(WW1) Lesson Topic 4: Descriptive Writing

Lesson Topic 4: Descriptive Writing

Descriptive writing vividly describes a person, place, or thing in such a way that the reader can visualize the topic and feel like they are part of the experience. Descriptive writing is characterized by the following:

  • the elaborate use of sensory details
  • details that go beyond the general
  • details that enable the reader to picture or relive what the
    writer is telling

Descriptive Writing Characteristics Characteristic 1: Vividly descriptive details. Descriptive writing uses elaborate sensory details, including how something looks, sounds, feels, and smells. The more senses that are including the writing the better the reader can understand the descriptions. This type of descriptive writing is also called imagery. Characteristic 2: Figurative language. Descriptive writing uses words, phrases, symbols, and ideas such as simile, hyperbole, metaphor, symbolism, and personification. This prevents the writing from becoming boring and creates a very descriptive image. Characteristic 3: Showing, not telling. Descriptive writing uses vivid and precise adjectives, adverbs, and verbs when describing the topic. This paints a much clearer and more detailed picture for the reader.

 

Sensory details can improve your descriptions. Literary elements such as similes, metaphors, and clichés can dramatically enhance or detract from your writing.

A simile can emphasize your descriptions by making them seem more powerful. Likewise, metaphors can enhance ordinary, dull writing. Clichés can detract from your writing by describing items with overly used expressions.

While clichés can detract from your writing, hyperbole can add to your writing. Hyperbole is an exaggeration that is used to make a point. You must be careful though; many examples of hyperbole might also be clichés.

Use the following self-assessment to help you identify sensory words, which will also help you add details to your writing. 

 

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