difference between descriptive and narrative essay pdf

Narrative vs Descriptive Writing: Understanding the Key Differences

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on May 13, 2023

Categories Storytelling , Writing

Narrative and descriptive writing are two of the most common writing styles used in literature. Both styles are used to convey a story, but they differ in their purpose and approach. Narrative writing is designed to tell a complete story, while descriptive writing conveys an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative writing involves telling a story with a beginning, middle, and end. It is often used in novels, short stories, and memoirs. Narrative writing can entertain, inform, or persuade the reader. It is a powerful tool for writers to convey their message and connect with their audience.

On the other hand, descriptive writing creates a vivid image in the reader’s mind. It is often used in poetry, descriptive essays, and travel writing. Descriptive writing allows the writer to use sensory details to create a picture in the reader’s mind. It is a powerful tool for writers to create a mood or atmosphere. Descriptive writing can entertain, inform, or persuade the reader.

Narrative Writing

Narrative writing is a style of writing that tells a story or describes an event. It can be fiction or non-fiction and is often written in the first-person point of view. The purpose of narrative writing is to entertain, inform or persuade the reader.

Narrative writing aims to engage the reader by telling a story that captures their attention. Narrative writing is often used in fiction writing, but it can also be used in non-fiction writing, such as memoirs or personal essays. The purpose of narrative writing is to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind and make them feel like they are part of the story.

Narrative writing has several key elements that help to create a compelling story. These elements include characters, plot, point of view, narration, chronological order, action, setting, and theme. Characters are the people or animals that are involved in the story. The plot is the sequence of events that make up the story. Point of view is the perspective from which the story is told. Narration is how the story is told, such as first-person or third-person narration. Chronological order is the order in which events occur in the story. Action is the events that take place in the story. The setting is the time and place in which the story takes place. The theme is the underlying message or meaning of the story.

Examples of narrative writing include novels, short stories, and narrative essays. In fiction writing, the protagonist is the main character who drives the story forward. In a narrative essay, the writer tells a personal story that has a point or lesson to be learned. Narrative writing often uses first-person narration to create a more personal connection between the reader and the story.

In summary, narrative writing is a style of writing that tells a story or describes an event. It has several key elements that help to create a compelling story, including characters, plot, point of view, narration, chronological order, action, setting, and theme. Narrative writing can be used in fiction and non-fiction and is often used to entertain, inform, or persuade the reader.

Descriptive Writing

Descriptive writing is a type of writing that aims to provide a detailed description of a person, place, object, or event. It uses sensory details to create an image in the reader’s mind. The writer tries to make the reader feel like they are experiencing the scene.

Descriptive writing aims to create a vivid and detailed picture in the reader’s mind. It is often used to set the scene in a story or to provide a detailed description of a character or place. Descriptive writing can also create an emotional response in the reader.

Descriptive writing uses sensory details to create an image in the reader’s mind. It should be written in a logical order, so the reader can easily follow along. The following elements are commonly used in descriptive writing:

• Sensory detail (smell, taste, sight, sound, touch)
• Appearance and characteristics of the subject
• Description of the place or object
• Exposition of the subject
• Figurative language (metaphors, similes, onomatopoeia)

Here are a few examples of descriptive writing:

• The sun was setting over the mountains, casting a warm glow across the valley. The air was filled with the sweet scent of wildflowers and birds singing in the trees.
• The old house sat at the end of the street, its peeling paint and broken shutters a testament to its age. The front porch creaked as I stepped onto it, and the door groaned as I pushed it open.
• The chocolate cake was rich and decadent, with a moist crumb and a smooth, velvety frosting. Each bite was like a little slice of heaven, the flavors blending perfectly.

In conclusion, descriptive writing is a powerful tool for creating vivid and detailed images in the reader’s mind. The writer can transport the reader to another time and place using sensory details and logical order.

Narrative vs. Descriptive Writing

Differences.

Narrative writing and descriptive writing are two distinct forms of writing that have different purposes. Narrative writing is used to tell a story, while descriptive writing is used to describe something in detail. The following table summarizes some of the key differences between the two:

In narrative writing, the writer is trying to convey a specific message or theme through the story they are telling. In contrast, descriptive writing is more concerned with creating a sensory experience for the reader. Descriptive writing often uses figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, to create vivid images in the reader’s mind.

Similarities

Despite their differences, narrative writing and descriptive writing also share some similarities. Both forms of writing require the writer to use descriptive language to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. Both can also be used in both fiction and non-fiction writing.

Another similarity is that both forms of writing can create emotional connections with the reader. In narrative writing, this is achieved by creating relatable characters and situations. Descriptive writing is achieved by using sensory details to create a visceral experience for the reader.

In conclusion, while narrative writing and descriptive writing have different purposes, they require the writer to use descriptive language to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. Understanding the differences and similarities between these two forms of writing can help writers choose the appropriate style for their writing project.

Narrative Writing Techniques

Narrative writing is a form of storytelling that conveys a series of events or experiences through a particular perspective. This section will explore some of the key techniques used in narrative writing.

The narrator is the voice that tells the story. They can be a character within the story or an outside observer. The narrator’s perspective can greatly affect the reader’s interpretation of events. For example, a first-person narrator may provide a more personal and subjective account of events, while a third-person narrator may offer a more objective perspective.

Dialogue is the spoken or written words of characters within the story. It can reveal character traits, advance the plot, and provide insight into relationships between characters. Effective dialogue should sound natural and reflect the character’s personality and background.

Point of View

Point of view refers to the perspective from which the story is told. It can be first-person, third-person limited, or third-person omniscient. The choice of point of view can affect the reader’s understanding of the story and its characters.

The plot is the sequence of events that make up the story. It should have a clear beginning, middle, and end, with each event building upon the previous one. A well-crafted plot should be engaging and keep the reader interested.

Characterization

Characterization is the process of creating and developing characters within the story. This can be achieved through various techniques, including dialogue, actions, and inner thoughts. Effective characterization should create characters that are believable and relatable to the reader.

In conclusion, narrative writing techniques are essential for creating a compelling and engaging story. Using techniques such as a well-developed narrator, natural-sounding dialogue, and effective characterization, writers can create stories that captivate and entertain their readers.

Descriptive Writing Techniques

Sensory details.

One of the most critical aspects of descriptive writing is the use of sensory details. This means including information that appeals to the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Sensory details help the reader experience the scene or object being described, making the writing more vivid and engaging.

For example, instead of simply stating that a flower is beautiful, a writer might describe the vibrant colors of its petals, the sweet fragrance it emits, and the soft texture of its petals. This level of detail allows the reader to fully imagine the flower and feel like they are experiencing it themselves.

Logical Order

Descriptive writing should also be organized in a logical order. This can mean starting with a general description and moving on to more specific details. For example, describing a room starts with an overview, then moves on to describe individual items.

It’s also important to consider the perspective of the reader. For example, if describing a landscape, the writer should consider the reader’s viewpoint and describe the scene from left to right, top to bottom, or in another logical order that makes sense for the reader.

Descriptive writing should create a clear mental image in the reader’s mind. This can be achieved through the use of vivid imagery and figurative language. For example, a writer might describe a sunset as a “golden blanket draped over the sky” or a forest as a “lush, green cathedral.”

It’s important to balance detailed descriptions and allow readers to use their imagination. The goal is to provide enough detail to create a mental image but not so much that the reader feels overwhelmed or bored.

Finally, descriptive writing should aim to evoke emotions in the reader. This can be achieved through descriptive language conveying a mood or feeling. For example, a writer might describe a storm as “fierce and unrelenting,” creating a sense of danger and foreboding.

It’s important to consider the emotions that the reader should feel based on the subject being described. For example, if describing a peaceful meadow, the writer should use language that conveys a sense of calm and relaxation.

By using these techniques, writers can create engaging and vivid descriptions that allow the reader to experience the scene or object being described fully.

Narrative vs. Descriptive Essays

When it comes to writing essays, there are two main types: narrative and descriptive. While they may seem similar, they have distinct differences in purpose, structure, and examples.

The purpose of a narrative essay is to tell a story. It typically includes characters, a plot, and a setting. It is meant to engage the reader and create an emotional response. Narrative essays can be based on real-life experiences or fictional stories.

On the other hand, the purpose of a descriptive essay is to provide a detailed description of a person, place, or thing. It is meant to paint a picture in the reader’s mind and create a sensory experience. Descriptive essays can be based on real-life experiences or imaginary scenarios.

Narrative essays typically have a chronological structure, meaning they follow a timeline. They often include dialogue and sensory details to create a vivid picture for the reader. The structure of a narrative essay can vary depending on the story being told.

On the other hand, descriptive essays typically have a spatial structure, meaning they describe something in a specific order. They often use sensory details and figurative language to create a vivid picture for the reader. The structure of a descriptive essay can vary depending on the topic being described.

A narrative essay example could be a personal experience, such as a memorable vacation or a life-changing event. It could also be a fictional story, such as a short story or novel.

A descriptive essay example could be describing a favorite place, such as a beach or a park. It could also be a description of a person, such as a family member or a celebrity.

In conclusion, narrative and descriptive essays have distinct differences in purpose, structure, and examples. It is important to understand these differences when deciding which type of essay to write.

Argumentative Essays

Argumentative essays are a type of writing that requires the writer to take a position on a topic and defend it using evidence and reasoning. This type of essay is often used in academic settings, such as in college courses or on standardized tests like the GRE or SAT.

An argumentative essay aims to persuade the reader to agree with the writer’s point of view. To do this, the writer must present a clear and compelling argument supported by evidence. The writer must also anticipate and address counterarguments to strengthen their argument.

An argumentative essay typically follows a five-paragraph structure, which includes an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction should include a clear thesis statement that states the writer’s position on the topic. Each body paragraph should focus on a single point that supports the thesis statement. The conclusion should summarize the essay’s main points and restate the thesis statement in a new way.

Rhetorical Analysis

To write an effective argumentative essay, it is important to consider the rhetorical situation. This includes the audience, purpose, and context of the essay. The writer should also consider using ethos, pathos, and logos in their argument. Ethos refers to the writer’s credibility, pathos refers to emotional appeals, and logos refers to logical appeals.

Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the most important part of an argumentative essay. It should be clear, concise, and specific. The thesis statement should state the writer’s position on the topic and provide a roadmap for the rest of the essay. It should also be arguable, meaning there should be evidence and reasoning to support the writer’s position.

Expository Essays

Expository essays are a common type of academic writing that aims to inform or explain a topic to the reader. This section will discuss the purpose, structure, and examples of expository essays.

The purpose of an expository essay is to present a balanced analysis of a topic or issue. The writer aims to explain or clarify the topic to the reader, using evidence and facts to support their arguments. Unlike narrative or descriptive writing, expository writing is focused on presenting information clearly and concisely.

The structure of an expository essay typically follows a five-paragraph format. The first paragraph is the introduction, which includes a thesis statement that summarizes the essay’s main point. The following three paragraphs are the body, which presents the evidence and arguments to support the thesis. Finally, the last paragraph is the conclusion, which restates the thesis and summarizes the essay’s main points.

Here are some examples of topics that could be covered in an expository essay:

• The causes and effects of climate change
• The history and significance of a particular event or invention
• The benefits and drawbacks of a particular technology or practice
• The process of learning a new skill or language

In conclusion, expository essays are academic writing that aims to inform or explain a topic to the reader. They follow a five-paragraph structure and present a balanced analysis using evidence and facts.

In conclusion, narrative and descriptive writing are two important styles of writing that serve different purposes. Narrative writing tells a story and conveys events, while descriptive writing paints a vivid picture of a person, place, or thing. Both styles can be used in various types of writing, such as fiction, poetry, biographies, and human interest stories.

When it comes to narrative writing, it is important to consider the basic elements of a story, such as the characters, plot, setting, and theme. Dialogue can also be used to add depth and realism to the story. On the other hand, descriptive writing focuses on sensory details, such as sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch, to create a vivid image in the reader’s mind.

It is important to note that narrative and descriptive writing are distinct styles, but they can also be used together to create a more engaging and compelling piece of writing. For example, a narrative essay can include descriptive elements to enhance the reader’s understanding and emotional connection to the story.

Overall, the key to effective narrative and descriptive writing is to use clear, concise, and engaging language. By mastering these styles, writers can create powerful and memorable works that resonate with readers long after they have finished reading.

The Ultimate Guide to Narrative Essay vs Descriptive Essay

Narrative Essay is a personal experience narrated by the author. Whereas the descriptive essay requires an author to describe something like a place, object, experience, and more.

Still confused between the narrative essay and the descriptive essay? Don’t worry, you have an exciting ‘narrative essay vs descriptive essay’ coming up in this exciting blog post. So, let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Comparison Between Narrative and Descriptive Essay

Narrative essay.

A narrative essay tells a story. It could be based on your own experiences or from your imagination. You need to make sure it has a plot, characters, setting and a start, middle, and end. The main aim is to get the reader to connect with the story, so you need to include things like dialogue, and vivid descriptions and the events must be in order. That way it will create an emotional connection with the reader.

Descriptive Essay

A descriptive essay focuses on giving the reader a vivid sensory experience through details that appeal to their senses. The writer uses descriptive language and imagery to create an atmosphere that allows the reader to visualize and experience what is being described. Unlike a narrative essay, a descriptive one doesn’t necessarily tell a story in a particular order, but instead focuses on delivering sensory impressions.

Key Differences

Purpose:  Narrative essays tell a story with a moral or message, while descriptive essays create a vivid picture of something by using sensory details.

Structure:  Narrative essays have a story with people, events, and a specific order. Descriptive essays are all about the words and senses, usually not sticking to an exact timeline.

Emphasis:  Narrative essays try to get the reader involved and make them feel something through telling a story. Descriptive essays try to make the reader really experience it by giving them images to look at in their head.

Narrative essays are great for captivating readers with a good story, while descriptive ones can make readers feel like they’re really there with the help of detailed descriptions. It all comes down to what the writer wants to convey and which one will have the desired effect on the audience.

Narrative Essay Example

The Journey Home

The rain was pouring down hard as I dragged my feet down the street, my bag filled with textbooks and my head weighed down with stress. I had taken this route so many times, but that night felt different. Every step brought back memories – the laughs, the disagreements, the experiences that made up my college years. As I made my way along the familiar path, I couldn’t shake the feeling that things were about to change, and an era was coming to an end.

Descriptive Essay Example

The Abandoned Carnival

The carnival was totally deserted, a spooky quietness filling the air where there had once been a lot of noise. The rickety swings creaked in the breeze, their metal chains showing the wear of the years. The booths were faded and worn, only hinting at the exciting, lively scenes they’d once seen. There was a musty smell in the air, mixed with a faint memory of the sound of kids laughing, now replaced by a creepy silence. Nature had started to take over, weeds sprouting up through the concrete and claiming back the forgotten amusement park.

In a narrative essay, the focus is all about the narrator’s personal experience, like the journey home that brings on all kinds of emotions and reflections. It has a beginning, middle, and end that tells the story of something that happened in the author’s life.

Basically, the descriptive essay takes you into the abandoned carnival and really makes you feel like you’re there. It doesn’t necessarily tell a story or go in order, but it brings the place alive with all the sensory details, and it’s meant to make you feel something about the setting.

Elements of a Narrative Essay

Plot/Storyline:  A narrative essay has a plot that starts at the beginning, goes through the middle, and ends at the conclusion. It’s like a story that’s told in chronological order.

Example:  As I stepped onto the train platform, I never imagined that chance encounter would change the course of my life. It was a typical morning until.

Characters:  In a narrative essay, characters take on different parts, whether they’re people, animals, or representations of feelings or ideas.

Example:  Sarah, with her infectious laughter and unwavering optimism, was the guiding light through the darkest moments of my journey.

Setting:  The backdrop gives you an idea of the situation and kind of puts you in the space where everything’s happening.

Example:  The quaint little cafe nestled in the heart of the bustling city became our sanctuary, where conversations flowed as freely as the aromatic coffee.

Conflict/Resolution:  Typically there’s a problem or struggle that helps move the story along, ultimately resulting in a solution or some kind of growth.

Example:  The decision to leave home was daunting, but the sense of adventure overshadowed my fears, propelling me toward unknown horizons.

Point of View:  The story is usually told from the point of view of the person telling it, which allows the reader to get close to what the narrator is going through.

Example:  I gazed out of the window, watching the world pass by, pondering the twists of fate that brought me to this moment.

Elements of a Descriptive Essay

Sensory Details:  Descriptive essays put lots of emphasis on using the senses to create an image for the reader.

Example:  The warm, golden rays of the sun danced across the emerald meadow, creating a kaleidoscope of colors that bathed everything in a soft, ethereal glow.

Vivid Language/Imagery:  Using a ton of detail and colorful words helps to create a feeling you can almost touch.

Example:  The air was heavy with the aroma of freshly baked bread, and the sound of crackling firewood filled the cozy cottage, embracing me in a comforting embrace of home.

Emotional Appeal:  Descriptive essays try to stir up emotions by giving lots of details.

Example:  The abandoned, dilapidated house stood as a haunting reminder of forgotten memories, evoking a sense of melancholy that lingered in the air.

Emotional Appeal:  Essays that try to paint a picture with words and get you feeling something through detailed descriptions.

Focused Description:  This essay delves into one particular topic, person, location, or event, going into great detail.

Example:  The ancient oak tree, with its gnarled branches reaching toward the heavens, cast a protective shadow over the tranquil pond below, a sanctuary for weary travelers.

Organized Structure:  Although not necessarily chronological, descriptive essays usually have an organized structure that permits the reader to easily visualize the topic.

Example:  From the top of the hill, the sprawling city unfolded like a tapestry, each building a testament to human ambition and progress. The skyline glittered against the setting sun, offering a breathtaking panorama of urban life.

Narrative essays and descriptive essays are two very different academic activities. Often at times, students get confused between the two. That’s where we felt the need to address the issue in this exciting narrative essay vs descriptive essay blog post. Hopefully, you now have a good understanding of the differences between the two.

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Home » Language » Difference Between Narrative and Descriptive Essay

Difference Between Narrative and Descriptive Essay

Main difference – narrative vs descriptive essay.

Though there is a difference between narrative and descriptive essay, these two types of essays are often confused to be the same. Both narrative and descriptive essay can be written by any age group, as they do not contain many facts or information. They are usually used in creative writing activities for students. The main difference between narrative and descriptive essay is that a descriptive essay describes a certain person, an object or a scene while a narrative essay narrates a story .

What is a Descriptive Essay

Descriptive essay is a piece of writing that includes lot of descriptions. A descriptive essay can be about a person, a place, an object, or a feeling. In this type of essay, we can describe sensory details (sights, smells, sound, taste, touch). A good descriptive essay writer can describe his subject in such a way that vivid images are created in readers’ mind. Common descriptive essay topics include my pet, my family, my favorite place, my best friend, etc.

Extract from a Descriptive Essay:

“My best friend is my own cousin. Her name is Lily Adams and, she is in the same age as me. She is a pretty, tall girl with long black hair. Her deep green eyes like emeralds. Lily is a very talkative girl and she loves to help poor people. She often carries extra food in her bag to give to the poor people she meets on the road……”

What is a Narrative Essay

Narrative Essay is a piece of writing that narrates a story. A narrative essay can describe a writer’s personal experience or an imaginary incident. A good narrative essay writer can make the readers feel that he is writing about a true incident. First point of view is generally used in this type of an essay. A narrative essay also contains a plot, setting, and characters. Some narrative essay writers use dialogues as well. Some examples for narrative essays topics are an unforgettable day, my first day at school, an experience that changed, A day at the beach etc.

Extract from a Narrative Essay:

“….As I started to swim in the warm ocean, jumping over waves, I left others behind. I was still wearing my long back skirt which was quite heavy in the water, but my feet was touching the ocean floor, so I was not worried. But at one instant, I felt my feet could not touch the ocean floor anymore and I was  plunged into the water, weighed down by my clothing. Giant  waves kept coming and I was getting sucked into the depths every time they came. I tried to call out to my friends, but no sound came out my mouth……”

How to Write a Narrative Essay

As described above, the main difference between narrative and descriptive essay is their purpose. A narrative essay is written to narrate a certain incident or experience while a descriptive essay is written in order to describe a person, a thing, or a place. In a narrative essay, first person point of view is generally used and both first and third points of views are used in a descriptive essay. A narrative essay uses a logical, more often a chronological order, but a descriptive essay does not take time factor into account. Another significant difference between narrative and descriptive essay is that a narrative essay has a plot, setting and characters as it tells a story. In addition, a narrative essay can also contain dialogues.

Image Courtesy:

“trialsanderrors” by konen uehara: waves, ca. 1910  (cc by 2.0)  via flickr.

About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.

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9.2: Narration, Description, and Classification

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• Page ID 20641

• Athena Kashyap & Erika Dyquisto
• City College of San Francisco via ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative

Rhetorical modes are the different types and purposes in which we can effectively communicate through language. Sometimes writers incorporate a variety of modes in any one essay as their reader's and their own needs change. Sometimes even separate sentences will be in different modes. The modes covered in this chapter section are common modes readers and writer learn in grade school. These are generally used as types of sentences or paragraphs in college essays whereas in grade school, a student might write in one mode for the whole essay. We assume a certain familiarity with these modes in this review.

The Purpose of Narrative Writing

Narration means the art of storytelling, and the purpose of narrative writing is to tell stories. Any time you tell a story to a friend or family member about an event or incident in your day, you engage in a form of narration. In addition, a narrative can be factual or fictional. A factual story is one that is based on, and tries to be faithful to, actual events as they unfolded in real life. A fictional story is a made-up, or imagined, story; the writer of a fictional story can create characters and events as he or she sees fit.

The big distinction between factual and fictional narratives is based on a writer’s purpose. The writers of factual stories try to recount events as they actually happened, but writers of fictional stories can depart from real people and events because the writers’ intents are not to retell a real-life event. Biographies and memoirs are examples of factual stories (generally speaking), whereas novels and short stories are examples of fictional stories.

You may notice that much professional essay writing in feature articles in newspapers and magazines begins with a narrative to draw the reader in. This is the common "hook" in this sort of writing. The narrative is usually a short, factual story that causes some emotion to arise in the reader while pointing to the topic that the article will be about. As a way to wrap up the feature article, the writer many times returns to this narrative in the conclusion. In college writing, however, narrative writing is used much less often, and rarely is personal narrative (your own story) used in composition classes. If you plan to use personal narrative in a college essay, be sure to check with your instructor to make sure that doing so is acceptable for the assignment. The most common use of narrative writing in a college essay is as an introductory essay in your writing class so the teacher can get to know a little about you and your reading and writing. The other common use is the inclusion of a short narrative you read in an assigned text that you plan to use as an example in an expository essay. The other academic situation in which you may need to write a narrative is in a college application essay for when you apply to four-year schools or graduate schools. For examples of such essays, click here.

Writing at Work

When interviewing candidates for jobs, employers often ask about conflicts or problems a potential employee has had to overcome. They are asking for a compelling personal narrative. To prepare for this question in a job interview, write out a scenario using the narrative mode structure. This will allow you to troubleshoot rough spots, as well as better understand your own personal history. Both processes will make your story better and your self-presentation better, too.

Writing a Narrative Essay

When writing a narrative essay, start by asking yourself what you want to "show" or "illustrate" with your essay. Then free write about topics or experiences that might demonstrate what you want to show. Don't "tell" what you want to convey; rather, demonstrate it through the actions of and details about the character (you for a personal statement) . For more information about free writing, see Chapter 4.6, " Prewriting Strategies ." The use of strong details is crucial as you describe the events and characters in your narrative. You want the reader to emotionally engage with the world that you create in writing.

To create strong details, keep the human senses in mind. You want your reader to be immersed in the world that you create, so focus on details related to sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch as you describe people, places, and events in your narrative.

Narration is the art of storytelling. As always, it is important to start with a strong introduction to hook your reader into wanting to read more. Try opening the essay with an event that is interesting to introduce the story and get it going.

Example Personal Statement Narrative

Please refer to this article to see some examples of personal statements.

The Purpose of Description in Writing

Writers use description to make sure that their audience is fully immersed in the words on the page. This requires a concerted effort by writers to describe their world through the use of sensory details. Description is used throughout college writing, but it's generally interspersed through the essay, especially in examples and definitions. It is unlikely that you would write a whole essay or even a whole paragraph of description in a composition class assignment, but the use of vivid, descriptive vocabulary will add spice and interest to anything that you write. That said, you will likely read essays and books that uses a lot of description to transport you to the place or thing that writer evokes. For examples, see the essay " How to Say Nothing in 500 Words ."

As mentioned earlier in this chapter, sensory details are descriptions that appeal to our sense of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Your descriptions should try to focus on the five senses because we all rely on these senses to experience the world. The use of sensory details, then, provides you the greatest possibility of relating to your audience and thus engaging them in your writing, making descriptive writing important not only during your education but also during everyday situations.

Avoid empty descriptors if possible, however. Empty descriptors are adjectives that can mean different things to different people. Good , beautiful , terrific , and nice are examples. The use of such words in descriptions can lead to misreadings and confusion. A good day , for instance, can mean many different things depending on one’s age, personality, tastes, perspectives, or situations.

On a separate sheet of paper, describe one of the following five items in a short paragraph. Use at least three of the five senses for each description.

5. Stranger

The Purpose of Classification in Writing

The purpose of classification is to break down broad subjects into smaller, more manageable, more specific parts. We classify things in our daily lives all the time, often without even thinking about it. Media, for example, can be classified into print, internet, and broadcast, in just one way to classify the topic (by form of transmission). Because media is so complicated, there are a number of other ways in which it can be classified as well. Smaller categories, and the way in which these categories are created, help us make sense of the world. In college writing, a portion of an essay or a paragraph may serve to classify and distinguish something. Or words as simple as adjectives, such as fiction or nonfiction, can be used to classify something. Writers generally give more space to classification in essays on topics that are complicated or in which people tend to gloss over important differences that conflate (confuse together) ideas. Classification is an analytical approach that allows the reader to discus a topic in a systematic way. It is used in classic argumentation, process analysis, compare and contrast, and cause and effect essays.

Much of what we read in college is about classification. In the various hard and social sciences, we read about classifications of biological entities, types of analysis, theories of behavior, and much, much more. Classification helps us organize information and knowledge in our minds so that we can develop our schema and understanding of a topic. Sometimes classifications can be too rigid, however, and can keep up from seeing the connections between ideas. However, it's important to practice classifying when needed because it develops our ability to analyze.

When writing about classifications, be sure to use strong details and explanations for each subcategory to help explain the differences between categories. Also, be sure to give examples to illustrate your points.

Student Sample Classification Essay

Types of Diets

A diet can be described as a plan for drinking and eating that is fixed to the amount and the type of foods and drinks that one has to ingest in order to achieve a specific lifestyle. There are several types of diets that can be divided according to their aims, such as: diets which concern making changes with one's weight, diets which are prescribed to people with certain diseases, and diets which one follows according to his or her views and values.

The most popular diets are those which concern the changes in weight. The main factors affecting the popularity of this type of diet are the fashion industry and popularization of a healthy lifestyle. One of the diets that is popular with people who want to maintain the weight they currently have or lose it is the zone diet. This is where the carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are balanced in a ratio of 4:3:3 respectively (Pellizzon, Ricci 36). This means if the food has 40% carbohydrates, then it should have 30% proteins and 30% fats. A person who wants to lose his or her weight should take food with unrefined carbohydrates, fats such as avocados and olive oils, as well as nuts.

Another type of diet that is related to weight changes is the Weight Watchers’ diet. People who would want to skip exercises to burn calories adopt this diet as well as maintaining a network of like-minded friends who form an association. The weight watchers can either meet physically or online or encourage each other on how to lose weight. This diet is more psychological than nutritional.

Many diseases are associated with lifestyle and, therefore, many diets are prescribed by doctors to people who suffer from certain diseases, such as the Atkins diet, which focuses on insulin level control. It is mostly found in food rich in fats and proteins (Wakana, et al. 24). People with high insulin levels avoid foods rich in refined carbohydrates because they trigger energy levels in the body making it release more insulin.

People suffering from epilepsy and other brain disorders are advised to take the kinetic diet. This means they reduce the uptake of carbohydrates and ingest foods that are rich in fats. This allows the body to burn fats as fuel as opposed to carbohydrates. These fats are broken down to produce ketones, which are essential for brain metabolism. However, this diet should be avoided by people suffering from diabetes 1 because their consumption may result in a diabetic coma, which may lead to death.

The third type of diets is one related to views and values. One of the most popular diets associated with religion and ethics, not science, is vegetarian. Many people are vegetarians by choice or because of their religious affiliations (Mohsen, et al. 69). Vegetarians can be divided into different categories such as semi-vegetarians, pesco vegetarians, ovo-vegetarians, living food diet vegetarians, lacto-ovo vegetarians, fruitarian vegetarians and lacto-vegetarians. The majority of vegetarians are categorized as Lacto-ovo vegetarians, that is, they do not eat animal products except honey, dairy, and eggs. Vegetarians have a longer life expectancy, suffer less from diseases and have a lower body weight compared to people who eat meat.

A vegan diet is more philosophical than nutritional. People who observe this diet avoid all animal products mostly for environmental, compassionate and ethical reasons. They argue that if everybody consumed plants’ products, then animals, who share the same life as human beings would suffer less and the environment would remain healthy (Wakana, et al 25).

There are people who observe the raw foodism diet (Pellizzon, and Ricci 38). They consume organic foods and drinks, which are not processed in any way. They eat uncooked food, which is mostly plant products. The four main types of raw foodists include the raw carnivores, raw omnivores, raw vegans, and raw vegetarians.

The type of diet people choose depends on reasons that propel them to follow a diet. Those people who want to take preemptive measures and avoid lifestyle diseases adopt a diet which helps them to keep balance among carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Some people had to keep a specific diet, such as people who suffer from diabetes 1. Others follow diets that correspond with their views. There is no better or worse diet. One should choose a diet according to his or her aims.

Contributors and Attributions

• Adapted from Writing for Success . Provided by: The Saylor Foundation. License: CC-NC-SA 3.0 .
• Adapted from Classification Essay Example . Provided by: EssayTigers.com. License: All Rights Reserved.

This page most recently updated on June 6, 2020.

Narrative Essay vs. Descriptive Essay: What's the Difference?

Key Differences

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Descriptive Vs Narrative Essay: Understanding The Difference

Descriptive or narrative essays are the most common assignments for students in composition classes. These two types of academic papers are often considered to be the same, but this is a mistake. Narrative papers tell stories about some events, while descriptive papers create images of places, people, or events. Continue reading this article to learn more about similarities and differences of these papers.

• A narrative essay.

In a narrative paper, an author often tells a story from his or her personal perspective. Stories are usually told in a narrative style, so your paper should also reflect. Topics for this kind of paper are often about your own experience. For example, you may be assigned to write about your first day at a new school, the most interesting holiday in your life, and so on. However, narrative papers aren’t always related to an author’s experience. You may also write a book report where you retell its plot.

• A descriptive essay.

In a descriptive paper, authors often use sensory details like smells, tastes, sounds, and tactile sensations to make a clear description of a person, place, or event. You should create a three-dimensional image of your subject to make your readers see, hear, and feel what you’re describing. Topics for descriptive papers are very different; you may be assigned to write about your room, the strangest animal you’ve ever seen, your best friend, the job of your dream, etc.

• Similarities of these papers.

Both of these academic papers should have a normal essay format that includes an introduction, a few body paragraphs, and a conclusion. A thesis statement should be put at the end of the first paragraph to set the goal for your text. Explain to your readers the reason and importance of your work in your thesis statement. For example, you may write that the topic you’re writing about helped you learn something very significant. In both narrative and descriptive papers, you should follow your thesis statement when supporting your arguments and ideas.

• Differences of these papers.

In a narrative essay, you should tell a story from your own point of view and use such phrases like “I think”, “In my opinion”, and so on. In a descriptive paper, you should be objective in your writing. Also, narrative papers often include actions, while descriptive papers do not. A narrative paper follows a strict chronological order, while a descriptive paper doesn’t contain any time elements and uses other factors to tell about its subject.

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Four Different Types of Writing Styles: Expository, Descriptive, Persuasive, and Narrative

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Descriptive Essay for University

Descriptive essay generator for university.

One of the riveting things in people’s minds is how it processes something. When different individuals see the same thing in front of them, their brains operate their thoughts differently. What’s beautiful for some might appear the opposite for others. That’s how you’re going to discuss a subject in a descriptive essay. Express your subjective perspectives by learning how to compose your descriptive essay for university.

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What Is a Descriptive Essay?

A descriptive essay is a type of academic essay wherein the writer will provide a detailed description of a place, person, experience, emotion, or a particular process. It is the kind of essay wherein the writer can approach it by providing information basing on his or her subjective perception. Universities often give this assignment to the students to let them enhance their essay writing skills.

How to Write a Detailed Descriptive Essay For University

Whenever people ask you about your favorite food or place, you can easily picture them in your mind. Sometimes, because of how vivid your imagination is, it can even make you hungry. Others would even claim to feel nostalgic. Capture that emotion into text and transfer it on a piece of paper.

1. Immerse Yourself In Your Topic

The moment your professors give you the assignment, they also often give you a topic. In contrast, some teachers give you the freedom to choose one on your own. Either way, you need to conduct descriptive research and study it deliberately. You can’t provide a complete description of something unless you know a lot about it. 

2. Construct an Outline

You can start this step by searching for blank outline templates online. The next thing to do is to note what you want to include in your essay. One helpful tip is to know what your five senses tell you about the subject. Pay attention to how it looks, the way it smells, its smoothness, and other details you can get from your sensory organs. Describe it in your college essay outline .

3. Organize Your Description

Now that you already have a guide, you should organize your thoughts in a way that makes sense. Decide on the flow of your essay in each of your descriptive paragraphs . To help you with it, you can construct a flow chart . This method will help you determine how to arrange your ideas.

4. Incorporate Vivid Language

The main goal of your descriptive writing is to let the readers feel, see, or perceive things the way you do. When you describe a particular beach as your favorite place, ensure to write it vividly. To do this, you can incorporate figurative languages that would help you express your emotions better.

What are the differences between a narrative essay and a descriptive essay?

In the practice of article writing , professors may give you the assignment to write numerous types of essays. These kinds include a narrative essay and a descriptive essay. Despite that, they have a glaring difference in their purposes. Narrative writing aims to tell a story, while the latter’s goal is to provide a detailed description of something.

What are good topics for a descriptive essay for university?

Interesting topics for a descriptive essay are a lot similar to the things you write in your journal. You can write about your favorite food, a person you like, a place you find scary, and an artwork. If it interests you, you can also include things or issues on your campus that college students find interesting.

How do you start a descriptive essay?

Start your descriptive writing by writing a short descriptive paragraph as your introduction. The first sentence you should compose is your hook. The purpose of this segment is to compel and attract readers to your article. In the end part of this paragraph, you should write your thesis statement. In this part, you should briefly give people an idea of what you would discuss in your material.

People go out of their way to submit college application resumes , for the sake of securing their names on the students’ list. The reason is that universities are a place to hone and improve your skills for the career of your choice. That said, as most industries require numerous formal letter writing, they also practice your skills by letting you write essays. Start practicing yours by composing an impressive descriptive essay for university.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Describe your ideal university campus in a Descriptive Essay for University

Write a Descriptive Essay for University on the experience of attending your first university lecture