How to Write a Descriptive Essay – Examples & Tips

A descriptive essay is a type of essay that describes a particular topic or event creatively. It generally describes an object or a place and some abstract things like emotions. This type of essay falls under the category of creative essay, which is different from academic writing.

Thus, it would help to organise your essay according to the descriptive essay format to improve it. It will give an idea about your creativity to the reader. It will also describe your ability to use the language creatively.

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

Also read: Reducing the length of the essay – Guide with examples

Topics of the 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.

Your descriptive essay topics could be based on various types of categories. 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.

If the professor does not provide you with a topic, you should choose something you can confidently describe. It will lead to a better essay. 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.

Winning Ideas for Writing a Descriptive Essay

• Give your essay a stunning introduction and include eye-catchy words to engage the readers.
• Provide images and figures to make your essay more attractive.
• End your essay with interrelating 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 your essay before submitting it.

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Descriptive Essay Example

Here is a short descriptive essay example for you.