3 WRITING EXTRA
ADVANCED UNIT 3
a description of a place
WRITING TIP
When you write a description of a place, you need to try
to paint a picture with words so that the reader feels as if
they were in that place. For this reason, it is a good idea to:
• give a lot of details describing the place;
• use a wide range of vocabulary, especially adjectives;
• describe what you can hear, smell, touch and taste.
1 A Read the description of Amsterdam. How does the
author feel about the city?
B Read the text again and find:
1 three references to taste.
2 a reference to sound.
C What adjectives does the author use to describe:
1 the bridges? 4 streets?
2 cafés? 5 the Jordaan district?
3 the historic centre? 6 architecture?
Amsterdam – my kind of town
I’ve travelled to many cities around the world, but
I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere as photogenic as
Amsterdam. Waterside cafés, bright flowers in window
boxes, bikes with huge wicker baskets, and illuminated
bridges at dusk. It’s an artist’s dream!
For me, Amsterdam ticks every box. You can wander
along the tree-lined canals, watching the chugging
barges as they pass. The historic centre is compact and
easy to explore on foot. And if it’s culture you crave you
can visit one of its world-class art museums.
When it comes to food there are tasty treats to try
wherever you turn. One of my favourites, which can
be found in bakeries and street markets, is Stroopwafel,
two thin waffles sandwiched together with gooey, sweet
syrup. And while raw herring may not excite everyone’s
taste buds, I think everyone should try it – it’s fresh, salty
and delicious with pickles. And of course you can’t go
to Amsterdam without sampling the tasty, tangy cheese.
For an introduction to Dutch cheeses, visit the Cheese
Museum, or for a more interactive experience, book
yourself onto a cheese-tasting evening.
One of my favourite parts of the city is the charming
Jordaan district, a vibrant hotspot for students and artists.
I love exploring the narrow alleys and scenic streets,
admiring the historic architecture and browsing the
speciality shops and chic boutiques.
I can’t help but dream about living in this city – I imagine
riding a bike every day through the peaceful streets,
whiling away the hours in the parks and trendy cafés,
gliding along the water on a colourful houseboat. If you
haven’t been to Amsterdam before and get the chance
then go, you won’t regret it!
© Pearson Education Limited 2016
2 Completely rewrite the sentences to provide a more
vivid description. You may write more than one
sentence.
1 It was raining and windy.
2 The roast chicken looked good.
3 The band was very loud.
4 Her clothes were very colourful.
3 Look at this description of a journey in a horse and
cart from The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur
Conan Doyle and check the meaning of any words
or phrases you don’t understand. What details does
the author use to describe:
1 the lane?
2 the banks?
3 the general scene?
4 What is strange and memorable about the use of
the adjectives dripping (moss) and fleshy (fern)?
We curved upward through deep lanes worn by
centuries of wheels, high banks on either side,
heavy with dripping moss and fleshy ferns.
Bronzing bracken and mottled bramble gleamed
in the light of the sinking sun.
4 Write a description of a place/town you know well
(200–250 words).
Plan your writing
• Think about the place you are going to and visualise it
in as much detail as possible. Decide what information
you are going to include in your description, and
in what order. Remember to provide a conclusion
outlining your own opinion of the place.
Check your writing
• Does your description give the reader a good idea of
the place?
• Have you used a wide range of vocabulary, especially
adjectives?
• Have you checked your grammar and spelling?
• Did you find any mistakes?