Descriptive Writing

How to

The purpose of descriptive writing is to describe a person, place, or thing in such vivid detail that the reader can easily form a precise mental picture of what is being written about. The author may accomplish this by using imaginative language,interesting comparisons, and images that appeal to the senses.

Successful Descriptions 1

Can be either objective or subjective.

Objective description merely describes the object, while subjective also includes the writer’s attitude and feelings towards it.

• An objective description of one’s dog would mention such facts as height, weight, coloring and so forth.

• A subjective description would include the above details, but would also stress the author’s feeling toward the dog, as well as its personality and habits.

Successful Descriptions 2

The purpose of description is to allow others to visualize the object being described.

This can be done by using:

• specific, concrete details.

• more adverbs, adjectives, and verbs than nouns because they help to communicate the emotions more effectively.

• a variety of colorful and vivid adverbs, adjectives, and verbs that are specific to the description. Hint: Use a thesaurus to find more specific words or synonyms.

Successful Descriptions 2

The purpose of description is to allow others to visualize the object being described.

This can be done by using:

• sensory details that appeal to the five senses of : smelling, tasting, hearing, seeing, and touching.

• language to show others what the object is like and not just tell them.

e.g. “The building was really tall.” (telling)

e.g. “I looked down and saw the people far below me. The cars looked like ants following each other along thestreet.”(showing)

Successful Descriptions 3

Organization:

Spatial or Order of Importance

Options:

• Spatial order: describe an object or space as you move around or through it, from each perspective.

• Order of impression: what do you notice first, second, etc.

• Order of importance: what is the least important detail, what is the most?

Whatever scheme you choose, remember that it must serve to support your thesis.