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Descriptive essays fill a particular niche in academic writing, and there are a few defining features to them.
So what is the descriptive essay definition? How does it differ from other types (narrative, informative, persuasive, etc.) of essays?
Let’s outline the definition and generate some tips on how to write a descriptive essay from scratch.
Oddly enough,”descriptive essay” is pretty much self-explanatory. Your primary task is to describe something using vivid and colorful language.
Writing descriptive essays is an excellent way to practice creative writing and simply doing it from time to time is great fun. If you’re unsure about something you’ve recently seen or experienced, try to put it to writing. The process tends to put things into proper perspective.
What is also excellent about these kinds of essays is that you’re not bound to a single topic/subject; you can choose to write about pretty much anything.
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In a sense, your selected topic doesn’t matter that much, what matters here is how well you describe it — personal feelings, experiences, and emotions are the key component.
The process of organizing your thoughts
These essays are always highly personal.
The author is obliged to use descriptive words and phrases to assess a particular term/place/person.
Your goal is to make the audience “feel” by using the most fleshed out details you can – make them emotionally attached to the object of your writing.
The full definition of a descriptive essay is not complete without a couple of example topics. What are the best descriptive essay topics?
You can write descriptive essays on:
- Your favorite meal. Describe the consistency, smell, taste, how it looks and so on. Pay close attention to adjectives you’re using.
- Your most recent or favorite memory. It may be difficult to recall the specifics of a long-gone experience, but at least there is some room for creative output.
- Your most used electronic appliance. Concentrate on the appearance and functionality.
- Your strongest childhood experience. Even though this slightly overlaps with our second example of this list, it is more specific.
- Describe your family member. Mother, father, grandparents and siblings. Concentrate on their appearance. Describe their mannerisms and idiosyncrasies.
- Describe yourself. A good exercise for self-reflection. Like with the previous one, describe your appearance, your personal quirks, characteristics, and mannerisms. You’ll gain additional insight on how people perceive you in the process.
- Describe your Tablet or a PC to an individual who’s never seen one. Imagine a person you’re speaking with is from the 15th century and has no the idea of modern technology. Explain in great detail how the device looks, feels, sounds, what is does, etc.
On a related note, don’t forget to ask you professor for descriptive essay examples.
Let’s provide guidelines for writing a descriptive essay from the beginning
There are a few steps.
1) Pick a topic
As it was stated above, topics aren’t that important. You’re not forced to go to a library, but having a thesaurus handy will prove very helpful. In general, go for a topic about something you regularly see or do, or have deep associations with. Interesting descriptive essay ideas are always welcome.
Ask yourself these questions:
What or who do I want to describe?
Why do I want to describe it?
What is the defining feature I want to focus on?
The main suggestion is to make a rough outline of the entire essay before making progress on your essay. Try to put in the extra effort before you start writing. It’s easy to lose and forget about the core of your essay (or you can say – write my essay for me). Organizing your thoughts will help you with generating some additional ideas you haven’t thought of before.
Write down a list defining features of your object in five categories (or senses): sight, smell, sound, taste, touch.
2) Follow the structure
Essays are usually consisting of five paragraphs and three main bodies (introduction, main part, conclusion).
Your introduction serves the purpose of setting up the rest of the essay.
Don’t forget to write a thesis statement; it is essential.
The main body usually has three paragraphs, and each of them needs to be focused on describing a particular side of your object/idea/argument.
Every paragraph needs to have a sentence that will explain the rest of it in the beginning.
Remember to keep them tied to thesis raised in the introduction. Stay focused and do not get distracted.
Conclusion (one paragraph) acts as a summary of everything you described in your essay.
Gathering Information for a Descriptive Essay
When starting a descriptive essay, gathering relevant information is key to creating a vivid and engaging piece of writing. Before diving into the writing process, take the time to collect details and observations that will help bring your essay to life.
Begin by brainstorming the topic or subject of your essay. What specific aspect will you focus on? Jot down ideas and potential angles to explore. Next, conduct thorough research to gain a deeper understanding of your subject. This could involve reading books, articles, or even conducting interviews.
Once you have a solid understanding, start gathering sensory details. Observe and take notes on the colors, sounds, smells, textures, and tastes associated with your subject. Additionally, collect relevant anecdotes or personal experiences that can add depth to your essay.
Remember, the more information you gather, the richer and more engaging your descriptive essay will be. Be sure to organize and prioritize your findings before starting the writing process.
Creating an Outline for a Descriptive Essay
When starting a descriptive essay, creating an outline is essential for organizing your thoughts and ensuring a coherent and well-structured piece of writing. Here are some steps to guide you in creating an effective outline:
Introduction:
- Capture the reader’s attention with a compelling opening sentence or hook.
- Provide a brief overview of the subject and highlight its significance or relevance.
Thesis Statement:
- Clearly state the main idea or theme of your descriptive essay.
- Express the specific angle or perspective you will adopt.
Body Paragraphs:
- Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces a new aspect or detail about the subject.
- Support your topic sentences with specific examples, sensory details, or anecdotes.
- Use vivid language and descriptive adjectives to create a clear image in the reader’s mind.
- Structure your paragraphs logically and transition smoothly between ideas.
Conclusion:
- Summarize the key points of your essay and reinforce the main idea.
- Leave the reader with a lasting impression or thought-provoking statement.
By following this outline, you will have a clear roadmap for your descriptive essay. Remember to adjust and revise your outline as needed during the writing process to maintain a cohesive and engaging narrative.
Writing the Introduction for a Descriptive Essay
The introduction is a crucial part of a descriptive essay as it sets the tone and captures the reader’s attention. Here are some tips for crafting an engaging introduction.
Writing a Hook for a Descriptive Essay
The hook is the opening sentence or phrase in your essay that aims to grab the reader’s attention and engage them from the start. Here are a few techniques for crafting an effective hook for a descriptive essay:
- Use vivid imagery: Start your essay with a descriptive phrase that paints a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. For example: “The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a fiery glow upon the tranquil, turquoise waters.”
- Start with an intriguing fact: Begin by presenting a surprising or thought-provoking fact related to your subject. This can capture the reader’s curiosity and motivate them to continue reading.
- Pose a rhetorical question: Ask a question that challenges the reader’s perspective or makes them ponder about the topic of your essay. This can create an immediate connection and curiosity.
- Begin with a quote: Incorporate a compelling quote that relates to your subject matter. This can add depth and credibility to your essay from the very beginning.
Remember, the hook should be captivating, relevant, and aligned with the tone and theme of your descriptive essay. Experiment with different techniques to find the one that best suits your writing style and engages your readers.
Introducing the Subject
A descriptive essay is a form of writing that aims to paint a vivid picture of a person, place, event, or object. It requires the skillful use of language to engage the reader’s senses and imagination, making them feel as if they are experiencing the subject firsthand. However, starting a descriptive essay can sometimes be a daunting task. Finding the right words to capture the essence of something can be challenging. In this article, we will explore various techniques and strategies to help you begin your descriptive essay on the right note. From crafting a compelling introduction to using sensory details effectively, we will provide you with expert tips and examples to inspire your writing. So, whether you’re a student working on an assignment or a hobbyist writer looking to improve your descriptive writing skills, this article will guide you in starting your descriptive essay with confidence.
State your thesis
To develop an effective thesis statement, consider the following steps:
- Understand the topic: Familiarize yourself with the subject or person you will be describing in the essay. Determine the specific angle or perspective you will take.
- Identify key elements: Make a list of the important elements or characteristics you will discuss in your essay. These could include sensory details, emotions, or specific scenes or moments.
- Establish the purpose: Determine the purpose of your descriptive essay. Are you trying to evoke a certain emotion in the reader, depict a specific scene, or convey a certain message?
- Consider the tone: Think about the tone or mood you want to set in your essay. Are you aiming for a nostalgic, reflective, or objective tone?
- Draft a thesis statement: Based on the elements, purpose, and tone you have identified, draft a thesis statement that effectively summarizes your intentions for the essay. This statement should be concise, specific, and engaging.
By following these steps, you will be able to develop a strong thesis statement that sets the foundation for a successful and captivating descriptive essay.
Example descriptive essay thesis statement:
“Through vivid sensory details and evocative language, this essay explores the enchanting beauty of a summer sunset, capturing its vibrant colors, serene atmosphere, and the feeling of tranquility it instills in the observer.”
Transition to the Body
Transitioning from the introduction to the body paragraphs requires smoothly guiding your audience into the heart of your piece. Use this opportunity to build anticipation and set the stage for the descriptive journey ahead.
Start by providing a brief overview of what readers can expect in the body paragraphs. Let them know that you will be painting a vivid picture with words, utilizing sensory details and powerful descriptions to bring your subject to life. Emphasize the importance of engaging the reader’s senses and emotions.
As you move from your introduction to the body paragraphs, remember to maintain a coherent flow and stay true to your essay’s purpose. Make the transition seamless, ensuring that readers are excited to continue exploring the world you are about to unfold before their eyes.
Remember that the introduction sets the tone for the rest of your essay, so make sure it is engaging and captivating. Be sure to revise and refine your introduction as needed, paying careful attention to the language and structure to ensure a seamless transition to the subsequent paragraphs.
Example Descriptive Essay Topics
- The breathtaking beauty of a tropical island at sunset.
- Exploring the bustling streets of a vibrant city.
- The awe-inspiring sight of a majestic mountain range.
- The tranquility and serenity of a peaceful forest.
- Observing the vibrant colors and fragrant smells of a flower garden.
- The sensory experience of walking through a bustling farmer’s market.
- The enchanting and magical atmosphere of a carnival or amusement park.
- Capturing the essence of a cozy and welcoming coffee shop.
- The sensory overload of a bustling fish market.
- The mesmerizing architecture and historical significance of an ancient castle.
Re-evaluate your description but don’t add anything new to them. And, as always never forget to proofread. Our professional custom essay help can help you with it!
