Descriptive Essay

A descriptive essay represents an idea or topic using figurative language, aiming to evoke emotion and create a clear mental perception. You can write a perfect essay by using the following steps:

• Select your topic
• Collect data
• Create an outline
• Develop a thesis statement
• Write the introduction
• Craft the body paragraphs
• Conclude your prose
• Refine your essay

How to Write a Descriptive Essay?

A descriptive essay consists of an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction provides a brief outline of the topic and the essay’s theme. If it is about any person, you can include personality traits and physical appearances briefly. Use a strong opening line and write the thesis statement at the end of the introduction.

The next part is the body, and you can divide it into many paragraphs depending on the length of your essay. In general, you can create three paragraphs. 

What is the Paragraph Organisation of a Descriptive Essay?

• Introduction
• Body
• Conclusion

The first paragraph will introduce the idea, and the subsequent paragraphs will provide an in-depth explanation of the topic.

You should maintain the theme of the essay throughout the narration. It would be best if you got back to your topic at the end of each paragraph in the body. While writing, you should follow a smooth writing style to establish your points and ideas about the topic. Using your thoughtfulness will make it more engaging.

In the conclusion, you should provide a summary of the topic. At the ending statement, again write the theme or the topic of the essay.

Also read: How to shorten an essay?

What Kind of Topics are for Descriptive Essays?

Generally, the descriptive essay topics are based on real-life incidents or experiences, just like a narrative essay. The main difference between a narrative essay and a descriptive essay is that a descriptive essay is more comprehensive than a narrative essay.

Some examples are as follows:

• Personal Descriptive Essay Prompts: Ex- Describe your favourite place where you love to spend your time.
• Imaginative Descriptive Essay Prompts: Ex- Describe your thoughts of living on the Moon.
• Some topics on abstract things like emotion: Ex- Describe your thoughts about friendship.

Keep your description essay as engaging and captivating as possible so that readers can enjoy it thoroughly.

Three Essential Tips for Writing a Descriptive Essay

While writing a descriptive essay, you must write it fluently and concisely so that the readers feel connected to your essay and can enjoy the writing. Follow these tips:

1. Figurative Language: You should use devices like simile, metaphor, personification, etc., to make your essay soothing. It will make the essay more creative.

For Ex- This doll is like a friend to me. (Personification)

2. Sensory Details: While describing a particular place or else, you should express the feelings like smell, touch, taste or sound, through your words.

For Ex- It seemed as if the air in the place was touching my face with immense affection.

3. Appropriate words: While writing a descriptive essay, you should use proper verbs, adverbs, nouns, adjectives, etc. It is better to use original words instead of phrases like “light as a feather”, “black as coal”, etc.

Comprehensive Guidelines for Writing a Descriptive Essay

• Give your essay a stunning introduction and include eye-catching words to engage the readers.
• Provide images and figures to make your essay more attractive.
• End your essay with interrelated conclusions so that readers can interrelate them.
• Use figurative sentences, engaging words, and sensory descriptions.

Figurative Language: You should use devices like simile, metaphor, personification, etc., to make your essay soothing. It will make the essay more creative.

For Ex- This doll is like a friend to me. (Personification)

• Sensory Details: While describing a particular place or else, you should express the feelings like smell, touch, taste or sound, through your words.

For Ex- It seemed as if the air in the place touched my face with immense affection.

• Appropriate words: While writing a descriptive essay, you should use proper verbs, adverbs, nouns, adjectives, etc. It is better to use original words instead of phrases like “light as a feather,” “black as coal,”
• Use your imagination and personal experiences to add your views about the particular topic.
• Proofread, edit, and improve your essay before submitting it.

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What’s the Difference Between Descriptive and Narrative Essay?

Descriptive Essay Example

Here is a short descriptive essay example for you.

Example

I like to sit and spend my time on the riverside whenever I get time. I feel very relaxed seeing the moving river. It is a very soothing sight. It gives me immense pleasure to sit there and admire the beautiful nature. I generally prefer to sit there alone in the evening when the Sun is about to set. It is a very beautiful and soothing sight for my eyes. At the same time, the birds also pass by, who at that time return to their homes after roaming here and there the whole day. Seeing all these things provides inner peace to me. I feel like it is one of the best places on earth where I can spend some quality time with myself, as it is said that, in this busy life, one should also spend some time with himself or herself. So that they can know about themselves even better.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Writing Descriptive Essays

• Mentioning irrelevant details like examples or references.
• Overusing adjectives or Clichés
• Relate the arguments to your thesis statement.
• Not following a defined structure.
• Underestimating the use of figurative language.

Frequently Asked Questions