Descriptive WritingDescriptive Writing

Description…Description…

Is writing that uses vivid details to Is writing that uses vivid details to capture acapture a

scene, setting, person or moment.scene, setting, person or moment.

Effective descriptive writing Effective descriptive writing includes the following:includes the following:

• Sensory details – sights, sounds, Sensory details – sights, sounds, smells, tastes and physical sensations.smells, tastes and physical sensations.

• Vivid, precise language.Vivid, precise language.• Figurative language or comparisons.Figurative language or comparisons.• Adjectives and adverbs that paint a Adjectives and adverbs that paint a

word picture.word picture.• An organization suited to the subject.An organization suited to the subject.

Writing Tip:Writing Tip:

Beware of vague words!Beware of vague words!

Types of DescriptionTypes of Description• Physical descriptionsPhysical descriptions – focus on the appearances of a – focus on the appearances of a

person, place or thing, as well as on its significance.person, place or thing, as well as on its significance.• Description of ideasDescription of ideas – uses concrete images or – uses concrete images or

analogies to help readers understand abstract or analogies to help readers understand abstract or complicated concepts.complicated concepts.

• Functional descriptionsFunctional descriptions – describe the component – describe the component parts of a whole for a practical purpose, such as parts of a whole for a practical purpose, such as fixing a bicycle.fixing a bicycle.

• RemembrancesRemembrances – illustrate memorable parts of the – illustrate memorable parts of the writer’s past by describing a person, place, thing or writer’s past by describing a person, place, thing or event.event.

• Character sketchesCharacter sketches – illustrate the appearance and – illustrate the appearance and personality of a real or fictional character.personality of a real or fictional character.