A descriptive essay is a type of writing that describes something – a person, place, or object – in vivid detail. It is a creative task that requires a lot of imagination and can be quite difficult. In addition, it involves appealing to the senses and emotions of your readers. To learn more about descriptive essays, we’ve compiled a list of the features that a descriptive essay must have.
It should focus on a subject
A good descriptive essay should focus on a subject you have experience with. It can be a person you know well or a place that means a lot to you. It can also be a story that you have read recently or an article you found in the newspaper.
Choosing the right subject for your descriptive essay is important because it will help you create a more detailed and clear encounter for your reader. For example, if you are writing about your visit to an amusement park, it’s important to describe the sights and sounds around you so the reader can visualize the experience.
Use Sensory Details
When you write about a subject that is close to your heart, it’s easy to get caught up in the abstract and forget to use sensory details. You may be tempted to describe your biology instructor’s “dust-free computer monitor and stacks of papers with corners precisely aligned.” But it’s not the same as describing how your biology instructor interacts with her students.
The same is true of describing a new city you’ve just visited. Using sensory details, such as the smell of the flowers or the feel of the wind in your hair, can help you paint your reader an accurate picture of the city.
Focus on the structure
A descriptive essay is usually written in five paragraphs, including an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The first paragraph of the introduction introduces the subject and provides some general background information, while the last two paragraphs explain the subject in more detail.
Use of different figures of speech
The most effective and striking descriptive essays make the reader feel a certain way, even though they aren’t necessarily based on an experience. You can accomplish this by using various techniques, such as similes, metaphors, and hyperbole.
You can also write about the time of year, the weather, and other aspects that affect your mood as you describe your subject. For example, you can describe a cemetery at dusk or a line at an amusement park ride, both of which change your mood depending on the temperature and length of the wait.
Use Thesaurus
When describing a subject, it’s easy to use cliched phrases, like “cold as ice” or “free as a bird.” However, these words don’t convey your impression precisely and vividly, so try to think about your choices when writing.
If you can’t think of any original or creative words to use, find a thesaurus and search for alternatives. It can also be helpful to read an example of a descriptive essay to see how others use specific words and phrases.
