how to start a descriptive essay about a place

Descriptive Essay

Descriptive Essay About A Place

Writing a Descriptive Essay About A Place - Guide With Examples

Understanding Descriptive Essays

A descriptive essay is a type of writing that aims to describe and portray an object, person, or place. The essay typically includes sensory details to help the reader imagine its contents more vividly. Descriptive essays can be written about a person , place, or other themes like nature , autumn , food , or even yourself .

A descriptive essay about a place should provide enough details for the reader to build a mental image of it. To do this, you need to include vivid descriptions and relevant information that could paint a picture in their minds.

Let's read some examples to see what a good descriptive essay looks like.

Examples of Descriptive Essay About Any Place

Here are some descriptive writing about a place examples:

Example of a Descriptive Essay About a Place

Descriptive Essay About a Place You Visited

Descriptive Essay About a Place Called Home

Descriptive Essay About a Place You Loved as a Child

Descriptive Essay About a Place of Interest I Visited

Descriptive Essay About a Favorite Place

Do you need more sample essays? Check out more descriptive essay examples t o get inspired.

Tips for Writing an Excellent Descriptive Essay About A Place

Now that you've read some examples of descriptive essays about places, it's time to learn how to write one yourself. Here are some tips on writing a great essay:

Choose The Right Topic

The topic of your essay should be something that you have a strong connection to or feeling about. It could be a place you've visited recently or a place from your childhood. Moreover, make sure that it's something that you can write about in enough detail to make your essay interesting.

Check out this blog with 100+ descriptive essay topics to get your creative juices flowing.

Gather Information

Gather as much information as possible about the topic of your essay. This will help you craft vivid descriptions and portray an accurate picture for your readers. Gather your observations, research online, and talk to people who have visited the place you're writing about.

Make sure to research the topic thoroughly so you can provide accurate and detailed descriptions. Read up as much as you can about the history of the place, and any interesting facts or stories about it.

Structure Your Essay

Outline your descriptive essay before beginning to write so all points flow logically from one to another throughout the entire piece.

Make sure to include a strong introduction and conclusion, as well as several body paragraphs that help support your main points.

Include Sensory Details

Use sensory language by including details such as sights, smells, tastes, sounds, etc. This helps to engage readers and transport them into the setting of your essay.

When writing a descriptive essay, make sure to include vivid descriptions that involve all five senses. This will help create a more engaging and immersive experience for your readers.

Use Vivid Language

Make sure to use strong and powerful words when describing the place you're writing about. Use metaphors and similes to bring your descriptions to life and make them more interesting for readers.

Proofread Your Essay

Proofreading is an important step in any writing process, especially when it comes to descriptive essays. Make sure to check for any typos or spelling errors that may have slipped through in your writing.

You also need to make sure that the flow of your essay is logical and coherent. Check if you've used a consistent point of view throughout, and make sure that all ideas are well-supported with evidence.

Follow these tips and examples, and you'll be well on your way to writing a great descriptive essay.

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How to Write a Descriptive Essay about a Place

how to start a descriptive essay about a place

If you’re not sure what exactly a descriptive essay is and how to write one, you’ve come to the right place. I’m Tutor Phil, and in this tutorial I’ll explain how a descriptive essay works and how to write it, step by step.

We’ll write one together, so you’ll have a great example of a descriptive essay.

What Is a Descriptive Essay?

A descriptive essay is a piece of writing in which the author describes a place, a person, an object, an animal, or a process. The purpose of a descriptive essay is to move the reader to some kind of a revelation, conclusion, or decision about the subject.

It is very important to note that a descriptive essay is not an argumentative essay. You’re not presenting an argument and doing whatever it takes to support it.

In a descriptive essay, your intention should be to describe the subject in such a way that the reader would create her own impression of it.

At the same time, your essay is not neutral because it is colored by your own perception or experience of the subject.

In other words, you are implying and suggesting, not blatantly pushing an opinion.

You want to let the reader see, hear, touch, smell, and taste the place you’re describing. And that experience should lead the reader to an appropriate impression or conclusion.

Writing a Descriptive Essay Is a 6-Step Process

Step 1. choose the subject.

Maybe your instructor has already chosen the subject for you. If not, choose a country, city, or a place within a city or a geographical location that you are familiar with.

Ideally, it is a place that you have been to and have a good memory of it. A descriptive essay about a place should not rely solely on research, in most cases.

The real value of your essay is that you know that place, and perhaps it has a special meaning for you or evokes feelings that no other place can evoke.

So, unless you have to write about a specific place where you have never been, choose a location that has a special place in your heart.

Sometimes, your subject can be a place with which you may have negative associations. But most likely, it is a beloved place that has left an indelible impression on your heart and mind.

Criteria for choosing the place

Ideally, this place should be dear to your heart
It is unique. It is unlike any other place you’ve ever been to, in at least one or two important ways
It has left a strong impression on you
Perhaps you learned something there
Perhaps something wonderful happened to you there, such as meeting your soulmate or discovering something about yourself
Ideally, it has special visual qualities that stand out in contrast to what your audience is probably used to. In other words, being visually striking is a huge plus.

I’ll give you an example. For me, one particular little spa town in Europe won me over when I first visited it many years ago. Its name is Carlsbad, or Karlovy Vary. The terms are interchangeable. One is of German origin, and the other is native Czech.

It is located in the western part of Czech Republic, not too far from the German border. It is serene, spectacular, and magical, and I’ll choose it as the subject for our sample descriptive essay.

By the way, Carlsbad, California was named after Karlovy Vary because of the similar mineral content of the underground waters found in the American cousin city.

Step 2. Pick an audience

I understand that you’re probably writing this essay to fulfill a requirement for your class. In which case, your audience is your teacher or professor.

But even if you’re writing for your instructor, you should still have a particular audience in mind because this will help you form ideas and keep your thoughts flowing.

Knowing your audience will inform your choices of what to include and what to exclude in your descriptive essay because your reader may care about some aspects of this place but not others.

Criteria for choosing an audience

Your ideal reader is someone who is most likely to be interested in this place
It is someone who is likely to enjoy reading your essay
Your ideal audience is also someone who will benefit from reading about this place and derive the most value from it

Let’s come back to our example of Karlovy Vary. As I already mentioned, it is a spa town, which means that its attractiveness lies in its therapeutic qualities.

I first visited this gem of a town back in 2004 as a result of a real academic and professional burnout. I believe I was still an undergraduate student finishing up my studies, and I also had a stressful job.

I lived in Brooklyn, which is a borough of New York City, and this metropolis is known for its stressful lifestyle.

New York has all the disadvantages of living in a large city, such as pollution and other stressors that can really suck the life energy out of its dwellers if they are not careful.

I lived in New York for 25 years, and I love this city. I don’t want to come across as totally negative about it.

But focusing on the negatives about my city in this case will help you see how I am choosing the audience for this essay we’ll be writing together in this tutorial.

You see, New York City is a direct opposite of Karlovy Vary in several critical ways.

Establishing a contrast helps define an audience

New York is noisy. Drivers here are notorious for incessant horn honking. And you can hear an ambulance or a police siren probably every 15 minutes or so.

Conversely, Karlovy Vary is super quiet. Such a crazy hustle and bustle doesn’t exist here, and drivers don’t have a reason to honk the horn all the time. It is also very rare to hear a police or an ambulance siren.

Air quality in New York is decent for a big city, but it is still relatively polluted . All the millions of cars and trucks produce way too much carbon dioxide. You can actually see the smog from some vantage points.

The air in Karlovy Vary is virtually pristine. The town is surrounded by hills, and car traffic is not allowed in the city center.

The landscape in New York is a bit monotonous and often fails to inspire. They don’t call this city “a concrete jungle” for nothing. The overall atmosphere is hardly conducive to a great mood or daily inspiration.

Conversely, Karlovy Vary offers aesthetically pleasing, relaxing, and inspiring architecture and landscape. It’s like entering a spa, only the spa is a whole town.

Now that we have this contrast, it is easy to see who might be interested in learning more about Karlovy Vary. Our ideal audience is someone who:

Lives in a big metropolis, such as NYC or another big city
Can relate to being excessively stressed out
Is aware of noise and air pollution
Would love an escape to relax and renew, even if only by reading an essay.

So, our essay becomes a sort of a virtual or a fantasy escape until an actual trip becomes possible.

Your audience might have different challenges, needs, and desires. It could be someone who:

Is nostalgic about their childhood and a place associated with it
Dreams about a perfect place to live and work
Plans a retirement location

Think of these factors when determining your audience. In the meantime, because we’ve already identified our ideal reader – a stressed out urban dweller – we can move on to the next step.

Step 3. Divide the subject into subtopics

No matter what kind of an essay you’re writing, you want to divide the main topic into subtopics. In other words, you want to create some kind of a structure that will consist of parts.

I use and teach my students to use the technique I call the Power of Three.

What this means is that instead of having just one big topic, such as one town, we can have three aspects of this town to discuss.

Incidentally, we already talked about three major differences between NYC and Karlovy Vary. These are noise levels, air quality, and landscape. So, perhaps we can use one or more of these aspects of a city as sections of our essay.

We must keep in mind that we’re not writing a comparative essay , although that’s a possibility, too.

We’re writing a descriptive essay. So, we need to find three aspects of the town that we can discuss one after another to put together a rich and detailed enough picture of this place.

Note that these three aspects correspond to the senses of hearing, smell, and sight.

Let’s make a preliminary list of such aspects of Karlovy Vary:

Quietness. Does this aspect present an interesting description opportunity? This will depend on our ability to turn it into an asset.
Air quality. This may be too specific. We may want to zoom out a little and discuss more than one natural asset of this city. Some of the others include water quality and the industries associated with it.
Landscape. This is the most conspicuous aspect of this city. The first thing you’re struck with is how beautiful this place really is. This one is definitely a winner.

If we go about writing about these three aspects of Karlovy Vary creatively, we will have three nice sections or paragraphs that will form the body of our essay.

Note that we’ll probably use more than one sensory perception, such as sight or smell, in each section. We’ll simply use one of three senses as a primary focus in each of our three sections.

It would make sense to begin the discussion of the city by describing it visually. So, this will be our primary focus in the first section.

Then, we can proceed to the sense of hearing. Why? Because our last section will be about air and water. And we should probably leave those for last because we can hear the water before we can taste it. That’s just the way it works in Karlovy Vary.

So, the primary sense perception in our second section will be hearing. And this section won’t be just about how quiet it is.

In fact, the real contrast between a big city and Karlovy Vary is the quality of the soundscape, not just the simple quietness, although it’s a part of it. So, we’ll focus on all the little sounds that make this place unique.

Finally, in the third section or paragraph, we’ll talk about the air and the water, which will correspond to the senses of smell and taste, primarily.

Again, we’ll be using any sense perceptions we feel necessary to make the reader’s experience as real as possible.

And now we have our place, we know our audience, and we have our three main ideas about this place that we’ll use to structure the essay.

We can begin writing, and we’ll start with the opening paragraph.

Step 4. Write the introduction

An introductory paragraph in a descriptive essay offers you a lot of flexibility in how you choose to write it.

You can start off with a particular example of a sense perception, drop your reader in the middle of a town square, or begin with an abstract concept.

I would like to suggest an easy and practical way to do it. In the first sentence or two, pull your reader from the outside world into this particular magical place you’ve chosen to write about.

Then, focus on the place you want to describe and say something general about it that would set the context or provide a perspective.

And finally, set some kind of an expectation for what’s to follow. You can create a sense of mystery, if you like. Remember, this is not an argumentative essay. So, you have more room for creativity.

This is where we begin to put together our descriptive essay example. Let’s write our introductory paragraph.

Descriptive Essay Introduction

“When the city has worn you down, the body is tired, and the soul yearns for a respite, you can count on a little magic gem of a town that will nourish you back to life. The name of the place is Karlovy Vary, and it is nested in the heart of Europe, in Western Bohemia, a region in Czech Republic famous for its spa towns. Its beautiful architecture, therapeutic landscape, clean air, and mineral waters offer the weary a healing adventure and a feast for the senses.”

What have we done in this paragraph?

We’ve pulled the reader into the world of this small spa town. We first descended in their world of the stressful city, and then we turned their attention to its opposite. We named the town and explained where it is located.

And finally, we provided a glimpse of what to expect in this descriptive essay about this town. Now, we’re ready to write the body of the essay.

Step 5. Write the body of the essay

We know our three main sections, which in this case correspond to three sense perceptions. Each section can have more than one paragraph. It all depends on how long your essay has to be.

If you are writing an essay of about 500-600 words, then a five-paragraph structure will do the job. If you need to write 2000 words or more, then you’ll have three sections instead of just three paragraphs.

And then each section can also be divided into two or three subsections (using the Power of Three, if you like). And each subsection can be a paragraph or more.

Just remember – the more words you need, the more dividing into subtopics you must do. The key to writing more is dividing one idea into several supporting ideas. And then you simply treat each supporting idea as a tiny essay.

If you struggle with essay writing in general or need to brush it up, I recommend you read my tutorial on essay writing for beginners . This would be a great place to turn to next.

Now, let’s write out our body paragraphs. Since there’s quite a bit to cover, we’ll probably take two paragraphs per section to get the job done.

Descriptive essay body paragraphs

“When you stay in one of the pretty little hotels in Karlovy Vary, you are likely to be descending the hills towards the hot springs every morning. No matter which part of town you live in, you’ll be greeted with a magnificent sight of little hotels and spas whose architecture has a unifying 19th century style. At the same time, each building has its own character, color, and features. The town is situated on several hills, and the hotels are lined up along about four levels.

The first level is down by the river Tepla, and these hotels are only a few because most of the downtown is occupied with hot springs colonnades where people gather and drink hot mineral water. The next three levels ascend from the springs, and you can either take the stairs or even use a funicular that will take you to the highest level to the Hotel Imperial. As you exit your hotel in the morning, you are greeted with a sight of a collection of small, three to four story buildings that look like birthday cakes. They are pink, green, blue, red, turquoise, and any color you can imagine. You suddenly realize how this variety of colors and shapes strewn over the hillsides all facing you and the city center makes your head spin and makes you feel like you’ve never felt before. Your healing has begun with landscape therapy.

As you descend the stairs to reach the hot springs, you notice the abundance of oxygen in the air because it has a subtle but distinct smell, a bit like the way air smells right before a rain. Then, as you pass by another hotel, and you’ll pass more than one, a light whiff of toast and fried eggs with bacon hits you, stirring your appetite. It is customary to drink a cup of hot mineral water before you come back to your hotel for breakfast. It is called a drinking cure.

As you keep walking towards the geyser and the springs that surround it, you notice another astonishing detail. Nobody is in a rush. Nobody has anywhere to be except right here, right now. Travelers with cute little porcelain cups stroll along without a worry in the world, taking in the sights, the smells, and the sounds of the birds chirping and singing all around. Their serenity infects you. You slow down, too. You begin to look, smell, and listen. This town has got you.

Karlovy Vary is famous for its healing mineral waters that are known to alleviate gastrointestinal issues. These waters really do have magic powers. You have your little sipping cup with you, and when you reach one of the springs, you wait for your turn to fill it up, walk off, and begin sipping. The water has a very subtle smell, but its taste is pretty strong for water. It has very high mineral content and tastes salty. Most people like the taste. Some find it too strong. But one thing is for sure – by the time you’re about half way through with your cup’s content, your digestive juices have begun to stir.

The hot springs flow out through several fountains, each with its own intricately detailed colonnade. The mineral content of water bursting out of each fountain is identical. But the temperature of the water varies from really hot to mild and comfortable. Your “spa doctor” actually prescribes which fountains to use and how much to drink. Sipping the water out of a special porcelain cup with a built-in straw-like system is a special pleasure of its own. The point is not to rush but to take about 20 minutes to empty the cup. In the meantime, you have a chance to take in the magnificent serenity that surrounds and infuses you. When you’ve drunk your water, it is time to head back to your hotel and eat breakfast. You repeat this routine three times a day for the duration of your stay. By day three, you are serenity itself. By day fourteen, you are a brand new person.”

Step 6. Write the conclusion

A conclusion in a descriptive essay is, like the introduction, more flexible than a conclusion in an argumentative essay.

You can conclude your essay in any way you really want as long as you observe one rule. Just make sure you zoom out and write in more general terms.

It is not the time to add specific details and examples. This is the time to wrap things up and end on a general note.

Your conclusion can be very short – only a couple of sentences. But you can take your space and write as much or as little as you feel like. You can always go back and trim it down or beef it up.

Let’s write our conclusion.

Our Conclusion

“Upon reading this, you may feel that this town is described as some sort of a paradise. And in a way, it is, especially if you are traveling from a big city and carrying a load of accumulated stress. But it’s not until you see, touch, smell, hear, and taste it for yourself that this European jewel will become a part of your entire being forever.”

It’s okay to be a little emotional and perhaps to even exaggerate a little in the concluding paragraph. Just notice that this one is more general than any of the body paragraphs.

It also touches upon or mentions every sense perception evoked in the body of the essay.

Your Key Takeaways

A descriptive essay is much more flexible and has a lot fewer rules than an argumentative essay.
Use the five sense perceptions – sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing – to structure your essay.
You don’t have to organize your essay by sense perceptions. You can divide your place into sections and walk the reader through each one.
You can even structure your essay as a string of paragraphs that describe one particular walk or route, from beginning to end.
Our last body paragraph is a description of the process of drinking hot mineral water in Karlovy Vary. It is a perfect example of a description of a process, if you ever want to write that kind of an essay.
Don’t persuade but subtly suggest.
Show, don’t tell, whenever you can.

A Few Scenic Snapshots of Karlovy Vary’s Charm

I hope this was helpful. Now go ahead and write that descriptive essay about a place!

Tutor Phil is an e-learning professional who helps adult learners finish their degrees by teaching them academic writing skills.

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How to write a descriptive essay | Example & tips

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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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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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.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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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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Caulfield, J. (2023, August 14). How to Write a Descriptive Essay | Example & Tips. Scribbr. Retrieved April 5, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/descriptive-essay/

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How to Write a Descriptive Essay

Last Updated: February 24, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,514,274 times.

A good descriptive essay creates a vivid picture of the topic in the reader’s mind. You may need to write a descriptive essay as a class assignment or you may decide to write one as a fun writing challenge. Start by brainstorming ideas for the essay. Then, outline and write the essay using vivid sensory details and strong descriptions. Always polish your essay and proofread it so it is at its best.

Brainstorming Ideas for the Essay

You could also choose a fictional person to write about, such as a character in a book, a story, or a play. You could write about a character on your favorite TV show or video game.

Step 2 Pick a place or object to describe.

Another take on this option is to write about a made-up place or object, such as the fantastical school in your favorite book or the magic wand from your favorite TV show.

You could also choose a more specific emotion, such as brotherly love or self-hatred. These emotions can make for powerful descriptive essays.

Step 4 Make a list of sensory details about the topic.

For example, if you were writing about a person like your mother, you may write down under “sound” : “soft voice at night, clack of her shoes on the floor tiles, bang of the spoon when she cooks.”

Writing the Essay

If you are writing the essay for a class, your instructor should specify if they want a five paragraph essay or if you have the freedom to use sections instead.

For example, if you were writing a descriptive essay about your mother, you may have a thesis statement like: “In many ways, my mother is the reigning queen of our house, full of contradictions that we are too afraid to question.”

For example, if you were writing the essay about your mom, you may start with: “My mother is not like other mothers. She is a fierce protector and a mysterious woman to my sisters and I.”
If you were writing an essay about an object, you may start with: "Try as I might, I had a hard time keeping my pet rock alive."

Step 4 Describe the topic with vivid adjectives.

You can also use adjectives that connect to the senses, such “rotting,” “bright,” “hefty,” “rough,” and “pungent.”
For example, you may describe your mother as "bright," "tough," and "scented with jasmine."

You can also use similes, where you use “like” or “as” to compare one thing to another. For example, you may write, “My mother is like a fierce warrior in battle, if the battlefield were PTA meetings and the checkout line at the grocery store.”

Step 6 Discuss your emotions and thoughts about the topic.

For example, you may write about your complicated feelings about your mother. You may note that you feel sadness about your mother’s sacrifices for the family and joy for the privileges you have in your life because of her.

Step 7 Wrap up the essay with a strong conclusion.

For example, you may end a descriptive essay about your mother by noting, “In all that she has sacrificed for us, I see her strength, courage, and fierce love for her family, traits I hope to emulate in my own life.”

Polishing the Essay

You can also read the essay aloud to others to get their feedback. Ask them to let you know if there are any unclear or vague sentences in the essay.

Be open to constructive criticism and feedback from others. This will only make your essay stronger.

Step 3 Revise the essay for clarity and length.

If you have a word count requirement for the essay, make sure you meet it. Add more detail to the paper or take unnecessary content out to reach the word count.

Outline for a Descriptive Essay

Expert Q&A

↑ https://www.writeexpress.com/descriptive-essay.html
↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 24 July 2020.
↑ https://www.iup.edu/writingcenter/writing-resources/organization-and-structure/descriptive-writing.html
↑ https://spcollege.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=10168248
↑ https://www.butte.edu/departments/cas/tipsheets/style_purpose_strategy/descriptive_essay.html
↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/essay_writing/descriptive_essays.html

About This Article

To write a descriptive essay, start by choosing a topic, like a person, place, or specific emotion. Next, write down a list of sensory details about the topic, like how it sounds, smells, and feels. After this brainstorming session, outline the essay, dividing it into an introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Open with a vivid introduction that uses sensory details, then introduce your thesis statement, which the rest of your essay should support. Strengthen your essay further by using metaphors and similes to describe your topic, and the emotions it evokes. To learn how to put the finishing touches on your essay, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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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

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.

On this Page

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.

Finance Essay, Literature

Cathy has been been working as an author on our platform for over five years now. She has a Masters degree in mass communication and is well-versed in the art of writing. Cathy is a professional who takes her work seriously and is widely appreciated by clients for her excellent writing skills.

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Interesting Descriptive Essay Topics Recommended by Experts

Descriptive Essay Examples - 8 Examples To Help You Write Better

How to Write a Descriptive Essay

4-minute read

26th February 2020

A descriptive essay, as the name may suggest, is an essay in which you describe something. The idea is to create a vivid picture of something – a person, object, place or experience – for your reader.

But how do you write a descriptive essay? We have a few helpful tips to share.

1. Brainstorming and Organizing Your Ideas

Your first step should be to brainstorm ideas . Think about the qualities of what you’re describing. As well as physical qualities, make notes about any thoughts, memories, and emotions you associate with your subject matter.

This brainstorming will give you the raw material for your descriptive essay. The next step is to create an essay outline. Typically, this will include:

An Introduction – An outline of what you will describe and the “thesis” for your essay (i.e., a key theme that will run through your essay and guide your description). For instance, if writing about an inspirational teacher, you could mention the importance of education in the introduction.
Main Body – A series of paragraphs in which you describe your subject. Each paragraph should cover a single main point, then lead neatly on to the next one, adding to the overall picture you’re creating for the reader.
Conclusion – A final paragraph where you summarize your overall essay. This is also a good place to reaffirm your essay thesis, emphasizing how your description reflects this.

Before you start writing, then, make some notes about what each paragraph in your essay will include. This will then guide the drafting process, making sure your essay has a clear structure.

2. Use Vivid, Sensory Language

A descriptive essay should paint a picture for your reader. And this means you need to use vivid, exciting language rather than a formal, academic tone. Ideas for making your essay more linguistically engaging include:

Using sensory language to evoke how something looked, smelled, etc.
Writing in the present tense to make the situation feel immediate.
Describing feelings and thoughts elicited by the subject of your essay.
Looking for dynamic adjectives and adverbs to use (e.g., you could say something made you “happy,” but “elated” or “delighted” may be stronger).
Using metaphors, similes, and other literary techniques .

Keep your introduction in mind while writing. The language you use should serve the “thesis” you set out there, drawing the reader’s attention to specific aspects of the thing you’re describing.

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3. Show, Don’t Tell

“Show, don’t tell” refers to a technique used by authors to make their writing more engaging. Essentially, all this means is using action, description, and dialogue to paint a picture for the reader rather than simply stating something in plain language. We can see the difference below:

Telling: Miss Hardy was an engaging speaker.

Showing: When Miss Hardy spoke, everyone listened. Her voice bubbled with enthusiasm, bringing even the most mundane subjects to life.

In the first sentence, we simply tell the reader that Miss Hardy was an engaging speaker. But in the second, we try to help the reader picture being in her class, listening to her speak. And by engaging the reader’s imagination like this, we can make our description more memorable.

4. Editing and Proofreading Your Descriptive Essay

Once you have a first draft, you’ll be ready to start editing. The idea here is to go back over your essay – at least once, but possibly multiple times – to look for ways you could improve it. This drafting process may involve:

Making sure your writing is clear, well structured, and impactful.
Rewriting passages that feel clichéd or that could be stronger.
Reading your essay out loud to see how well it flows.
Ensuring that the central theme of your essay is present throughout.

And when you’ve finished redrafting, go through the essay one more time to remove any typos that remain. Alternatively, you can submit your descriptive essay for proofreading . With the expert eye of a professional editor on your side, you can be confident your writing is the best it can be.

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How to Write a Descriptive Essay About a Place

You can compose a well-written descriptive essay that conveys a clear image of a location to the reader. A descriptive essay is traditionally divided into three or more paragraphs that make up the introduction, body and conclusion. Writing a descriptive essay about a place you have visited gives you the opportunity to convey a personal perspective or feeling about the subject location. Transport readers with descriptive and concise words that impart your own vision of a place.

Write an introduction paragraph in the present tense that accurately describes what motivated you to select this particular place for the descriptive essay. The paragraph must be at least two sentences and explicitly mention the full name of the location. Mention things you know are exciting about the place if the location was assigned and not chosen.

Compose an essay body of one to five paragraphs that conveys the sights, sounds, smells, feeling and tastes of the subject place. Choose clear adjectives that describe these various aspects of a place so they are recognizable to readers who have been there and are understandable to readers who have not.

Include a conclusion paragraph that briefly restates the inspiration for the essay and details any personal feelings, memories or visitor recommendations about the place. This section is the individual writer's chance to clearly spell out her overall impression of the location.

Proofread the first draft to make any grammar or spelling corrections and trim any extraneous information that is not pertinent to the location. Type or rewrite the final draft according to the details of the assignment.

Look for examples of descriptive essays about locations in travel literature and online to see the format executed successfully.
See the link in Resources for an example.
Describing a well-known location from memory may lead to mistakes that cause the reader to discredit the essay. Use pictures of the place to keep your memories in line with the facts.

Things You'll Need

Write Express: How to Write a Descriptive Essay by Jesse Seldess
InfoPlease: Homework Center -- Writing Skills Descriptive Essays

Jeffrey Brian Airman is a writer, musician and food blogger. A 15-year veteran of the restaurant industry, Airman has used his experience to cover food, restaurants, cooking and do-it-yourself projects. Airman also studied nursing at San Diego State University.

How to Write a Descriptive Essay

This could be something as simple as your favorite flavor of ice cream or as complicated as the politics of 13th century Vienna. Different than a simple description, a descriptive essay allows the writer to really show off both their imagination as well as their writing skills.

What is a Descriptive Essay?

A descriptive essay is a type of academic writing that asks the writer to fully describe a place, person, situation, event, or thing. They can be simple or they can be very complex depending on the subject matter and audience written for. These types of essays train a writer’s ability to express themselves accurately as well as build compelling sentences and arguments.

Descriptive Essay Ideas

There is no exhaustive list of things that can be described, but these are some of the most common things you may be asked to write about.

A Location - The goal of writing about a place is to make the reader feel as if they are there. Words, similes, and metaphors that ignite the reader’s imagination are essential. Try and immerse the reader in the sights, smells, and sounds of the place you are describing. Examples could be a city, a view, a particular building like your house, etc.

A Time Period - Similar to writing about a location, the goal is to make the reader lose themselves in the time you are describing. This requires great research to be able to describe physical characteristics as authentically and as well as possible. This could include how you felt a year ago, an ancient time period, or the future.

An Event - The goal of describing an event is to explain a series of interesting circumstances. Typical storytelling elements like describing the plot, setting, and characters are useful, but make sure you focus on the chain of events.

An Emotion - The goal of describing an emotion is to make the reader feel the sentiments of the character you are describing. Metaphors and similes are very useful when trying to evoke an emotion in a reader along with physical descriptions that express the emotion.

A Person - The goal of writing about a person is to make the reader understand something about that person. This includes physical descriptions of what they look like, what kind of clothing they wear, a sense of the physical presence along with their profession, as well as how they behave.

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Descriptive Essay Outline and Structure

Though a descriptive type of essay is quite different from a typical academic paper, it still follows a classic 5 paragraph format. Always follow any directions though, sometimes you may need more or fewer body paragraphs. This is a general structure you should keep in mind for this type of essay.

Introduction

Introduction/background information

Body Paragraphs

Topic Sentence
Sensory Information
Physical Descriptions
Transition Sentence
Summary of the main points
Restate the thesis

An outline is always a good idea for any kind of writing, but it is particularly useful for this type of essay because it collects your thoughts and makes sure your essay stays on track.

Introduction

Hook - The sting of salty water, the hypnotic crash of the waves, the breathtaking sunsets, the best vacation spot?
Background information - Everyone is different and everyone likes different types of things. When it comes to vacations though, there is a place that almost everyone enjoys.
Thesis - In my opinion, the beach is the best possible vacation spot because of the variety of ways one can enjoy it.

Body Paragraph 1

Topic Sentence - The beach has many kinds of natural beauty
Sensory information - The unlimited expanse of the ocean combined with glorious sunrises and sunsets.
Physical descriptions -The crunch of sand below your bare feet and the crash of waves on your body.
Transition sentence - There’s more than just natural beauty though, there are physical activities to enjoy as well

Body Paragraph 2

Topic Sentence - The beach has unlimited activities for physical enjoyment.
Sensory information - The thrill of battling with the ocean, the joy of falling on the sand, the wind streaming through your hair, and the pleasant tingling of the sun on bare skin.
Physical descriptions - Water sports like surfing, jet skiing, and the like allow you to exercise in one of the most fun ways possible. Not to mention sports like frisbee, volleyball, beach soccer, and more.
Transition sentence - If you just want to relax, the beach is perfect for that too!

Body Paragraph 3

Topic Sentence - The beach is ideal just to relax, destress, and take it easy.
Sensory information - To relax as you are massaged by either human hands or the sun is a pleasure. Lazing around might be frowned upon, but the beach is the ideal place to spend some time taking care of yourself and letting the stresses of the world melt away.
Physical description - Whether it’s reading a book, or enjoying a refreshing beverage with umbrellas in it, you can get taken care of on the beach. Building sandcastles, painting, and meditating are other activities easily and freely enjoyed.
Transition sentence - The beach has so much to offer.
Summary of the main points - Whether it’s nature, physical exercise, or simple relaxation, the beach can offer all of that and more.
Restate the thesis - That’s the main reason that a beach is the ideal vacation spot, it allows for diverse ways of having fun.
Closing statement/Clincher - Think about the last time you went to the beach, don’t you want to go again?

What is the Purpose of a Descriptive Essay?

It should leave the reader with a clear idea of the topic of the essay. The goal is to explain things in a comprehensive and interesting way so that the information stays with the reader. Let’s go into the details of how to accomplish this.

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Writing Process & Descriptive Essay Examples

It may seem challenging to write a successful essay of this type, but if you follow the advice below, it will be a breeze.

How to Start a Descriptive Essay

Making sure you choose the right topic is the first hurdle to cross. A topic for a descriptive essay is vital because it is the main subject you will be writing about. Spend at least 20 minutes brainstorming different topic ideas and make sure you choose a topic that you know well.

Next, create an outline to better structure your thoughts and figure out the pieces of information you need to find out more about. The more time you spend creating a well-researched outline, the better your endpaper is going to be, and you’ll end up spending less time on actually writing the paper. Now you can move on the writing the descriptive essay introduction.

How to Write a Descriptive Essay Thesis

A thesis statement is the main argument you are trying to make in your paper. It is the main point you are trying to describe. A good thesis statement for descriptive essay is particular without being too brief. It should include not only just what the topic is, but also mention why the topic is important.

How to Write Body Paragraphs

You can have as many body paragraphs as you think are necessary to achieve the goal of describing something clearly. This means you could have just one body paragraph, the standard three, or more.

Start every paragraph with a topic sentence that explains what the main purpose of the paragraph is. Next fill in sensory details, describing the emotions before moving on to describing the actual physical details. End each body paragraph with a transition sentence that helps each paragraph flow into the other. Not only does this make your writing stronger, but it also helps you create an immersive experience.

How to Write the Conclusion

Summarize the main points of your essay and make sure that you reiterate the thesis statement. This reminds people of the point of your essay and ensures that when writing, you don’t stray too far from the point.

Descriptive Essay Format

There are 3 main formats of citation types for essays. Though the most common one is MLA, it is possible that you may have to use APA or Chicago Style citations.

MLA stands for Modern Language Association and is used primarily for the arts and humanities. MLA uses in-text parenthetical citation in the format of (Author, Page). The page at the end that contains all the sources is called the Works Cited page. The format of these entries is unique to MLA but is easy to make with a citation generator.

APA stands for American Psychological Association and is used mostly for the sciences and social sciences. APA uses in-text parenthetical citations in the format (Author, Date). The page at the end that contains all the sources is called the References section

Chicago Style is used primarily for Business, History, and the Fine Arts. In-text citation can be either as footnotes or parenthetical citation in the format (Author, Date). The page at the end that contains all the sources is called the Bibliography.

Most descriptive essays will follow the MLA style of citation, but if you need any more help, find a guide on Studyfy.com for more information about citation styles in general.

Descriptive Essay Topics

The topic is crucial, because all the research you do, and the entire paper, will specifically be about describing the topic. Here are some descriptive essay prompts to inspire you!

The person you’ve most admired in your life

A movie scene that made you feel strong emotions

The time period you would travel to if you had a time machine

Why a beach is better than the mountains for a vacation (or vice versa)

The taste of a drink when you are incredibly tired

An author that inspired you

Your favorite cuisine

The best place in the world to be by yourself

The best Christmas morning you’ve ever had

An accent that you really enjoy

A time when you wanted something so much it burned

Describe the day in the life of your favorite celebrity

The joy of escaping into a video game

What dancing means to you

A life philosophy you believe in

The feeling of holding a baby in our arms

The sound of crashing waves

Standing in front of a gorgeous view

A vacation that was meaningful

Why fireworks are magical

The first time you cosplayed

How it feels to listen to music that you hate

The best thing you have ever eaten in your life

What would it be like to live 100 years in the future

Why hearing people laugh is beautiful

A day in the life of your favorite animal

A strange superstition you believe in

The strangest person you’ve ever met

Your favorite tv show

Playing your favorite sport

What it’s like to be in love

Descriptive Essay Tips

Before we end, let’s go over some of the key points of information in this article.

Use figurative language including metaphors and similes
Use your senses
Choose appropriate words
Show don't tell
Focus on specific details
Spend time choosing the right topic
Create a detailed outline
Forget about the purpose of the essay
Submit your first draft
Make it too complicated
Ignore your audience
Ignore any directions

In addition to the information provided in this article, there are various resources available to help with your writing needs. If you are struggling to write your descriptive essay, you can turn to professional writers and editors for assistance. You may consider hiring a research paper writing service or seeking help from dissertation writers .

Additionally, if you need someone to " write my admission essay ", there are various options available. You can hire a writer for a custom writing service or seek help from online tutors and teachers. Furthermore, if you need to write a strong admission essay, there are services available that specialize in providing guidance and assistance with this type of writing.

It is important to note that before submitting any work, it should be proofread and edited thoroughly to ensure its quality. Studyfy offers a range of services to help with this, including professional proofreaders and editors who can check your work for grammatical errors and ensure that it meets academic standards.

In summary, there are various resources available to help with your writing needs, including professional writing services, proofreaders, and editors. By utilizing these resources and following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can write a successful descriptive essay that effectively conveys your ideas and engages your readers.If you are looking for the query " I need someone to write an essay for me ", Studyfy has got you covered

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How To Write A Descriptive Essay About A Place (Step By Step)

Table of Contents

Descriptive essay about a place

Descriptive essay focus on specific details about an object, a place or an event. It presents an object to the reader using vivid language for the reader to have a mental picture of what the writer is describing. When composing a detailed essay about a particular place, the paper needs to present clear descriptions about the location to the reader. Writing an essay about a familiar place gives the writer an opportunity to present his personal experience and feelings the place invokes in him.

How to start a descriptive essay

Before presenting the beautiful scenery, the author needs to be observant of the surroundings because the essay would require detailed explanations and the vibrant experiences about the place. The author needs to identify all the important items that make the place worth describing. A good essay should be based on personal experience whereby the author can easily reflect about his experience.

The first step of developing an essay is to start with a brief introduction, a descriptive introduction would determine whether the reader would want to continue reading the article or not. The author needs to use words that would attract the reader’s attention at the beginning of the essay. An introduction should start with a strong statement, and in the end, the writer needs to present the thesis statement by relating it to what is being described. The thesis statement reveals why the place is important to the author.

A good introduction can start with an anecdote, the author can narrate an interesting story to heighten the reader’s curiosity. A good anecdote sets a good tone for the essay and acts as a transition sentence from the introduction to the body of the essay. An introductory paragraph needs to mention the name, the exact address, and other exciting things that makes to reader wants to visit the location.

How to write main part

The essay body should express feelings, the taste, the smell, the sights and sounds of the place. The author describes the different aspects of the location for the reader to develop a mental picture of how the place looks like. For instance, when describing your grandmother’s home, the body essay describes how beautiful the place looks like, including the lovely trees, her tasty cookies, the most soil around the nearby river, the dishes clicking in the kitchen and how you feel the about the particles of the wood on the staircase. The author can also talk about the people living nearby and any unique features around the home .

Apart from detailed descriptions, the author needs to reflect about the place and make important connections to it. For instance, the essay needs to highlight why the place is a safe haven from everyday stress. The author can also present some of the feeling associated with the location, this will make the readers aware why the place is important to the author.

How to conclude a descriptive essay

The concluding paragraph should rephrase the inspiration of the essay providing detail and personal feelings and also make recommendations for the readers. A good conclusion should describe why the place is significant. Even though the descriptive language used can provoke the reader’s emotion, the audience wants to know why the author spent a lot of time describing the place. Apart from just highlighting the good experience about the place, a good conclusion explains the significance of the essay theme. The conclusion simply confirms to the audience what was already presented, but using selected sensory language for the readers to believe that the place is amazing. A good paper should end on a strong note, leaving the audience feeling satisfied in the concluding paragraph. A good descriptive essay should create excitement for its readers.

Outline example

Introduction

Hook sentence with detailed descriptions that grabs the reader’s attention
Brief background about the place
Sensory descriptions of the place.

Body paragraph

Topic sentence that supports the thesis statement
Describe the place by the name and the exact location
Description about the feelings the place invokes
Provide additional sensory descriptions about the place, including the surrounding areas.
Opening sentence justifying why the place is significant
The facts that support the descriptions using attractive descriptions.
Explain intensely about the place
Describe the important details for the readers
Present emotional background
Present the author’s emotional response based on the place being described.
Expand the feelings described in the above paragraphs
Provide additional emotional details using a decisive factor statement
Restate the feeling of the location.
Restate the main thesis ideas described in the paragraphs
Repeat to the reader why this particular location is important
Review the major things that the author vividly recalls
The feeling and the difference the location makes in the author’s life.

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How to Write a Descriptive Essay: Writing Tips & Examples

Imagine painting a vivid picture with words, capturing the reader’s imagination, and transporting them to a different world. That’s the power of a well-written descriptive essay. But how does one harness that power and create a masterpiece? In this comprehensive guide on how to write a descriptive essay, we’ll explore the intricacies of descriptive essays, from understanding their purpose to mastering the language, and everything in between.

Table of Contents

Descriptive Essay Writing: Key Takeaways

Descriptive essays strive to create a vivid experience for the reader through concrete details and sensory language.
The purpose of descriptive writing is to provide an engaging representation of the subject, aiding in forming understanding.
Through self-review, peer feedback and editing tools one can craft a polished essay that leaves a lasting impression on readers.

What is a Descriptive Essay?

Descriptive essays are more than just a simple narration or description of a subject. They aim to provide a detailed and vivid depiction of a subject using concrete details and figurative language, engaging the reader’s senses. Whether it’s describing a family member, a favorite food, or a memorable experience, the goal is to paint a picture so vivid that the reader feels as if they’re experiencing it firsthand. A good descriptive essay achieves this by striking the perfect balance between narration and sensory details.

To achieve this, writers must use vivid language and create a strong sense of imagery. They are.

Purpose of a Descriptive Essay

The primary objective of a descriptive essay is to create a clear and detailed picture of a subject, allowing the reader to visualize and understand it. It’s about immersing the reader into the world the writer has crafted, much like an argumentative essay, which seeks to convince readers of a particular viewpoint.

A descriptive essay, however, focuses on creating a sensory experience, engaging the reader on a deeper level with the subject, rather than just communicating facts.

Characteristics of Descriptive Writing

Descriptive writing possesses certain key characteristics, which include organization, detail, sensory language, factual information, and the abstention of opinions. Organization is crucial as it helps the reader comprehend the essay and follow the writer’s line of reasoning.

Detail and sensory language bring the subject to life, creating a vivid image in the reader’s mind, while factual information and the absence of opinions ensure an accurate and unbiased portrayal of the subject.

Choosing Descriptive Essay Topics

The beauty of descriptive essays lies in the versatility of their subjects. From people and characters to places, objects, emotions, and experiences, there’s a whole world of topics waiting to be explored. When selecting a topic, consider aspects of your own experience, things that interest you, or subjects that hold personal significance.

The key is to choose a subject that you can describe in detail, allowing your reader to immerse themselves in the vivid world you create.

People and Characters

Descriptive essays about people and characters allow you to dive deep into the intricacies of their personalities, traits, and relationships. You can focus on family members, friends, teachers, or even fictional characters. When writing a personal essay about a person, consider aspects such as their physical appearance, personality, behavior, habits, and accomplishments.

This provides a comprehensive and engaging portrayal of the entire essay that will captivate your reader.

Places and Settings

Places and settings provide a rich canvas for descriptive essays. They can be real or fictional locations, such as hometowns, schools, or imaginary worlds. When describing a place, focus on its physical characteristics, cultural significance, or historical importance. This will create a multi-dimensional image that transports your reader to the location and enables them to experience it as if they were there themselves.

By focusing on the details of the place, you can create a vivid and engaging description.

Objects and Items

Descriptive essays about objects and items give you the opportunity to examine everyday items or objects with personal significance in a new light. From a cherished family heirloom to a simple household item, the possibilities are endless.

To create a vivid description, focus on sensory details such as texture, color, smell, taste, and sound. By exploring these aspects, you’ll breathe life into the object and make it come alive for your reader.

Emotions and Experiences

Emotions and experiences are a goldmine for descriptive essays. By delving into your own feelings and personal reflections, you can create an intimate and powerful portrayal of an emotion or experience. Consider topics such as love, fear, happiness, or sadness, as well as personal experiences, memories, and favorite things.

Through sensory details and reflection, you’ll create a palpable connection with your reader, allowing them to share in your emotional journey.

Crafting a Descriptive Essay Outline

An outline is an indispensable tool in crafting a descriptive essay. It helps organize your thoughts, create a smooth flow, and ensure that your essay is structured coherently. A typical descriptive essay outline consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

By following this structure, you’ll ensure that your essay flows seamlessly from one section to the next, making it easy for your reader to follow along and understand your message.

Introduction

A strong descriptive essay introduction, also known as an introductory paragraph, is essential for capturing your reader’s attention and setting the stage for your descriptive essay. It should be brief, engaging, and introduce the subject you’ll be describing. The introduction should also include a well-crafted thesis statement, which provides a succinct overview of the main arguments of your essay.

By starting with a compelling introduction, you’ll entice your reader to continue reading and immerse themselves in the world you’ve created.

Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of your descriptive essay should focus on specific aspects of your subject, using vivid language and sensory details to create a rich and immersive experience for your reader. Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that encapsulates the main idea of the paragraph and connects it to the overall thesis statement. By following the descriptive essay format, you can ensure a well-structured and engaging piece of writing, such as a five paragraph essay.

Remember to use transition words to guide your reader through your essay and maintain a logical flow. These words can help you to move from one idea to the next, and to connect the ideas.

In the conclusion of your descriptive essay, it’s important to restate your thesis statement and provide a brief reminder of the topics you’ve covered. This helps to reinforce your main points and bring your essay full circle.

Consider leaving your reader with something to ponder or a memorable phrase that encapsulates the essence of your essay. A strong conclusion will leave a lasting impression on your reader, ensuring that your descriptive essay is not soon forgotten.

Mastering Descriptive Language

The key to a captivating descriptive essay lies in the language you use. Mastering descriptive language involves harnessing the power of figurative language, sensory details, and strong word choices to create a memorable and vivid description. By employing these techniques, you’ll not only paint a vivid picture for your reader, but also evoke their emotions and engage their senses, creating a truly immersive experience.

Using figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, can help you to create a vivid visual.

Figurative Language

Figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, can add depth and creativity to your descriptive essay. These literary devices help convey unique perspectives and create memorable effects. For example, instead of simply describing a park as green and lush, you could use a metaphor to compare it to a paradise or a simile to liken it to an oasis.

By using figurative language, you’ll breathe new life into your descriptions and leave a lasting impression on your reader.

Sensory Details

Sensory details are the secret ingredient that makes your descriptive essay come alive. By appealing to your reader’s senses of sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, you’ll create a vivid and immersive experience that goes beyond mere description. For example, instead of simply saying that a room is warm, you could describe the gentle caress of the sunlight on your skin, the soft hum of the air conditioner, and the faint scent of cinnamon in the air.

By incorporating sensory details, you’ll transport your reader into the world you’ve created.

Word Choice

The words you choose can make or break your descriptive essay. Precise and original words can help you avoid clichés and create a strong impression on your reader. Be mindful of your word choice, and consider using a thesaurus to find alternative words that better capture the essence of your subject.

By selecting the right words, you’ll not only create a vivid image in your reader’s mind, but also convey your unique perspective on the subject.

Reviewing and Revising Your Descriptive Essay

The final step in crafting a captivating descriptive essay is to review and revise your work. This process involves self-review, peer feedback, and the use of editing tools to ensure that your essay is polished and error-free.

By carefully reviewing your work and incorporating feedback, you’ll ensure that your descriptive essay is the best it can be, leaving your reader with a memorable and vivid experience.

Self-Review

Self-review is an essential part of the revision process. Start by taking a break from your essay to gain a fresh perspective. Then read your essay aloud, listening for awkward phrasing or unclear sections.

Ask yourself questions to ensure clarity and coherence, such as “Does the essay make sense?” and “Are there any areas that require additional clarification?” By critically evaluating your work, you’ll be able to identify areas for improvement and make the necessary changes.

Peer Feedback

Peer feedback is another valuable resource in the revision process. Sharing your essay with classmates, friends, or family members can provide fresh insights and suggestions for improvement. Be open to constructive criticism and consider the feedback you receive before making any revisions.

Remember, the goal is to create the best possible version of your descriptive essay, and sometimes an outside perspective can help you see areas for improvement that you might have missed.

Editing Tools

Finally, consider using editing tools to help polish your descriptive essay. Programs like Grammarly can help you identify and correct grammatical errors and improve the overall quality of your writing.

By using editing tools, you can ensure that your essay is not only engaging and vivid, but also polished and professional.

Descriptive Essay Examples and Analysis

Analyzing descriptive essay examples can provide valuable insights into effective writing techniques and strategies. By examining the work of others, you’ll gain a better understanding of how to craft your own descriptive essay and learn new approaches that can help you bring your subject to life.

In this section, we’ll look at two different examples of descriptive essays and discuss the techniques used to create vivid and memorable descriptions.

Consider this descriptive essay example, which showcases classic approaches to descriptive writing: “The small, sunlit room was filled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of soft jazz playing in the background. Every surface was covered in a layer of paint splatters, a testament to the artist’s dedication and passion.

The large canvas in the center of the room captured the essence of a summer day, with vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes. This example employs vivid sensory details and strong word choices to create an engaging and memorable description that transports the reader into the world of the artist.

In this second example, the writer takes a different approach to descriptive writing: “The city was a maze of towering skyscrapers, their reflections shimmering in the glassy surface of the river below. The buzz of traffic echoed through the canyon-like streets, while the aroma of street food vendors wafted through the air.

It was a place where dreams and realities collided, each vying for dominance in the ever-changing landscape.” Here, the writer uses figurative language and a more poetic style to convey the atmosphere and energy of the city, creating a vivid and captivating description that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i start a descriptive essay.

To start a descriptive essay, begin by describing an event, place, object, or person in the opening sentence to engage the reader’s attention. Then provide relevant information to support your description, compile pertinent information on the topic, and create an outline prior to writing body paragraphs and a conclusion summarizing the essay.

Lastly, look for ways to enliven your language to make it more vivid and compelling.

How can I write a good descriptive essay?

To write a good descriptive essay, focus on a specific topic and compile information to create an outline. Use vivid details, figurative language, precise language and thoughtful organization to make your writing come alive for the reader.

Include a hook sentence in the introduction, a clear thesis statement and make sure to end with a summarizing conclusion.

What is the format of a descriptive essay?

A descriptive essay is a written account of a particular experience, with a good thesis statement at the beginning of the introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

It is written in a coherent style using formal language.

What are the 4 components of descriptive writing?

Descriptive writing typically employs sensory detail, vivid imagery, figurative language, action-packed verbs, and an overall evocative tone to create an engaging narrative for readers.

This type of writing can help readers visualize the story and feel as if they are part of the action. It can also help to draw readers in and keep them engaged with the text.

What is the main goal of a descriptive essay?

The main goal of a descriptive essay is to provide the reader with a vivid and detailed picture of the subject, enabling them to visualize and understand it.

By using descriptive language and sensory details, the writer can create a vivid image in the reader’s mind. This can be done through the use of metaphors, similes, and other literary devices. Additionally, the writer should use vivid verbs.

In conclusion, writing a compelling descriptive essay requires a combination of organization, detail, sensory language, and strong word choice. By understanding the purpose and characteristics of descriptive writing, selecting engaging topics, crafting a well-structured outline, and mastering descriptive language, you’ll be well on your way to creating vivid and memorable essays that captivate your reader.

Remember to review and revise your work, taking advantage of peer feedback and editing tools to ensure a polished final product. With practice and dedication, you’ll soon be painting vivid pictures with words, transporting your readers to new worlds, and leaving a lasting impression.

How to Write a Descriptive Essay

Working on a descriptive essay is like handing your reader a pair of magical glasses – it allows them to see, feel, and experience what you're describing. It's not just about listing facts – it's about immersing your reader in a sensory adventure. Fun fact: Studies show that our brains respond to vivid imagery as if we're actually experiencing the described scene. So, by painting a detailed picture with your words, you're not just telling a story – you're triggering a sensory response in your reader's brain, making the whole experience more memorable and engaging. It's like turning your essay into a mini-vacation for your reader's mind. In this article, students who haven’t delegated their tasks to essay writers yet will find a detailed explanation of descriptive writing with the definition, tips, and examples. Stay tuned!

What Is a Descriptive Essay

A descriptive essay is a form of writing that employs vivid language and sensory details to create a vivid picture or experience for the reader. Unlike other types of essays that may focus on analyzing, persuading, or narrating, the primary goal of this type of an essay is to paint a compelling and detailed picture in the reader's mind. It often involves the writer using descriptive words, metaphors, and other literary devices to convey a sensory experience, allowing the reader to visualize, feel, hear, smell, and taste what is being described. The purpose is to evoke a strong emotional response and engage the reader's imagination, making them feel like they are part of the depicted scene or moment.

In a descriptive essay, the writer carefully selects and organizes details to convey a specific impression or mood. The subject matter can range from a personal experience to observing a place, event, or object. The effectiveness lies in the writer's ability to create a vivid and immersive experience, enabling the reader to connect with the described subject on a deeper level. Ultimately, a well-executed descriptive essay leaves a lasting impression by bringing words to life and making the reader experience the depicted elements in a tangible and memorable way. You can also consult a reflection paper example for additional writing hints.

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Description vs. Descriptive Essay

Description and descriptive essays are related concepts, but they differ in scope and form. Description is a broader term that refers to the act of detailing the characteristics or features of something, someone, or a specific situation. It can be a component of various types of writing, not limited to essays. Description can be found in narratives, expository writing, and even technical or scientific writing, where clarity and precision in detailing are crucial. In essence, description is a tool used in writing to enhance understanding and create a vivid mental image.

On the other hand, a descriptive essay is a specific genre of writing that focuses entirely on painting a comprehensive and detailed picture using descriptive language. It is a more concentrated form of expression, where the writer's primary objective is to engage the reader's senses and emotions. Our custom writers suggest that a descriptive essay typically centers around a particular theme, experience, or subject, and it employs vivid imagery, figurative language, and sensory details to create a captivating narrative. Unlike a simple description, a descriptive essay has a more structured and narrative-oriented format, often with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

What to Describe in Your Essay

In a descriptive essay, you have the opportunity to portray a particular subject vividly, and the key is to engage the reader's senses and imagination. Here are some ideas on what you can describe:

Scenic Locations. Transport your reader to a specific place – a serene beach, a bustling city street, a lush forest, or an ancient castle. Describe the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings associated with that location.
Memorable Experiences. Share a personal experience that left a lasting impression on you. It could be a significant event, a life-changing moment, or even a routine activity that holds special meaning.
People. Describe a person who has had a profound impact on your life or someone you find intriguing. Focus not only on their physical appearance but also on their personality, quirks, and the emotions they evoke.
Objects. Choose a specific object, whether it's a cherished possession, a historical artifact, or something mundane yet interesting. Explore its significance and how it makes you feel.
Seasons and Weather. Capture the essence of a particular season or weather condition. Whether it's the warmth of a summer day, the crispness of autumn, or the sound of raindrops on a window – make the reader feel the atmosphere.
Animals or Pets. Bring to life a beloved pet or an encounter with a fascinating animal. Describe their appearance, behavior, and the emotions they evoke in you.
Cultural Events. Attend a cultural event, festival, or celebration, and describe the vibrant colors, sounds, and traditions. Explore how these events make you feel and their cultural significance.
Art and Creativity. Choose a piece of art, a sculpture, or a creative work that captivates you. Dive into the details, uncovering the emotions it evokes and its impact on your perception.

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Two Approaches to Writing a Descriptive Essay

Two Classic Approaches to the Descriptive Essay

There are generally two primary approaches to writing a descriptive essay, each emphasizing a different aspect of the subject. These approaches help shape the overall tone and purpose of the essay:

Objective Approach. In the objective approach, the writer strives to provide a detailed and accurate portrayal of the subject without injecting personal emotions or opinions. This method is often employed in academic and technical writing. The focus is on presenting an unbiased, factual description that allows readers to form their own opinions. For example, if describing a historical monument, the writer would focus on architectural details, historical context, and other observable features without interjecting personal feelings.

Subjective Approach. Conversely, the subjective approach encourages the writer to infuse personal experiences, emotions, and opinions into the description. This approach is often used in creative writing, personal narratives, or essays that aim to evoke specific emotions in the reader. When using a subjective approach, the writer might vividly describe how the subject makes them feel, drawing on personal memories and sensory experiences. For instance, if describing a favorite childhood place, the writer might delve into nostalgic emotions and memories associated with that location.

The choice between these approaches depends on the writer's goals and the intended impact on the reader. Some essays may even blend elements of both approaches, providing factual details while also conveying the writer's emotional connection to the subject. The key is to be intentional in choosing the approach that best serves the purpose of the descriptive essay. Or, you can buy cheap essay to avoid the trouble now and save valuable free time.

Descriptive Essay Topics

Choosing topics for descriptive essay can greatly benefit students by helping them improve their writing skills and unleash their creativity. These assignments allow students to dive deep into a subject and practice using colorful language, vivid descriptions, and creative imagery. By focusing on details, students learn to observe the world around them more closely and appreciate the nuances of their surroundings.

Exploring various topics also allows students to expand their knowledge and understanding of different cultures, experiences, and environments, fostering empathy and a broader perspective. In essence, descriptive essay topics provide students with a valuable opportunity to develop their writing abilities while gaining a deeper appreciation for the power of language and observation.

A day at the beach.
My favorite childhood memory.
The cozy corner of my room.
A rainy day in the park.
The bustling farmer's market.
An unforgettable family gathering.
The charming old bookstore.
My pet's quirky habits.
The perfect pizza slice.
Sunrise over the city.
A peaceful forest glade.
The hectic school cafeteria.
A quiet Sunday morning.
Exploring a hidden trail.
The enchanting winter wonderland.
The lively street fair.
Inside Grandma's kitchen.
A colorful autumn day.
My favorite room in the house.
The first day of school.
A historic landmark in my town.
Sunset on the lakeshore.
The adorable neighborhood coffee shop.
A vibrant street art mural.
My most comfortable outfit.
The quaint village square.
A walk through the botanical garden.
The excitement of a carnival.
A quirky antique shop.
Sunday afternoon picnic.

If you need more ideas, consult our guide on narrative essay topics .

Descriptive Essay Outline

An outline for a descriptive essay serves as a roadmap for organizing and structuring the content of your essay to ensure a coherent and engaging narrative. Here's a simple breakdown of the typical components of a descriptive essay outline:

Descriptive Essay Introduction

Hook. Begin with a captivating opening sentence to grab the reader's attention.
Thesis Statement. Clearly state the main idea or purpose of your essay.

Body Paragraphs (usually three to four)

Topic Sentence. Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main point.
Details and Descriptions. Elaborate on the topic sentence by providing vivid and specific details, using sensory language to engage the reader's senses.
Transitions. Use smooth transitions between paragraphs to maintain the flow of the essay.
Restate Thesis. Recap the main idea of the essay without introducing new information.
Summarize Key Points. Briefly revisit the main details discussed in the body paragraphs.
Closing Statement. End with a concluding thought that leaves a lasting impression or provokes further reflection.

Review and Revise

Check for Consistency. Ensure that your descriptions are consistent and align with the overall theme.
Grammar and Style. Review your essay for grammatical errors and refine your writing style.
Peer Review. If possible, seek feedback from others to gain different perspectives on your essay.

Remember, this is a flexible descriptive essay writing framework, and the number of body paragraphs can vary based on the specific requirements of your assignment. The key to how to write a descriptive essay is to maintain a logical and organized structure that guides the reader through a rich and immersive experience of the subject you're describing.

Stages of Writing a Descriptive Essay

Writing a descriptive essay involves several stages, each crucial to the development of a vivid and engaging narrative. Here's an overview of the key stages:

Choose a Topic. Select a subject that is meaningful, interesting, and conducive to detailed description.
Brainstorming. Generate ideas related to the chosen topic, jotting down sensory details, emotions, and specific experiences associated with it.
Thesis Statement. Develop a clear thesis statement that conveys the main purpose or impression you want to leave with your readers.
Introduction. Craft an engaging introduction that hooks the reader and includes the thesis statement.
Body Paragraphs. Develop each paragraph around a specific aspect of your topic, providing detailed descriptions and utilizing sensory language.
Organization. Arrange your paragraphs logically, using a chronological, spatial, or thematic structure to guide the reader through the experience.
Transition Sentences. Use transitional sentences to ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs and ideas.
Content Review. Evaluate the effectiveness of your descriptions, ensuring they contribute to the overall theme and purpose of the essay.
Clarity and Coherence. Check for clarity and coherence in your writing, ensuring that readers can follow your narrative easily.
Sensory Language. Enhance the use of sensory language, making sure that your descriptions evoke vivid images and engage the reader's senses.
Thesis Refinement. Fine-tune your thesis statement to reflect any adjustments made during the drafting process.

Editing and Proofreading

Grammar and Punctuation. Review your essay for grammatical errors, punctuation issues, and proper sentence structure.
Consistency. Check for consistency in tense, point of view, and overall writing style.
Word Choice. Ensure that your vocabulary is precise and contributes to the richness of your descriptions.
Final Check. Conduct a final proofread to catch any remaining errors, typos, or formatting issues.
Peer Review. If possible, seek feedback from peers or instructors to gain additional perspectives on your essay.
Structure. Ensure your essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Font and Font Size. Adhere to any specific formatting guidelines provided by your instructor, including font type and size.
Margins and Spacing. Check and adjust margins and line spacing according to the formatting requirements.
Title and Headings. If required, include a title and headings, making sure they are appropriately formatted.
Citations. If using sources, ensure proper descriptive essay format according to the citation style (APA, MLA, etc.).

By following these stages, you can systematically develop and refine your essay, creating a compelling and immersive experience for your readers.

Descriptive Essay Examples

A descriptive essay example is like a practical guide for students, showing them how to write in a way that really grabs people's attention. They help students see how to use colorful language and organize their thoughts. By looking at the examples, students can understand how to make their writing more engaging and bring their ideas to life. They also inspire students to get creative and find their own unique style. Examples are like a roadmap, navigating students who google ‘ do my homework ’ through the writing world and making them more confident and expressive communicators.

Example 1: "A Tranquil Morning at Sunrise Cove"

This descriptive essay paints a vivid picture of the enchanting Sunrise Cove, capturing the serene and captivating atmosphere that unfolds during the early morning hours. From the magical transformation of the landscape bathed in the warm hues of dawn to the melodic symphony of nature's sounds, the cove emerges as a tranquil haven untouched by the hustle and bustle of modern life. Beyond its picturesque beauty, Sunrise Cove provides a space for introspection and reflection, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the peaceful ambiance and find solace in the quietude of the moment. Ultimately, the essay celebrates the profound beauty and respite offered by this hidden sanctuary as the sun continues its journey across the sky, leaving the cove awash in warmth and tranquility.

Example 2: "The Enchanting Serenity of Moonlit Beaches"

This descriptive essay explores the enchanting beauty of moonlit beaches. It vividly depicts the scene of a beach illuminated by the soft glow of the moon, emphasizing the visual, auditory, and emotional elements that contribute to its allure. The essay is structured into three main paragraphs: the silvered canvas, the symphony of silence, and a tapestry of emotions. Each paragraph delves into a specific aspect of the moonlit beach experience, from the shimmering reflections on the sand and water to the peaceful silence that reigns during the night and, finally, the emotional resonance that the scene evokes. The overall theme highlights the transformative and serene nature of moonlit beaches, portraying them as a timeless sanctuary for introspection and contemplation.

Learning how to compose descriptive essays is a powerful tool that empowers students to express themselves vividly, sharpen their observational abilities, and communicate with precision. The ability to create a sensory-rich experience on paper not only enhances academic performance but also cultivates a lifelong skill set essential for effective communication in various aspects of life.

They encourage students to delve into their surroundings, tap into their creativity, and paint a detailed picture with words. The process of carefully selecting and arranging descriptive details not only refines their writing abilities but also hones their critical thinking skills. As students engage in this form of expression, they learn to appreciate the nuances of language, fostering a deeper connection to the written word. Need help with this assignment? Use our descriptive essay writing service right now!

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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!

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.

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

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

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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Think of the last time you were completely captivated by a good story. What made it so enthralling? What caused it to take your attention from everything else? Most likely, it was the author’s use of descriptive language that helped you feel like you were actually a part of the story. You could probably imagine what it would have looked or felt like to be in each place the book described. Descriptive essays do much the same thing. They’re essays meant to engage the readers to paint a descriptive picture of the words on paper.

Let's say you are assigned to write a descriptive essay about a place, and you’re wondering where to begin. How do you make sure your essay is captivating, and passes with flying colors? In this blog, we’ll show you exactly how to write an all-star descriptive essay about a place, by covering the steps involved in writing, and the elements of how to write a great descriptive essay.

First, we will review the purpose of descriptive essays, then discuss why they are important, and we will end by sharing pro writing tips to help find the right words.

What are descriptive essays?

The goal of a descriptive essay is to be captivating, including sensory-oriented details of a person, place, experience, or object. Include this in your essay and the reader's imagination will go wherever is being described. These essays accomplish this by using vivid language, specific adjectives, and clear explanations so that the reader can personally relate. Descriptive essays are written so that readers can imagine and understand the feelings, sensations, visualizations, and sounds the author is describing.

Related how-to guide— How to write a narrative essay .

Why are descriptive essays important?

A detailed description helps readers empathize with your experience and, as an author, you can communicate this meaning. This is important because much of our academic and professional success depends on our ability to clearly, and specifically, communicate our experiences to others. We may not be writing a descriptive essay each time we communicate our experiences, but writing descriptive essays definitely strengthen our ability to convey specific details in compelling ways.

How to Use the Five Senses in an Essay | Ultius

For example, writing a descriptive essay about a place can strengthen your ability to communicate your work expertise to your next potential employer; or to write your life experiences in a compelling way in your next scholarship essay (learn how to write a scholarship essay ).

Perhaps you’d like to write your own book some day or craft your own advertising campaigns using your business degree—both of which are more successful when the reader can empathize with your writing. You’ll use descriptive language to succeed at both!

Choosing a descriptive essay topic

Descriptive essays can be written about many topics. One of the most common assignments you may receive is to write a descriptive essay about a place. Here are a few descriptive writing example topics you might choose:

Who writes descriptive essays?

Being able to write well is a skill for any career you're pursuing whether it be business, arts, marketing, education, or even medicine!

Students in these areas will be assigned to write a descriptive essay at some point during their high school or undergraduate careers:

Language arts students
Literature and cultural studies students
Social studies students
Psychology students

Finding the right words for an engaging essay can be challenging. Plus, many students are pressed for time, juggling work, family, and extracurricular activities on top of trying to complete assignments. If you can identify, this blog will help get you started.

When your future career depends on it, you want to feel confident and proud of your work instead of overwhelmed by it. Practicing smart time management and finding the writing help you need, when you need it, is important.

Elements of a great descriptive essay

Before we dive into how to write a descriptive essay, let’s review some key elements that will help you paint a picture in writing:

Clear organization

Effective descriptive essays are clearly organized. In other words, the reader is able to easily understand why she or he is reading the essay, the place the essay will describe, and what the purpose of the description is. This is accomplished by organizing the essay into and introduction, body and conclusion.

Introduction: A captivating hook

The opening of your essay is one of the most important parts because it interests readers. Start with a captivating introductory paragraph. One way to do this is by using anecdotes to grab readers’ attention. Anecdotes are short stories that can be used literally or metaphorically to help readers relate to what you’re going to write about.

For example, an anecdote that opens an essay with descriptive words about what it’s like to be working in the middle of busy production factory might read:

“Imagine every appliance in your house is turned on—your vacuum cleaner, your blender, your fans—and imagine on top of all that, you hear airplanes and helicopters flying overhead and cars buzzing by outside. Meanwhile, you’re trying to focus on your tasks…”

This type of anecdote accomplishes two key things: First, it engages the reader and helps them personally relate to your essay by asking them to imagine. Second, it immediately clarifies the type of place you’re going to write about.

Build your essay with strong imagery. Capture the time, date, weather, and mood of the place.

The introduction paragraph should end by explaining the place the rest of the essay is going to describe and why. This includes any key setting logistics like time, specific location, and who’s involved.

Body: Full of specifics and adjectives

Anecdotes are also helpful in the body paragraphs of a descriptive essay, for the same reasons noted above. The body of a great descriptive essay about a place should be packed full of vivid, sensory language. During the body of a descriptive essay, the reader gains a clear image and understanding of the place being described, as if he or she were actually there. To accomplish this, the body paragraphs use descriptive adjectives and colorful phrases such as, “The chaotic, clashing noise was deafening,” or, “The scent of freshly fallen rain cleansed the sunlit air, and I could see the horizon for miles.”

Use one or two strong adjectives to convey descriptions in your sentences. This creates a flow throughout the entire essay. Be sure to note, not every sentence requires an adjective or adverb.

If you’re having trouble with finding adjectives and adverbs, use strong action verbs instead.

Conclusion: Reminding readers of the meaning

Just as the introduction of a descriptive essay previews what place will be written about and why, the conclusion reminds readers of what was just described and why it’s important. The key is to not sound redundant. For instance, while the introductory paragraph hooks readers and then tells them what they can expect to read, the conclusion summarizes what was written and leaves readers with thought-provoking ideas to consider, helping them to understand how the essay may relate to their lives, or why it’s important to the reader.

Revisiting the production factory introduction example, the same essay’s conclusion may summarize with a statement highlighting the essay’s takeaways, such as, “The chaos and noise of the factory made it difficult to focus, but after working there for five years, I learned how to overcome that challenge. Now I can focus in even the most noisy of places.”

Steps to writing a great descriptive essay

1) choose a topic.

Depending on the purpose of your descriptive essay assignment, you may have varying flexibility in terms of what place you can choose to write about. Nonetheless, try to choose a topic that vividly stands out in your memory. The more you can remember about a place and how it felt, the better your descriptive paper is likely to be. For example, if you’re assignment asks you to write about a place you’ve traveled to, what destination comes to mind first? Perhaps it’s a foreign country. Or, if you haven’t traveled much, it could even be a different town.

2) Observe the details

If you’re writing about a place you’re currently at or can easily visit, spend time observing the details. Watch what the scenery looks like, including colors and objects. What sounds do you hear? What’s the temperature? What scents do you notice? How do you feel being there? All these questions will help guide your descriptive flow writing process (step six).

If you’re writing about a place you visited in the past, ask yourself the same questions. Perhaps look at old photos to jog your memory. Finally, if you’re asked to describe a place you’ve never been, use your imagination to answer similar questions. The more time you take to list details about what your place feels like, the easier the next steps will be.

3) Understand why your place is important

Ask yourself why you think it is important to share this with your readers. Having a clear understanding of your essays’ importance will not only help you write your introduction and conclusion, but it will also help you stay focused on describing the details that matter most.

4) Outline and organize your writing

Now it’s time to begin the actual descriptive writing process by organizing your ideas into an outline . Your outline doesn’t have to be formal; just a simple numbered list of points to include in your introduction, body and conclusion will suffice. This will guide your writing process and keep you focused.

5) Start with the introduction

Remember step number one and three, “your topic ” and “why your place is important?” Those are the two main highlights you’ll want to make clear in your introductory paragraph. When writing your introduction, be sure it explains what you’re about to describe and why you’re going to write about it.

6) Write the body in free-flow style

The body paragraph of your essay can sometimes be the most difficult part, depending on length, a great way to start is by free-flow writing. This means that you simply start writing your detailed description of the place you’re writing about, without editing or analyzing as you write. This often helps to overcome writer’s block while making sure that all the critical details you jotted down in step two, “observe the details,” get down on paper and into the body of your essay. You’ll be able to go back later and edit the body of your paper for organization, flow and grammar. As long as you start your free-flow within the bullet points of the outline you created, the process will be relatively simple and easy.

7) Revise the body of your essay

Now it’s time to go back and be sure all the free-flow writing you just did is clear, makes sense and follows your original outline. You may need to re-arrange a few sentences or even paragraphs. This is also a great time to check for spelling and grammar errors.

Next, read the body paragraph of your essay and pretend you’re someone else reading it for the first time. How does it sound? Does it make sense and flow? If not, ask yourself what would make your descriptions more understandable for the reader. Finally, remember that not every sentence of your descriptive essay needs to sound fancy, artistic, or be long. Vary your sentence length, breaking up long sentences with short sentences to make reading easier. Use exciting language, but don’t over-do it or adjectives will lose their power.

8) Finish your essay strong

Writing a strong conclusion is key to leaving a lasting impression with your readers. A great way to conclude your descriptive essay about a place is to reiterate, in a new way, how the place you’re describing impacted you and why you believe it’s important. You can also describe what you hope readers may learn from your essay.

9) Proofread your work

You can never re-read your essay too many times. Proofread your work at least twice for spelling and grammar errors. It’s often helpful to read your writing out loud, since that slows the reading process and helps us catch errors we may otherwise overlook.

Steps for writing a narrative essay | Ultius

Also, don’t be afraid to ask a friend to proof your work. If you’re still stuck or need help, the writing center has tons of resources just for you like expert advice, essay examples, and more.

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How To Write A Descriptive Essay?

26 April, 2020

11 minutes read

Author: Tomas White

Descriptive essay is one of the hardest forms of writing. To master descriptive writing, you must be creative and craft a scene that all readers can picture with words alone. This freedom and creativity can make it one of the most rewarding and fun essays to write. It is the backbone of all artful writing like poetry, novels, and even television scripts. We prepared this guide for You to learn all you need to know about descriptive writing. Let's start!

What is a Descriptive Essay?

The goal of a descriptive essay is simple, choose a subject and describe it. The subject could be anything:

A descriptive essay is all about describing the subject in great detail. Being a type of expository writing , it gives you great freedom to paint a picture with your words, shares a once in a lifetime event with the reader or makes them feel something. It is better to choose a descriptive essay topic that has lots of qualities to discuss for example a person might have a more interesting feature to describe than a paper towel. Choose a subject you connect with emotionally or have a personal history with. The best descriptions come from retelling an experience.

The Difference Between Descriptive and Narrative Essays

The main difference between descriptive and narrative essays lies in the structure and purpose of the essay. A descriptive essay is used to describe a subject to present a clear picture of it. As such, it only requires you to describe the item in a logic fashion. A narrative essay’s purpose is to tell a story. As such, it requires a plot and logical progression to an outcome. A person’s face can be the subject of a descriptive essay. But it would be hard to write a narrative piece that follows the person’s face as the central plot of a story.

Showing VS Telling

A descriptive essay values details over facts. This is also known as showing vs. telling. To show something is to describe using the five senses, how it looks, how it smells, how it tastes, how it feels and how it sounds. Imagine the reader as an alien, who has never experienced the subject for themselves. How would you describe it then?

To give you an understanding of how to differentiate between showing and telling I’ll write an example of a descriptive paper that describes my favorite place.

The above example tells you, as it doesn’t evoke any of your senses. It is a senseless description . It’s vague and hard to imagine.

This description is more detail and easier to imagine because of the following changes:

The choice of words like ‘haven’ instead of ‘like’ add a showing element as it is showing in what way I like the library.
Putting describers before items like ‘brightly colored’ books makes it easier to see.
And choosing words with more like ‘towering’ instead of ‘tall’ makes the description less full.
The description of the books shows what they do, not what they are. These are important points to consider when writing a descriptive essay.

A good exercise for descriptive writing and is to read descriptive essay examples and pick out the words that do the four points outlined above. Analyzing other’s descriptive writing will make your own descriptive work stronger. Can you pick out another place in the descriptive essay example above where those four changes occur and what it lends to the description?

Still having problems with your descriptive paper? All you need is to request help from our top-notch essay writing service and our essay writer make it for you !

How to Choose a Descriptive Essay Topic?

When deciding what to highlight about your topic, take a step back and look at what draws you to it. A campfire has bright, flickering colors, a satisfying crackling sound, and a sort of flow as it moves from the bottom to the tip of the flame. Place yourself in proximity to the subject and describe the parts that stimulate your senses the most.

Title Examples of Descriptive Essays

Here are some examples of descriptive essay topics that are fun to write:

Pick something you can see right now and think about how you’d describe that.

Related Posts: Argumentative essay topics | Compare&Contrast essay topics

How to Set Up a Proper Description?

Slow down and think about what you want to invoke. Don’t rush into a description or you’ll likely end up with something weaker than you could have. Take your topic aside and write some sentences describing how it charms each sense – the five senses being:

Keep a thesaurus on hand to switch some of the more basic words out. If you can read your paragraph back and vividly imagine the item you’ve described, you’ve done it.

How to write a Descriptive Essay Outline

Starting your descriptive essay without a plan can lead to a messy and sprawling description. Learning to outline your ideas is just as important as knowing how to write them.

Related Posts: How to write an Essay outline | How to write an Essay introduction

Creating an Introduction for a Descriptive Writing

Once you have chosen the subject to write you need to plan the introduction for your descriptive paper. An introduction needs to include a thesis statement and three features of the thing you are describing. The introduction should start with a thesis statement that states how you feel about your topic. This should then be supported with three qualities defining those feelings.

These thesis statements aren’t meant to be complex. All they’re meant to do is to set up your reader for your descriptions. It is important to include three reasons that you can expand on describe in great detail as they will form the paragraphs of your descriptive paper.

Planning and Writing the Body of a Descriptive Essay

Looking at your thesis statement, take those three reasons and break them down into their own paragraphs. Describe hanging out with your friends at the beach, talk about the food you’d eat, the activities you’d participate in. Detail what huskies do when they’re energetic, what shows that they get along with other dogs?

It helps to write about each way you can describe an item on a separate sheet of paper. Use that sheet as your descriptive essay outline. Take each item and write what sense you can use to describe the item in each paragraph.

For example, if you want to talk about eating a popsicle on the beach you could include how cold against your tongue for touch, that it smelt and tasted like raspberries, it was a bright red, and shaped like a rocket for sight, and the sound you made it as you bit on it, or the sound you made as it rocketed into your mouth. Expand this into a paragraph keeping the most vivid description.

Force your reader to imagine these objects in their head. Help them visualize it, pour your vision into the paper and focus on both the small and the big details. Just don’t go overboard. It’s important to have a few great descriptors rather than a ton of average ones.

When describing an object, go about it in a practical sense. Don’t just throw details on the page, talk about them in order. Describe a mountain from its peak to it’s middle all the way down to its base. You wouldn’t go from the middle to the base to the peak, would you? This way, you’re keeping your reader engaged with the topic.

Concluding a Descriptive Essay

Concluding descriptive writing is easy. All you have to show why the subject you described is important to you. All you have to do is show the reader what you implied. Show why it has meaning, and why they should care.

Descriptive Essay Example

Drafting your essay.

Make sure that your essay responds to these questions

Where the organization comes to fruition. When writing your essay, keep the reader in your head at all times. Constantly as yourself: “Is this vivid enough?” Don’t focus much on grammar, get the content onto the paper.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Once you’ve finished writing your essay, read it back and make sure it responds positively to each of these questions:

Are these descriptions making my writing visual? Could I make them more vivid?
Have I used these descriptions to detail my emotions to the reader?
Do these descriptions convey each of the five senses?
Have I gone into enough details in each paragraph?
Are my descriptions in an orderly fashion?

If you believe your essay fits these criteria, then you’re good to go on the content side.

Perfecting the Essay

Read it through a couple more times. Take some time away from it and then come back with a fresh mindset. Correct any grammar issues you see, and double check that it answers all of the questions mentioned above. Once that’s done, you’ll have an essay worthy of an A+ grade.

From Our Writers: Tips on How to Write a Good Descriptive Essay

Be sensitive. Some writers are scared to show their true selves, but the point of a descriptive essay is to talk about how an object affects your senses and emotions. Keep this in mind during all stages of the essay.
Put effort into unique descriptions. Don’t settle for standard words, spend some time searching out alternatives to common descriptive words. It will only help the reader envision your thoughts.
Write about something that you care about. If you choose something you don’t have much personal experience with, you can’t truly write from the heart.

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Guide to Writing a Descriptive Essay about a Place with an Example

This article will teach you step-by-step how to write a descriptive essay about a place . You will find a full guideline on how to start a descriptive essay about a place, structure and proofread it in this article as well as an example that will demonstrate all of these guidelines in practice.

How to Start a Descriptive Essay About a Place

The first step to writing a descriptive essay about a place is to create a draft. Write down the name of the place you want to describe and then proceed to the following steps:

1 Brainstorm the ideas you want to include in your essay

Location of the place
How you found out about it or why you visited it
If it is your favorite place, explain why
Your own feelings about the place
Remarkable details and facts about the place

This way, you will be able to determine the most important facts about the place that you will cover in your essay and organize them.

Gather available information about a place

If you are not aware of the background of the place you are going to write about, it is important to find out everything you can.

Here is a comprehensive list of questions that might be relevant to your own essay:

Is it a tourist attraction in the area?
What architecture style do buildings have?
When were they built?
Who was the architect?
How do local people call this place?
What kinds of trees/plants/animals can be found there?
Has any famous persona lived there?
What is the weather like in this place?
Are there any particular elements of the landscape you noticed (mountain, river, etc.)?
Do you have any stories told by the locals and/or your friends and family about the place?

The answers to some of these questions can be further incorporated into your essay and help make it more engaging for readers.

3 Use five senses to write a descriptive essay about a place

Nothing can help a reader to imagine a place more than feelings and emotions connected with it. Use your own five senses to grasp the mood and ambiance of a place and merge them into your essay. Describing your own feelings of sight , touch, smell, sound , and taste , to provide your readers with understanding how it is like to be there.

Despite that we get the majority of information about the environment through visual perception other senses are equally important for creating a full picture. Imagine watching a music video without a sound or shopping for a winter coat without touching any – that is same tough as trying to imagine a particular place without having the information from other senses than eyesight.

Here is a list of things you can describe in your essay that refer to five senses:

1. Shapes of objects and landscape elements (sharp, rounded, spiky, etc.)

2. Scents and aromas you associate with the place (the smell of freshly mown grass, brewed coffee, smoke, blooming flowers, etc.)

3. Feelings you get from the sense of touch (feeling of wind on skin, rough texture of tree bark, cold water, etc.)

4. Sounds you hear in this place (chirping birds, a rustle of leaves, sound of water flowing, bell ringing, music, etc.)

5 . The sense of taste you associate with the place (taste of the food you’ve tried there, local specialty description, coffee you’ve had there, etc.)

Consider your own senses and memories about feelings you’ve had in that place as a source of information.

4 Expand your vocabulary

Vivid descriptions are the most effective at setting the mood and drawing a picture of a place for readers of your essay, so make the best out of it by expanding your vocabulary. While describing many objects, use vocabulary to solve the problem of finding synonyms and antonyms to avoid repetitions.

Another important aspect is describing colors. Malevich used only black for his iconic Black Square painting, but unless you are describing a place with your eyes closed, using one color won’t do any good.

Did you know there is such color as Ferrari red? Here you can find an exciting list of color names that will help you bring your essay language to another level of richness. Write down all colors you think are appropriate for specific objects in the place you describe in your draft.

Writing a Descriptive Essay About a Place

If you have followed the steps above, you have around 70-75% of your work done – congrats! Now it is time to organize and structure your essay to make sure it is consistent and easy to follow. Below you will find steps that will help you accomplish that.

1 Introduction for a descriptive essay about a place

Start your introduction with a hook – a catchy sentence that will instantly grab readers’ attention. A hook can contain a relevant quote, idiom, reference to your own feelings about a place.

Here you can find some interesting quotes about a place that can help you get started or inspire you to create a catchy hook.

Then briefly introduce the place you are to write about: state if it is your favorite place or you have visited it, and why you decided to write about it.Here, you can include one of the facts or interesting details you have found out about this place earlier, while starting to write the essay. Create a thesis statement about a place that provides a quintessence of your essay.

2 Writing the main part of a descriptive essay about a place

The main part of your essay is where you can fully uncover all your thoughts about the place, your experiences, and feelings. Make sure that the central part of the essay is consistent and you describe one object or topic at a time.

If you struggle on what to begin with in the main part of your essay, try to start with surroundings of the place or its background. This will help you set the atmosphere and mood for the readers and make describing the place easier.

Devote each paragraph to the specific topic and describe everything that is connected to it, including your own perception and feelings. Use feeling adjectives that describe your own feelings associated with the place and will help translate that mood to your readers.

3 Conclusion for descriptive essay about a place

Conclusion will summarize your essay without introducing new ideas. Restate your thesis statement in the conclusion to remind your readers of the core idea of your essay. Keep in mind that your thesis in the introduction may become irrelevant while writing the main part, so make sure to revise it and tie introduction, main part, and conclusion together.

How to Proofread a Descriptive Essay About a Place

Here is a list of steps you need to take in order to proofread your descriptive essay:

1. Reread your essay carefully, paying attention to the train of thought

2. Make sure there are no repetitions – use synonyms where possible

3. Check the length of paragraphs – they should be consistent in length

4. Check sentence length – too long sentences are hard to follow

5. Check consistency – your essay should cover topics

6 . Make sure your descriptive essay has your personal approach rather than a mere description of a place

Example of a Descriptive Essay About a Place

Central Market Hall in Budapest, Hungary

Lailah Gifty Akita, the founder of Smart Youth Volunteers Foundation, once said that “We travel to see the beauty of souls in new landscapes.” For me, traveling to Budapest, Hungary, truly uncovered the beauty built in history and the souls of people who live there. Central Market Hall in Budapest, or as locals call it Nagyvásárcsarnok, has unexpectedly become the highlight of my trip and a place that stunned me the most. The Central Market Hall is located on a picturesque street Váci utca and not far from metro station Kálvin tér. The building looks like it has been built as a castle rather than a market and is fascinating to view. The most captivating element of the building is, by all means, its roof, which is made of Zsolnay tiles brought here from Pécs city in Hungary. The colors of the tiles are contrasting shades of yellow, blue, and turquoise, that form diamond shape pattern. If you are lucky to visit this place in a sunny day as I was, you will be able to discern the variety of shades used, including ecru, mustard yellow, saffron, teal, pine green, and orchid tiles. Altogether, the roof of this building, as well as its neo-Gothic entrance gate style, create an almost fairytale vibe to this place. As much as I was fascinated by the facade of the Central Market Hall, I was stunned even more by the interior and ambiance of it on the inside, which looks like a miniature city jammed in one building. The streets with market stalls seem endless same as the rows of products, including sausages, spices, meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and beverages, such as traditional Hungarian alcoholic drink pálinka, which is a fruit brandy. Despite that the majority of signs are in Hungarian, it is easy for foreigners to find what they are looking for even without knowing the language because sellers are cheerful and ready to assist. The air in the building is filled with a variety of smells and noises. While approaching any stall, I could sense the aroma of spices, especially paprika, which is highly popular in Hungarian national cuisine. The scent of fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, meats, sausages, and herbs make this place a gastronomical paradise for gourmets. On the second floor the market also has a variety of food stalls where visitors can try traditional Hungarian foods, such as langos – one of the most popular street foods here. The Central Market Hall is also a noisy place with a lot of people selling and buying, which adds to the experience of being there. This building has a very special vibe where everyone is welcome and can have a great sense of belonging. Overall, this place has its own unforgettable ambiance that is created by architecture, aromas, sounds, and colors. Central Market Hall is surely one of my most memorable tourist spots in Budapest and a must-see for everyone visiting this beautiful city.

1. Don’t be afraid to be emotional in your essay and express your own perception

2. Feel free to edit your draft as many times as needed

3. Check pictures and photographs of the place you are to describe to refresh your memory

4. Use outlines to organize your thoughts

5. Write your introduction last – this way you will be able to coordinate it with the main part and conclusion and achieve consistency

research paper topics for college students

How to write a descriptive essay about a place?

Essay describing a place is one of the main papers you need to write at college. The purpose of this type of paper is to develop a topic through details. If you have an opportunity to go to the place you want to describe, it would be helpful. Observation supported by sensations will allow creating a powerful paper expanding readers imagination and triggering emotions. The goal will be reached.

We all have a beautiful location in our mind that means something. The assignment has to include a clear description of the place and to draw its picture in readers' mind. In this article, we are giving tips on how to write a descriptive essay about a place that impacted you and how to get a high grade.

Guide to composing a descriptive essay about your favorite place

Introduction . Start the essay by making readers curious. An interesting fact or an anecdote creates a certain mood and grabs readers’ attention. Consider what can draw readers’ attention and make them follow your story. Mention the name, address, and give the reason why it has a soft spot in your heart.
Main part – description . The body of the essay has to describe emotions regarding the place. All the feelings, tastes, smells, and sights describing your favorite place help readers to imagine. A lot of students write about locations they used to go with parents and grandparents in their childhood. It can be a country home or a caravan you used to stay at. Describe nature, colors of trees, the smell of flowers and fresh grass, the sound of river and birds singing, the look of neighborhood area, taste of the food you used to enjoy.
Such details heat the imagination and help to transfer readers to the location you describe. For example, you can get inspiration from the following sentences: “The house we went to every summer was on the hill covered with little trees I used to sit under during hot sunny days. I still cannot forget the smell of fresh bread my grandmother used to bake every day. Even when I went fishing with my father by the river that was 200 meters away from our house, we could smell pastry, and we knew it was time to pack our rods and go for lunch.”
Conclusion . A winning essay has to be meaningful. Learn how to describe a place in an essay by expressing thoughts and feelings. A good paper should make readers excited and curious about visiting the area. The fact that the location made a difference in writer's life has to be proved. Tell how this experience changed you and provide a clear example.

Extra tips on descriptive writing about my favorite place

Consider some more tips for creating such type of college assignment.

Choose one idea that will be visible in all paragraphs of the paper.
Create the list of questions about the taste, sight, touch, smell, and sound of your topic, then answer them. The more questions, the better description.
Write the list of feelings and sensations related to the place you describe. Use expositive words to make a paper rich.
Find interesting facts about the area if it is well-known. Historical and unique facts bring more attention to the topic.
If you have a few places to talk about and cannot choose one, write down ideas and see which place you can describe as clearly as possible.
Writing a descriptive essay on a place is an art and you need to learn how to do it. Review photos of the location to refresh your memory and give a better description.
Create an outline and follow the plan. This helps authors to stick to structure and make an essay look professional.
Remind readers the idea of writing an assignment in a sentence with the thesis statement in conclusion.
Review and edit an essay to make sure it does not contain errors, and there are no parts that take readers away from the topic. Avoid slang and clichés.
Give it to someone to read. Someone else's opinion can be helpful. Moreover, someone can spot mistakes you did not notice.

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How to Write a Descriptive Essay?

If you were wondering - 'what is a descriptive essay?', then our helpful guide will clear all your confusion. Our experts from the descriptive essay writing service explain the descriptive essay definition as a writing type that calls for the authors to explain specific objects, people, memories, events, places, or experiences. It should appeal to the reader’s senses to help them create this experience. For example, a descriptive essay about the beach can use the following descriptions - the sounds of the waves and birds, the smell of the sea, the feel of the ocean spray, the color of the sea against the sky, and even the taste of the salt in the air. This gives the reader more than just an understanding of the beach; it helps them feel the setting as they are right there. Now, let's explore the descriptive essay writing specifics and get familiar with some useful techniques!

Meanwhile if you want unique ideas for a descriptive essay, contact our paper writing service to provide you with excellent descriptive essay topics!

How to Start a Descriptive Essay?

To begin, you need to have a few descriptive essay topic options. According to custom writing experts, popular description subjects include a person, a place, an experience, or a memory. Once your theme is chosen, you will begin your outline, much like any other essay. Your outline is where you chart your topic, examples, and details in the relevant order to help create a flow of information and details before you begin descriptive writing.

Descriptive Essays about a Place

Descriptive essays about a place are common because when talking about a specific place, you're naturally trying to create an experience for your reader. So with this descriptive essay example, you will explain how it looks, smells, feels, sounds, etc., enhancing it with concrete details and figurative language. An example would be the beach essay referenced earlier in this article. When writing about the beach, you can talk about how all your senses experience the beach. Similar descriptive essay examples about a place include:

Describing your favorite vacation spot
Your dream house in detail
Painting a picture of the neighborhood you grew up in on a summer day

The end goal for a descriptive essay about a place is to help the reader feel like they are there, seeing the things you’ve seen, and experiencing the location just as you did.

Meanwhile, if you need some help with other assignments, use our nursing essay writing services . Don't forget to check out our essay service review to feel confident in us!

Descriptive Essays about a Person

Descriptive essays about a person are very common as well. The following are great examples:

Your mom or dad
A role model
Your favorite celebrity
Your childhood or current best friend

And the list goes on. Your essay should include descriptions of how the person looks, a scent that may be associated with them, like a favorite perfume or cologne they wear, how their voice sounds, and how their hand feels when you hold or shake it or even the feel of their hair. There are many ways to incorporate the five senses that help the reader feel like they have met the person and can visualize them.

Descriptive Essays about an Experience or Memory

A descriptive essay can also be about an experience. Describing your dream wedding or even your actual wedding is a great example of a descriptive essay about an experience. A helpful list of descriptive essay ideas and topics can be found here. As long as you include details in a way that helps the reader to not only visualize the wedding but to feel like they were there listening to the music, tasting the food, dancing with friends, etc. it is a descriptive essay. Additional topics for descriptive essays about memories include:

Your earliest childhood memory
Your first day of school
What happened the first time you drove a car

Outline for a Descriptive Essay

A descriptive essay format is much like any other essay where you need to capture the reader’s attention. The best way to do that is with an 'attention grabber' thesis statement. This can be the first sentence in the introductory paragraph that evoke personal feelings in your reader. Next, you need to present the topic in your descriptive essay introduction. Whether it’s a memory, object, person, or place, you need to establish the topic and why it’s relevant without giving away all the exciting information. Then, to follow the topic, you need to include a description and why it may be relevant or interesting to the reader. Remember to keep it exciting with a clear and concise language to keep your audience engaged.

Finally, you need to include what is known as “sensory language”. This is how you incorporate the five senses into your essay. By using key details and descriptions you can relate your topic to all five senses, or as many of the senses as possible, to create that experience for your reader. When using sensory language you can go so far beyond just telling a story and for the reader, it is much more interesting than reading a plain story. With sensory language the reader gets to imagine they are there, going through the experience or seeing the object or at the place you are describing. It is much more of an exciting literary experience reading a descriptive essay than any other type of essay.

How to Conclude

The last section in your descriptive essay outline is the conclusion. Here, you want to do more than simply restating your topic and details. Once you have given all the information about your subject, your conclusion allows the reader to reflect on those details. Why is this topic important? This is your chance to tell them! Explain the reasoning behind your topic. Why did you write about that? Why does that experience, person, etc., stand out to you, and why should they matter to the reader? Finally, the conclusion gives you a chance to offer all that information to your readers.

Another unique aspect of a descriptive essay conclusion is the second 'attention grabber.' You hooked the audience at the beginning with a statement that excited them to continue reading. This same idea should be used in your conclusion to help readers to remember your entire essay. Rather than just reading, enjoying it, and moving on, you want your essay to permeate your readers' mind and stay there for a long time. By closing with a statement that reinforces the ideas you’ve written about but is also thought-provoking and profound, readers will think about your essay long after they’ve read it. After all, isn’t that always our goal when writing?

More Academic Help

When writing a descriptive essay, or any kind of paper for that matter, it is always a good idea to read other examples. This way, you can see how others are using descriptive language, how their paper flows, etc. If you need such examples, order essay samples from our descriptive essay writer pros and review them in more detail.

Writing a sample of descriptive essay can be daunting when you’re struggling with the topic. You might be unsure how to incorporate the senses into your text, help paint an even more vivid picture of your topic, or hook your audience to entice them to read and remember your essay. However, it doesn’t have to be. With the information and links provided in this article and the help from some professional essay writers , your next descriptive essay writing experience should be a breeze.

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Descriptive Essay Writing

Descriptive Essay Examples

Amazing Descriptive Essay Examples for Your Help

Published on: Jun 21, 2023

Last updated on: Mar 1, 2024

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 readerâs 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 someoneâs 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.

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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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Descriptive Essay About A Place
A descriptive essay is a type of writing that aims to describe and portray an object, person, or place. The essay typically includes sensory details to help the reader imagine its contents more vividly. Descriptive essays can be written about a person, place, or other themes like nature, autumn, food, or even yourself.
How to Write a Descriptive Essay about a Place
Step 4. Write the introduction. An introductory paragraph in a descriptive essay offers you a lot of flexibility in how you choose to write it. You can start off with a particular example of a sense perception, drop your reader in the middle of a town square, or begin with an abstract concept.
How to Write a Descriptive Essay
Descriptive essay example. 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.
How to Start a Descriptive Essay: 12 Steps (with Pictures)
A descriptive essay should give the reader a clear image of a person, object, place, or event. The essay should have good descriptions and vivid sensory details. You may need to write a descriptive essay for a class or decide to try out the form for fun. To start a descriptive essay, begin by brainstorming topics and outlining the essay.
How to Write a Descriptive Essay: 14 Steps (with Pictures)
Once you have chosen your topic, draw five columns on a piece of paper or a word document on your computer. Then, label each column for the five senses, "touch," "sight," "sound," "taste," and "smell.". Write down as many details you can think of for the topic based on each sense.
Descriptive Essay
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.
How to Write a Descriptive Essay
We have a few helpful tips to share. 1. Brainstorming and Organizing Your Ideas. Your first step should be to brainstorm ideas. Think about the qualities of what you're describing. As well as physical qualities, make notes about any thoughts, memories, and emotions you associate with your subject matter. This brainstorming will give you the ...
How to Write a Descriptive Essay About a Place
Transport readers with descriptive and concise words that impart your own vision of a place. Write an introduction paragraph in the present tense that accurately describes what motivated you to select this particular place for the descriptive essay. The paragraph must be at least two sentences and explicitly mention the full name of the location.
How to Write a Descriptive Essay
How to Start a Descriptive Essay. Making sure you choose the right topic is the first hurdle to cross. A topic for a descriptive essay is vital because it is the main subject you will be writing about. Spend at least 20 minutes brainstorming different topic ideas and make sure you choose a topic that you know well.
How to Write a Descriptive Essay in 7 Steps
The writing tips below can provide a step-by-step template for writing descriptive essays. 1. Choose a specific topic. Strong descriptive essays remain focused at all times. Settle on the purpose of the essay before you begin outlining or writing. It may be appropriate to summarize your main idea in a thesis statement.
How To Write A Descriptive Essay About A Place, with Outline
Outline example. Introduction. Hook sentence with detailed descriptions that grabs the reader's attention. Brief background about the place. Sensory descriptions of the place. Body paragraph. Section 1. Topic sentence that supports the thesis statement. Describe the place by the name and the exact location.
How to Write a Descriptive Essay: Writing Tips & Examples
To start a descriptive essay, begin by describing an event, place, object, or person in the opening sentence to engage the reader's attention. Then provide relevant information to support your description, compile pertinent information on the topic, and create an outline prior to writing body paragraphs and a conclusion summarizing the essay.
Descriptive Essays
A descriptive essay is a form of writing that employs vivid language and sensory details to create a vivid picture or experience for the reader. Unlike other types of essays that may focus on analyzing, persuading, or narrating, the primary goal of this type of an essay is to paint a compelling and detailed picture in the reader's mind.
How to Write a Descriptive Essay About a Person or Place
As the author, you will be required to convey the physical and, more importantly, the emotional attributes of the person or the place you are describing. To grab your reader's attention for your essay, your descriptions have to be interesting. But don't forget about the structure of the essay itself. It is crucial that it has a captivating ...
What is a Descriptive Essay? How to Write It (with Examples)
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.
Guide to a Perfect Descriptive Essay [Examples & Outline Included]
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.
How to Write a Descriptive Essay
1) Be specific. The more specific you are, the more readers will be able to relate to your descriptions. For example, "The heat outside made me feel sluggish and exhausted" is a more effective description than, "It was so hot outside.". 2) Write first, edit later. Break writer's block by writing unedited.
Descriptive Essay: Topics, Outline and Writing Tips
Descriptive essay is one of the hardest forms of writing. To master descriptive writing, you must be creative and craft a scene that all readers can picture with words alone. This freedom and creativity can make it one of the most rewarding and fun essays to write. It is the backbone of all artful writing like poetry, novels, and even ...
All You Need for Writing Descriptive Essay (+ Examples)
Here is a list of things you can describe in your essay that refer to five senses: 1. Shapes of objects and landscape elements (sharp, rounded, spiky, etc.) 2. Scents and aromas you associate with the place (the smell of freshly mown grass, brewed coffee, smoke, blooming flowers, etc.) 3.
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 ...
How to write a descriptive essay about a place?
Choose one idea that will be visible in all paragraphs of the paper. Create the list of questions about the taste, sight, touch, smell, and sound of your topic, then answer them. The more questions, the better description. Write the list of feelings and sensations related to the place you describe. Use expositive words to make a paper rich.
How to Write a Descriptive Essay: Topics, Outline, Examples
How to Start a Descriptive Essay? To begin, you need to have a few descriptive essay topic options. According to custom writing experts, popular description subjects include a person, a place, an experience, or a memory. ... The end goal for a descriptive essay about a place is to help the reader feel like they are there, seeing the things you ...
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.

Writing a Descriptive Essay About A Place - Guide With Examples

Understanding Descriptive Essays

Examples of Descriptive Essay About Any Place

Tips for Writing an Excellent Descriptive Essay About A Place

Choose The Right Topic

Gather Information

Structure Your Essay

Include Sensory Details

Use Vivid Language

Proofread Your Essay

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How to Write a Descriptive Essay about a Place

What Is a Descriptive Essay?

Writing a Descriptive Essay Is a 6-Step Process

Step 2. Pick an audience

Step 3. Divide the subject into subtopics

Step 4. Write the introduction

Step 5. Write the body of the essay

Step 6. Write the conclusion

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How to Write a Descriptive Essay

1. Brainstorming and Organizing Your Ideas