Writing Guide: Writing a Descriptive Essay

What's a descriptive essay?

The descriptive essay is a genre of essay that requests the pupil to describe something—item, individual, location, experience, emotion, situation, etc. This genre supports the pupil’s skill to create a written account of an unique encounter. What's more, this genre allows for a whole lot of artistic independence (the aim of which would be to paint an image that's graphic and going in the mind of the reader).

Here are a few guidelines for writing a descriptive essay:

Take time to brainstorm

If your professor asks you to describe your favorite t-shirt, make sure you jot some thoughts down before you actually begin to describe it. For example, if you select a blur striped shirt, you might begin by writing several words: v-neck, cotton, stretchy, stripes, patterns, size, cold, etc… After you have written some words down, you can start by compiling illustrative lists for each one.

Use language that is clear and concise

This means that words are selected carefully, especially for their relevancy in relation to that which you're thinking to describe.

Select language that is graphic

Why use a horse when you can use a stallion? Why not use tempestuous instead of violent? Or a bargain instead of cheap? Such selections form a stronger picture in the reader's mind and often times offer nuanced significance that function better one’s function.

Use your perceptions!

Recall, should you be describing something, you should be appealing to the perceptions of the reader. Describe looked, tasted, or how the thing smelled, felt, sounded. Embellish the second with perceptions.

What were you!

If you're able to describe feelings or emotions associated with your subject, you are going to join with the reader on a more profound level. Many have felt rapturous happiness, or devastating loss within their lives, or light complacency. Tap into this mental reservoir in order to reach your complete illustrative possibility.

Leave a clear impression to the reader.

One of your aims is to evoke a powerful sense of understanding and familiarity in the reader. You're on your way to writing successful illustrative essays, if your reader can walk away from the essay craving the very pizza you just described.

Be organized!

It's not difficult to fall into an incoherent rambling of perceptions and too broad of strokes when writing a descriptive essay. If the reader would be to come away from the essay with a cogent sense of what it's you're trying to describe nevertheless, you must strive to present an organized and rational description.