Descriptive Writing

Discover your descriptive style by focusing on word-

choice, structure and evocation of the five senses.
Descriptive writing
Most forms of writing involve description. In a friendly letter, characters and places need to
feel real for the reader. Description of events, feelings and atmosphere helps to achieve this.

There are a number of ideas and skills you can use to improve the quality of description in
your writing. Using interesting words can help to stop writing becoming dull and flat.

Word choice

The first words that occur are not always the most interesting that could be used, for
example "nice" and "really". It can help to think about what specific verbs and adjectives
apply to the situation.

For example, "We had a really nice dinner," could become, "We enjoyed a tasty

meal" or "the children had a great time at the circus" could change to "the children shared
a thrilling night at the circus".

Variety makes writing interesting but remember adjectives are only one way of improving
descriptions. Careful choice of verbs can help too.
Observation

All the senses can be utilised to create an impression. Think about what you can see, hear,
smell, feel and taste.

Even when describing an entirely fictional setting or type of character, such as an alien or
fantasy monster, you need to base your description on recognisable terms.

In the following extract, note how a variety of senses are used.

"He walked into the classroom and crossed to his desk. The floor was worn where years of
boys had kicked and scuffed in their rush to escape. A damp, sickly-sweet aroma arose
from the pile of jackets crushed in one corner and a blind tap, tapped against the window
where a stone or ball had cracked the glass. Mr Jones rubbed his hands across the smooth
polished top and examined his finger tips for dust."

Describing scenes
Good description should make a scene vivid to the reader. It should be clear, strong, and
believable. This applies to both real places and events and imaginary ones.

When writing descriptively you should consider the time and place. For example, a deserted
park at night requires a completely different description from a busy park during the
daytime.
 How much description you put in depends on the purpose of your writing. If you want to set
a scene for a story you will need less than if you are opting for a descriptive essay.

It is possible to put in too much description. You should select details which are needed to
create the impression you want your reader to have. Focus on what is needed for plot, to
create a mood, or to capture atmosphere.

Consider these two descriptions of a room.

"The room was square with a window along one side. It had four chairs and a TV and video.
There was a drinks cabinet and computer in the corner. The carpet was red and the ceiling
cream."

"The room was brightly lit by a large window and housed several modern pieces of
electrical equipment but the effect was softened by a drinks cabinet and a warm red
carpet."

The first description is like a list. It gives a lot of information, which will not be needed later
in the story.

The second gives an overall impression of the room and also manages to hint at the
character behind it. In this case, it suggests someone who likes technology but wants to be
comfortable too.

Consider how the description of the following scene helps to portray the mood of the
character.

"A wet, dull day greeted Mary as she stepped into the grey light. Men huddled by in drab
wet coats or stood in dismal doorways waiting for a bus which never seemed to arrive."

Describing people
When describing people, ensure they are believable.

If writing about a real person think about their life, history, and background. If writing about
a fictional character, you should try to come up with these details for your character.

 What would this sort of person say?

 What would this sort of person do?
 What would this sort of person think?
When describing a character's appearance avoid a list-like approach. Remember you don't
have to describe everything from the top of a person's head to their toes. Instead, select
aspects of their appearance which help to reveal the character's personality.
Consider the following two descriptions.

"Mary had blonde shoulder length hair and blue eyes. She wore a gold chain and a tight
blue dress. She had blue leather shoes and carried a briefcase."

"Mary was smart and efficient in a stylish way."

The second description encourages the reader's imagination, creating an image rather than
a list.

The focus of your description can vary as required. For example, instead of describing the
whole picture you can concentrate on a person's face or movement. Circumstances can
change a person's eyes, or their mouth or even the way they hold their head.

Consider the following two descriptions.

"Mary's eyes widened and sparkled as she read the news, her mouth slowly turned
upwards."

"Mary's eyes darted from side to side. She moistened her lips and swallowed hard."

Each of these descriptions show Mary experiencing very different emotions. In the first she
is feeling happy because of what she has just read. In the second she seems tense.

A writer controls how a reader sees characters. Look at the descriptions below and think
about how the writer describes the character.

"Paul was tall and slim and walked effortlessly across the room."

"Paul was lanky and skinny and strode across the room in an ungainly manner."

The first description uses flattering words, while the second uses negative words.
Depending on which is used, the reader could get a very different impression of Paul.
Question:
Write a paragraph to a cousin you have never met before and who is coming to stay with
you, telling her/him about your family.

*remember to set a goal and plan your answer.

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Question:
A website for teenagers has asked its users to write a friendly letter describing someone
they are close to. In your letter, you should:

 describe the person’s physical appearance

 give example of his/her behavior
 explain the person’s life, lifestyle and beliefs

*Don’t forget to set a goal and the planning.