Writing a

Descriptive
Essay
 Purpose:
• To describe a physical appearance
on something
• To inform a reader about
something (place, event, object,
subject…)
• To share a personal’s view on
something
 Requirements:
What should it look like?
• Strong sensory details (sight, touch, taste,
hearing, feelings, thoughts…)
• Main idea/topic followed by supporting
details and descriptions.
• Clear organization.
• Effective transitions.
 The great thing about
Descriptive writing is that you
get to choose what the topic is
going to be and what details you
want to include!
 You can…
• Describe an event that happened to you.
• Take the reader to a place.
• Teach the reader about something you
know.
• Report on a subject/object of your choice
(monkeys, planes, weather, volcanoes,
historical events…)
 Major Hints!
• Present your ideas in order as they
happened or in a pattern that makes sense to
the reader.
• Set a mood (suspense, calm, exciting…)
• Make the reader get a mental picture of
what you are talking about.
Take the reader to a place with
your words!
 What Next?
• 1) Find a topic that you want.
• 2) Read about it so that you are an expert in
the area.
• 3) Take notes so that your details are fresh
and accurate.
• 4) Think of ways to write that will keep
your audiences attention (cool facts, humor,
astonishing details…)
 What Next?
• 5) Write your drafts in order and keep on
the topic.
• 6) Get ready to share your essay with your
classmates by rehearsing what you’ve
written.
 Optional Ideas…
• Dress up in something that has to do with your
topic. (Zookeeper, wetsuit, soldier, scientist…use
your imagination!)
• Bring in some objects that students can view/hold.
• Create a poster with images for everyone to see.
• Make a Powerpoint (with only images) that you
can show as you read.
• Remember, these are all optional. The power of
your words and writing are what is more
important.