptive Essay? Definition & 10+ Examples

Have you ever experienced a story so vividly that you felt like you were living in it? Welcome to the world of descriptive essays! These unique pieces are not just about telling a story but immersing readers in a multi-sensory experience.

With the right choice of words, descriptive essays allow readers to see, touch, taste, smell, and hear the story unfold, transporting them from the mundanity of reality into an exciting new world.

Get ready to explore the power of detailed descriptions and their ability to evoke emotions, create vivid images, and establish deep connections.

Table of Contents

Defining Descriptive Essay

A “Descriptive Essay” is a type of written composition that focuses on creating a detailed depiction of a person, place, object, event, or experience. It employs meticulous, vivid language and sensory details to paint a comprehensive and immersive picture in the reader’s mind.

A well-crafted descriptive essay doesn’t merely tell the reader what happened; instead, it draws them into the narrative, making them feel as if they’re part of the story.

This form of essay emphasizes the power of language to capture and convey not just the tangible aspects of the subject but also the intangible elements, such as emotions , impressions , and memories . It is a powerful literary tool that allows the writer to communicate a profound, personal perspective on the world around them.

Origin of Descriptive Essay

In the world of literature, various genres have been shaping the way we express ourselves through writing. One such genre is the descriptive essay. You may wonder about its historical roots and how it evolved over time. This brief account will provide you with an engaging and reader-friendly overview of the origin of descriptive essays, while being confident, knowledgeable, and clear.

Dating back to ancient civilizations, descriptive writing has often been utilized as a means of sharing stories and conveying emotions.

In ancient Greece , philosophers like Aristotle used descriptive language to explain complex theories and ideas. Meanwhile, travelogues from Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta were some of the earliest examples of non-fiction descriptive writing, providing readers with vivid impressions of the lands they journeyed through.

As literacy rates rose during the Renaissance period in Europe, the art of descriptive essay writing began to thrive. Notable authors, such as Michel de Montaigne and Francis Bacon, employed this technique to explore various aspects of human nature and society. They would use descriptive language to create a detailed and engaging picture for their readers.

Montaigne is especially known for his essays, where he shared his thoughts on various topics, including education, societies, and individual beliefs.

By the 18th and 19th centuries , descriptive essays had become a popular form of writing. The Romantic Movement, with authors like William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and John Keats, heavily relied on descriptive language to explore the beauty of nature and evoke emotions in their readers.

These masterful works pushed the boundaries of descriptive essay writing and influenced future generations of writers.

Over time, different writing styles and schools of thought emerged, but the essence of descriptive essay writing remains the same: to paint a vivid picture using words, enabling the reader to visualize and connect with the subject matter .

Even today , it remains a vital literary technique that showcases the power of human creativity and our ability to share experiences through the written word.

Functions of Descriptive Essay

Descriptive essay captures the reader’s imagination.

A well-written descriptive essay captures the reader’s imagination by creating vivid images in their mind. By using precise language and rich sensory details, you can paint a picture of an experience, person, or setting that is both engaging and memorable.

Providing intriguing facts and trivia within your essay can further stimulate the reader’s curiosity.

To be successful, consider what aspects of your topic will be most interesting to your reader, and focus on those elements. Convey emotion and mood through your writing, immersing the reader in the moment.

Remember, your goal is to render the experience so vividly that the reader feels as though they were right there with you.

Descriptive Essay Enhances Emotional Engagement

A descriptive essay goes beyond merely recounting events or facts; it seeks to evoke an emotional response from the reader. By crafting your descriptions and using choice words, you can effectively elicit emotions, creating intimacy between reader and subject.

Your essay should provide tips that help the reader relate to the subject and better understand the emotions being experienced.

Emotional engagement in your essay can make the reader care about the subject or the story being told. By investing emotionally, the reader is more likely to continue reading and feel a connection to the material.

Carefully choosing language and descriptions can shape the mood of your essay, drawing the reader in as they vicariously experience what you describe.

Descriptive Essay Facilitates Better Understanding

With a descriptive essay, your goal is not only to entertain but also to help your reader better understand the topic. By offering detailed descriptions and portraying elements from various perspectives, the reader can grasp difficult concepts or visualize complex settings.

Make sure to explain aspects of your topic that may be challenging for a reader to envision. Convey the most important features or ideas by providing clear, succinct descriptions. Use analogies or comparisons if necessary to break down complex ideas for your reader.

Your goal is to educate while keeping the essay engaging and enjoyable to read.

Descriptive Essay Provides Personal Insight

Through a descriptive essay, you can provide personal insight and share your unique perspective on the subject. Your individual style and tone can make an impression on the reader and impact their perception of the topic.

As you express your thoughts and emotions, your reader can gain an understanding of your personal connection to the subject.

It is essential to reflect on your own experiences and feelings, and consider how they resonate with your reader. Remember to balance the sharing of your own thoughts with the detailed descriptions that create a complete picture for your reader.

By doing so, you offer them both intimacy and a well-rounded understanding of the subject matter.

Descriptive Essay Acts as A Tool for Exploring Ideas

A descriptive essay can be a valuable tool for exploring ideas and examining various perspectives. In writing a descriptive essay, you may discover new aspects or perspectives on the topic as you delve into details and reflect on the meaning and implications they hold.

When exploring ideas and viewpoints, it is essential to remain open to different interpretations and keep a neutral tone. This will allow your reader to engage critically with your text and consider multiple possibilities when interpreting the subject matter.

By fostering an environment for thoughtful discourse, your descriptive essay can inspire further discussion and contemplation among readers.

Characteristics of Descriptive Essay

Descriptive essay utilizes sensory details.

A key quality of descriptive essays is that they rely on sensory details. By employing the use of the five senses – sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch — you can create a vivid and engaging experience for your readers. For instance, instead of simply stating that you enjoy the scent of coffee, describe it as the warm, rich aroma that permeates the air.

Utilize these sensory details to evoke emotions and paint a picture in the reader’s mind. Remember, the primary goal is to create an immersive experience for your audience.

A tip when using sensory details is to be selective and purposeful. Choose descriptions that add depth to your essay and contribute to the overall narrative. Strive to maintain a balance between providing enough information to engage the reader and overwhelming them with excessive details fully.

Descriptive Essay Contains Precise Language

In a descriptive essay, choosing the right language is essential. Using precise language allows you to convey your thoughts and ideas to your reader effectively. Vivid and figurative language can add depth to your descriptions, making them more engaging and memorable.

To achieve precise language, you can employ various techniques such as metaphors, similes, and personification, which can provide a more engaging and clear picture for the reader. Pay attention to your word choice and avoid vague or ambiguous language that can confuse or mislead your readers.

Descriptive Essay Organizes Thoughts Coherently

A well-organized descriptive essay creates a seamless reading experience. To achieve this, you should arrange your thoughts and ideas into logical sections or paragraphs that flow smoothly.

Start by deciding which aspects of your subject you want to describe, and then organize your thoughts into an outline before you begin writing.

When structuring your essay, use clear transitions and link words between paragraphs to guide your reader and maintain the logical flow. Keep your descriptions coherent, ensuring that all details and descriptions work together to create a complete and immersive experience.

Keep sentences and paragraphs concise and focused, avoiding unrelated or extraneous information that might distract the reader.

Descriptive Essay Showcases Creativity

Descriptive essays are a perfect opportunity for you to showcase your creativity. By using imaginative and unique descriptions, you can captivate your readers and hold their attention throughout the essay. Experiment with different stylistic techniques and explore various narrative styles.

Find innovative ways to describe common objects or experiences, surprising the reader and encouraging them to view the subject from a different perspective.

Descriptive Essay Contains a Dominant Impression

One of the most crucial aspects of a descriptive essay is the dominant impression. This refers to the overall effect or feeling that your essay should leave the reader with. The dominant impression serves as the unifying theme throughout your essay, guiding your choice of words, descriptions, and sensory details.

To create a dominant impression, determine the primary emotion or message you want to convey, and then use your descriptions and language choices to reinforce this theme.

Consistency is crucial––maintaining a coherent and focused narrative helps to ensure that your readers finish your essay with a clear understanding of the intended impression.

Remember, in a descriptive essay, confident and knowledgeable writing can make all the difference. By utilizing sensory details, precise language, coherent organization, creative techniques, and a strong dominant impression, your writing will not only engage but also captivate your readers.

Elements of A Descriptive Essay

Sensory details.

In a descriptive essay, your main goal is to create a vivid experience for the reader. One essential way to achieve this is by using sensory details. Sensory details help to paint a clear picture for the reader by engaging their five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.

When composing your essay, try to think of specific moments, situations, or objects that evoke strong feelings and memories. Describe these experiences in such a way that your reader can almost see, hear, smell, taste, or feel them as well.

Don’t forget to occasionally give some facts or trivia to keep the reader engaged and interested in the subject matter.

Figurative Language

Another critical element to include in a descriptive essay is figurative language. This form of language makes use of words and expressions that go beyond their literal meanings to convey complex or vivid ideas. Some common types of figurative language are metaphors, similes, and personification.

Metaphors make comparisons between two, unlike things, while similes compare using “like” or “as.” Personification attributes human qualities to non-human entities. Here, you can provide some quick tips on how to use these literary devices in your writing effectively.

The figurative language will help give your essay a unique and enriching style that captures the reader’s attention.

Dominant Impression

In a descriptive essay, you want to create a dominant impression — that is, a central theme or overarching idea that holds the entire piece together. A good dominant impression helps the reader understand and connect with your description. It becomes the lens through which they view the rest of your essay.

To achieve this, try to focus on one specific aspect, quality, or emotion you want to convey. Then, use sensory details and figurative language to support and expand on that central theme consistently. Consciously consider the tone of your writing to maintain a confident, knowledgeable, and clear voice throughout.

Precise Vocabulary

Descriptive essays call for specific and precise vocabulary to paint a clear and vivid picture for the reader. In order to make your essay stand out and effectively communicate the experiences you are trying to portray, choose your words carefully.

Opt for terms that have strong connotations and vivid imagery, as this will help to engage the reader’s senses and imagination. Always strive to use the best-suited word for the context, and avoid clichés or overused expressions.

Objective and Subjective Description

Descriptive essays can take on both objective and subjective perspectives. Objective descriptions, as the name suggests, present facts and observations without the writer’s personal feelings or opinions.

Subjective descriptions, on the other hand, allow the writer to share their emotions, thoughts, and opinions, thus giving the essay a more personal touch. When writing your essay, consider the balance between objective and subjective content. This decision will depend on your purpose, the topic, and the intended audience.

Emotional Resonance

A successful descriptive essay evokes strong emotions in the reader. To achieve emotional resonance, use sensory details, figurative language, and a dominant impression that resonates with your audience.

Be mindful of your readers’ feelings, as your essay’s subject matter and tone should be relatable and provoke a deep emotional response. Don’t forget to occasionally provide trivia or interesting facts to keep the reader engaged.

Chronological or Spatial Order

Consider using chronological or spatial order when crafting your descriptive essay. Chronological order refers to explaining events or situations in the sequence that they occurred, while spatial order describes the layout or arrangement of physical space.

This structure will help to organize your essay, making it easier for your reader to follow and understand your points. Decide which organizing principle best suits the topic and approach of your essay, and keep this organization consistent throughout your writing.

Structure of A Descriptive Essay

Introduction.

When writing a descriptive essay, your introduction should effectively capture your reader’s attention. It’s essential to start with a hook, a captivating sentence that pulls readers into your essay. After the hook, provide some context or background information on the subject you’ll be describing.

The last part of your introduction is the thesis statement, which acts as the main idea of your essay. This statement should be clear and concise, setting the tone for the rest of your piece.

Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of your descriptive essay are where the bulk of the information is presented. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of the subject, with a strong topic sentence that clearly shows the concept being discussed.

Make sure each paragraph is relevant to your thesis statement and stays focused on that particular subject. When it comes to presenting your information, remember that variety is key – mix facts, trivia, and lesser-known details to maintain reader interest.

In a descriptive essay, sensory details are key. They engage all five senses, painting a rich, vivid picture that pulls the reader into the scene. It’s not just saying, “The room was cold,” but making you feel the icy chill, see your breath misting in the air. Each paragraph zooms in on a specific sense, keeping the essay organized and immersive.

One moment you’re absorbing the vibrant colors of a scene; next, you’re attuned to the soundscape or feeling textures. By dedicating sections to different senses, the essay delivers a full sensory experience, making you not just a reader but a participant in the narrative.

Incorporating figurative language can enhance your descriptive essay further. This includes using metaphors, similes, and personification to bring your prose to life. Figurative language can help to create a more engaging experience for readers and assist in conveying complex ideas more easily.

The conclusion of your descriptive essay should leave a lasting impression on your reader. This is achieved by summarizing the key points raised in the body paragraphs while connecting them to the thesis statement. Make sure to tie everything together, bringing your essay to a logical and satisfying end.

Remember to avoid introducing any new ideas in your conclusion; at this point, your goal is to bring closure to the essay.

Transitions

To ensure your descriptive essay flows smoothly, make good use of transitions. Transitions are words and phrases that connect ideas and create a cohesive reading experience. They serve to guide your reader from one point to the next, making sure there are no abrupt jumps or gaps in your writing.

Varied Sentence Structure

An effective descriptive essay should feature varied sentence structures. This means alternating between simple and complex sentences, as well as modifying the length and rhythm of your sentences. Variety helps to keep your reader engaged and maintains the overall flow of your essay.

Just like mixing facts and trivia, varying your sentence structure adds depth and interest to your writing. By incorporating these elements into your descriptive essay, you can confidently create a piece that is both informative and captivating.

Types of Descriptive Essays

Person descriptive essay.

In a person descriptive essay, you focus on describing a person’s physical appearance, character traits, and behaviors. It is essential to capture the essence of the individual being described, relying on precise details and vivid language. In doing so, create a clear image of the person in the reader’s mind.

Remember to be confident in your descriptions and avoid exaggeration . A helpful tip for this type of essay is to observe the person closely, noting their unique features and mannerisms.

In addition to their appearance, try to convey the person’s character and qualities. Describe how they interact with others, their beliefs, hobbies, and values. When presenting information about the person, maintain a knowledgeable and neutral tone, providing factual information instead of biased opinion.

This approach ensures a clear and accurate portrayal of the person, leaving the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the individual.

Place Descriptive Essay

A place descriptive essay requires you to describe the location’s physical aspects, such as landscape, architecture, and any prominent landmarks. Aim to evoke the reader’s senses by providing vibrant details of the environment and atmosphere.

It is crucial to remain neutral and factual in your descriptions, avoiding any personal judgments or biases. A handy tip for describing a place is to imagine yourself as a tour guide, providing relevant information for visitors.

Besides the physical characteristics, emphasize the place’s unique features or trivia to make the description more engaging. Discuss the cultural or historical significance, if applicable, and any noteworthy activities happening in the area.

Your overall goal in a place a descriptive essay is to transport the reader to the location, allowing them to experience its essence through your writing.

Object Descriptive Essay

An object descriptive essay focuses on describing a specific object’s physical properties and functions. You should offer a detailed description of the item’s appearance, including its shape, size, color, texture, and any distinctive elements.

Remember to maintain a neutral tone and rely on factual information, avoiding any exaggerated claims or embellishments.

In addition to the object’s appearance, discuss its use or purpose. Explain its importance or value, whether sentimental, practical, or historical. By providing comprehensive information about the object, you offer the reader a thorough understanding of its significance and context.

Event Descriptive Essay

When writing an event descriptive essay, you should describe a particular event or occurrence in detail. Explain the event’s circumstances, including its purpose, participants, and any notable outcomes. Ensure your account remains clear and factual, avoiding any personal biases or embellishments.

An interesting fact or trivia about the event can enhance the description, keeping the reader engaged.

Moreover, sets the scene by describing the event’s date, location, and atmosphere. Use vivid language to evoke the reader’s senses and transport them to the moment of the event. By providing a comprehensive account of the event, you allow the reader to experience its essence and understand its impact.

Experience Descriptive Essay

An experience descriptive essay aims to provide readers with an account of a personal experience. This type of essay often requires you to describe emotions, thoughts, and actions related to the event.

While some subjectivity is inherent in this essay, it is essential to provide a balanced perspective by discussing both the positive and negative aspects of the experience.

Paying close attention to detail, describe the events leading up to the experience, the emotions you felt during the event, and any lessons or realizations that resulted from it.

Maintain a clear and confident tone throughout, as well as a neutral perspective, ensuring the reader receives an accurate representation of the experience.

Concept Descriptive Essay

In a concept descriptive essay, you should focus on describing a particular idea or abstract concept. This type of essay requires you to present information about the concept’s origin, development, and significance.

Employ a knowledgeable and neutral tone, emphasizing the importance of the idea and its impact on society or individuals.

It is essential to provide a thorough explanation of the concept, including its various interpretations and applications. When presenting the information, use clear language to ensure the reader’s understanding.

By offering a comprehensive examination of the concept, you grant the reader a solid foundation for further exploration and analysis.

Emotion Descriptive Essay

An emotion-descriptive essay requires you to describe a specific emotion or feeling, focusing on its characteristics and causes. Begin by offering a clear definition of the emotion, explaining any nuances or variations in its meaning.

It is essential to adopt a neutral, confident tone when presenting information, ensuring the reader receives an accurate understanding of the emotion.

In addition to defining the emotion, discuss its potential causes and effects. Describe how the emotion might manifest in a person’s thoughts, actions, and physical sensations.

By providing a comprehensive account of the emotion, you allow the reader to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for its complexities and significance.

Famous Examples of Descriptive Essays

How to write a descriptive essay.

Writing a descriptive essay can be an engaging and rewarding experience. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a piece that captures the essence of a person, place, or object using clear and concise language.

  • Begin by brainstorming the subject matter . Think about the specific details you want to include and how they contribute to the overall impression. Jot down your ideas, considering the five senses: sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound. This will enable you to paint a vivid picture for your readers.
  • Next, organize your ideas into a logical structure . Start with an attention-grabbing introduction that presents the subject of your essay. Then, develop body paragraphs that showcase the details you’ve gathered, using smooth transitions to guide the reader. Aim for a coherent flow, making sure that each paragraph supports the main purpose of your essay.
  • Variety in sentence structure can make your essay more engaging and easier to read. Experiment with different sentence lengths , and don’t be afraid to use descriptive adjectives and figurative language that reveal your subject’s unique qualities. However, be mindful to avoid exaggeration or false claims. Maintaining a confident, knowledgeable, and clear tone will enhance the credibility of your writing.
  • Finally, conclude your essay by briefly summarizing the main points without introducing new information. This will give a sense of closure, leaving a lasting impression on your reader. Keep in mind that proofreading and revising are essential steps for producing a polished piece.

Choosing Descriptive Essay Topics

When selecting a topic for your descriptive essay, it’s essential to pick something that is both interesting and engaging. The topic should be one that you can explore in-depth, providing vivid details, examples, and compelling descriptions.

Remember, your goal is to paint a vivid picture for your reader, so choose a topic that lends itself well to imaginative descriptions.

High school, college, and university students should consider a range of potential topics before settling on one. For instance, you might consider writing about a person who has had a significant impact on your life, a memorable place you’ve visited, or a unique object that holds special meaning for you.

Here are a few tips when selecting descriptive essay topics:

  • Make sure the topic is something you are passionate about or genuinely interested in, as this will make your writing more engaging and enjoyable for both you and the reader.
  • Identify the various elements or details that you can describe vividly, as these will help you create powerful, evocative imagery in your essay.

It can be helpful to look for inspiration from various sources, like books, movies, art, or personal experiences. For instance, you could describe a specific scene from your favorite film, a painting by a renowned artist, or a person you admire greatly.

Don’t forget to use specific details and examples to reinforce your descriptions and make them more vivid.

As a fun fact, many descriptive essays are inspired by real settings, people, or objects. In some cases, writers even draw on elements from their own lives to create authentic, relatable descriptions.

By immersing yourself in your topic and relying on your personal experiences, you can craft a truly unique and compelling essay that stands out from the rest. Remember to stay confident, knowledgeable, and clear as you create descriptions that bring your chosen topic to life for your reader.

Impact of Descriptive Essay

Descriptive essay enhances reader’s experience.

When you write a descriptive essay, it significantly improves the reader’s experience by creating vivid mental images in their mind. By using evocative language and key sensory details, you provide them with a more immersive experience that keeps them engaged and interested.

Descriptive essays also encourage readers to form a personal connection with the content, drawing them deeper into the narrative or personal essay you’re presenting. Remember, utilizing precise descriptions and focusing on relatability in your writing can make a substantial difference in how your audience perceives and connects with your work.

Another tip for enhancing the reader’s experience is to incorporate components of storytelling . When applying descriptive elements within a story, you create a deeper sense of involvement for the audience as they become emotionally invested in the characters and plot.

Utilizing a visual and emotive foundation in your writing will make it difficult for readers to put the piece down, making it an unforgettable read.

Descriptive Essay Contributes to Character Development

In your descriptive essay, the effective portrayal of characters is an essential aspect of character development. By providing detailed descriptions of a character’s physical appearance, demeanor, and emotional state, you offer insight into their personality and motivations.

This valuable information can lead your audience to empathize, relate to, or understand the driving factors behind the actions and decisions your subject makes.

When discussing character development, also consider providing trivia on your character. Your audience may find it interesting to know about any unique quirks, habits, or preferences your character possesses.

Integrating such facts help paint a more comprehensive picture, further humanizing and deepening the reader’s connection with the subject.

Descriptive Essay Shapes Plot Development

The narrative structure of your descriptive essay can make a significant impact on the direction and progression of your story or insightful personal essay. Providing rich sensory information on settings, situations, and events in your work can have a dramatic effect on the plot development.

By doing so, you immerse readers in the world you’ve created and help them understand the core elements of your story as it unfolds.

Remember to keep the momentum going in your writing. Offering tips or advice to your audience can contribute to the development of your narrative. For example, showing the consequences of a specific decision or providing a moment of reflection for the character ensures readers remain invested.

Descriptive Essay Influences Mood and Atmosphere

The mood and atmosphere of your descriptive essay can have a significant impact on your readers’ emotional response to your work. By using evocative language, and carefully choosing words and phrases, you can create a particular tone and ambiance throughout your narrative or personal essay.

Whether it’s a melancholic atmosphere or an aura of excitement, your choice of description can make readers feel connected to the emotions you’re presenting.

When establishing a particular mood or atmosphere, you may explore additional literary techniques to enhance the impact of your writing further. Using metaphors , similes , or symbolism can be an effective way to convey the underlying themes and emotions in your essay, making your narrative more immersive and engaging.

Descriptive Essay Adds Aesthetic Appeal to Literature

Descriptive essays contribute an aesthetic appeal to your writing, providing readers with a sense of beauty and artistic depth. Through detailed descriptions, your work can evoke an array of emotions and create feelings of awe, pleasure, or fascination.

This element of aesthetic appeal elevates your writing, turning it into more than just a story or an account of events but rather transforming it into an art form.

Taking your time to choose the perfect, most expressive words is an essential aspect of creating an aesthetically appealing piece. By striving for precision and clarity, your work will not only captivate your audience but also leave a lasting impression, creating a memorable reading experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can i improve my descriptive writing.

Improving descriptive writing can be achieved through practice, reading, and expanding your vocabulary. You should also focus on incorporating sensory details, using show-not-tell techniques, employing figurative language, and being precise and specific with your descriptions.

What should I avoid in descriptive writing?

In descriptive writing, you should avoid vague and generic descriptions, overuse of adjectives and adverbs, cliches, and passive voice. You should also avoid providing too many details that don’t contribute to the overall impression or picture you’re trying to create.

How long should a descriptive essay be?

The length of a descriptive essay can vary depending on the assignment or purpose. Typically, a descriptive essay can range from a one-page composition to several pages.

Regardless of length, it’s important to stay focused on the topic and ensure that each word and detail contributes to the overall picture or impression.

In closing, a descriptive essay stands as a powerful tool in the writer’s kit, providing a unique way to bring people, places, experiences, and objects to life. It hinges on painting vivid pictures through words, making it an artistic endeavor as much as an academic one.

With its rich sensory details, thoughtful organization, and expressive language, a descriptive essay not only enhances a reader’s understanding but also invites them to see the world from the writer’s perspective.

It’s an enriching craft to master, whether you’re a student aiming to improve your writing skills, an aspiring author wanting to captivate your audience, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and potential of language.

As we explore the various facets of descriptive essays, we realize that they offer more than mere descriptions – they present a canvas where reality and imagination meld seamlessly.

So, the next time you set out to write, consider employing the elements of a descriptive essay, and you’ll be amazed at the depth and vividness you can achieve.

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13 Best Descriptive Essay Examples and Templates

A Descriptive Essay is a genre of essay writing that allows a writer to provide a vivid description of something- a person, an event, a place, a personal experience, an object, an emotion, etc.

Descriptive essays, like narrative essays, tend to allow the writer a great deal of artistic freedom than most academic writings. Good descriptive essays examples include newspaper articles, research papers, travelogues, memoirs of a personal experience, book reports, among others.

Purpose of Descriptive Essays

The primary purpose of writing a descriptive essay is to provide enough detail about a given topic to enable the reader to visualize it. Descriptive essays test a writer’s ability to use language creatively and originally to give the reader a more robust understanding of the specific topic or subject of discussion. This form of writing does not involve convincing readers or showing information to prove a point, like in argumentative essays, but it aims at describing all the important details about the given topic to make the reader understand it more easily.

Descriptive writing also benefits the author of the work. Whether the subject of a writer’s essay is personal or of cultural importance, descriptive essays are fundamental to mastering the art of descriptive writing. Descriptive essays are mostly assigned to high school students in composition classes to teach them the basics of writing and self-expression.

Essay Examples

Following are some free downloadable templates for you:

descriptive essay writing

Descriptive Essay Writing Guidelines

The process of writing an effective descriptive essay involves topic selection, creating an outline, organizing ideas or points, and adding relevant information into the essay.

The following is a procedural guideline for descriptive essay writing:

Choose a particular prompt

Descriptive essay assignments tend to provide writers with a particular prompt or choice of prompts. Such assignments will often ask the writer to describe something based on personal experience, describe something out of imagination, or describe something more abstract, like an emotion. In either case, the writer should try to think of a topic that they feel they can comfortably describe in detail.

The selected essay topic should provoke specific feelings or sensations, and it should be a topic that the writer can describe in an appealing way to compel the reader to want to read more. When selecting an appropriate topic, it might be a great idea to summarize the essay’s main idea into a clear and defined thesis statement.  The thesis statement should be less about the writer’s personal point of view and more about making a lasting impression on the reader’s mind.

Brainstorm/write down information

Next, the writer should take some time brainstorming ideas about their topic or prompt choice. Afterward, the writer should create a draft of their descriptive essay outline to organize information in a proper sequence. Writing down information on the given topic also helps writers structure their descriptive essay correctly and reminds them to include all the sensory details.

Write a descriptive essay introduction

An effective descriptive essay usually begins with an introduction. Here, the writer introduces the main topic of discussion and includes a strong opinion that creates the essay’s first impression. This is known as a hook , and it should be in the form of a rhetorical question or a bold statement. Next, the writer should provide a global context and highlight questions, points, or ideas that the rest of the essay will discuss. The thesis statement of the essay should be written as the last sentence of the introductory paragraph.

Writers should write a thesis statement that is clear and precise. The narrow subject line should also be written creatively and mysteriously to attract readers to the essay’s body.

Example of a hook and a thesis statement in descriptive essay writing:

My personal experience of fear For many reasons, the dark forest is my greatest fear, though not a fear that I necessarily like to venture into.

Body paragraphs

In most cases, descriptive essays encompass three body paragraphs. Each body paragraph covers a different point or argument, and it should begin with a topic sentence that anchors the reader’s attention and informs them what to expect from the paragraph. While writing a descriptive essay’s body paragraphs, writers are encouraged to be as specific as possible and avoid overwhelming readers with too much irrelevant information. Including 2-3 specific examples in the paragraphs also creates an impression on the readers’ minds.

Tip: It is essential to finish a body paragraph by introducing the next. To achieve this, appropriate transitional phrases are encouraged as they create immersion within the essay. This makes the essay better, and it will not come out as a list of facts.

Concluding paragraph

According to the descriptive essay’s format, the concluding paragraph should be a summary of all the points discussed in the essay’s body. However, the writer can also use it to reiterate the main point of the essay discussed in the introductory paragraph.

Tip: Writers should never introduce any new points in the essay’s conclusion. If there are any major points to discuss, it is best to create another body paragraph.

Proofread to upgrade the essay

After writing the essay, the writer should proofread the entire document to find out and correct any grammatical and spelling errors. Proofreading will also enable the writer to find areas where sensory details and descriptive language can help enhance a description. Including literary tools and figurative language in the essay creates a memorable image of the essay’s subject in the reader’s mind.

Tips to Improve Descriptive Writing

A writer’s ability to provide vivid descriptions on a given subject and make the subject’s settings and characters spring to life in the readers’ minds is critical in writing effective descriptive essays.

The consideration of the following key tips can be very beneficial to writers:

Brainstorm efficiently

This is a pre-writing consideration that writers should take into account to improve their descriptive writing skills. Taking a few minutes to brainstorm an essay’s topic helps writers generate ideas, develop order, and ease tension that often results in a loss of ideas or words amid writing.

Use of descriptive adjectives

Writing descriptively involves choosing the right words for an essay’s topic. The use of descriptive adjectives is important as they help add more information about the number, color, type, and other qualities of the nouns and pronouns used in the essay’s text. A writer’s choice of adverbs,  verbs, and nouns is also crucial in providing readers with vivid descriptions, but their choice of words should remain relevant to what they intend to describe. While writing a descriptive essay, writers should avoid using cliché phrases and focus on more precise, original, and straightforward phrases. Using a thesaurus can help writers to find alternative word choices, but they should be careful not to overuse it.

For example:

As we walked through the thick forest, I looked back and saw an angry, green, venomous snake crawling from beneath the thick shrubs.

Vivid language

Good descriptive essay examples often make use of vivid language. By describing something vividly, it means that the writer has used descriptive language to paint a clear picture of the subject matter on the reader’s mind, allowing them to see clearly what the author had envisioned. If possible, writers should describe emotions or feelings related to the topic to connect with their readers on a deeper level.

Sensory details

The use of sensory details in descriptive essay writing is another essential tip that writers should consider when writing their essays. This means not only referring to what something looks like but also exploring its sense of smell, sound, taste, touch, etc. With more abstract subjects like emotions, writers can include sensory details metaphorically. Writings that incorporate vivid sensory details are more likely to engage and affect the reader’s perception of the given subject. Nevertheless, it is imperative to note that not all sensory details will apply to every subject.

Love is like a crescent moon. It is both sharp and curved and firm and gentle. Its white glow is soft enough to ignore if you choose it but bright enough to make even broken glass glisten and shimmer like a treasure all its own.

Use of figurative language

Figurative language consists of devices like metaphors , personification, hyperbole, symbolism, and similes that use words in non-literal ways to paint a memorable picture in a reader’s mind. This is important as it gives an author’s work its creative edge making it unique and appealing to the readers. However, this does not imply that writers should fill their essays with figurative language, making the essay lose its meaning. Instead, writers should use these devices creatively at various points throughout the essay to make the essay interesting, reader-engaging, and convey a unique perspective of the subject.

When I saw the dove soar high above my home, I immediately knew that the worst was over (symbolism) After the death of my father, I spent several weeks drowned in a sea of grief (Metaphor) The ocean’s water is as clear as crystal (simile) The night was calm. The only sound that could be heard was that of the howling winds (personification) The Corona Virus Pandemic and lockdown era showed us tougher times. A normal 24 hours day seemed like a month, and months seemed to be years (hyperbole)

Organize well

Good descriptive writing should be organized. Some common ways to organize descriptive writing include the chronological order (time), spatial (location), and order of importance. Providing organized and logical descriptions of events, people, objects, situations, etc., makes it easier for the readers to follow and understand the main ideas presented in the essay.

Get Help from Descriptive Essay Examples

Descriptive essays are a writer’s tool to communicate an experience they have had or illustrate a subject they have expertise in. Whether one plans to write a personal, subjective account or provide a more rigorous description of a particular subject, the following various descriptive essay examples will guide writers to effective descriptive essay writing. Our descriptive essay examples are originally written using the common 5 paragraph method, and they incorporate all the essential tips to effective descriptive writing. Review these descriptive essay examples to help you get started today!

Final Words

A descriptive essay is a genre of writing that prompts students to provide a vivid description of something. When writing descriptive essays, writers are encouraged to describe the given subject in a manner that makes the reader envision what they are describing. To achieve this, writers should make use of figurative language, sensory details, descriptive adjectives, and strong word choices to create memorable descriptions.  Additionally, writers are encouraged to read various descriptive essay examples from reputable sources to improve their overall descriptive essay writing skills.

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Elements of a narrative paragraph:, introduction to characters and setting, inciting incident:, resolution:, conclusion:, choose a clear focus:, introduction:, revise and edit: , involve the reader:, enhance using different techniques:, add a “red herring”:, leverage a paragraph generator for help:, extra resources:.

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Narrative Paragraphs: Elements, Format, Writing, and Examples

Narrative writing is basically storytelling. It's when you write about things that happen, either real or made up. These things usually involve people (characters) in a certain place (setting). They happen one after the other and lead to an ending. The story is told from someone's point of view.

In this article, we will see in detail what a narrative paragraph is, its elements, and its format. We will also look at the procedure to write a narrative paragraph with the help of examples along with some tips.

Narrative paragraphs:

A narrative paragraph is a stand-alone story that contains several key elements. These elements work together to make it feel like a whole story, even though it's short.

It can also be part of a larger narrative piece e.g. novel, autobiography, etc. It's commonly used in personal essays, short stories, or to introduce a topic in nonfiction writing.

It is important to learn about the elements of narrative writing as they play a big role in writing a narrative paragraph (Which we will see later in the article). In a stand-alone paragraph, the key elements are:

  • Point of view

Characters:

They perform the actions of the story. They're the ones who talk, think, and do things that move the story along. They can be people, animals, or things that act like people (like talking toys in a kids' story).

In a short story or paragraph, you might not say a lot about each character But readers will be able to know a bit about the main character (Protagonist).

For example, in a story about a girl losing her dog, the girl is the main character. We might learn her name, how old she is, and that she loves her dog very much. This helps us feel for her when her dog goes missing.

It is where and when a story happens. It's like the stage for a play but for a story, the setting includes the place, time, and circumstances surrounding the events.

Place is where the story happens. It could be a real location like New York City or a made-up place like a fantasy world. Time refers to when the story happens. It might be set in the present day, in the past (like 100 years ago), or in the future. Circumstances are the conditions surrounding the characters. For example, is it peacetime or wartime? Is it a time of wealth or poverty? e.t.c.

(Impact of setting on the characters and narrative - Aithor.com .)

It is what happens in a story. It's the series of events that make up the action. Think of it as the "what happened" part of the story. In a longer story, like a book, the plot usually has several parts. But in a short story or a single paragraph, we just focus on the most important events.

For example, in a paragraph about a child's first day of school, the plot might be: The child feels nervous at breakfast. The parent takes them to the classroom. The child meets the teacher and some new friends. By the end of the day, the child feels excited about going back tomorrow.

Conflict is an important part of any story. It's the problem or challenge that the characters have to deal with. It's what makes things interesting and keeps readers wanting to know what happens next. Without conflict, a story would be boring - just a list of things that happen with no excitement.

It is what moves the story forward. Characters try to solve the problem, and that's what creates the action in the plot. Their way of dealing with the conflict often shows us what kind of people they are.

It is the big idea or message the writer wants to share with you. It's not always said directly, but you can figure it out by thinking about what happens in the story and how the characters change or learn.

Some of the most famous themes are love, friendship, loss, courage, and growing up.

(Why is theme important in narrative writing? - Essential in Writing )

It refers to the author's unique voice and the way they use language to tell their story. This includes choices in vocabulary, sentence structure, tone, and literary devices such as metaphors or symbolism.

A distinctive style can make a narrative unique and create a memorable reading experience.

Point of view:

Point of view decides through whose eyes the story is told. Common options include:

  • First-person: The narrator is a character in the story (using "I" or "we")
  • Third-person limited: The narrator is outside the story but privy to one character's thoughts
  • Third-person omniscient: The narrator knows and can reveal the thoughts of all characters
  • Second-person: The narrator addresses the reader directly as "you" (less common)

The choice of point of view can significantly impact how readers understand and connect with the story.

(A PDF by Lewis University on explanation of Narrative elements)

Format of Narrative paragraphs:

Let's explore the format of the narrative paragraphs to understand how things are written in them.

The beginning of a narrative paragraph tells about the characters and where the event is taking place. You don't need to write a lot – just a sentence or two is enough.

For example:

" Sarah stood nervously at the edge of the abandoned building , her toes curling over the rough surface as she peered down at the shimmering river below. She had been running from the hunters after they spotted her buying food. ”

This brief introduction tells about the main character (Sarah), her emotional state (nervous, being chased), and the setting (an abandoned building beside a river).

(A guide on How to introduce characters - 48 Hour Books )

It is an event or occurrence that sets the main action into motion. In a narrative paragraph, this often comes right after the introduction.

"The barks of dogs echoed and the sound of running footsteps of the hunters were approaching rapidly . They will be on the roof any minute now. Across the river, she could see her blind and injured mother holding a lantern, waiting for her."

This incident pushes the story forward, creating tension and Suspense.

The climax is the peak of the action or the most intense moment in the paragraph. It's where the tension that's been building, reaches its highest point.

"Taking a deep breath, Sarah closed her eyes and clutched the piece of bread in her bag. “For Mama” she murmured and leaped forward , her heart racing as she felt herself falling through the air. With a splash, she plunged into the cool water. The shock of the cold water nearly knocked the breath from her lungs and she sank deeper and deeper."

(More on the climax of a story by Story Flint )

The resolution wraps up the story by showing the result of the events. It often gives you that feeling of "the end" and resolves any problems or challenges the characters face.

“She heard her mother’s voice calling for her. Her survival instinct kicked in and she began swimming with all her might towards the distant shore. Reaching the bank , she felt her mother's warm embrace envelop her. " I made it , Mama," she whispered, pulling out the slightly damp but still edible bread from her bag.”

(Resolution: Definition and examples - Literary Terms )

The ending sentence often shows how past events have affected the narrator today or will affect their future choices. It can be the narrator's opinion or thought.

Remember that the narrator is the one who is telling the story.

“They were safe for now, and tomorrow held the promise of another day together.”

How to write a narrative paragraph?

A good narrative paragraph makes the reader feel as if they are watching the incident with their own eyes. For this, each part of the paragraph is written differently and serves a different purpose. 

Let’s learn to write a narrative paragraph in detail.

Focusing on one specific moment lets you tell a short and powerful story in just one paragraph. This helps to keep the paragraph clear because it does not include too many details thus making it easy for the reader to understand and enjoy. It also ensures that even though the paragraph is small, it feels complete and satisfying.

Choose a moment that feels complete on its own and can capture the reader's interest. This could be a moment where something big or emotional happens. Moments that are full of feelings or change are best. Such moments attract readers because they are intense and memorable.

Make sure the moment is simple enough to explain in just one paragraph without leaving out important details. This allows you to give more attention to the small, vivid details that make the story come alive.

  • A Moment of Triumph : Describe a time when someone won their first sports match after months of hard practice, capturing the delight and relief at the sound of the final whistle. 
  • First Experience : Narrate someone's first experience with snow, focusing on the sensory details and the pure joy of the first touch and play in the snow.
  • A Surprising Joy : Write about the happiness and surprise of receiving an unexpected gift from a friend, detailing the moment of unwrapping and the emotional impact.

( Tips by Paper Writer on the selection of topics in narrative essays)

Unlike other writing types where the introductory part consists of one sentence, in narrative paragraphs it can expand to 2 or, in some cases, 3 lines. It is because it not only introduces the main character but also gives the background information.

As always, the first sentence should hook the reader’s attention . This could be a surprising fact, a vivid description of a place or person, or a question that makes the reader think. It can also be an unusual setting that increases curiosity.

“As lightning streaked across the sky, Max realized that the old, rumored ghost house at the end of the street was not as abandoned as everyone had thought.”

This opening sentence uses descriptive writing and a hint of mystery to grab the reader’s attention, making them curious about what Max might discover.

It's important to introduce the main character early on. Give a few details to help the reader imagine and understand who the story is about. This doesn’t have to be a full sketch of them—just a few touches about what they look like or what they are doing.

"Max, a curious twelve-year-old with a wild mop of hair and a penchant for adventure, couldn't resist the lure of the forbidden."

This introduces Max, giving a quick sketch of his age and appearance. It also shows a little of his personality by telling about his curiosity. 

Explain where and when the story is happening . This includes location, time period, and any important information about the world or society that affects the story. This helps the reader visualize and understand the setting where the events will take place.

"The house, known in town lore as the ‘Whispering Oaks,’ sat isolated on a hilltop, its windows boarded up and the garden overgrown with wild thorns."

This sentence sets up the physical location and adds a bit of historical context, enhancing the horror setting.

(Simple guide on describing the setting of the story by Jerry Jenkins )

You can give a little hint about the problem or main even t that will move the story to keep the reader interested. Don't write everything about it. This could be mentioning a challenge the character faces or something big that will happen.

"Rumors had swirled for years about the treasure hidden beneath the floorboards, guarded by spirits who prowled the shadows."

This line hints at a coming adventure involving a treasure hunt and possible supernatural elements.

Write a combination of all the above-mentioned points so that your paragraph is not excessively long but at the same time has all the elements of a good narrative paragraph:

“As the lightning streaked, Max, a twelve-year-old , realized the notorious hilltop house , known as Whispering Oaks, might not be as abandoned as everyone thought. The whispered warnings of ghostly guardians in the wind ruffled his black hair and piqued his curiosity about the rumored hidden treasure .”

  (Choose topic sentences for Narrative paragraphs - IXL)

Writing the body of a narrative paragraph involves expanding the story by introducing and resolving the conflict within a few sentences.

Start the story by further developing the scene and characters introduced in the opening. You should describe the specific events, actions, or situations that directly caused or triggered the conflict in the story. Try to do this in 1 to 3 sentences.

Add sensory details so the reader can picture the scene better like saying “cold gust of wind” or the “echoes of the footsteps”. You can also add the character's thoughts to make them feel like a real person. 

Unless you're intentionally using a non-linear structure (not in the order), present events in the order they occur to keep the story clear and easy to follow.

“Max’s steps echoed in the empty street as he neared the gate . The wind howled, making the old timbers of the house groan ominously. Despite his fear, his curiosity was piqued every time he glanced at the upper windows, half expecting to see a face looking back.”

(Slideshare’s presentation on narration and paragraph development )

Body is the main and explaining part of the story so it is where you should introduce the conflict . Start with small signs of trouble and build up. Instead of stating the conflict at once, show how the conflict affects the character's senses or environment.

You can also introduce the conflict through the character's actions, thoughts, or dialogue rather than stating it in words. Conflict can consist of 2 to 4 sentences.

“As Max pushed the gate open, it creaked loudly, breaking the haunting silence. Just then, a sudden rustling from the bushes nearby made him freeze. 

His mind raced with stories of flying creatures that haunted the house. Should he venture further and face whatever lurked in the shadows, or should he retreat to the safety of his known world?”

The example creates conflict by describing things Max hears and feels, a surprise when a cat appears, and how Max is feeling scared. It also shows Max facing a tough choice, which keeps us guessing about what he will do next, all without directly saying what the problem is.

( What is conflict in literature? 6 different types by Master Class)

In the same part, you have to resolve the conflict as well in 2 to 3 sentences.

The resolution should make sense based on what happened before. This means that whatever the character decides or realizes, it should feel like a believable ending.

The resolution can be unique but it shouldn't feel forced or something out of nowhere; rather, it should seem like a natural next step in the story. 

Also, the resolution isn't the place to bring up new problems or unanswered questions.

“Gathering his courage, Max took a deep breath and stepped forward. The rustling grew louder, and just as he felt he couldn’t bear it any longer, a cat darted out from under a bush, its eyes glinting in the faint light. 

Laughing at his fears, Max felt that the Whispering Oaks was not as horrifying as it seemed from the outside. It was just a simple house filled with harmless creatures, echoing with the sounds of its past rather than the ghosts of legend.”

The example shows a resolution where the character faces his fear, discovers its harmless source, and gains a new perspective.

(Narrative writing - a story with a conflict and resolution )

When writing your conclusion, keep it short and to the point. Avoid adding new details or characters. Instead, choose words that give a sense of ending and match the story’s mood - a funny story might end with a joke, while a serious one might end with a thoughtful comment.

The conclusion should make a strong impact . This could be through a vivid image, a clear action, or a meaningful piece of dialogue or proverb that sums up your story. 

“He moved boldly (clear action) toward the house, ready to uncover its secrets, realizing that sometimes, fear itself is the only ghost . (proverb)” 

This sentence effectively concludes the story by showing the character's transformation from fear to bravery. It also summarizes the theme that our greatest fears are often baseless.

Sometimes, you might hint at the future but don’t start a new story. This gives a peek into what might come next without affecting the story’s ending.

"With the mystery of the mansion behind him, Max walked away feeling braver than ever, ready to tackle the next adventure that his once-overwhelming curiosity would surely lead him into."

It's important to check your writing for any spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes and correct them. Also, try to cut out any words or phrases that aren't necessary to make your paragraph clearer and more direct.

Getting feedback from someone else is very helpful. They can spot mistakes you might have missed and give advice on how to make your paragraph even better. 

Reading your paragraph out loud is also a great way to catch any awkward wording or sentences that don't sound right. When you hear your words, you can better understand how your story flows and if there are parts that are hard to read.

Lastly, a checklist can help to make sure you include everything that is important in narrative writing.

(narrative writing checklist by resource.finalsite )

Tips for writing a Narrative paragraph:

This involves characters being aware that they are part of a story and sometimes even talking directly to the reader, almost like having a conversation. It is also called “ Breaking the fourth wall ”.They might ask the reader what they should do next, share secrets, or comment on what’s happening as if the reader is right there with them.

"Max paused at the spooky staircase, glancing at you 'I really shouldn't be here at night, should I?' he whispered as if expecting an answer.

Sensory Details: When you include details about what characters sense, it makes your story more relatable. It helps readers to feel like they are present in the scene, experiencing everything with the characters.

Active Verbs: Using strong, action-packed verbs keeps the story moving and exciting. These kinds of verbs help to show what’s happening in a clear and effective way.

Varied Sentence Structure: Mixing up short and long sentences can make your writing more engaging. Short sentences can create tension or excitement, while longer sentences can give more information or show a character's thoughts more deeply.

Show, Don't Tell: This means instead of just telling readers what happens, you show them through details. Here’s how:

  • Character Actions : Show what a character is doing to help readers understand what’s going on or how the character feels.
  • Dialogue : Use conversations between characters to reveal more about them or what they are thinking.
  • Internal Thoughts : Share what a character is thinking to add more depth to the story.
  • Environmental Details : Describe where the story takes place or what the surroundings are like to help set the scene.

A "red herring" is a trick writers use in stories to mislead or distract readers from the real issue, plot, or culprit in a story. It's commonly used in mystery and thriller genres but can be effective in other types of narratives as well. 

It makes the writing piece stay in mind because at first the reader believes they already know the villain but in the end, they get surprised when they are proven wrong.

(26 narrative techniques for writers at Indeed)

When writing a narrative paragraph, so many things have to be considered. This isn’t easy and the chances of mistakes are great. Sometimes, you might feel stuck and not be able to form a good starting point, coherent body, or effective conclusion for your narrative paragraph.

In such a case, we recommend looking towards our Paragraph Generator . It uses artificial intelligence to come up with any type of paragraph, including a narrative one, against the topic you provide.

Furthermore, multiple paragraphs can also be crafted using this tool so you can see how you’re supposed to structure narrative write-ups. All in all, it is a great resource for help when you’re stuck and can’t think of ideas.

Having said that, to use the Paragraph Generator, take the following steps .

  • Write your paragraph’s topic into the input box.
  • Select the writing tone from the provided options. i.e.  Formal, friendly, casual , etc.
  • Choose the required length of the paragraph from the  Default, Concise, and Detailed options.
  • From the  ‘Writing Style’ menu, choose ‘Narrative’ .
  • Pick the number of paragraphs that you want generated.
  • Click on  ‘Generate Paragraph’ .
  • What is narrative writing? (with types and tips) -  insightful article by Indeed .
  • 12 steps to write a narrative paragraph by wikiHow.
  • Narrative Writing - Definition, Types, Tips, and Techniques -  BYJU’S
  • Examples of Narrative paragraphs -  Studocu
  • Video tutorial by Whimsical Teacher Tube on writing a narrative paragraph.
  • (How to write an amazing narrative essay -  video by The Volume Institute )

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  1. What Is a Descriptive Essay? Examples and Guide

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  1. descriptive Essay 2 (O Level Syllabus 3247)

  2. The Descriptive Essay

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  5. Descriptive Essay Writing

  6. ESSAY 12: DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY

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  1. 15 Good Descriptive Essay Examples for All Students

    Descriptive Essay Example 5 Paragraph. 5 paragraphs essay writing format is the most common method of composing an essay. This format has 5 paragraphs in total. The sequence of the paragraphs is as follows; Introduction. Body Paragraph 1. Body Paragraph 2. Body Paragraph 3. Conclusion.

  2. How to Write a Descriptive Essay

    Learn how to use figurative language, sensory details, and strong word choices to create a vivid description of something in a descriptive essay. See an example of a short descriptive essay about a garden and get tips for writing descriptively.

  3. Descriptive Essays

    The descriptive essay is a genre of essay that asks the student to describe something—object, person, place, experience, emotion, situation, etc. This genre encourages the student's ability to create a written account of a particular experience. What is more, this genre allows for a great deal of artistic freedom (the goal of which is to ...

  4. Guide to a Perfect Descriptive Essay [Examples & Outline Included]

    Learn how to write a descriptive essay with this comprehensive guide. Find out what a descriptive essay is, what topics you can choose, how to structure your essay, and see examples of descriptive essays.

  5. Free Descriptive Essay Examples For Your Help

    Learn how to write a descriptive essay with these free examples for grade 6, college, and university levels. See how to describe a person, an event, a place, an emotion, and a visit with vivid language and sensory details.

  6. What is a Descriptive Essay? How to Write It (with Examples)

    Learn the definition, types, characteristics, and structure of a descriptive essay, a creative writing that uses specific language to depict a person, object, experience, or event. See examples of personal and imaginative descriptive essays and tips on how to use figurative language and sensory details.

  7. What Is a Descriptive Essay? Examples and Guide

    Learn how to write a descriptive essay by focusing on details, colors, feelings, sights, and sounds. See an example of a descriptive essay about a swamp as home and how to structure your introduction, body, and conclusion.

  8. Descriptive Essay

    Learn how to write an impressive descriptive essay with this comprehensive guide. Find out the definition, purpose, tips, format, outline, sample, topics, and examples of descriptive essays.

  9. How to Write a Descriptive Essay in 7 Steps

    How to Write a Descriptive Essay in 7 Steps. Written by MasterClass. Last updated: Jun 7, 2021 • 3 min read. Descriptive essays teach students the basics of writing and self-expression. Depending on your line of work and your writing goals, you may continue writing descriptive essays well into your professional career.

  10. How to Write a Descriptive Essay (2021 Edition)

    Learn how to use rich diction, imagery, and figurative language to describe a person, place, or thing in detail. See examples of descriptive essays and tips on avoiding clichés and showing instead of telling.

  11. Descriptive Essay: Definition, Examples & Tips for Writing a ...

    A descriptive essay is one which is used in order to describe something. These essays can describe anything from a person or place to an item or idea. The idea of the descriptive essay is to give the author a chance to hone their writing skills by way of description. On top of this, the descriptive essay is a great chance for the author to use ...

  12. Descriptive Essay: Definition, Format & Writing Tips

    A descriptive essay is one of the four main types of essays, alongside narrative, argumentative, and expository essays. Among these, descriptive essays can be particularly challenging because they demand a keen eye for detail and an appreciation for aesthetics. By vividly describing scenes and details, you engage your reader's senses, making ...

  13. 20 Descriptive Essay Examples for Your Help

    3. Write a Thesis Statement. It is the most important part of any essay. When you are planning a descriptive essay, you need to come up with a strong thesis statement. A thesis statement is usually one or two sentences that explain the whole point of your essay to the reader. 4.

  14. Descriptive Essay

    A descriptive essay is a type of writing that aims to vividly describe a person, place, object, or event. In this type of essay, the writer uses sensory details such as sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch to create a clear and vivid image in the reader's mind. The goal of a descriptive essay is to evoke a strong emotional response or create ...

  15. Descriptive Essay Examples: Bring Your Writing to Life with Vivid

    Descriptive essays breathe life into words by painting a vivid picture of a person, place, thing, or experience. They employ sensory details and expressive language to make the subject come alive for the reader. Here's a basic yet effective structure you might use when crafting a descriptive essay: 1. Introduction.

  16. How to Write a Descriptive Essay: Step-by-Step Guide and Tips

    For example, instead of simply saying that a sunset is "beautiful," you could compare it to a painting that is "a fiery masterpiece, with colors that dance across the sky." Overall, when writing a descriptive essay, it's important to use vivid language and examples to bring your writing to life.

  17. 4.4 Description

    The structure of a descriptive essay is more flexible than some of the other rhetorical modes. The introduction of a description essay should set up the tone and point of the essay. The thesis should convey the writer's overall impression of the person, place, or object described in the body sections or paragraphs.

  18. How to write a descriptive essay

    Descriptive Essay Definition. A descriptive essay is a type of paper where the writer describes an experience, person, place, or object (the essay topic) in great detail.. Overview of a Descriptive Essay. A descriptive essay is written in order to have the reader experience a person, place, object, event, or thing just as the writer did. In a descriptive essay, the writer uses several ...

  19. Descriptive Essay

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  20. How to Write a Descriptive Essay (12 Best Examples)

    The sole purpose of the ideas explored in a conceptual descriptive essay is to provide a clear definition explanation. EXAMPLE. Depression, it's an empty, isolating, and hopeless feeling. Some days the heart is in a weightless existence, and then there are those days.

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    Defining Descriptive Essay. A "Descriptive Essay" is a type of written composition that focuses on creating a detailed depiction of a person, place, object, event, or experience. It employs meticulous, vivid language and sensory details to paint a comprehensive and immersive picture in the reader's mind. A well-crafted descriptive essay ...

  22. Descriptive Essay Examples │ A Level, GCSE and O Level

    Find free topic ideas, essay plans, and downloadable PDFs for descriptive essays at different levels. Learn how to craft evocative descriptions with formats, guidelines, and expert tips.

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    A Descriptive Essay is a genre of essay writing that allows a writer to provide a vivid description of something- a person, an event, a place, a personal experience, an object, an emotion, etc. . Descriptive essays, like narrative essays, tend to allow the writer a great deal of artistic freedom than most academic writings. Good descriptive essays examples include newspaper articles, research ...

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    For example: "As lightning streaked across the sky, Max realized that the old, rumored ghost house at the end of the street was not as abandoned as everyone had thought." This opening sentence uses descriptive writing and a hint of mystery to grab the reader's attention, making them curious about what Max might discover.