DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY

Subject : Advanced Writing

Lecturer : Dr. Utami Dewi, S.Pd. M.Hum

Arranged by :

1. Gilang Hizbullah (0304211022)

5. Khoiriya sari (0304211018)
3. Lutfi Putri Khairani (0304211012)
4. Maya Farhanna Napitupulu (0304211016)
5. Rahma Fitri Yani Lubis (0304212058)
6. Rizki Putri Jasmin Siahaan (0304211011)
7. Syafira (0304212077)

Sem 1/ TBI-1

ENGLISH EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FACULTY TEACHER

TRAINING AND EDUCATION STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY OF
NORTH SUMATRA 2022
 PREFACE

Praise the author for the presence of Allah SWT who has given grace and guidance to
all of us, so that thanks to His grace the author can complete a paper entitled
“DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY”.
In preparing this paper, the author does not forget to say many thanks to all those who
have helped in completing the task of this paper so that the author can complete the
preparation of this paper. And don't forget to thank Ma`am. Dr. Utami Dewi, S.Pd,
M.Hum.
This paper is still far from perfect, therefore the authors expect constructive criticism
and suggestions for the perfection of this paper. In preparing this paper, hopefully, this
paper can be useful for the author himself and readers in general.

Medan, Februari 26th,2023

Presenter

2
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE ...................................................................................................................... 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................ 3

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION...................................................................................... 4
A. Background Of The Paper ................................................................................... 4
B. Formulation Of The Paper ................................................................................... 5
C. Purpose Of The Paper .......................................................................................... 5
CHAPTER II 4 TYPES OF ESSAY ................................................................................ 6
A. Definition Of Essay ............................................................................................. 6
B. Definition Of Descriptive Essay .......................................................................... 6
C. Descriptive Essay Structure ................................................................................. 7
D. Descriptive Essay ................................................................................................ 7
E. How To Write a Descriptive Essay ...................................................................... 9
F. Example Of Descriptive Essay .......................................................................... 10
CHAPTER III CLOSING ............................................................................................... 12
A. Conclusion .......................................................................................................... 12
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................. 13

3
 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

A. Background Of Paper
An essay is a written work based on the author's ideas or ideas. Writing an essay
in English requires choosing words and using grammatical rules. Language, including in
writing, reflects the mindset of the author. Therefore, to be able to write well and
correctly, it is important for writers to understand the mindset of native speakers of the
language used.

In the world of writing, there are several types of essays that exist, and one of
them is a descriptive essay. A descriptive essay is a type of essay that aims to describe
something, such as a person, place, object, or event, in great detail. The primary purpose
of a descriptive essay is to give a clear and vivid picture of the subject being described to
the reader. Descriptive essays are commonly used in academic writing, such as in English
classes, to help students improve their writing skills by learning how to paint a picture
with words. However, descriptive essays are also used in creative writing, journalism, and
advertising, where the ability to create vivid imagery is essential.

The key to writing a successful descriptive essay is using sensory details that
engage the reader's senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. This can be achieved
using strong and precise language, such as vivid adjectives, sensory words, and figurative
language, similes, and metaphors.

In addition to using sensory details, a descriptive essay should also have a clear
and organized structure. The introduction should provide an overview of the subject
being described, while the body paragraphs should provide specific details and examples
to support the thesis statement. The conclusion should summarize the main points and
leave a lasting impression on the reader. Overall, a descriptive essay is a powerful tool for
writers to create a vivid and engaging picture in the reader's mind. By mastering the art of
descriptive writing, writers can evoke emotion and captivate their audience, whether it be
in the academic or professional world.

4
 B. Formulation Of the Paper
1. What is essay ?
2. What is the descriptive essay?
3. What is descriptive essay structure?
4. How to write a descriptive essay?
5. Descriptive essay topic
6. The example of a descriptive essay

C. Purpose Of Paper
The primary objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive understanding of
descriptive essays in English writing. Specifically, the objectives of this paper are as
follows:
1. To define descriptive essays and explain their importance in English writing.
2. To provide examples of well-written descriptive essays to illustrate how to
effectively use these techniques.
Overall, the objectives of this paper are to provide a comprehensive understanding of
descriptive essays and how to effectively use them in English writing. By the end of this
paper, readers should be able to write well-crafted descriptive essays that engage
readers and create vivid imagery.

5
 CHAPTER II
DISCUSSION
A. Definition of Essay
In the simplest terms, an essay is a short piece of writing set around a specific
topic or subject. The piece of writing will give information surrounding the topic but
will also display the opinions and thoughts of the author.
Often, an essay is used in an academic sense by way of examination to
determine whether a student has understood their studies and as a way of testing their
knowledge on a specific subject. An essay is also used in education to encourage
students to develop their writing skills.
B. Definition of Descriptive Essay
A descriptive essay will describe something in great detail. The subject can be
anything from people and places to objects and events but the main point is to go into
depth. You might describe the item’s color, where it came from, what it looks, smells,
tastes, or how it feels.
It is very important to allow the reader to sense what you are writing about and allow
them to feel some sort of emotion whilst reading. That being said, the information
should be concise and easy to understand, the use of imagery is widely used in this style
of essay. We will now take a look at a passage from a descriptive essay, this one is from
The Orchestra Played On written by Joanna Lipman.
A descriptive essay is an essay that aims to describe or describe something,
someone, or a place in sufficient detail to help the reader create a mental picture of it.
When you write a descriptive essay, your job is to paint a mental picture of a person,
place, or thing for your readers. There are two types of descriptive essays. The first type
is the objective essay. In an objective descriptive essay, the author describes objects, as
anyone would see - their shape, color, and length. height, width, weight, etc. The
objective essay does not contain anything the author likes or dislikes or feelings about
the object being described.
The second type of descriptive essay the s impressionistic or subjective essay.
This kindof essay describes objects and people as the author sees them. They rely on the
author's five senses to paint a picture in the minds of readers.

6
C. Descriptive Essay Structure
The generic structure of a descriptive text
 Identification: identifies or introduces the phenomenon/object to be described.
 Description: detail descriptions of the parts, qualities, and characteristics of the
phenomenon/object being described,
 Conclusion (optional): a described essay may have a conclusion at the end but it
is optional.

Descriptive essays can depend on what you are describing. However, this essay
structure will help you describe most things thoroughly and easily.
 Introduction: Introduce the topic described and give a quick overview of what it
is about.
 Thesis: The description of subject is described here. You enter details in the
main character.
 Main body: It can be formed into three separate pieces. The first paragraph can
focus on a detailed description of the topic itself. The second deals with the
environment surrounding the subject. Finally, the third topic focuses on the
sensory and emotional description, which includes how the subject affects those
who interact with it.
 Conclusion: This summarizes all your points without bringing anything new.

D. How to Write a Descriptive Essay

More than many other types of essays, descriptive essays strive to create a
deeply involved and vivid experience for the reader. Great descriptive essays achieve
this affect not through facts and statistics but by using detailed observations and
descriptions.
 What do you want to describe?
As you get started on your descriptive essay, it's important for you to identify
exactly what you want to describe. Often, a descriptive essay will focus on portraying
one of the following: a person, a place, a memory, an experience, and an object.
Ultimately, whatever you can perceive or experience can be the focus of your
descriptive writing.
 Why are you writing your descriptive essay?
It's a great creative exercise to sit down and simply describe what you observe.

7
However, when writing a descriptive essay, you often have a particular reason for
writing your description. Getting in touch with this reason can help you focus your
description and imbue your language with a particular perspective or emotion.
 How should you write your description?
If there's one thing you should remember as you write your descriptive essay, it's
the famous saying: show don't tell. But what's the difference between showing and
telling?
Consider these two simple examples:
• I grew tired after dinner.
• As I leaned back and rested my head against the top of the chair, my eyelids began to
feel heavy, and the edges of the empty plate in front of me blurred with the white
tablecloth.
The first sentence tells readers that you grew tired after dinner. The second
sentence shows readers that you grew tired. The most effective descriptive essays are
loaded with such showing because they enable readers to imagine or experience
something for themselves. As you write your descriptive essay, the best way to create a
vivid experience for your readers is to focus on the five senses. That is : sight, sound,
smell, touch, dan taste. When you focus your descriptions on the senses, you provide
vivid and specific details that show your readers rather than tell your readers what you
are describing.

Quick Tips for Writing Your Descriptive Essay

Writing a descriptive essay can be a rich and rewarding experience, but it can
also feel a bit complicated. It's helpful, therefore, to keep a quick checklist of the
essential questions to keep in mind as you plan, draft, and revise your essay.
Planning your descriptive essay:
• What or who do you want to describe?
• What is your reason for writing your description?
• What are the particular qualities that you want to focus on?
Drafting your descriptive essay:
• What sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures are important for developing your
description?
• Which details can you include to ensure that your readers gain a vivid impression

8
imbued with your emotion or perspective?
Revising your descriptive essay:
• Have you provided enough details and descriptions to enable your readers to gain a
complete and vivid perception?
• Have you left out any minor but important details?
• Have you used words that convey your emotion or perspective?
• Are there any unnecessary details in your description?
• Does each paragraph of your essay focus on one aspect of your description?
• Are your paragraphs ordered in the most effective way?

E. Descriptive Essay Topics: Sample Areas to Explore

When the difficulty of identifying a topic has been lifted, a student can comfortably
craft their descriptive essay. Here are topics one can choose from.
1. Topics for Activities and Things, for example :
 My first Facebook experience
 Geographical Location Topics
 Favorite mountain hiking experience
 Most memorable tour location
 Most innovative member of the family
2. Topics for Recollections, for example:
 My oldest childhood Halloween memory
 The most memorable concert I have attended
 Most memorable childhood trip with the family
 Special moments with my family during Christmas
 My happiest memory as a child
 First time to meet with my childhood friend
3. Extraordinary Events Related Topics, for example:
 A visit to the antechamber
 The horrifying experience in the graveyard at night
 My worst experience in a gas station toilet
 The unusual scary, and comic ride in the subway
 Alone amid unfamiliar strangers
4. Descriptive Essay Topics for College Students, for example :
9
  Describe your experience at your first amusement park.
 Write a story about your favorite experience with nature.
 What has been your most memorable experience with food?
 Talk about your favorite pastime.
 Think back to your childhood and describe your favorite toy.

After identifying a topic, a student is free to begin their writing. However, it is

advisable to choose a focus area that you can easily tackle to help in your idea
formulation and enhance your flow.

F. Example of Descriptive Essay

There are several steps to composing a descriptive essay, including the following:
Step 1. choosing a topic (if you are given a choice)
Step 2. Gathering information about the topic.
Step 3. Using graphic organizers to map out the structure of the descriptive essay.
Example :
The Beauty of Indonesia
Indonesia is a diverse and fascinating country located in Southeast Asia. With
over 17,000 islands, it is the largest archipelago in the world and home to a wide variety
of cultures and traditions. In this essay, I will describe the beauty of Indonesia and its
unique features.
Indonesia's geography is unique and diverse. The country is home to active
volcanoes, tropical rainforests, and some of the world's most beautiful beaches. One of
the most famous landmarks in Indonesia is Bali, known for its stunning beaches, lush
rice paddies, and unique Hindu culture. Another popular destination is Mount Bromo,
an active volcano in East Java that provides a stunning view at sunrise.
Indonesia's diverse culture is one of the most unique and fascinating aspects of
the country. Each region has its own customs, traditions, and languages. One of the
most famous cultural traditions in Indonesia is the art of Batik, a technique of dyeing
cloth that creates intricate and beautiful patterns. Indonesia is also home to several
traditional dances, such as the Javanese Gamelan and the Balinese Legong dance.
Indonesia's cuisine is diverse and flavorful, reflecting its many cultural
influences. One of the most popular dishes is Nasi Goreng, a fried rice dish made with
spices and vegetables. Another famous dish is Rendang, a spicy beef curry that
10
originates from West Sumatra. Indonesian cuisine also includes an array of street food,
such as Sate (grilled skewered meat) and Gado-Gado (vegetable salad with peanut
sauce).
Indonesia is a country full of beauty and diversity. From its stunning natural
landscapes to its unique and rich culture, there is so much to explore and experience.
Whether it's the white sandy beaches of Bali, the bustling streets of Jakarta, or the
traditional villages of Yogyakarta, Indonesia has something for everyone. A visit to
Indonesia is an unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting more.
Note :
Paragraph 1 as an Introduction
Paragraph 2-4 as a body
Paragraph 5 as a conclusion

11
 CHAPTER III
CLOSING
A. Conclusion
In this paper, we have discussed descriptive essays in English. Descriptive
essays are a type of essay that aims to describe an object, place, or event with clear and
detailed descriptions that can evoke the reader's imagination. Descriptive essays use
language that is rich in descriptive and imaginative words to build a clear and vivid
picture of the subject being discussed. In addition, the use of creative and metaphorical
language can also enhance the appeal and impact on the reader.
When writing a descriptive essay, it is important to consider several things, such
as focusing on the subject being discussed, using appropriate and relevant words, as
well as presenting information in a structured and logical manner. Readers should also
be given the opportunity to imagine directly about the subject being discussed so that
they can feel and understand the impression that the writer wants to convey.
In conclusion, descriptive essays are an important type of essay in expressing
ideas, experiences, and perspectives of an individual regarding a particular subject. In
writing a descriptive essay, the use of rich and imaginative language, as well as
focusing on the subject being discussed, can enhance the appeal and impact on the
reader. Therefore, writing a descriptive essay requires skills and good attention in
selecting words, structure, and language techniques used.

12
 REFERENCES

Chambers, Ellie and Northedge, Andrew (1997) The Arts Good Study Guide, Milton
Keynes: The Open University.
Zemach, D. E. & Rumisek, L. A.2011.Writing Essay: from Paragraph
Essay.MACMILLAN Education.
Hartati Neti, M.Pd, A LEARNING MODULE ESSAY WRITING, Media Sains
Indonesia.
Siahaan, Mungkap Mangapul dan Asima Rohana. 2020. Writing English Essay. Nusa
Tenggara Barat: Forum Pemuda Aswaja.
Jayanti, A D. 2019. Students’ Writing Ability on English Descriptive Text at Grade VIII
in SMPN 33 Padang. ENGLISH FRANCA, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2019: E-ISSN 2580-
3689.

13