a descriptive essay outline

Descriptive Essay

Descriptive Essay Outline

Creating a Descriptive Essay Outline - Format & Example

11 min read

Defining Descriptive Essay

A descriptive essay asks you to create a vivid picture in readers’ minds while engaging all of the human senses. It provides all the sensory details and a complete description of the topic. Creating an outline for a descriptive essay helps in organizing the information and sensory details of the topic.

The typical descriptive essay usually consists of 5 paragraphs. 5 paragraph structure is the most followed structure in essay writing. Let’s understand this type of outline:

Steps to Write a 5-Paragraph Descriptive Essay Outline

A 5 paragraph descriptive essay has 1 introductory paragraph, 3 body paragraphs, and 1 conclusion paragraph. These three parts should be included in a descriptive essay. All of these sections are required to fulfill the need for a descriptive essay.

Here is how to write a 5 paragraph descriptive essay in 3 simple steps:

Step 1: Descriptive Essay Introduction

An introduction is the first thing that a reader is going to read in your essay. So, it should be interesting, engaging as well as eye-catching. It should be able to hook the reader with your essay and make him want to read the complete essay.

Start the essay introduction by introducing the topic with an interesting hook statement that grabs the reader’s attention. Briefly mention the ideas that give a hint to the reader of what you are going to discuss in the body.
Provide a thesis statement that gives an informational description of the topic and also appeals to the reader’s emotions.

Step 2: Descriptive Essay Body Paragraphs

The body is the section where you provide a complete description and sensory details of the topic. All the ideas should be presented in separate paragraphs. A typical 5 paragraph essay consists of 3 body paragraphs, but they can be increased depending on the number of ideas.

Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence centered around a key idea.
Organize your ideas in chronological order, using clear and concise language to create a tangible image in the reader's mind.
Support your ideas with evidence and, if applicable, cite credible external sources.
Conclude each body paragraph with a thoughtful analysis of the idea presented.

Step 3: Descriptive Essay Conclusion

This is the final part of your essay and should leave the reader feeling satisfied and thoughtful.

Here, reflect on the initial purpose of your essay and why you chose to write about the topic.
Restate your thesis statement in a fresh way, offering a concise summary of your discussion.
Conclude with a compelling statement that leaves the reader with something to ponder.

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Descriptive Essay Outline Template

Here is a descriptive essay outline sample template:

Descriptive Essay Outline Examples

Now, let's put theory into practice and explore a few examples of how to outline descriptive essays using some topics.

Descriptive Essay Outline About a Person

Descriptive essay outline about a place.

Here are some descriptive essay outline PDFs that will help you craft a perfect outline for a descriptive essay.

We also have a worksheet to make the descriptive essay writing process easy for you. You can download it and use it for your next descriptive essay assignment.

Descriptive Essay Outline Worksheet

Descriptive Essay Outline Example

Here is a descriptive essay outline for middle school

Descriptive Essay Outline Example Middle School

Need more samples for inspiration? Check out our descriptive essay examples blog and explore a number of free essay samples!

Descriptive Essay Format

When it comes to formatting this type of essay, there are specific guidelines to ensure your work is visually appealing and easy to read. Here are some key formatting considerations:

Font & Size: Use a 12-point, readable font like Times New Roman or Arial.
Margins: Maintain 1-inch margins on all sides.
Line Spacing: Double-space text, including the title and headings.
Title Page: Include one if specified, with your name, instructor, course, and date.
Title: Center it on the first page, using a larger font or bold.
Page Numbers: Add them to the top right corner, including the title page if present.
Paragraph Indentation: Start each paragraph with a 0.5-inch indent.
Justification: Left-align text for readability.
Citation Style: Apply the designated citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago) consistently.

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Descriptive Essay Writing Tips

Until now, you definitely have understood how to craft an outline for a descriptive essay. Here are some amazing tips that will help you craft a flawless essay in no time.

Choose the Right Topic: Brainstorm for different ideas and interesting topics. Choose a unique and amazing topic for your essay. Check out our descriptive essay topics blog for interesting ideas.
Show, Don't Tell: Instead of stating facts, use descriptive language to evoke vivid images and sensations in your reader's mind.
Engage the Senses: Appeal to sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch to create a multi-sensory experience.
Organize Details: Use a clear and logical structure, such as an outline, to ensure your descriptions flow smoothly. Connect your ideas by using transition words .
Use Metaphors and Similes: These figures of speech can add depth and meaning to your descriptions.
Edit and Revise: Polish your essay for clarity, conciseness, and coherence, ensuring it captivates your readers.

To Sum it Up!

Crafting a well-structured descriptive essay outline is the first step toward creating an engaging and immersive essay. By following the outline and tips outlined in this guide, you'll have the tools to create a perfect outline.

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Keep reading

How to Write a Descriptive Essay

Working on a descriptive essay is like handing your reader a pair of magical glasses – it allows them to see, feel, and experience what you're describing. It's not just about listing facts – it's about immersing your reader in a sensory adventure. Fun fact: Studies show that our brains respond to vivid imagery as if we're actually experiencing the described scene. So, by painting a detailed picture with your words, you're not just telling a story – you're triggering a sensory response in your reader's brain, making the whole experience more memorable and engaging. It's like turning your essay into a mini-vacation for your reader's mind. In this article, students who haven’t delegated their tasks to essay writers yet will find a detailed explanation of descriptive writing with the definition, tips, and examples. Stay tuned!

What Is a Descriptive Essay

A descriptive essay is a form of writing that employs vivid language and sensory details to create a vivid picture or experience for the reader. Unlike other types of essays that may focus on analyzing, persuading, or narrating, the primary goal of this type of an essay is to paint a compelling and detailed picture in the reader's mind. It often involves the writer using descriptive words, metaphors, and other literary devices to convey a sensory experience, allowing the reader to visualize, feel, hear, smell, and taste what is being described. The purpose is to evoke a strong emotional response and engage the reader's imagination, making them feel like they are part of the depicted scene or moment.

In a descriptive essay, the writer carefully selects and organizes details to convey a specific impression or mood. The subject matter can range from a personal experience to observing a place, event, or object. The effectiveness lies in the writer's ability to create a vivid and immersive experience, enabling the reader to connect with the described subject on a deeper level. Ultimately, a well-executed descriptive essay leaves a lasting impression by bringing words to life and making the reader experience the depicted elements in a tangible and memorable way. You can also consult a reflection paper example for additional writing hints.

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Description vs. Descriptive Essay

Description and descriptive essays are related concepts, but they differ in scope and form. Description is a broader term that refers to the act of detailing the characteristics or features of something, someone, or a specific situation. It can be a component of various types of writing, not limited to essays. Description can be found in narratives, expository writing, and even technical or scientific writing, where clarity and precision in detailing are crucial. In essence, description is a tool used in writing to enhance understanding and create a vivid mental image.

On the other hand, a descriptive essay is a specific genre of writing that focuses entirely on painting a comprehensive and detailed picture using descriptive language. It is a more concentrated form of expression, where the writer's primary objective is to engage the reader's senses and emotions. Our custom writers suggest that a descriptive essay typically centers around a particular theme, experience, or subject, and it employs vivid imagery, figurative language, and sensory details to create a captivating narrative. Unlike a simple description, a descriptive essay has a more structured and narrative-oriented format, often with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

What to Describe in Your Essay

In a descriptive essay, you have the opportunity to portray a particular subject vividly, and the key is to engage the reader's senses and imagination. Here are some ideas on what you can describe:

Scenic Locations. Transport your reader to a specific place – a serene beach, a bustling city street, a lush forest, or an ancient castle. Describe the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings associated with that location.
Memorable Experiences. Share a personal experience that left a lasting impression on you. It could be a significant event, a life-changing moment, or even a routine activity that holds special meaning.
People. Describe a person who has had a profound impact on your life or someone you find intriguing. Focus not only on their physical appearance but also on their personality, quirks, and the emotions they evoke.
Objects. Choose a specific object, whether it's a cherished possession, a historical artifact, or something mundane yet interesting. Explore its significance and how it makes you feel.
Seasons and Weather. Capture the essence of a particular season or weather condition. Whether it's the warmth of a summer day, the crispness of autumn, or the sound of raindrops on a window – make the reader feel the atmosphere.
Animals or Pets. Bring to life a beloved pet or an encounter with a fascinating animal. Describe their appearance, behavior, and the emotions they evoke in you.
Cultural Events. Attend a cultural event, festival, or celebration, and describe the vibrant colors, sounds, and traditions. Explore how these events make you feel and their cultural significance.
Art and Creativity. Choose a piece of art, a sculpture, or a creative work that captivates you. Dive into the details, uncovering the emotions it evokes and its impact on your perception.

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Two Approaches to Writing a Descriptive Essay

Two Classic Approaches to the Descriptive Essay

There are generally two primary approaches to writing a descriptive essay, each emphasizing a different aspect of the subject. These approaches help shape the overall tone and purpose of the essay:

Objective Approach. In the objective approach, the writer strives to provide a detailed and accurate portrayal of the subject without injecting personal emotions or opinions. This method is often employed in academic and technical writing. The focus is on presenting an unbiased, factual description that allows readers to form their own opinions. For example, if describing a historical monument, the writer would focus on architectural details, historical context, and other observable features without interjecting personal feelings.

Subjective Approach. Conversely, the subjective approach encourages the writer to infuse personal experiences, emotions, and opinions into the description. This approach is often used in creative writing, personal narratives, or essays that aim to evoke specific emotions in the reader. When using a subjective approach, the writer might vividly describe how the subject makes them feel, drawing on personal memories and sensory experiences. For instance, if describing a favorite childhood place, the writer might delve into nostalgic emotions and memories associated with that location.

The choice between these approaches depends on the writer's goals and the intended impact on the reader. Some essays may even blend elements of both approaches, providing factual details while also conveying the writer's emotional connection to the subject. The key is to be intentional in choosing the approach that best serves the purpose of the descriptive essay. Or, you can buy cheap essay to avoid the trouble now and save valuable free time.

Descriptive Essay Topics

Choosing topics for descriptive essay can greatly benefit students by helping them improve their writing skills and unleash their creativity. These assignments allow students to dive deep into a subject and practice using colorful language, vivid descriptions, and creative imagery. By focusing on details, students learn to observe the world around them more closely and appreciate the nuances of their surroundings.

Exploring various topics also allows students to expand their knowledge and understanding of different cultures, experiences, and environments, fostering empathy and a broader perspective. In essence, descriptive essay topics provide students with a valuable opportunity to develop their writing abilities while gaining a deeper appreciation for the power of language and observation.

A day at the beach.
My favorite childhood memory.
The cozy corner of my room.
A rainy day in the park.
The bustling farmer's market.
An unforgettable family gathering.
The charming old bookstore.
My pet's quirky habits.
The perfect pizza slice.
Sunrise over the city.
A peaceful forest glade.
The hectic school cafeteria.
A quiet Sunday morning.
Exploring a hidden trail.
The enchanting winter wonderland.
The lively street fair.
Inside Grandma's kitchen.
A colorful autumn day.
My favorite room in the house.
The first day of school.
A historic landmark in my town.
Sunset on the lakeshore.
The adorable neighborhood coffee shop.
A vibrant street art mural.
My most comfortable outfit.
The quaint village square.
A walk through the botanical garden.
The excitement of a carnival.
A quirky antique shop.
Sunday afternoon picnic.

If you need more ideas, consult our guide on narrative essay topics .

Descriptive Essay Outline

An outline for a descriptive essay serves as a roadmap for organizing and structuring the content of your essay to ensure a coherent and engaging narrative. Here's a simple breakdown of the typical components of a descriptive essay outline:

Descriptive Essay Introduction

Hook. Begin with a captivating opening sentence to grab the reader's attention.
Thesis Statement. Clearly state the main idea or purpose of your essay.

Body Paragraphs (usually three to four)

Topic Sentence. Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that introduces the main point.
Details and Descriptions. Elaborate on the topic sentence by providing vivid and specific details, using sensory language to engage the reader's senses.
Transitions. Use smooth transitions between paragraphs to maintain the flow of the essay.
Restate Thesis. Recap the main idea of the essay without introducing new information.
Summarize Key Points. Briefly revisit the main details discussed in the body paragraphs.
Closing Statement. End with a concluding thought that leaves a lasting impression or provokes further reflection.

Review and Revise

Check for Consistency. Ensure that your descriptions are consistent and align with the overall theme.
Grammar and Style. Review your essay for grammatical errors and refine your writing style.
Peer Review. If possible, seek feedback from others to gain different perspectives on your essay.

Remember, this is a flexible descriptive essay writing framework, and the number of body paragraphs can vary based on the specific requirements of your assignment. The key to how to write a descriptive essay is to maintain a logical and organized structure that guides the reader through a rich and immersive experience of the subject you're describing.

Stages of Writing a Descriptive Essay

Writing a descriptive essay involves several stages, each crucial to the development of a vivid and engaging narrative. Here's an overview of the key stages:

Choose a Topic. Select a subject that is meaningful, interesting, and conducive to detailed description.
Brainstorming. Generate ideas related to the chosen topic, jotting down sensory details, emotions, and specific experiences associated with it.
Thesis Statement. Develop a clear thesis statement that conveys the main purpose or impression you want to leave with your readers.
Introduction. Craft an engaging introduction that hooks the reader and includes the thesis statement.
Body Paragraphs. Develop each paragraph around a specific aspect of your topic, providing detailed descriptions and utilizing sensory language.
Organization. Arrange your paragraphs logically, using a chronological, spatial, or thematic structure to guide the reader through the experience.
Transition Sentences. Use transitional sentences to ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs and ideas.
Content Review. Evaluate the effectiveness of your descriptions, ensuring they contribute to the overall theme and purpose of the essay.
Clarity and Coherence. Check for clarity and coherence in your writing, ensuring that readers can follow your narrative easily.
Sensory Language. Enhance the use of sensory language, making sure that your descriptions evoke vivid images and engage the reader's senses.
Thesis Refinement. Fine-tune your thesis statement to reflect any adjustments made during the drafting process.

Editing and Proofreading

Grammar and Punctuation. Review your essay for grammatical errors, punctuation issues, and proper sentence structure.
Consistency. Check for consistency in tense, point of view, and overall writing style.
Word Choice. Ensure that your vocabulary is precise and contributes to the richness of your descriptions.
Final Check. Conduct a final proofread to catch any remaining errors, typos, or formatting issues.
Peer Review. If possible, seek feedback from peers or instructors to gain additional perspectives on your essay.
Structure. Ensure your essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Font and Font Size. Adhere to any specific formatting guidelines provided by your instructor, including font type and size.
Margins and Spacing. Check and adjust margins and line spacing according to the formatting requirements.
Title and Headings. If required, include a title and headings, making sure they are appropriately formatted.
Citations. If using sources, ensure proper descriptive essay format according to the citation style (APA, MLA, etc.).

By following these stages, you can systematically develop and refine your essay, creating a compelling and immersive experience for your readers.

Descriptive Essay Examples

A descriptive essay example is like a practical guide for students, showing them how to write in a way that really grabs people's attention. They help students see how to use colorful language and organize their thoughts. By looking at the examples, students can understand how to make their writing more engaging and bring their ideas to life. They also inspire students to get creative and find their own unique style. Examples are like a roadmap, navigating students who google ‘ do my homework ’ through the writing world and making them more confident and expressive communicators.

Example 1: "A Tranquil Morning at Sunrise Cove"

This descriptive essay paints a vivid picture of the enchanting Sunrise Cove, capturing the serene and captivating atmosphere that unfolds during the early morning hours. From the magical transformation of the landscape bathed in the warm hues of dawn to the melodic symphony of nature's sounds, the cove emerges as a tranquil haven untouched by the hustle and bustle of modern life. Beyond its picturesque beauty, Sunrise Cove provides a space for introspection and reflection, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the peaceful ambiance and find solace in the quietude of the moment. Ultimately, the essay celebrates the profound beauty and respite offered by this hidden sanctuary as the sun continues its journey across the sky, leaving the cove awash in warmth and tranquility.

Example 2: "The Enchanting Serenity of Moonlit Beaches"

This descriptive essay explores the enchanting beauty of moonlit beaches. It vividly depicts the scene of a beach illuminated by the soft glow of the moon, emphasizing the visual, auditory, and emotional elements that contribute to its allure. The essay is structured into three main paragraphs: the silvered canvas, the symphony of silence, and a tapestry of emotions. Each paragraph delves into a specific aspect of the moonlit beach experience, from the shimmering reflections on the sand and water to the peaceful silence that reigns during the night and, finally, the emotional resonance that the scene evokes. The overall theme highlights the transformative and serene nature of moonlit beaches, portraying them as a timeless sanctuary for introspection and contemplation.

Learning how to compose descriptive essays is a powerful tool that empowers students to express themselves vividly, sharpen their observational abilities, and communicate with precision. The ability to create a sensory-rich experience on paper not only enhances academic performance but also cultivates a lifelong skill set essential for effective communication in various aspects of life.

They encourage students to delve into their surroundings, tap into their creativity, and paint a detailed picture with words. The process of carefully selecting and arranging descriptive details not only refines their writing abilities but also hones their critical thinking skills. As students engage in this form of expression, they learn to appreciate the nuances of language, fostering a deeper connection to the written word. Need help with this assignment? Use our descriptive essay writing service right now!

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Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

How To Write An Impactful Descriptive Essay?

By: Cathy A.

12 min read

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Dec 17, 2019

Wondering how to write an impressive descriptive essay? Writing a descriptive essay is both fun and challenging. You need to describe the main topic in detail and by engaging the five senses of the readers.

Students usually get this type of essay in high school and college. Writing a descriptive essay is different from other essays.

You need to focus on describing a certain person, place, or event.

Luckily for you, the following blog post will provide some helpful tips on how to create an engaging essay.

Continue reading to learn how to write an A-worthy descriptive essay.

On this Page

What is a Descriptive Essay?

A descriptive essay is a detailed paper that describes a place, person, situation, object, or emotion. Different people have different points of view and your job is to explain yours in detail.

You may be asked to write a descriptive essay about the beach or forest or about a person or situation. The purpose of this essay is to test the writer’s ability in expressing and explaining their experiences.

Descriptive writing should create a picture in the reader’s mind. You may be required to write a descriptive essay as a high school or college essay assignment.

For a compelling essay, using adjectives and adverbs, details, and figurative language is fundamental. Without proper usage of words, you will not be able to invoke the readers' emotions.

What is the Purpose of a Descriptive Essay?

The purpose of a descriptive essay is to describe a person, place, or personal experience in vivid detail so that the reader can create a picture in his mind.

The descriptive essay is written to get the reader to understand by using descriptive language. It is different from narrative essays, where the writer tells the story about someone else. Usually, it starts with a real-life event and then the content follows the author's imagination.

Descriptive essays are not intended to persuade the reader or show facts and figures to prove something. Descriptive essays are like word paintings that contain personal and descriptive details and these are mostly assigned to students of creative writing.

How to Start a Descriptive Essay

A strong start for your descriptive essay is essential. Analyze your topic from every angle and document the following details:

Analyze the main subjects in detail and observe minute things.

Start with observing all the possible aspects of the subject.
Don't just observe the object but also its surroundings.
Focus on details and features of the subject and develop opinions about them.
Be thoughtful; this first step will be the basis for the essay.

Physical Settings

Describing the physical settings is a must in a descriptive essay. When describing, keep the following points in mind.

Focus on the subject's position and observe nearby objects
Note the time of day and kind of lighting: natural or imitated
Physical settings: all the basic and decorative elements
The position and shape of the objects
Alignment and any other observable information

Physical Features

When describing the physical features of the subject, living or nonliving, consider the following points.

Living or nonliving; describe the features in detail
The subject's skin color, texture, smoothness, expression, and age
The features of inanimate objects in the picture, color, surface, and texture

Create Drama

Storytelling and drama are the life and blood of a good descriptive essay. It turns your essay into an exciting and interesting piece of writing. However, be subtle about adding drama to your sentence structure and add it to complement your story only.

Focus On Your Feelings

Focus on how you feel about the particular topic or person and stick to it. It is easy to get involved when working on the essay. But, focus on your own feelings and write an essay based on them.

Use Of Specific Vocabulary

Vocabulary is important. Select the best words for describing an action or object. Don't always use the first word that comes to mind.

Write slowly and thoughtfully, and use specific words to convey your thoughts.

Psychological Aspects

Writing about a certain situation or behavior of a person focuses on the mental aspects and emotions involved in them.

For Example, describe your emotions when your friend misplaced your notes right before the exam.

You may have had several emotions in that incident. Maybe you were prepared for exams, but this situation put you under pressure and made you feel frustrated and hurt.

Explore those emotions and describe the feelings they aroused. Describe the body language also, if relevant.

Ask Yourself, WHY?

This is the most valuable tip for students. When you are looking at a particular subject, and having difficulty analyzing its aspects, ask yourself "WHY".

Why is the subject the way it is?
Why does the person you are describing have such a deep-set and cold eyes?
Why is the animal so wounded and terrified?
Why is this particular place famous?

It is a good practice and after some time you will do it naturally. Knowing the why is important if you want to describe your topic properly.

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How To Write A Descriptive Essay?

When you write a descriptive essay, you help your readers visualize an event, a person, or a story. It is written to make your readers feel what you feel about the respective subject.

A descriptive essay seeks to appeal to some or all of the audience’s five senses. Some key things to consider are:

Discussing your subject thoroughly
Focusing on details and adding them in your essay
Sharing your personal feelings and experience about the subject
Observing and describing all sensory details of your subject

Here are the steps to write a descriptive essay easily.

1- Choose an Engaging and Focused Essay Topic

An important step that all strong descriptive essays share is having a focused topic. Before you make the outline, identify the purpose of your essay and use it to create an appropriate thesis statement.This type of paper does not require much personal opinion from you. Its main goal should be focusing on information that will make a dominant impression in readers' minds instead.

2- Research and Gather Important Details

When writing a descriptive essay, it is important to make sure you include as many details and sensory information as possible. This helps your reader fully understand the images that are being presented in their mind's eye.You can organize these ideas into categories so they're easy for you to access when needed.

3- Create an Outline of Your Essay

Your essays must be organized by having subheadings that are clear and concise. Group your main points into individual body paragraphs, each of which should only cover one idea or topic at a time.

4- Write your Essay’s Introduction

A good introductory paragraph is much like a road map because it provides direction to your readers.

It provides relevant background information before diving into more specific details related to how something works or why something happens. These could include statistics or stories from real-life scenarios.

5- Write the Main Body Section of Your Essay

Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence that keeps the reader hooked on what you are saying. Use specific details instead of making generalized statements, and make sure to give examples if necessary.

6- End with a Strong Conclusion

The conclusion of an essay is the final paragraph, and it should summarize all that you have said throughout. It's a good idea to restate the main points and key details from the essay in this section.

It is important so the reader has everything they need for better understanding before ending off on something new.

If necessary be sure not to introduce anything odd or unusual, to avoid any confusion.

7- Proofread and Revise the Essay Carefully

Once you are done writing the essay, proofread and revise it carefully. Make sure that it is free from all kinds of errors.

Descriptive Essay Outline

Like all the other essays, a descriptive essay also follows the usual 5-paragraph essay structure and format.Before starting, it is important to create an outline. Following are the fundamental elements of your descriptive essay outline:

Descriptive Essay Introduction

The introduction sets the footing for the entire essay. Before heading towards the body section, the reader will come across the introduction.

It is the first impression of your work. It is very important to write an engaging introduction so that the readers read the essay till the end.

Start the essay in an easy-to-understand way and language. Provide background information on your topic so they can understand it and its importance.

To make sure the reader feels your emotions and decides to continue reading further, incorporate the following points in your introduction.

The following tips will guide you on how to write a good introduction for a descriptive essay.

Attract the reader's attention with an interesting fact, phrase, or quote
Don't bombard them with information
Go straight to the main pointsInclude enough information to introduce the topic and its significance.
Summarize the argument and the main topic and craft your thesis statement

Descriptive Essay Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is an integral part of your essay. It focuses on the argument and the writer’s main idea, which is to be discussed in the essay.

This statement also provides the writer with a chance of explaining the purpose and scope of the topic. It is intriguing and engaging.

A thesis statement is written at the end of the introduction, it is mainly a single sentence that describes the essay objective. The thesis statement should act as a guide to the reader on what to expect in the essay body. It is like a table of contents of a book, to the reader on contents you will get an idea of what the book is all about so you get to understand it better.

It is like a table of contents of a book. By reading it, you will get an idea of what the book is all about.

A good thesis should contain the following things:

Define the essay scope - it should narrow down all the points to clarify its purpose.
Avoid using common words - you should be creative with your choice of words.
Create suspense - it should attract the reader to the body paragraphs of the essay.

For further information on how to write a thesis for a descriptive essay, check out the following examples.

Descriptive essay example about a Place

“Even though monarchy is long gone, Buckingham Palace is here to remind us of the aesthetic beauty of that era.”

Descriptive essay example about a Person

“One of the characteristics of Spider-Man is his youthfulness, and the fact that he talks to himself more than Hamlet.”

Descriptive essay example about an Emotion

“For numerous reasons, the dark forest is my greatest fear, though not a fear which is necessarily smart to face.”

Descriptive Essay Body Paragraphs

Body paragraphs of the essay come next after the introduction and thesis statement. It is the main part that continues your essay.

Usually, an essay consists of three body paragraphs but you can add more if needed.

Don't add more than one central idea in one paragraph. Fusing different ideas will confuse the reader.

Build your paragraphs according to the thesis and introduction.

Start each body paragraph with the main sentence
Use transitions to move between paragraphs smoothly
Each paragraph should be five to six sentences long

Descriptive Essay Conclusion

The concluding paragraph is the last part of an essay, and probably your last chance to impress your reader.

The last part that the reader can keep in mind is the conclusion, which is as important as the rest of the essay.

To make it interesting and thought-provoking, include the following points:

Restate the thesis statement
Summarize the main points
Add an intriguing closing statement

After writing the conclusion, make a review of your essay, identify the mistakes and maintain a good tone throughout the essay.

Descriptive Essay Format Sample

Here is the descriptive essay format to help you understand how you can write a winning descriptive essay.

DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY FORMAT (PDF)

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Descriptive Essay Topics Ideas

Descriptive essay topics are often related to physical settings, locations, living beings, and objects.

Make sure that your essay includes the five senses, touch, taste, smell, sight, hearing, or at least one of them. It depends on the topic and the kind of feeling that you want to arouse.

Below are some descriptive essay ideas and ways to achieve them.

Living Beings

When you want to write about a person like a family member, consider the following elements:

Gender, age, complexion, and expressions
Physical features
Height, body type, and approximate weight
Kind of clothes

These details will add depth to the description and your readers will actually see your narrative.

When animals are the subject, you can add the above points plus the following details:

Species and animal
Size, weight, color
Behavior patterns
Temperament
Trained or wild?
Real or fictional?

Inanimate Subjects

Geographic locations and structures.

When your subject is a place or a building, add the following points:

Research about the place and its historical background
The color and the building's type
A famous place or landmark to draw a comparison and inspire interest

Human behavior and psychology is a compelling descriptive essay subject. When writing about it:

Describe the consequences of a particular behavior
Discuss the emotional dimension of the topic and how you perceive it personally

Event Or Travel Experience

A travel experience makes a good descriptive essay since you have experienced the event first hand.

Give a detailed description of the place, people at the venue, and the atmosphere of the location.

Idea, Concept, or Occupation

When writing on such topics, focus on how an idea or concept affects society and its different aspects.

Example Descriptive Essay Topics for Students

Choosing a topic for your descriptive essay is quite interesting. You get to choose something that you have an emotional connection with.

When writing a descriptive essay about a person or place, adding their personal traits will be helpful.

Some examples of descriptive essay topics include:

Compose a detailed descriptive essay about your best friend.
Describe a fancy place that you have created.
Describe your dream vacation destination.
Describe your favorite mall or store.
Describe your childhood home.
Descriptive essay about nature.
Descriptive essay about a place you visited.
Describe the personality of your Maths teacher.
Discuss the main characters of your favorite movie.
Descriptive essay about chocolate.
Write an essay using unique Words to describe yourself.
What makes me unique?
My first love.

Descriptive Essay Examples

Study these descriptive essay examples and sample papers to understand the main idea, structure, and purpose of descriptive essays.

DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY ON MARKET (PDF)

DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY EXAMPLE PERSON (PDF)

To help you understand how to write a great descriptive essay, we have a whole blog post dedicated to it. We know that talking about something is one thing and demonstrating it is completely different.

Having a descriptive essay assignment with a short deadline? Looking for someone to do my essay for me ?

5StarEssays.com academic writing professionals are ready to help you. They read the essay details before writing and make sure that they incorporate all the details in it.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the features of a descriptive essay.

A descriptive essay provides a perfect opportunity for writers to express their feelings on any subject. Descriptive writing has rich sensory details which appeal to all of your senses.

How do you start a descriptive essay introduction?

The introduction to the descriptive essay should set the scene and introduce the main topic. You can use these sensory details to get a sense of what the essay is all about.

What are the two types of descriptive essays?

There are two types of descriptive essays. The first type deals with people, and the second one is about objects.

What are the elements of a descriptive essay?

Here are the key elements of a descriptive essay.

Sensory details
Figurative language
Central and main theme
Precise and clear language
Proper organization of ideas

What makes good descriptive writing?

Good and effective descriptive writing consists of vivid sensory details that appeal to all senses including the sense of sight, smell, touch, hearing, and taste. Moreover, these essays also explain people’s feelings in writing.

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Interesting Descriptive Essay Topics Recommended by Experts

Descriptive Essay Examples - 8 Examples To Help You Write Better

How to Write a Descriptive Essay: Writing Tips & Examples

Imagine painting a vivid picture with words, capturing the reader’s imagination, and transporting them to a different world. That’s the power of a well-written descriptive essay. But how does one harness that power and create a masterpiece? In this comprehensive guide on how to write a descriptive essay, we’ll explore the intricacies of descriptive essays, from understanding their purpose to mastering the language, and everything in between.

Table of Contents

Descriptive Essay Writing: Key Takeaways

Descriptive essays strive to create a vivid experience for the reader through concrete details and sensory language.
The purpose of descriptive writing is to provide an engaging representation of the subject, aiding in forming understanding.
Through self-review, peer feedback and editing tools one can craft a polished essay that leaves a lasting impression on readers.

What is a Descriptive Essay?

Descriptive essays are more than just a simple narration or description of a subject. They aim to provide a detailed and vivid depiction of a subject using concrete details and figurative language, engaging the reader’s senses. Whether it’s describing a family member, a favorite food, or a memorable experience, the goal is to paint a picture so vivid that the reader feels as if they’re experiencing it firsthand. A good descriptive essay achieves this by striking the perfect balance between narration and sensory details.

To achieve this, writers must use vivid language and create a strong sense of imagery. They are.

Purpose of a Descriptive Essay

The primary objective of a descriptive essay is to create a clear and detailed picture of a subject, allowing the reader to visualize and understand it. It’s about immersing the reader into the world the writer has crafted, much like an argumentative essay, which seeks to convince readers of a particular viewpoint.

A descriptive essay, however, focuses on creating a sensory experience, engaging the reader on a deeper level with the subject, rather than just communicating facts.

Characteristics of Descriptive Writing

Descriptive writing possesses certain key characteristics, which include organization, detail, sensory language, factual information, and the abstention of opinions. Organization is crucial as it helps the reader comprehend the essay and follow the writer’s line of reasoning.

Detail and sensory language bring the subject to life, creating a vivid image in the reader’s mind, while factual information and the absence of opinions ensure an accurate and unbiased portrayal of the subject.

Choosing Descriptive Essay Topics

The beauty of descriptive essays lies in the versatility of their subjects. From people and characters to places, objects, emotions, and experiences, there’s a whole world of topics waiting to be explored. When selecting a topic, consider aspects of your own experience, things that interest you, or subjects that hold personal significance.

The key is to choose a subject that you can describe in detail, allowing your reader to immerse themselves in the vivid world you create.

People and Characters

Descriptive essays about people and characters allow you to dive deep into the intricacies of their personalities, traits, and relationships. You can focus on family members, friends, teachers, or even fictional characters. When writing a personal essay about a person, consider aspects such as their physical appearance, personality, behavior, habits, and accomplishments.

This provides a comprehensive and engaging portrayal of the entire essay that will captivate your reader.

Places and Settings

Places and settings provide a rich canvas for descriptive essays. They can be real or fictional locations, such as hometowns, schools, or imaginary worlds. When describing a place, focus on its physical characteristics, cultural significance, or historical importance. This will create a multi-dimensional image that transports your reader to the location and enables them to experience it as if they were there themselves.

By focusing on the details of the place, you can create a vivid and engaging description.

Objects and Items

Descriptive essays about objects and items give you the opportunity to examine everyday items or objects with personal significance in a new light. From a cherished family heirloom to a simple household item, the possibilities are endless.

To create a vivid description, focus on sensory details such as texture, color, smell, taste, and sound. By exploring these aspects, you’ll breathe life into the object and make it come alive for your reader.

Emotions and Experiences

Emotions and experiences are a goldmine for descriptive essays. By delving into your own feelings and personal reflections, you can create an intimate and powerful portrayal of an emotion or experience. Consider topics such as love, fear, happiness, or sadness, as well as personal experiences, memories, and favorite things.

Through sensory details and reflection, you’ll create a palpable connection with your reader, allowing them to share in your emotional journey.

Crafting a Descriptive Essay Outline

An outline is an indispensable tool in crafting a descriptive essay. It helps organize your thoughts, create a smooth flow, and ensure that your essay is structured coherently. A typical descriptive essay outline consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

By following this structure, you’ll ensure that your essay flows seamlessly from one section to the next, making it easy for your reader to follow along and understand your message.

Introduction

A strong descriptive essay introduction, also known as an introductory paragraph, is essential for capturing your reader’s attention and setting the stage for your descriptive essay. It should be brief, engaging, and introduce the subject you’ll be describing. The introduction should also include a well-crafted thesis statement, which provides a succinct overview of the main arguments of your essay.

By starting with a compelling introduction, you’ll entice your reader to continue reading and immerse themselves in the world you’ve created.

Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of your descriptive essay should focus on specific aspects of your subject, using vivid language and sensory details to create a rich and immersive experience for your reader. Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that encapsulates the main idea of the paragraph and connects it to the overall thesis statement. By following the descriptive essay format, you can ensure a well-structured and engaging piece of writing, such as a five paragraph essay.

Remember to use transition words to guide your reader through your essay and maintain a logical flow. These words can help you to move from one idea to the next, and to connect the ideas.

In the conclusion of your descriptive essay, it’s important to restate your thesis statement and provide a brief reminder of the topics you’ve covered. This helps to reinforce your main points and bring your essay full circle.

Consider leaving your reader with something to ponder or a memorable phrase that encapsulates the essence of your essay. A strong conclusion will leave a lasting impression on your reader, ensuring that your descriptive essay is not soon forgotten.

Mastering Descriptive Language

The key to a captivating descriptive essay lies in the language you use. Mastering descriptive language involves harnessing the power of figurative language, sensory details, and strong word choices to create a memorable and vivid description. By employing these techniques, you’ll not only paint a vivid picture for your reader, but also evoke their emotions and engage their senses, creating a truly immersive experience.

Using figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, can help you to create a vivid visual.

Figurative Language

Figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, can add depth and creativity to your descriptive essay. These literary devices help convey unique perspectives and create memorable effects. For example, instead of simply describing a park as green and lush, you could use a metaphor to compare it to a paradise or a simile to liken it to an oasis.

By using figurative language, you’ll breathe new life into your descriptions and leave a lasting impression on your reader.

Sensory Details

Sensory details are the secret ingredient that makes your descriptive essay come alive. By appealing to your reader’s senses of sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, you’ll create a vivid and immersive experience that goes beyond mere description. For example, instead of simply saying that a room is warm, you could describe the gentle caress of the sunlight on your skin, the soft hum of the air conditioner, and the faint scent of cinnamon in the air.

By incorporating sensory details, you’ll transport your reader into the world you’ve created.

Word Choice

The words you choose can make or break your descriptive essay. Precise and original words can help you avoid clichés and create a strong impression on your reader. Be mindful of your word choice, and consider using a thesaurus to find alternative words that better capture the essence of your subject.

By selecting the right words, you’ll not only create a vivid image in your reader’s mind, but also convey your unique perspective on the subject.

Reviewing and Revising Your Descriptive Essay

The final step in crafting a captivating descriptive essay is to review and revise your work. This process involves self-review, peer feedback, and the use of editing tools to ensure that your essay is polished and error-free.

By carefully reviewing your work and incorporating feedback, you’ll ensure that your descriptive essay is the best it can be, leaving your reader with a memorable and vivid experience.

Self-Review

Self-review is an essential part of the revision process. Start by taking a break from your essay to gain a fresh perspective. Then read your essay aloud, listening for awkward phrasing or unclear sections.

Ask yourself questions to ensure clarity and coherence, such as “Does the essay make sense?” and “Are there any areas that require additional clarification?” By critically evaluating your work, you’ll be able to identify areas for improvement and make the necessary changes.

Peer Feedback

Peer feedback is another valuable resource in the revision process. Sharing your essay with classmates, friends, or family members can provide fresh insights and suggestions for improvement. Be open to constructive criticism and consider the feedback you receive before making any revisions.

Remember, the goal is to create the best possible version of your descriptive essay, and sometimes an outside perspective can help you see areas for improvement that you might have missed.

Editing Tools

Finally, consider using editing tools to help polish your descriptive essay. Programs like Grammarly can help you identify and correct grammatical errors and improve the overall quality of your writing.

By using editing tools, you can ensure that your essay is not only engaging and vivid, but also polished and professional.

Descriptive Essay Examples and Analysis

Analyzing descriptive essay examples can provide valuable insights into effective writing techniques and strategies. By examining the work of others, you’ll gain a better understanding of how to craft your own descriptive essay and learn new approaches that can help you bring your subject to life.

In this section, we’ll look at two different examples of descriptive essays and discuss the techniques used to create vivid and memorable descriptions.

Consider this descriptive essay example, which showcases classic approaches to descriptive writing: “The small, sunlit room was filled with the scent of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of soft jazz playing in the background. Every surface was covered in a layer of paint splatters, a testament to the artist’s dedication and passion.

The large canvas in the center of the room captured the essence of a summer day, with vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes. This example employs vivid sensory details and strong word choices to create an engaging and memorable description that transports the reader into the world of the artist.

In this second example, the writer takes a different approach to descriptive writing: “The city was a maze of towering skyscrapers, their reflections shimmering in the glassy surface of the river below. The buzz of traffic echoed through the canyon-like streets, while the aroma of street food vendors wafted through the air.

It was a place where dreams and realities collided, each vying for dominance in the ever-changing landscape.” Here, the writer uses figurative language and a more poetic style to convey the atmosphere and energy of the city, creating a vivid and captivating description that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i start a descriptive essay.

To start a descriptive essay, begin by describing an event, place, object, or person in the opening sentence to engage the reader’s attention. Then provide relevant information to support your description, compile pertinent information on the topic, and create an outline prior to writing body paragraphs and a conclusion summarizing the essay.

Lastly, look for ways to enliven your language to make it more vivid and compelling.

How can I write a good descriptive essay?

To write a good descriptive essay, focus on a specific topic and compile information to create an outline. Use vivid details, figurative language, precise language and thoughtful organization to make your writing come alive for the reader.

Include a hook sentence in the introduction, a clear thesis statement and make sure to end with a summarizing conclusion.

What is the format of a descriptive essay?

A descriptive essay is a written account of a particular experience, with a good thesis statement at the beginning of the introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

It is written in a coherent style using formal language.

What are the 4 components of descriptive writing?

Descriptive writing typically employs sensory detail, vivid imagery, figurative language, action-packed verbs, and an overall evocative tone to create an engaging narrative for readers.

This type of writing can help readers visualize the story and feel as if they are part of the action. It can also help to draw readers in and keep them engaged with the text.

What is the main goal of a descriptive essay?

The main goal of a descriptive essay is to provide the reader with a vivid and detailed picture of the subject, enabling them to visualize and understand it.

By using descriptive language and sensory details, the writer can create a vivid image in the reader’s mind. This can be done through the use of metaphors, similes, and other literary devices. Additionally, the writer should use vivid verbs.

In conclusion, writing a compelling descriptive essay requires a combination of organization, detail, sensory language, and strong word choice. By understanding the purpose and characteristics of descriptive writing, selecting engaging topics, crafting a well-structured outline, and mastering descriptive language, you’ll be well on your way to creating vivid and memorable essays that captivate your reader.

Remember to review and revise your work, taking advantage of peer feedback and editing tools to ensure a polished final product. With practice and dedication, you’ll soon be painting vivid pictures with words, transporting your readers to new worlds, and leaving a lasting impression.

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Academic Writing

How to Write a Descriptive Essay

Last Updated: February 24, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,517,536 times.

A good descriptive essay creates a vivid picture of the topic in the reader’s mind. You may need to write a descriptive essay as a class assignment or you may decide to write one as a fun writing challenge. Start by brainstorming ideas for the essay. Then, outline and write the essay using vivid sensory details and strong descriptions. Always polish your essay and proofread it so it is at its best.

Brainstorming Ideas for the Essay

You could also choose a fictional person to write about, such as a character in a book, a story, or a play. You could write about a character on your favorite TV show or video game.

Step 2 Pick a place or object to describe.

Another take on this option is to write about a made-up place or object, such as the fantastical school in your favorite book or the magic wand from your favorite TV show.

You could also choose a more specific emotion, such as brotherly love or self-hatred. These emotions can make for powerful descriptive essays.

Step 4 Make a list of sensory details about the topic.

For example, if you were writing about a person like your mother, you may write down under “sound” : “soft voice at night, clack of her shoes on the floor tiles, bang of the spoon when she cooks.”

Writing the Essay

If you are writing the essay for a class, your instructor should specify if they want a five paragraph essay or if you have the freedom to use sections instead.

For example, if you were writing a descriptive essay about your mother, you may have a thesis statement like: “In many ways, my mother is the reigning queen of our house, full of contradictions that we are too afraid to question.”

For example, if you were writing the essay about your mom, you may start with: “My mother is not like other mothers. She is a fierce protector and a mysterious woman to my sisters and I.”
If you were writing an essay about an object, you may start with: "Try as I might, I had a hard time keeping my pet rock alive."

Step 4 Describe the topic with vivid adjectives.

You can also use adjectives that connect to the senses, such “rotting,” “bright,” “hefty,” “rough,” and “pungent.”
For example, you may describe your mother as "bright," "tough," and "scented with jasmine."

You can also use similes, where you use “like” or “as” to compare one thing to another. For example, you may write, “My mother is like a fierce warrior in battle, if the battlefield were PTA meetings and the checkout line at the grocery store.”

Step 6 Discuss your emotions and thoughts about the topic.

For example, you may write about your complicated feelings about your mother. You may note that you feel sadness about your mother’s sacrifices for the family and joy for the privileges you have in your life because of her.

Step 7 Wrap up the essay with a strong conclusion.

For example, you may end a descriptive essay about your mother by noting, “In all that she has sacrificed for us, I see her strength, courage, and fierce love for her family, traits I hope to emulate in my own life.”

Polishing the Essay

You can also read the essay aloud to others to get their feedback. Ask them to let you know if there are any unclear or vague sentences in the essay.

Be open to constructive criticism and feedback from others. This will only make your essay stronger.

Step 3 Revise the essay for clarity and length.

If you have a word count requirement for the essay, make sure you meet it. Add more detail to the paper or take unnecessary content out to reach the word count.

Outline for a Descriptive Essay

Expert Q&A

↑ https://www.writeexpress.com/descriptive-essay.html
↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 24 July 2020.
↑ https://www.iup.edu/writingcenter/writing-resources/organization-and-structure/descriptive-writing.html
↑ https://spcollege.libguides.com/ld.php?content_id=10168248
↑ https://www.butte.edu/departments/cas/tipsheets/style_purpose_strategy/descriptive_essay.html
↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/essay_writing/descriptive_essays.html

About This Article

To write a descriptive essay, start by choosing a topic, like a person, place, or specific emotion. Next, write down a list of sensory details about the topic, like how it sounds, smells, and feels. After this brainstorming session, outline the essay, dividing it into an introduction, 3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Open with a vivid introduction that uses sensory details, then introduce your thesis statement, which the rest of your essay should support. Strengthen your essay further by using metaphors and similes to describe your topic, and the emotions it evokes. To learn how to put the finishing touches on your essay, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Writing Tips

How to Write a Descriptive Essay

4-minute read

26th February 2020

A descriptive essay, as the name may suggest, is an essay in which you describe something. The idea is to create a vivid picture of something – a person, object, place or experience – for your reader.

But how do you write a descriptive essay? We have a few helpful tips to share.

1. Brainstorming and Organizing Your Ideas

Your first step should be to brainstorm ideas . Think about the qualities of what you’re describing. As well as physical qualities, make notes about any thoughts, memories, and emotions you associate with your subject matter.

This brainstorming will give you the raw material for your descriptive essay. The next step is to create an essay outline. Typically, this will include:

An Introduction – An outline of what you will describe and the “thesis” for your essay (i.e., a key theme that will run through your essay and guide your description). For instance, if writing about an inspirational teacher, you could mention the importance of education in the introduction.
Main Body – A series of paragraphs in which you describe your subject. Each paragraph should cover a single main point, then lead neatly on to the next one, adding to the overall picture you’re creating for the reader.
Conclusion – A final paragraph where you summarize your overall essay. This is also a good place to reaffirm your essay thesis, emphasizing how your description reflects this.

Before you start writing, then, make some notes about what each paragraph in your essay will include. This will then guide the drafting process, making sure your essay has a clear structure.

2. Use Vivid, Sensory Language

A descriptive essay should paint a picture for your reader. And this means you need to use vivid, exciting language rather than a formal, academic tone. Ideas for making your essay more linguistically engaging include:

Using sensory language to evoke how something looked, smelled, etc.
Writing in the present tense to make the situation feel immediate.
Describing feelings and thoughts elicited by the subject of your essay.
Looking for dynamic adjectives and adverbs to use (e.g., you could say something made you “happy,” but “elated” or “delighted” may be stronger).
Using metaphors, similes, and other literary techniques .

Keep your introduction in mind while writing. The language you use should serve the “thesis” you set out there, drawing the reader’s attention to specific aspects of the thing you’re describing.

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3. Show, Don’t Tell

“Show, don’t tell” refers to a technique used by authors to make their writing more engaging. Essentially, all this means is using action, description, and dialogue to paint a picture for the reader rather than simply stating something in plain language. We can see the difference below:

Telling: Miss Hardy was an engaging speaker.

Showing: When Miss Hardy spoke, everyone listened. Her voice bubbled with enthusiasm, bringing even the most mundane subjects to life.

In the first sentence, we simply tell the reader that Miss Hardy was an engaging speaker. But in the second, we try to help the reader picture being in her class, listening to her speak. And by engaging the reader’s imagination like this, we can make our description more memorable.

4. Editing and Proofreading Your Descriptive Essay

Once you have a first draft, you’ll be ready to start editing. The idea here is to go back over your essay – at least once, but possibly multiple times – to look for ways you could improve it. This drafting process may involve:

Making sure your writing is clear, well structured, and impactful.
Rewriting passages that feel clichéd or that could be stronger.
Reading your essay out loud to see how well it flows.
Ensuring that the central theme of your essay is present throughout.

And when you’ve finished redrafting, go through the essay one more time to remove any typos that remain. Alternatively, you can submit your descriptive essay for proofreading . With the expert eye of a professional editor on your side, you can be confident your writing is the best it can be.

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How To Write A Descriptive Essay?

26 April, 2020

11 minutes read

Author: Tomas White

Descriptive essay is one of the hardest forms of writing. To master descriptive writing, you must be creative and craft a scene that all readers can picture with words alone. This freedom and creativity can make it one of the most rewarding and fun essays to write. It is the backbone of all artful writing like poetry, novels, and even television scripts. We prepared this guide for You to learn all you need to know about descriptive writing. Let's start!

What is a Descriptive Essay?

The goal of a descriptive essay is simple, choose a subject and describe it. The subject could be anything:

A descriptive essay is all about describing the subject in great detail. Being a type of expository writing , it gives you great freedom to paint a picture with your words, shares a once in a lifetime event with the reader or makes them feel something. It is better to choose a descriptive essay topic that has lots of qualities to discuss for example a person might have a more interesting feature to describe than a paper towel. Choose a subject you connect with emotionally or have a personal history with. The best descriptions come from retelling an experience.

The Difference Between Descriptive and Narrative Essays

The main difference between descriptive and narrative essays lies in the structure and purpose of the essay. A descriptive essay is used to describe a subject to present a clear picture of it. As such, it only requires you to describe the item in a logic fashion. A narrative essay’s purpose is to tell a story. As such, it requires a plot and logical progression to an outcome. A person’s face can be the subject of a descriptive essay. But it would be hard to write a narrative piece that follows the person’s face as the central plot of a story.

Showing VS Telling

A descriptive essay values details over facts. This is also known as showing vs. telling. To show something is to describe using the five senses, how it looks, how it smells, how it tastes, how it feels and how it sounds. Imagine the reader as an alien, who has never experienced the subject for themselves. How would you describe it then?

To give you an understanding of how to differentiate between showing and telling I’ll write an example of a descriptive paper that describes my favorite place.

The above example tells you, as it doesn’t evoke any of your senses. It is a senseless description . It’s vague and hard to imagine.

This description is more detail and easier to imagine because of the following changes:

The choice of words like ‘haven’ instead of ‘like’ add a showing element as it is showing in what way I like the library.
Putting describers before items like ‘brightly colored’ books makes it easier to see.
And choosing words with more like ‘towering’ instead of ‘tall’ makes the description less full.
The description of the books shows what they do, not what they are. These are important points to consider when writing a descriptive essay.

A good exercise for descriptive writing and is to read descriptive essay examples and pick out the words that do the four points outlined above. Analyzing other’s descriptive writing will make your own descriptive work stronger. Can you pick out another place in the descriptive essay example above where those four changes occur and what it lends to the description?

Still having problems with your descriptive paper? All you need is to request help from our top-notch essay writing service and our essay writer make it for you !

How to Choose a Descriptive Essay Topic?

When deciding what to highlight about your topic, take a step back and look at what draws you to it. A campfire has bright, flickering colors, a satisfying crackling sound, and a sort of flow as it moves from the bottom to the tip of the flame. Place yourself in proximity to the subject and describe the parts that stimulate your senses the most.

Title Examples of Descriptive Essays

Here are some examples of descriptive essay topics that are fun to write:

Pick something you can see right now and think about how you’d describe that.

Related Posts: Argumentative essay topics | Compare&Contrast essay topics

How to Set Up a Proper Description?

Slow down and think about what you want to invoke. Don’t rush into a description or you’ll likely end up with something weaker than you could have. Take your topic aside and write some sentences describing how it charms each sense – the five senses being:

Keep a thesaurus on hand to switch some of the more basic words out. If you can read your paragraph back and vividly imagine the item you’ve described, you’ve done it.

How to write a Descriptive Essay Outline

Starting your descriptive essay without a plan can lead to a messy and sprawling description. Learning to outline your ideas is just as important as knowing how to write them.

Related Posts: How to write an Essay outline | How to write an Essay introduction

Creating an Introduction for a Descriptive Writing

Once you have chosen the subject to write you need to plan the introduction for your descriptive paper. An introduction needs to include a thesis statement and three features of the thing you are describing. The introduction should start with a thesis statement that states how you feel about your topic. This should then be supported with three qualities defining those feelings.

These thesis statements aren’t meant to be complex. All they’re meant to do is to set up your reader for your descriptions. It is important to include three reasons that you can expand on describe in great detail as they will form the paragraphs of your descriptive paper.

Planning and Writing the Body of a Descriptive Essay

Looking at your thesis statement, take those three reasons and break them down into their own paragraphs. Describe hanging out with your friends at the beach, talk about the food you’d eat, the activities you’d participate in. Detail what huskies do when they’re energetic, what shows that they get along with other dogs?

It helps to write about each way you can describe an item on a separate sheet of paper. Use that sheet as your descriptive essay outline. Take each item and write what sense you can use to describe the item in each paragraph.

For example, if you want to talk about eating a popsicle on the beach you could include how cold against your tongue for touch, that it smelt and tasted like raspberries, it was a bright red, and shaped like a rocket for sight, and the sound you made it as you bit on it, or the sound you made as it rocketed into your mouth. Expand this into a paragraph keeping the most vivid description.

Force your reader to imagine these objects in their head. Help them visualize it, pour your vision into the paper and focus on both the small and the big details. Just don’t go overboard. It’s important to have a few great descriptors rather than a ton of average ones.

When describing an object, go about it in a practical sense. Don’t just throw details on the page, talk about them in order. Describe a mountain from its peak to it’s middle all the way down to its base. You wouldn’t go from the middle to the base to the peak, would you? This way, you’re keeping your reader engaged with the topic.

Concluding a Descriptive Essay

Concluding descriptive writing is easy. All you have to show why the subject you described is important to you. All you have to do is show the reader what you implied. Show why it has meaning, and why they should care.

Descriptive Essay Example

Drafting your essay.

Make sure that your essay responds to these questions

Where the organization comes to fruition. When writing your essay, keep the reader in your head at all times. Constantly as yourself: “Is this vivid enough?” Don’t focus much on grammar, get the content onto the paper.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Once you’ve finished writing your essay, read it back and make sure it responds positively to each of these questions:

Are these descriptions making my writing visual? Could I make them more vivid?
Have I used these descriptions to detail my emotions to the reader?
Do these descriptions convey each of the five senses?
Have I gone into enough details in each paragraph?
Are my descriptions in an orderly fashion?

If you believe your essay fits these criteria, then you’re good to go on the content side.

Perfecting the Essay

Read it through a couple more times. Take some time away from it and then come back with a fresh mindset. Correct any grammar issues you see, and double check that it answers all of the questions mentioned above. Once that’s done, you’ll have an essay worthy of an A+ grade.

From Our Writers: Tips on How to Write a Good Descriptive Essay

Be sensitive. Some writers are scared to show their true selves, but the point of a descriptive essay is to talk about how an object affects your senses and emotions. Keep this in mind during all stages of the essay.
Put effort into unique descriptions. Don’t settle for standard words, spend some time searching out alternatives to common descriptive words. It will only help the reader envision your thoughts.
Write about something that you care about. If you choose something you don’t have much personal experience with, you can’t truly write from the heart.

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What is a Descriptive Essay? How to Write It (with Examples)

A descriptive essay is a type of creative writing that uses specific language to depict a person, object, experience, or event. The idea is to use illustrative language to show readers what the writer wants to convey – it could be as simple as a peaceful view from the top of a hill or as horrific as living in a war zone. By using descriptive language, authors can evoke a mental image in the readers’ minds, engaging readers and leaving a lasting impression, instead of just providing a play-by-play narrative.

Note that a description and descriptive essay are not the same thing. A descriptive essay typically consists of five or more well-written paragraphs with vivid imagery that can help readers visualize the content, as opposed to a description, which is typically one or more plain paragraphs with no particular structure or appeal. If you are still unsure about how to write a compelling descriptive essay, continue reading!

What is a descriptive essay, types of descriptive essay topics.

Characteristics of descriptive essays

How to write a descriptive essay using a structured outline

Frequently asked questions.

A simple descriptive essay definition is that it is a piece of writing that gives a thorough and vivid description of an object, person, experience, or situation. It is sometimes focused more on the emotional aspect of the topic rather than the specifics. The author’s intention when writing a descriptive essay is to help readers visualize the subject at hand. Generally, students are asked to write a descriptive essay to test their ability to recreate a rich experience with artistic flair. Here are a few key points to consider when you begin writing these.

Look for a fascinating subject

You might be assigned a topic for your descriptive essay, but if not, you must think of a subject that interests you and about which you know enough facts. It might be about an emotion, place, event, or situation that you might have experienced.

Acquire specific details about the topic

The next task is to collect relevant information about the topic of your choice. You should focus on including details that make the descriptive essay stand out and have a long-lasting impression on the readers. To put it simply, your aim is to make the reader feel as though they were a part of the experience in the first place, rather than merely describing the subject.

Be playful with your writing

To make the descriptive essay memorable, use figurative writing and imagery to lay emphasis on the specific aspect of the topic. The goal is to make sure that the reader experiences the content visually, so it must be captivating and colorful. Generally speaking, “don’t tell, show”! This can be accomplished by choosing phrases that evoke strong emotions and engage a variety of senses. Making use of metaphors and similes will enable you to compare different things. We will learn about them in the upcoming sections.

Capture all the different senses

Unlike other academic articles, descriptive essay writing uses sensory elements in addition to the main idea. In this type of essay writing, the topic is described by using sensory details such as smell, taste, feel, and touch. Example “ Mahira feels most at home when the lavender scent fills her senses as she lays on her bed after a long, tiring day at work . As the candle melts , so do her worries” . It is crucial to provide sensory details to make the character more nuanced and build intrigue to keep the reader hooked. Metaphors can also be employed to explain abstract concepts; for instance, “ A small act of kindness creates ripples that transcend oceans .” Here the writer used a metaphor to convey the emotion that even the smallest act of kindness can have a larger impact.

Maintain harmony between flavor and flow

The descriptive essay format is one that can be customized according to the topic. However, like other types of essays, it must have an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The number of body paragraphs can vary depending on the topic and available information.

It is crucial to remember that a descriptive essay should have a specific topic and goal, such as sharing personal experiences or expressing emotions like the satisfaction of a good meal. This is accomplished by employing exact language, imagery, and figurative language to illustrate concrete features. These language devices allow the writer to craft a descriptive essay that effectively transmits a particular mood, feeling, or incident to readers while also conjuring up strong mental imagery. A descriptive essay may be creative, or it may be based on the author’s own experiences. Below is a description of a few descriptive essay examples that fit into these categories.

Personal descriptive essay example

A personal essay can look like a descriptive account of your favorite activity, a place in your neighborhood, or an object that you value. Example: “ As I step out of the front door, the crisp morning air greets me with a gentle embrace; the big chestnut tree in front, sways in the wind as if saying hello to me. The world unfolds in a symphony of awakening colors, promising a day filled with untold possibilities that make me feel alive and grateful to be born again”.

Imaginative descriptive essay example

You may occasionally be required to write descriptive essays based on your imagination or on subjects unrelated to your own experiences. The prompts for these kinds of creative essays could be to describe the experience of someone going through heartbreak or to write about a day in the life of a barista. Imaginative descriptive essays also allow you to describe different emotions. Example, the feelings a parent experiences on holding their child for the first time.

Characteristics of descriptive essay s

The aim of a descriptive essay is to provide a detailed and vivid description of a person, place, object, event, or experience. The main goal is to create a sensory experience for the reader. Through a descriptive essay, the reader may be able to experience foods, locations, activities, or feelings that they might not otherwise be able to. Additionally, it gives the writer a way to relate to the readers by sharing a personal story. The following is a list of the essential elements of a descriptive essay:

Sensory details
Clear, succinct language
Organized structure
Thesis statement
Appeal to emotion

How to write a descriptive essay, with examples

Writing an engaging descriptive essay is all about bringing the subject matter to life for the reader so they can experience it with their senses—smells, tastes, and textures. The upside of writing a descriptive essay is you don’t have to stick to the confinements of formal essay writing, rather you are free to use a figurative language, with sensory details, and clever word choices that can breathe life to your descriptive essay. Let’s take a closer look at how you can use these components to develop a descriptive essay that will stand out, using examples.

Figurative language

Have you ever heard the expression “shooting for the stars”? It refers to pushing someone to strive higher or establish lofty goals, but it does not actually mean shooting for the stars. This is an example of using figurative language for conveying strong motivational emotions. In a descriptive essay, figurative language is employed to grab attention and emphasize points by creatively drawing comparisons and exaggerations. But why should descriptive essays use metaphorical language? One it adds to the topic’s interest and humor; two, it facilitates the reader’s increased connection to the subject.

These are the five most often used figurative language techniques: personification, metaphor, simile, hyperbole, and allusion.

Simile: A simile is a figure of speech that is used to compare two things while emphasizing and enhancing the description using terms such as “like or as.”

Example: Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving – Albert Einstein

Metaphor: A metaphor are also used to draw similarities, but without using direct or literal comparisons like done in similes.

Example: Books are the mirrors of the soul – Virginia Woolf, Between the acts

Personification: This is the process of giving nonhuman or abstract objects human traits. Any human quality, including an emotional component, a physical attribute, or an action, can be personified.

Example: Science knows no country, because knowledge belongs to humanity, and is the torch which illuminates the world – Louis Pasteur

Hyperbole: This is an extreme form of exaggeration, frequently impractical, and usually employed to emphasize a point or idea. It gives the character more nuance and complexity.

Example: The force will be with you, always – Star Wars

Allusion: This is when you reference a person, work, or event without specifically mentioning them; this leaves room for the reader’s creativity.

Example: In the text below, Robert Frost uses the biblical Garden of Eden as an example to highlight the idea that nothing, not even paradise, endures forever.

Then leaf subsides to leaf.

So Eden sank to grief,

So dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay

– Nothing Gold Can Stay by Robert Frost (1923)

Descriptive essays need a combination of figurative language and strong sensory details to make the essay more memorable. This is when authors describe the subject matter employing senses like smell, sound, touch, and taste so that the reader can relate to it better.

Example of a sensory-based descriptive essay: The earthy fragrance of freshly roasted chestnuts and the sight of bright pink, red, orange fallen leaves on the street reminded her that winter was around the corner.

Word choice

Word choice is everything in a descriptive essay. For the description to be enchanting, it is essential to utilize the right adjectives and to carefully consider the verbs, nouns, and adverbs. Use unusual terms and phrases that offer a new viewpoint on your topic matter instead of overusing clichés like “fast as the wind” or “lost track of time,” which can make your descriptive essay seem uninteresting and unoriginal.

See the following examples:

Bad word choice: I was so happy because the sunset was really cool.

Good word choice: I experienced immense joy as the sunset captivated me with its remarkable colors and breathtaking beauty.

Descriptive essay format and outline

Descriptive essay writing does not have to be disorganized, it is advisable to use a structured format to organize your thoughts and ensure coherent flow in your writing. Here is a list of components that should be a part of your descriptive essay outline:

Introduction
Opening/hook sentence
Topic sentence
Body paragraphs
Concrete details
Clincher statement

Introduction:

Hook: An opening statement that captures attention while introducing the subject.
Background: Includes a brief overview of the topic the descriptive essay is based on.
Thesis statement: Clearly states the main point or purpose of the descriptive essay.

Body paragraphs: Each paragraph should have

Topic sentence: Introduce the first aspect or feature you will describe. It informs the reader about what is coming next.
Sensory details: Use emphatic language to appeal to the reader’s senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell).
Concrete details: These are actual details needed to understand the context of the descriptive essay.
Supporting details: Include relevant information or examples to improve the description.

Conclusion:

Summarize key points: Here you revisit the main features or aspects of the subject.
Restate thesis statement: Reinforce the central impression or emotion.
Clincher statement: Conclude with a statement that summarizes the entire essay and serve as the last words with a powerful message.

Revision and editing:

Go over your essay to make sure it is coherent, clear, and consistent.
Check for logical paragraph transitions by proofreading the content.
Examine text to ensure correct grammar, punctuation, and style.
Use the thesaurus or AI paraphrasing tools to find the right words.

A descriptive essay often consists of three body paragraphs or more, an introduction that concludes with a thesis statement, and a conclusion that summarizes the subject and leaves a lasting impression on readers.

A descriptive essay’s primary goal is to captivate the reader by writing a thorough and vivid explanation of the subject matter, while appealing to their various senses. A list of additional goals is as follows: – Spark feeling and imagination – Create a vivid experience – Paint a mental picture – Pique curiosity – Convey a mood or atmosphere – Highlight specific details

Although they both fall within the creative writing category, narrative essays and descriptive essays have different storytelling focuses. While the main goal of a narrative essay is to tell a story based on a real-life experience or a made-up event, the main goal of a descriptive essay is to vividly describe a person, location, event, or emotion.

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Ultimate guide to writing a descriptive essay, carla johnson.

June 14, 2023
Essay Topics and Ideas , How to Guides

If you want to get better at writing, you should definitely learn how to write a descriptive essay. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at what a descriptive essay is, why it’s important to write one, and what you can expect to learn from this guide.

– Definition of a descriptive essay: It is a type of academic writing that tries to give a vivid picture of a person, place, thing, or event by using sensory details, figurative language, and other literary techniques.

– Importance of writing a descriptive essay: It’s important to write such essays because they help writers improve their descriptive skills, which are important in many fields like creative writing, journalism, and marketing.

– Purpose of the guide: The purpose of this guide is to provide you with a step-by-step framework for writing a successful essay, from choosing a topic to revising and editing your final draft. By following this guide, you’ll be able to write descriptive essays that are engaging, effective, and memorable.

What You'll Learn

Understanding the Elements of a Descriptive Essay

To write a successful descriptive essay, it’s important to understand the key elements of this type of writing. Here are some of the essential elements to keep in mind:

1. Description of the subject or topic : The heart of a descriptive essay is the description of the subject or topic. This should be a detailed and evocative description that captures the essence of the subject or topic.

2. Sensory details: To make the description more vivid and engaging, a descriptive essay should incorporate sensory details, such as sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Sensory details help the reader to experience the subject or topic in a more immersive way.

3. Organization and structure : A descriptive essay should be well-organized and structured to ensure that the description flows smoothly and logically. This can be achieved through the use of descriptive subheadings, transitions, and other organizational tools.

4. Importance of vivid language: Finally, a descriptive essay should use vivid language and literary techniques, such as metaphors, similes, and personification, to bring the subject or topic to life and make it more memorable and engaging.

Choosing a Topic for a Descriptive Essay

Choosing a good topic is essential to writing a successful descriptive essay. Here are some tips to help you choose a topic:

1. Importance of selecting a good topic: A good topic is one that is interesting, relevant, and meaningful to you as a writer. It should also be a topic that you feel confident writing about.

2. Tips for choosing a topic: To choose a good topic, start by brainstorming a list of potential subjects or topics that you find interesting or important. Then, narrow down your list by considering factors such as feasibility, relevance, and potential for descriptive detail.

3. 50 Descriptive essay topics: Here are some topic ideas to inspire your descriptive essay writing:

– A favorite childhood memory

– Your first love

– A memorable trip or vacation

– Your favorite place in nature

– A special possession or object

– A person who has had a significant impact on your life

– A favorite food or meal

– A significant life event

– The inside of a favorite room or building

– A work of art that inspires you

– A favorite book or movie

– The view from a favorite spot

– A unique hobby or passion

– An important historical or cultural site

– A special moment in time

– A favorite animal or pet

– A childhood game or toy

– A favorite sport or athletic activity

– A dream or aspiration

– A favorite holiday or celebration

– A special talent or skill

– A favorite season or weather event

– A significant life lesson

– A favorite song or piece of music

– A favorite color or aesthetic

– A favorite smell or taste

– A significant relationship or friendship

– A favorite type of architecture or design

– A moment of personal growth or transformation

– A favorite mode of transportation

– A favorite element of nature (e.g. water, fire, wind)

– A favorite type of plant or flower

– A favorite type of weather phenomenon (e.g. thunderstorm, snowfall)

– A favorite type of landscape (e.g. mountains, beach, desert)

– A favorite type of cuisine or food culture

– A favorite type of clothing or fashion trend

– A favorite type of technology or gadget

– A favorite type of musical instrument

– A favorite type of literature or genre

– A favorite type of film or television genre

– A favorite type of art or artistic style

– A favorite type of vehicle or machine

– A favorite type of recreational activity

– A favorite type of job or profession

– A favorite type of building or structure

– A favorite type of holiday or celebration

– A favorite type of animal or pet

By choosing a topic that is interesting and relevant to you, and by incorporating descriptive details and sensory language, you can create a memorable and engaging descriptive essay that captures the essence of your chosen subject or topic.

Research and Gathering of Information

Research is an important part of writing a successful descriptive essay. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when conducting research for your essay:

1. Importance of research in writing a descriptive essay: Research can help you to gather information and insights that will support and enhance your descriptive essay. It can also help you to find interesting and engaging details that will make your essay more memorable and impactful.

2. Sources of information for research: There are many different sources of information you can draw upon when researching your descriptive essay. These might include books, articles, interviews, personal experiences , and observations.

3. Evaluating sources: It’s important to evaluate your sources carefully to ensure that they are reliable and trustworthy. When evaluating a source , consider factors such as the author’s credentials, the publication’s reputation, and any potential biases or limitations.

Creating a Descriptive Essay Outline

Creating an outline is an important step in the writing process , and can help you to organize your thoughts and ideas in a clear and logical way. Here’s what you need to know about creating a descriptive essay outline:

1. Importance of creating an outline: An outline can help you to structure your essay , ensuring that you cover all the key points and details you want to include. It can also help you to identify any gaps or weaknesses in your argument, and to revise and refine your essay more easily.

2. Elements of a descriptive essay outline: A descriptive essay outline typically includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Within each of these sections, you may include subheadings or bullet points to further organize your ideas.

3. Examples of a descriptive essay outline: Here’s an example of a basic descriptive essay outline:

I. Introduction

A. Hook

B. Thesis statement

C. Background information

II. Body Paragraphs

A. Topic sentence

B. Sensory details and description

C. Supporting evidence and examples

D. Analysis and interpretation

III. Conclusion

A. Summary of main points

B. Restatement of thesis

C. Final thoughts and implications

By using an outline to guide your writing, you can create a descriptive essay that is well-organized, engaging, and impactful.

Writing the Introduction of a Descriptive Essay

The introduction of a descriptive essay is an important part of the writing process. Here’s what you need to know about writing a strong introduction:

1. Importance of an introduction: The introduction sets the tone for your essay and provides readers with an overview of what they can expect to read. A strong introduction can grab the reader’s attention and make them want to keep reading.

2. Elements of an introduction: A strong introduction should include a hook to grab the reader’s attention, background information to provide context, and a thesis statement that previews the main points of your essay .

3. Examples of a descriptive essay introduction: Here’s an example of an introduction for a descriptive essay about a favorite place:

“Standing at the edge of the cliff, I look out over the vast expanse of blue water below. The sun is just beginning to dip below the horizon, casting the sky in shades of pink and orange. This is my favorite place in the world, a place where I feel at peace and in awe of the beauty around me. In this essay, I will share my experiences and emotions about this special place, exploring the sensory details that make it so memorable.”

Developing the Body Paragraphs of a Descriptive Essay

The body paragraphs of a descriptive essay are where you will provide the bulk of your descriptive details and analysis. Here’s what you need to know about developing strong body paragraphs:

1. Importance of body paragraphs: The body paragraphs are where you will provide the sensory details and descriptions that bring your essay to life . They should be well-organized and focused, with each paragraph covering a single main point or idea.

2. Elements of body paragraphs: Each body paragraph should include a topic sentence that previews the main point of the paragraph, sensory details and descriptions that support that point, and analysis and interpretation that help to explain the significance of those details.

3. Examples of a descriptive essay body paragraphs: Here’s an example of a body paragraph for a descriptive essay about a favorite place:

“The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks below is one of the things that makes this place so special to me. It’s a rhythmic, soothing sound that seems to wash away all my worries and cares. As I stand here, I can feel the mist from the waves on my face, and I can taste the salty air on my tongue. These sensory details help to create a vivid, immersive experience that makes this place feel real and tangible to me. But it’s not just the sensory details that make this place special – it’s also the memories and emotions that are associated with it. Every time I come here, I feel a sense of peace and contentment that I can’t find anywhere else.”

By developing strong body paragraphs that incorporate vivid sensory details and analysis, you can create a descriptive essay that is engaging, memorable, and impactful.

Crafting the Conclusion of a Descriptive Essay

The conclusion of a descriptive essay is the final impression you leave on your reader. Here’s what you need to know about crafting a strong conclusion:

1. Importance of a conclusion: The conclusion should provide closure to your essay and leave a lasting impression on the reader. It should summarize the main points of your essay and leave the reader with a sense of significance and importance.

2. Elements of a conclusion: A strong conclusion should include a summary of the main points of your essay , a restatement of your thesis statement, and a final thought or reflection that leaves the reader with something to think about.

3. Examples of a descriptive essay conclusion : Here’s an example of a conclusion for a descriptive essay about a favorite place:

As I stand here, watching the sunset over the water, I am reminded of the beauty and wonder that exists in the world around us. This place, with its sensory details and memories, has become a part of who I am and what I value. It is a reminder to slow down, to appreciate the simple things in life, and to find beauty in the unexpected. As I leave this place, I carry with me the sense of peace and contentment that it brings, and I am grateful for the memories and experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today.

Editing and Revising a Descriptive Essay

Editing and revising are essential steps in the writing process. Here’s what you need to know about editing and revising your descriptive essay:

1. Importance of editing and revising : Editing and revising can help you to identify and correct errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling, as well as to refine and improve the overall quality of your essay . This process ensures that your essay is polished and ready for submission.

2. Tips for editing and revising: Some tips for editing and revising your descriptive essay include taking a break between writing and editing, reading your essay out loud to catch errors and inconsistencies, and getting feedback from others to identify areas for improvement.

3. Examples of edited and revised descriptive essays: Here’s an example of an edited and revised paragraph from a descriptive essay about a favorite place:

Original: “The beach was beautiful. The sand was warm and the water was blue. I liked going there.”

Edited and Revised: “As I walked along the shoreline, the warm sand between my toes and the cool water lapping at my ankles, I felt a sense of peace and tranquility that I couldn’t find anywhere else. The sun was setting behind me, casting the sky in shades of pink and orange, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore was rhythmic and soothing. This was my favorite place in the world, a place where I could escape from the pressures of everyday life and just be. I will always cherish the memories and experiences I have had here, and I look forward to returning again and again.”

By taking the time to edit and revise your descriptive essay, you can ensure that it is polished, engaging, and impactful.

Frequently Asked Questions about Descriptive Essays

1. what is a descriptive essay.

A descriptive essay is a type of essay that uses vivid language and sensory details to describe a person, place, object, or event. The goal of a descriptive essay is to create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader.

2. What are the elements of a descriptive essay?

The elements of a descriptive essay include a description of the subject or topic, sensory details, organization and structure, and the importance of vivid language.

3. How do I choose a topic for a descriptive essay?

To choose a topic for a descriptive essay, consider your personal experiences and interests , focus on sensory details, and consider the audience you are writing for.

4. What is the structure of a descriptive essay?

The structure of a descriptive essay typically includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Within each of these sections, you may include subheadings or bullet points to further organize your ideas.

5. What is a descriptive essay thesis?

A descriptive essay thesis is a statement that previews the main points or ideas that will be covered in the essay. It typically appears at the end of the introduction and helps to guide the organization of the essay .

6. What are some common mistakes to avoid in writing a descriptive essay?

Some common mistakes to avoid in writing a descriptive essay include using vague language, overusing adjectives and adverbs, and failing to provide sufficient sensory details.

10 Inspiring Descriptive Essay Examples

1. “The Beauty of Autumn” by John Keats

2. “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson

3. The Grand Canyon” by John Muir

4. The Eiffel Tower at Night” by Ernest Hemingway

5. “The Great Barrier Reef” by David Attenborough

6. “The Northern Lights” by Jack London

7. My Childhood Home” by Maya Angelou

8. The Streets of New York City” by E.B. White

9. “The Serengeti Plains” by Jane Goodall

10. “The Taj Mahal” by Rabindranath Tagore

These 10 inspiring descriptive essays showcase the power of vivid language and sensory details to create a memorable and immersive experience for the reader. Each essay offers a unique perspective on its subject, from the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon to the bustling streets of New York City.

Lessons to be learned from these examples include the importance of using sensory details to create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader, the power of language to evoke emotion and convey meaning, and the value of personal experiences and perspectives in shaping our understanding of the world around us.

In conclusion , writing a descriptive essay requires careful attention to detail, a focus on sensory details and language, and a clear and well-organized structure. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can create a descriptive essay that engages and immerses your readers in the subject matter. Remember to choose a topic that resonates with you, use sensory details to create a vivid experience for your readers, and revise and edit your work to ensure that it is polished and impactful.

Whether you’re describing a favorite place, a meaningful experience, or a unique perspective on the world, a descriptive essay can be a powerful tool for communicating your thoughts and ideas. By taking the time to craft a well-written and engaging essay , you can inspire and connect with your readers in meaningful ways.

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How to Write a Descriptive Essay

This could be something as simple as your favorite flavor of ice cream or as complicated as the politics of 13th century Vienna. Different than a simple description, a descriptive essay allows the writer to really show off both their imagination as well as their writing skills.

What is a Descriptive Essay?

A descriptive essay is a type of academic writing that asks the writer to fully describe a place, person, situation, event, or thing. They can be simple or they can be very complex depending on the subject matter and audience written for. These types of essays train a writer’s ability to express themselves accurately as well as build compelling sentences and arguments.

Descriptive Essay Ideas

There is no exhaustive list of things that can be described, but these are some of the most common things you may be asked to write about.

A Location - The goal of writing about a place is to make the reader feel as if they are there. Words, similes, and metaphors that ignite the reader’s imagination are essential. Try and immerse the reader in the sights, smells, and sounds of the place you are describing. Examples could be a city, a view, a particular building like your house, etc.

A Time Period - Similar to writing about a location, the goal is to make the reader lose themselves in the time you are describing. This requires great research to be able to describe physical characteristics as authentically and as well as possible. This could include how you felt a year ago, an ancient time period, or the future.

An Event - The goal of describing an event is to explain a series of interesting circumstances. Typical storytelling elements like describing the plot, setting, and characters are useful, but make sure you focus on the chain of events.

An Emotion - The goal of describing an emotion is to make the reader feel the sentiments of the character you are describing. Metaphors and similes are very useful when trying to evoke an emotion in a reader along with physical descriptions that express the emotion.

A Person - The goal of writing about a person is to make the reader understand something about that person. This includes physical descriptions of what they look like, what kind of clothing they wear, a sense of the physical presence along with their profession, as well as how they behave.

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Descriptive Essay Outline and Structure

Though a descriptive type of essay is quite different from a typical academic paper, it still follows a classic 5 paragraph format. Always follow any directions though, sometimes you may need more or fewer body paragraphs. This is a general structure you should keep in mind for this type of essay.

Introduction

Introduction/background information

Body Paragraphs

Topic Sentence
Sensory Information
Physical Descriptions
Transition Sentence
Summary of the main points
Restate the thesis

An outline is always a good idea for any kind of writing, but it is particularly useful for this type of essay because it collects your thoughts and makes sure your essay stays on track.

Introduction

Hook - The sting of salty water, the hypnotic crash of the waves, the breathtaking sunsets, the best vacation spot?
Background information - Everyone is different and everyone likes different types of things. When it comes to vacations though, there is a place that almost everyone enjoys.
Thesis - In my opinion, the beach is the best possible vacation spot because of the variety of ways one can enjoy it.

Body Paragraph 1

Topic Sentence - The beach has many kinds of natural beauty
Sensory information - The unlimited expanse of the ocean combined with glorious sunrises and sunsets.
Physical descriptions -The crunch of sand below your bare feet and the crash of waves on your body.
Transition sentence - There’s more than just natural beauty though, there are physical activities to enjoy as well

Body Paragraph 2

Topic Sentence - The beach has unlimited activities for physical enjoyment.
Sensory information - The thrill of battling with the ocean, the joy of falling on the sand, the wind streaming through your hair, and the pleasant tingling of the sun on bare skin.
Physical descriptions - Water sports like surfing, jet skiing, and the like allow you to exercise in one of the most fun ways possible. Not to mention sports like frisbee, volleyball, beach soccer, and more.
Transition sentence - If you just want to relax, the beach is perfect for that too!

Body Paragraph 3

Topic Sentence - The beach is ideal just to relax, destress, and take it easy.
Sensory information - To relax as you are massaged by either human hands or the sun is a pleasure. Lazing around might be frowned upon, but the beach is the ideal place to spend some time taking care of yourself and letting the stresses of the world melt away.
Physical description - Whether it’s reading a book, or enjoying a refreshing beverage with umbrellas in it, you can get taken care of on the beach. Building sandcastles, painting, and meditating are other activities easily and freely enjoyed.
Transition sentence - The beach has so much to offer.
Summary of the main points - Whether it’s nature, physical exercise, or simple relaxation, the beach can offer all of that and more.
Restate the thesis - That’s the main reason that a beach is the ideal vacation spot, it allows for diverse ways of having fun.
Closing statement/Clincher - Think about the last time you went to the beach, don’t you want to go again?

What is the Purpose of a Descriptive Essay?

It should leave the reader with a clear idea of the topic of the essay. The goal is to explain things in a comprehensive and interesting way so that the information stays with the reader. Let’s go into the details of how to accomplish this.

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Writing Process & Descriptive Essay Examples

It may seem challenging to write a successful essay of this type, but if you follow the advice below, it will be a breeze.

How to Start a Descriptive Essay

Making sure you choose the right topic is the first hurdle to cross. A topic for a descriptive essay is vital because it is the main subject you will be writing about. Spend at least 20 minutes brainstorming different topic ideas and make sure you choose a topic that you know well.

Next, create an outline to better structure your thoughts and figure out the pieces of information you need to find out more about. The more time you spend creating a well-researched outline, the better your endpaper is going to be, and you’ll end up spending less time on actually writing the paper. Now you can move on the writing the descriptive essay introduction.

How to Write a Descriptive Essay Thesis

A thesis statement is the main argument you are trying to make in your paper. It is the main point you are trying to describe. A good thesis statement for descriptive essay is particular without being too brief. It should include not only just what the topic is, but also mention why the topic is important.

How to Write Body Paragraphs

You can have as many body paragraphs as you think are necessary to achieve the goal of describing something clearly. This means you could have just one body paragraph, the standard three, or more.

Start every paragraph with a topic sentence that explains what the main purpose of the paragraph is. Next fill in sensory details, describing the emotions before moving on to describing the actual physical details. End each body paragraph with a transition sentence that helps each paragraph flow into the other. Not only does this make your writing stronger, but it also helps you create an immersive experience.

How to Write the Conclusion

Summarize the main points of your essay and make sure that you reiterate the thesis statement. This reminds people of the point of your essay and ensures that when writing, you don’t stray too far from the point.

Descriptive Essay Format

There are 3 main formats of citation types for essays. Though the most common one is MLA, it is possible that you may have to use APA or Chicago Style citations.

MLA stands for Modern Language Association and is used primarily for the arts and humanities. MLA uses in-text parenthetical citation in the format of (Author, Page). The page at the end that contains all the sources is called the Works Cited page. The format of these entries is unique to MLA but is easy to make with a citation generator.

APA stands for American Psychological Association and is used mostly for the sciences and social sciences. APA uses in-text parenthetical citations in the format (Author, Date). The page at the end that contains all the sources is called the References section

Chicago Style is used primarily for Business, History, and the Fine Arts. In-text citation can be either as footnotes or parenthetical citation in the format (Author, Date). The page at the end that contains all the sources is called the Bibliography.

Most descriptive essays will follow the MLA style of citation, but if you need any more help, find a guide on Studyfy.com for more information about citation styles in general.

Descriptive Essay Topics

The topic is crucial, because all the research you do, and the entire paper, will specifically be about describing the topic. Here are some descriptive essay prompts to inspire you!

The person you’ve most admired in your life

A movie scene that made you feel strong emotions

The time period you would travel to if you had a time machine

Why a beach is better than the mountains for a vacation (or vice versa)

The taste of a drink when you are incredibly tired

An author that inspired you

Your favorite cuisine

The best place in the world to be by yourself

The best Christmas morning you’ve ever had

An accent that you really enjoy

A time when you wanted something so much it burned

Describe the day in the life of your favorite celebrity

The joy of escaping into a video game

What dancing means to you

A life philosophy you believe in

The feeling of holding a baby in our arms

The sound of crashing waves

Standing in front of a gorgeous view

A vacation that was meaningful

Why fireworks are magical

The first time you cosplayed

How it feels to listen to music that you hate

The best thing you have ever eaten in your life

What would it be like to live 100 years in the future

Why hearing people laugh is beautiful

A day in the life of your favorite animal

A strange superstition you believe in

The strangest person you’ve ever met

Your favorite tv show

Playing your favorite sport

What it’s like to be in love

Descriptive Essay Tips

Before we end, let’s go over some of the key points of information in this article.

Use figurative language including metaphors and similes
Use your senses
Choose appropriate words
Show don't tell
Focus on specific details
Spend time choosing the right topic
Create a detailed outline
Forget about the purpose of the essay
Submit your first draft
Make it too complicated
Ignore your audience
Ignore any directions

In addition to the information provided in this article, there are various resources available to help with your writing needs. If you are struggling to write your descriptive essay, you can turn to professional writers and editors for assistance. You may consider hiring a research paper writing service or seeking help from dissertation writers .

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In summary, there are various resources available to help with your writing needs, including professional writing services, proofreaders, and editors. By utilizing these resources and following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can write a successful descriptive essay that effectively conveys your ideas and engages your readers.If you are looking for the query " I need someone to write an essay for me ", Studyfy has got you covered

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How to Write a Descriptive Essay: Tips and Structure

Table of contents

1 What Is a Descriptive Essay?
2 What Is the Purpose of a Descriptive Essay?
3 How to Begin a Descriptive Essay?
4 Writing the Main Body of a Descriptive Essay
5 How to Conclude a Descriptive Essay?
6 Descriptive Essay Tips

There is no need to add that descriptive essays are extremely common. These are types of essays you will have to write and write on a regular basis during your education. When it comes to descriptive essay writing, you need to pay close attention to the details and the language you use. But we will share all the facts and details you need to know below. We have all the latest facts, and all the one’s experts will recommend them, and your professors will want to read your papers.

What Is a Descriptive Essay?

In order to understand the features of a descriptive essay and also learn how to write like an expert, you need to know what this type of written essay is. Only then can you understand descriptive writing and focus more on the things you need to include in your sentences. All descriptive essays are used to describe a person, object, place, or something else. However, they may be about explaining an emotion or a feeling you had at a specific time.

This can make them even harder. As always, you will need a perfect descriptive essay outline in order to complete the task well and with the best outcome possible. Your professor may ask you to describe almost anything. It is important to add that you will have to explain it in detail and use vivid language. The goal of such a paper is to enable the reader to create a mental picture of the subject.

To achieve this, a writer must employ colorful language to convey the central essay topic . The writer must also be able to use literary devices such as similes and metaphors to provide sensory details on the subject. At this point, the five major senses (sight, smell. touch, taste, and sound) should come to mind. The writer must, however, avoid providing unnecessary and/or redundant descriptions as this would have the reverse effect of turning readers off. As you may already know, writing a descriptive essay begins with choosing a topic that identifies it as such; to drive home this point, a list of some topics is shown below:

A short trip to Miami
A close look at diamonds
How a telephone works
My first time in a red district
The day I had my first child
Grandma`s wrinkled face

Choosing a topic is often not where the problem lies, as it is even provided in some cases. The main task before the writer is to show and tell the audience whatever information he wishes to convey. For instance, instead of saying “the room was silent,” the writer could express it as: “The room was such that one could clearly hear the sound of a pin drop.” That is just a simple illustration of how to “show” and not “tell” when writing a descriptive essay. We now turn to examine the basic steps in writing one.

Descriptive essays are aimed to create an image within the reader’s mind. This type of work requires a certain structure and proper usage of ideas. A step by step plan and following the following writing tips will help to fully develop the topic and write me an essay of the best possible quality.

What Is the Purpose of a Descriptive Essay?

The purpose of these papers is obvious. You need to use your language to explain a thing that will help the reader understand it 100%. In other words, a reader must know all about that place, object, or thing you had to describe completely like he saw it or used it. Due to the fact this is one of the hardest things to write, some students opt for a descriptive essay writing service that helps them with the writing and always gets them the grade they want and need.

The subject of your essay will be the main element here, and you need to tell the readers as much information as you can. More details will usually make this paper better and more detailed, hence a better grade. Obviously, you need to understand the topic or have a vivid recollection of the details in order to explain and describe them as well as possible.

How to Begin a Descriptive Essay?

This type of writing process is not as easy as you may believe. There are a few steps you will need to use only to start the writing. Keep in mind that you need to use a descriptive essay format that is provided by the professor or mandated by the school. Once you know this, you need to use the following steps. Yes, there are a few steps you will use only to start the writing process. The actual writing has even more steps, and it is more complicated.

Select The Topic or What You Want To Describe The first thing you will need to start your writing process is to choose what you will describe. In some cases, you can describe anything you like. In others, you will get the object you need to describe. It is always a better option to choose what you want to describe. It makes the whole process better and easier. At the same time, you will use your own details and specifics that can make the paper much better. Try to understand that you need to know all about the thing you will have to describe. There are a lot of topics in this case scenario. Here are some.

✏️Example:

Describe the most impressive person you know.

Gather Information The next step is to collect all the information. You will need details about the person, place, sensory details, and so much more. Once you have all of these, categorize them in notes and divide them. Always keep in mind that you can use write my essay for me option and get the paper done within hours. This can be a more appealing choice if you don’t like the topic you must write on. Anyway, using specific categories of information is beneficial. You can have all the details you will need to use, which will make writing better and easier. Don’t forget that this process will take time, so you may need days or weeks to collect all the information you must use.
Start With The Outline Once you have all the descriptive essay topics and all the details, you will have to make the outline. This is the plan for your writing process. If you use literary tools such as metaphors, you will have to list them here. In general, you will make a list of all the points you will use in your essay. Each paragraph will be planned, and each one will have the claims you want to describe in them. This makes writing much easier and better in the end.
Write Introduction How to write a descriptive essay introduction? It is the most complicated thing here and the one that can determine the outcome of your paper. At the end of the introduction, you will have to provide a thesis statement. The intro is very important because it can attract your readers to read the whole paper or skip the reading. Hence you can imagine the effort you will need to present here. It is always a great idea to start the first sentence with the hook . This is something that will attract your readers completely and keep them engaged longer.

I watched an aeroplane taking off during the storm that made the sky black and the ground filled with water.

Writing the Main Body of a Descriptive Essay

The body is where the writer conveys much of the information on the subject. In a 5-paragraph essay , this should be the second, third, and fourth paragraphs. Each paragraph is begun with a topic sentence that instantly conveys the main idea of the paragraph. This topic sentence is followed by a thesis sentence. This thesis sentence develops an argument that the paragraph would be centered on. The remaining sentences in the paragraph should be used to do justice to the argument. Most importantly, the final sentence of each paragraph should transition smoothly and beautifully to the next one.

For instance, the “hidden” motive for our sample, “Grandma`s wrinkled face” could be to reflect on how sad grandma is; and not necessarily how old she is. Sentences like this could help convey this “hidden” message: “It seems that grandma has been aging faster and faster ever since she lost her husband, her only source of happiness”. A statement such as this should be able to draw the reader’s attention to the emotional state of grandma instead of just dwelling on the “wrinkles”.

How to Conclude a Descriptive Essay?

In a way, a descriptive essay is a story and should have a logical and memorable ending. It, therefore, behooves the writer to use his creative imagination to leave the reader feeling satisfied. There are several ways to bring an essay to an end, but all of them involve summarizing the essay’s main ideas . The first sentence of the final paragraph should give the reader a strong hint that the discussion is drawing to a close. Here are a few hints on how to do this:

It could also begin with “To summarize…
Begin with “In conclusion…
Begin the lead sentence with “Finally…
The final paragraph could begin as: “In all…

In conclusion, a writer must recognize that the last sentence of any essay is likely what will stay with the reader ; therefore, the writer must craft this sentence as creatively as possible. The best thing that can happen to a writer is for his work to remain alive in the mind of a reader, and writing a beautiful conclusion is one good way to ensure this.

Descriptive Essay Tips

Your paper needs to have a good thesis statement and a detailed outline and present as much information and details as possible. When all of these are present, and you also have writing tips from below, you can expect the best outcome. Descriptive writing will test your patience! A professor can easily tell how much time did you invest into writing and why you liked those descriptive essay topics . Due to all of this, you will need to use the tips we have here. These are essential and can help you more than they may look.

Start With Brainstorming This type of academic writing will need one thing from you. You need to have the time to brainstorm all the information, details, and ideas you may have. This may sound obvious, but it is essential. Once you have all the ideas and all the details you like, writing will be easier, and you will need more time.Try to do this step when you have the time and when you are relaxed. In other words, try to complete this step when you are motivated to do it and not when you have to do it. Write down the whole list of ideas you may have that are based on the thing you have to describe.

If you want to describe a car, write down, make, model, size, color, performance, and more. Describe each element.

Use Only Vivid Language This means that the words you must use should touch the imagination of the reader completely and help him see the object or the person as you saw it. You can use strong and special words that will help you with that. For instance, you can use stallion instead of using the word horse. People will hear the word horse countless times per year. But they will hear the word stallion once or twice. This will make them more engaged in your paper and, at the same time, leave a stronger impression on the reader. The goal is to use as many words of this kind as you can. It will make the whole paper firmer, and this is something you will want.
Concise and Clear Language Is A Must Always choose words that are related to the thing you want to describe and that has a huge role in the paper. This is not a well-known tip, and many students will fail to use it. But, if you are careful and you take the time, you can use all the words of this kind. This will make the whole paper more detailed and more special. It also described the thing much better, and it is easier for a reader to understand it.
Organize Your Paper All we can say here is that writers must organize the details they want to present to the readers. This means that you need to present one point of view in detail before you move to the next one. In the end, you will present all the main points, but the reader will be able to understand all of them and remember all the details you have provided. Just remember that once you start explaining one element of your paper, explain it completely before you move to the next one.
Use All Your Senses The thing you will explain must come with appealing to the senses, and you must transfer this to the readers. What this means is that you need to explain how something felt, tasted, smelled, looked, and what you have heard at that time. Believe it or not, using the sense of smell has a huge role here, and it can make a massive difference.
Leave All Your Readers With Clear Impressions In the end, you need to have a paper that will describe the thing or the object completely so all the readers will feel like they have tested the food you have described, or they have visited that place.

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Descriptive Essay Writing

Descriptive Essay Outline

Writing a Descriptive Essay Outline - Tips & Examples

Published on: Jun 11, 2020

Last updated on: Mar 1, 2024

What is a Descriptive Essay Outline?

A descriptive essay outline is an integral part of an essay that defines the proper structure. It is essential to know that an appropriate paper outline is your golden ticket. Moreover, it also helps to organize your thoughts and ideas so that your essay flows better.

Remember, developing a good outline will save you from many troubles associated with the writing process. Keep in mind the following points while creating a perfect outline for this type of essay.

The outline must follow the format of the descriptive essay.
It should base on the topic and other smaller subtopics.
Use clear and concise language in the outline.
It includes all the main points that you would want to add to your essay.
It should be the blueprint of the essay.

How to Write A Descriptive Essay Outline?

A descriptive essay outline consists of the following three sections.

The introductory paragraph is the section where you introduce your topic to the reader. Thus, give them enough information to understand. Also, try to make this section interesting and engaging.

A descriptive essay introduction includes the below-given elements:

Hook Sentence: Start the essay with a strong hook statement to grab the audienceâs attention.
Background Information: The writer gives brief background information on the chosen subject.
Thesis Statement: The thesis statement includes the subject and purpose of the topic. Also, it should be concise and short.

The body paragraphs of the descriptive essay are made up of strong ideas. Here, you have to provide a complete description of the topic. Thus, use transitional words and vivid language by avoiding vague sentences.

The body paragraphs consist of the following elements:

Topic Sentence: Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence and provide the information in chronological order. It further lets the reader know what you have to describe in the essay.
Sensory Details: It should include sensory details to grab the readerâs attention. Moreover, all sentences should be related to the topic that appeals to the human senses. It includes sight, taste, touch, smell, and sound.
Actual Details: Here, you should also provide authentic evidence to support your claims. Finish the body paragraphs by introducing the next paragraphs.

A descriptive essay without a conclusion is a waste piece of an essay. It is the last but the main part of the essay. Moreover, this section is considered your last chance to impress the reader with the work. Thus, make sure that it leaves them with a lasting impression.

Here, you have to sum up the entire essay by restating the thesis statement. However, do not write any new ideas or information. Lastly, end the conclusion by leaving the reader with an explained and clarified reason to do further research.

Check out the following example to understand a complete 5 paragraph outline.

5 Paragraph Descriptive Essay Outline

Descriptive Essay Outline Template

When writing the descriptive essay outline, you have to know its structure. Here is a detailed template to help you in creating the perfect essay outline.

Descriptive Essay Outline Example

Descriptive Essay Outline About a Person

A high school or college student has to write about a person, an object, or an event. The writerâs main job is to paint a vivid picture in the readerâs mind.

When you write an essay about a person, you need to be very careful about the selected descriptive essay topics. Here, the person can be anyone such as your mother, father, brother, sister, friend, colleague, etc. Furthermore, it can also be based on historical figures.

The main idea of writing a descriptive essay about a person is to describe him/her as the subject. Use imaginative language, time, and comparisons to make the essay more unique.

Here is a descriptive essay outline example of a person for you to understand better.

Descriptive Essay Outline about a Person

Descriptive Essay Outline about a Place

A descriptive essay about a place is a very common type of college essay . It gives the writer a golden opportunity to present their personal experiences and feelings.

When you start writing such an essay, you have to provide an impressive description of the place, views, and location. The main purpose is to help the reader feel like they were there and experience the same thing.

Have a look at the below given an example to write your essay about a place.

Descriptive Essay Outline Worksheet

An ideal descriptive essay outline covers the three main sections, i.e., introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

Below-given is a descriptive essay outline worksheet that you can use for your essay.

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Our writers are experts in descriptive essay writing. Our online essay services guarantee that you will be impressed by their remarkable performance. The professionals always follow our client requirements and deliver your work on time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the elements of a descriptive essay.

The elements of the descriptive essay are:

Sensory details
Figurative language
Central theme

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Descriptive Essay Writing

Descriptive Essay Outline

Learn How to Create a Descriptive Essay Outline

Published on: Jun 4, 2019

Last updated on: Jan 5, 2023

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A descriptive essay is a type of essay in which an essay writer describes something creatively. It helps the reader to feel like they are experiencing what they are reading. A perfect descriptive essay uses sensory details to portray the person, place, event, or object.

However, an excellent descriptive essay is incomplete without a proper outline. For a great essay, you must create an outline. It provides a skeleton to your essay and makes your descriptive writing organized.

Therefore, continue reading this blog and get to know about how to create a descriptive essay outline.

5 Paragraph Descriptive Essay Outline Structure

For a good essay, you should create an outline. The outline must always follow the format of the descriptive essay. The descriptive essay outline follows a five-paragraph essay structure. Its structure is not difficult or complex.

The five-paragraph essay structure is a well-known and popular method for writing essays. This type of structure follows an introduction, two-three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

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Here is a basic structure of the five-paragraph descriptive essay outline.

Introduction
Provide a hook statement
Introduce the topic
Give some background information.
Conclude with a thesis statement.
Body Paragraphs
Introduce the topic in detail.
Add human senses details.
Include actual details.
Use transition sentences/words .
Wrap up the essay.
Restate the main points and thesis statement .

Therefore, follow this structure and make sure that you maintain a good flow for the essay. Also, take a look at this template and get an idea of a good descriptive essay outline.

Descriptive Essay Outline Template

How to Write a Descriptive Essay Outline?

A good way to write a descriptive essay is to use descriptive language and create an outline. It works as a central idea or a road map that will help you throughout the writing process. Also, it assists you in choosing the right descriptive essay topic .

When you create the essay outline , you should know that a structured outline is your golden ticket. Without it, you will never create a successful descriptive essay.

A well-structured descriptive essay outline is composed of three parts:

1. Descriptive Essay Introduction A good essay introduction will help the reader read further and get an idea of the entire essay. The introductory paragraph introduces the essay topic to the readers. Provide a little background information for the readers to understand your work, but keep it concise and interesting.

When you write the descriptive essay introduction, it contains the following elements:

Hook Statement: Start the essay with an attention-grabbing hook statement. It is the statement that builds interest and makes an assertive claim about the topic.
Background Information: After the hook, provide background information and tell the reader what you are about to describe or explain. Give them a brief context of your topic.
Thesis Statement: The thesis statement should come at the end of the introduction. It is a short summary of the entire work. Also, it includes the main purpose of the essay.

2. Descriptive Essay Body Paragraphs The essay body is the main part of the essay, in which you fully develop your argument. It helps to prove the thesis statement and describe the main purpose of the essay. Also, include the sensory details and a complete description of the topic.

Normally, the essay body paragraphs are 2-3, but it depends on your essay topic and requirements.

A good body paragraph of the descriptive essay should contain the following information:

Have a look at this information in detail.

Topic Sentence: Each body paragraph starts with a topic sentence that describes to the reader what you will be discussing. Every paragraph has a different idea, and each discusses one aspect or part of the overall essay.
Sensory Details: Add sensory details about the chosen topic. For example, if you write about an object, you will explain its looks, tastes, smells, sounds, etc. It helps the reader relate them to your essay.
Actual Details: Include the actual details like descriptive information about the subject. Provide a deeper level of details about the topic.
Transition Sentences / Words: Use transition words or sentences within or between the paragraphs. It helps to make a connection between them and helps the readers to understand the essay easily.
In-text Citation: When you get information or data from another writer’s work, cite them properly. It is better to give credit to their work and save yourself from plagiarism issues.
Conclusion: Each body paragraph concludes with an informative analysis of the idea related to the topic.

3. Descriptive Essay Conclusion The conclusion is the final section, in which you summarize the entire essay. It provides a brief snippet that you have already discussed in the essay. However, the essay conclusion should be interesting and leave a strong impression on the reader’s mind.

A good essay conclusion should include a few things, such as:

Restate the thesis statement.
Summary of ideas.
Tell the importance of the essay.
End with a powerful sentence.

Descriptive Essay Outline Examples

The importance of an essay outline is that it enables the writer to organize their thoughts before they convey them. Before writing, one must be aware of what points they wish to communicate with the audience. Otherwise, there will always feel like something left unsaid or overlooked in your work.

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Here is an example that you can use for your help.

Writing a descriptive essay outline is simple and easy if you take help from the examples. For your help, we have compiled some great examples that will help in creating the perfect essay outline.

Descriptive Essay Outline about a Person

Descriptive Essay Outline about a Place

Descriptive Essay Outline Middle School

Descriptive Essay Outline Worksheet

Descriptive Essay Outline Sample

Descriptive Essay Writing Tips

You understand how to make an outline for a descriptive essay. Here are some tips to help you write a great essay without any problems.

Come up with some ideas for topics for your descriptive essay. Pick something interesting and unique.
Create a plan for your essay. This will help you organize your thoughts.
Describe the subject in detail, including all sensory information.
To organize your ideas properly, use transition words to connect them logically.
Edit your essay to make it perfect.

In order to write a perfect descriptive essay, it's important that you create an outline. The best way is by taking help from examples and creating your own well-written outline.

Now you know and understand how to create a descriptive essay outline. But if you still need professional help and expert writing tips, consult FreeEssayWriter.net .

Our experienced essay writer can help you in drafting the perfect essay. We are the best essay writing service, and all your write my essay requests are managed by professional essay writers.

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How to Write a Descriptive Essay?

If you were wondering - 'what is a descriptive essay?', then our helpful guide will clear all your confusion. Our experts from the descriptive essay writing service explain the descriptive essay definition as a writing type that calls for the authors to explain specific objects, people, memories, events, places, or experiences. It should appeal to the reader’s senses to help them create this experience. For example, a descriptive essay about the beach can use the following descriptions - the sounds of the waves and birds, the smell of the sea, the feel of the ocean spray, the color of the sea against the sky, and even the taste of the salt in the air. This gives the reader more than just an understanding of the beach; it helps them feel the setting as they are right there. Now, let's explore the descriptive essay writing specifics and get familiar with some useful techniques!

Meanwhile if you want unique ideas for a descriptive essay, contact our paper writing service to provide you with excellent descriptive essay topics!

How to Start a Descriptive Essay?

To begin, you need to have a few descriptive essay topic options. According to custom writing experts, popular description subjects include a person, a place, an experience, or a memory. Once your theme is chosen, you will begin your outline, much like any other essay. Your outline is where you chart your topic, examples, and details in the relevant order to help create a flow of information and details before you begin descriptive writing.

Descriptive Essays about a Place

Descriptive essays about a place are common because when talking about a specific place, you're naturally trying to create an experience for your reader. So with this descriptive essay example, you will explain how it looks, smells, feels, sounds, etc., enhancing it with concrete details and figurative language. An example would be the beach essay referenced earlier in this article. When writing about the beach, you can talk about how all your senses experience the beach. Similar descriptive essay examples about a place include:

Describing your favorite vacation spot
Your dream house in detail
Painting a picture of the neighborhood you grew up in on a summer day

The end goal for a descriptive essay about a place is to help the reader feel like they are there, seeing the things you’ve seen, and experiencing the location just as you did.

Meanwhile, if you need some help with other assignments, use our nursing essay writing services . Don't forget to check out our essay service review to feel confident in us!

Descriptive Essays about a Person

Descriptive essays about a person are very common as well. The following are great examples:

Your mom or dad
A role model
Your favorite celebrity
Your childhood or current best friend

And the list goes on. Your essay should include descriptions of how the person looks, a scent that may be associated with them, like a favorite perfume or cologne they wear, how their voice sounds, and how their hand feels when you hold or shake it or even the feel of their hair. There are many ways to incorporate the five senses that help the reader feel like they have met the person and can visualize them.

Descriptive Essays about an Experience or Memory

A descriptive essay can also be about an experience. Describing your dream wedding or even your actual wedding is a great example of a descriptive essay about an experience. A helpful list of descriptive essay ideas and topics can be found here. As long as you include details in a way that helps the reader to not only visualize the wedding but to feel like they were there listening to the music, tasting the food, dancing with friends, etc. it is a descriptive essay. Additional topics for descriptive essays about memories include:

Your earliest childhood memory
Your first day of school
What happened the first time you drove a car

Outline for a Descriptive Essay

A descriptive essay format is much like any other essay where you need to capture the reader’s attention. The best way to do that is with an 'attention grabber' thesis statement. This can be the first sentence in the introductory paragraph that evoke personal feelings in your reader. Next, you need to present the topic in your descriptive essay introduction. Whether it’s a memory, object, person, or place, you need to establish the topic and why it’s relevant without giving away all the exciting information. Then, to follow the topic, you need to include a description and why it may be relevant or interesting to the reader. Remember to keep it exciting with a clear and concise language to keep your audience engaged.

Finally, you need to include what is known as “sensory language”. This is how you incorporate the five senses into your essay. By using key details and descriptions you can relate your topic to all five senses, or as many of the senses as possible, to create that experience for your reader. When using sensory language you can go so far beyond just telling a story and for the reader, it is much more interesting than reading a plain story. With sensory language the reader gets to imagine they are there, going through the experience or seeing the object or at the place you are describing. It is much more of an exciting literary experience reading a descriptive essay than any other type of essay.

How to Conclude

The last section in your descriptive essay outline is the conclusion. Here, you want to do more than simply restating your topic and details. Once you have given all the information about your subject, your conclusion allows the reader to reflect on those details. Why is this topic important? This is your chance to tell them! Explain the reasoning behind your topic. Why did you write about that? Why does that experience, person, etc., stand out to you, and why should they matter to the reader? Finally, the conclusion gives you a chance to offer all that information to your readers.

Another unique aspect of a descriptive essay conclusion is the second 'attention grabber.' You hooked the audience at the beginning with a statement that excited them to continue reading. This same idea should be used in your conclusion to help readers to remember your entire essay. Rather than just reading, enjoying it, and moving on, you want your essay to permeate your readers' mind and stay there for a long time. By closing with a statement that reinforces the ideas you’ve written about but is also thought-provoking and profound, readers will think about your essay long after they’ve read it. After all, isn’t that always our goal when writing?

More Academic Help

When writing a descriptive essay, or any kind of paper for that matter, it is always a good idea to read other examples. This way, you can see how others are using descriptive language, how their paper flows, etc. If you need such examples, order essay samples from our descriptive essay writer pros and review them in more detail.

Writing a sample of descriptive essay can be daunting when you’re struggling with the topic. You might be unsure how to incorporate the senses into your text, help paint an even more vivid picture of your topic, or hook your audience to entice them to read and remember your essay. However, it doesn’t have to be. With the information and links provided in this article and the help from some professional essay writers , your next descriptive essay writing experience should be a breeze.

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Crafting Your Descriptive Essay Outline

A descriptive essay is a type of academic writing that requires you to describe a scene, object, person, or experience in detail. The purpose of a descriptive essay is to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind using sensory language and emotional appeal. A descriptive essay can be challenging to write, as it demands creativity, organization, and clarity. That’s why having a well-structured outline is essential for crafting a successful descriptive essay.

In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to craft an outline for a descriptive essay . We will cover the essential elements of a descriptive essa y, the outlining techniques, and the common structure of a descriptive essay. We will also provide you with examples and templates that you can use as references. Finally, we will give you some descriptive essay tips and resources that will help you write a stellar paper.

The first step in creating your descriptive essay outline is to understand the anatomy of an outline. An outline consists of three main parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Each part has its own subparts that vary depending on the type and length of your essay. Here are the key components and organization of a descriptive essay outline:

Introduction

The introduction is the first paragraph of your essay that introduces your topic and sets the tone for your essay. It should include the following elements:

Hook: A hook is an engaging opening statement that captures the reader’s attention and interest. It can be a question, a quote, a statistic, a fact, a anecdote, or a rhetorical device. For example, if you are writing a descriptive essay about a place, you can start with a question like “Have you ever visited a place that made you feel like you were in a different world?” or a quote like “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page” by Saint Augustine.
Thesis statement : A thesis statement is a concise summary of your main point and purpose. It should inform the reader what you are going to describe and why. It should also include an emotional appeal that makes the reader want to read more. For example, if you are writing a descriptive essay about a person, you can write a thesis statement like “My grandfather was a remarkable man who taught me many valuable lessons in life. He was not only a wise and generous mentor, but also a loving and loyal friend.”

The body is the main part of your essay that develops and supports your thesis statement. It should consist of several paragraphs, each focusing on a different aspect or feature of your topic. It should include the following elements:

Sensory details: Sensory details are the words and phrases that appeal to the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. They help you create a vivid picture of your topic in the reader’s mind and evoke their emotions. For example, if you are writing a descriptive essay about a food, you can use sensory details like “The pizza was hot and cheesy, with a thin and crispy crust. The aroma of garlic and oregano filled the air, making my mouth water. The taste was a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a hint of spice.”
Chronological order: Chronological order is the order in which events or actions occur in time. It helps you organize your ideas effectively and create a smooth flow of your essay. For example, if you are writing a descriptive essay about an event, you can use chronological order to describe what happened before, during, and after the event.
Topic sentences: Topic sentences are the first sentences of each paragraph that introduce the main idea or point of the paragraph. They help you focus on the key aspects of your topic and guide the reader through your essay. For example, if you are writing a descriptive essay about a place, you can use topic sentences like “The first thing that struck me about the city was its architecture.” or “The most memorable part of the city was its nightlife.”

The conclusion is the last paragraph of your essay that summarizes your main points and reinforces your thesis statement. It should include the following elements:

Summarizing your descriptions: Summarizing your descriptions is the act of briefly restating the main features or characteristics of your topic that you have described in the body paragraphs. It helps you remind the reader of the impression that you have created and the emotions that you have evoked. For example, if you are writing a descriptive essay about a person, you can summarize your descriptions like “My grandfather was a man of many talents and virtues. He was a skilled carpenter, a passionate gardener, a devoted husband, and a caring father.”
Reinforcing impact: Reinforcing impact is the act of emphasizing the significance or importance of your topic and your thesis statement. It helps you leave a lasting impression on the reader and make them think or feel something. For example, if you are writing a descriptive essay about an experience, you can reinforce impact like “The trip to the mountains was a life-changing experience for me. It made me appreciate the beauty of nature, the value of friendship, and the joy of adventure.”

The 5-Paragraph Descriptive Essay Outline

One of the most common and effective structures for a descriptive essay is the 5-paragraph descriptive essay outline. This outline consists of five paragraphs: one introduction paragraph, three body paragraphs, and one conclusion paragraph. Each paragraph should have a specific purpose and follow a clear format. Here is an example of a 5-paragraph descriptive essay outline:

Introduction paragraph:

Hook: Have you ever seen a painting that took your breath away?

Thesis statement: The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh is one of the most beautiful and captivating paintings in the world. It is not only a masterpiece of art, but also a reflection of the artist’s emotions and struggles.

Body paragraph 1:

Topic sentence: The first thing that draws the eye to the painting is the sky.

Sensory details: The sky is a swirl of blue, yellow, and white, creating a contrast between the darkness and the light. The stars are bright and sparkling, like jewels in the night. The moon is a crescent, glowing with a soft and gentle light. The sky is alive and dynamic, expressing the artist’s inner turmoil and restless spirit.

Body paragraph 2:

Topic sentence: The second thing that stands out in the painting is the village.

Sensory details: The village is a cluster of small and simple houses, nestled in the valley. The houses are dark and silent, except for a few windows that are lit up. The village is peaceful and calm, contrasting with the chaotic and turbulent sky. The village is a symbol of the artist’s longing for home and stability.

Body paragraph 3:

Topic sentence: The third thing that completes the painting is the cypress tree.

Sensory details: The cypress tree is a tall and slender figure, rising from the foreground. The tree is dark and somber, like a shadow in the night. The tree is twisted and curved, reaching towards the sky. The tree is a representation of the artist’s isolation and despair.

Conclusion paragraph:

Summarizing your descriptions: The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh is a stunning and powerful painting that captures the essence of the artist and his vision. It is a combination of the sky, the village, and the cypress tree, each with its own meaning and expression.

Reinforcing impact: The painting is more than just a beautiful image, it is a window into the soul of the artist. It is a testament to his genius, his passion, and his pain.

Descriptive Essay Outline Template

One of the most effective ways to learn how to outline a descriptive essay is to look at some examples and templates. Examples can show you how other writers have applied the principles and techniques of descriptive writing to create vivid and compelling essays. Templates can provide you with a structured format and guidance to outline your own descriptive essay. Another way to learn how to outline a descriptive essay is to analyze some successful essays written by other writers. You can find many examples of descriptive essays online or in books. Here are some tips on how to learn from successful essays:

Read the essay carefully and identify its main parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. Pay attention to how the writer hooks the reader, provides background information, states the thesis statement, organizes the body paragraphs, uses transitions, and concludes the essay.
Analyze the writer’s use of language, details, and tone. How does the writer create a vivid and compelling picture in the reader’s mind? What sensory details, factual information, personal observations, or emotional expressions does the writer use? How does the writer appeal to the reader’s senses and emotions? What effect and tone does the writer achieve with the description?
Evaluate the writer’s strengths and weaknesses. What are the most effective and impressive aspects of the essay? What are the areas that could be improved or revised? How does the essay support or challenge your own views and opinions on the topic?
Apply what you have learned to your own essay. How can you use the writer’s techniques and strategies to outline your own descriptive essay? What can you do differently or better to make your essay more original and engaging?

Here is an example of a descriptive essay that you can analyze and learn from. It is written by Maya Angelou, a famous American writer and poet, and it describes her grandmother’s store in a small town in Arkansas.

My Grandmother’s Store

I lived with my grandmother in a tiny town in Arkansas, where she owned the only store in the black area. The Store, as we called it, stood on a dirt road that ran along the edge of the cotton fields. It was a large, white, wooden building with a shingled roof and a wide porch that ran across the front and one side. The Store was the center of activity in our community. It was where people came to buy groceries, clothes, medicine, and other necessities. It was also where they came to socialize, gossip, and exchange news. The Store was my favorite place in the world. I loved everything about it: the smell of coffee and bacon, the sound of the cash register and the jukebox, the sight of the colorful cans and bottles on the shelves, the touch of the smooth counter and the rough floorboards, the taste of the candy and the soda. I loved the people who came to the Store: the farmers and their wives, the children and their pets, the teachers and the preachers, the old and the young. They were like a big family to me. They knew me by name and treated me with kindness and respect. My grandmother was the heart and soul of the Store. She was a tall, strong, and proud woman, with a deep voice and a warm smile. She ran the Store with efficiency and grace, keeping track of the inventory, the accounts, and the customers. She was also a generous and compassionate woman, who helped the poor and the needy, who gave credit and advice, who prayed and sang. She was respected and admired by everyone in the town. She was my role model and my hero. The Store was more than just a business to me. It was a home, a school, a church, and a playground. It was where I learned about life, love, and God. It was where I felt safe, happy, and free. It was where I grew up and where I belong.

Writing Tips for Stellar Descriptive Essays

Now that you have learned how to craft an outline of a descriptive essay , you are ready to start writing your descriptive essay. However, before you do that, here are some writing tips that will help you write a stellar descriptive essay:

Vivid language: Use vivid language to enhance your descriptions and make them more appealing and realistic. Vivid language includes sensory details, figurative language, and descriptive adjectives and adverbs. For example, instead of writing “The room was cold and dark”, you can write “The room was freezing and gloomy, with a damp and musty smell”.
Editing and refining: Edit and refine your outline and your essay to improve their clarity, coherence, and correctness. Editing and refining include checking for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors, as well as revising and reorganizing your content to make it more logical and consistent. You can use online tools like Grammarly or Hemingway to help you with editing and refining.
Being too vague or general: Do not use vague or general words or phrases that do not convey any specific or concrete meaning. For example, avoid words like “nice”, “good”, “bad”, “interesting”, or “funny”. Instead, use more specific and descriptive words that show what you mean. For example, instead of writing “The movie was nice”, you can write “The movie was thrilling and suspenseful, with a twist ending that left me speechless”.
Being too subjective or biased: Do not use subjective or biased words or phrases that express your personal opinions or feelings. For example, avoid words like “I think”, “I feel”, “I believe”, “I like”, or “I dislike”. Instead, use objective and factual words that describe your topic without imposing your judgment. For example, instead of writing “I think the painting is ugly and boring”, you can write “The painting is dark and dull, with no contrast or movement”.
Being too repetitive or redundant: Do not use repetitive or redundant words or phrases that say the same thing over and over again. For example, avoid words like “very”, “really”, “extremely”, or “absolutely”. Instead, use more precise and varied words that convey the degree or intensity of your descriptions. For example, instead of writing “The cake was very delicious and sweet”, you can write “The cake was scrumptious and decadent, with a rich and creamy frosting”.

Conclusion and Resource Recap

In conclusion, writing a descriptive essay outline is an important and helpful step in creating a successful descriptive essay. A descriptive essay outline helps you structure your essay, organize your ideas, and enhance your descriptions. By following the guidelines and tips in this article, you can craft a descriptive essay outline that will set the stage for your writing.

Here are some links to key resources that you can use for your descriptive essay outline:

13 Best Descriptive Essay Examples and Templates : Find out the purpose, structure, tips and guidelines of descriptive essay writing. Download some templates and examples that you can use as references.
How to Write a Descriptive Essay Outline with Example : Follow a step-by-step guide to creating a well-structured outline for a descriptive essay. See a sample outline and learn how to use the 5-paragraph method.
Descriptive Essay Outline | Sample PDF | Template : Use a structured format that you can follow to create your own outline. It includes the main parts and subparts of a descriptive essay outline, along with some tips and instructions.

We hope that you have found this article useful and informative. If you need more assistance or guidance with your essay, you can always use the descriptive essay service called WritingsCentre.com. WritingsCentre.com is a professional and reliable online platform that offers high-quality and affordable academic writing services for students of all levels and disciplines. Whether you need help with your descriptive essay outline, your descriptive essay writing, or any other academic writing task, you can count on WritingsCentre.com to deliver the best results. WritingsCentre.com has a team of expert and experienced writers who can handle any topic, deadline, and requirement. You can also enjoy the benefits of free revisions, plagiarism checks, and 24/7 customer support. Try it today and see for yourself!

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Writing Guides

How to Write a Descriptive Essay Outline

Table of Contents

How to start
How to write body paragraphs
How to conclude
Outline sample

Descriptive essays are mainly used to help readers have a vivid idea or image of the object, place, or person being reviewed. Writers, therefore, try to engage the audience’s senses by creating a near-perfect description. Readers, or the audience, need to feel like they have already visited a place or met a person after reading a descriptive essay. Writers must employ their mastery of language to make sure that their final piece creates an emotional connection with the readers.

Descriptive Essay Structure

Understanding the structure of an essay is the key to writing a perfect essay . An essay’s structure mainly contains the segments or sections that need to be included within an essay. Writers should, therefore, understand how an essay is structured before embarking on the writing process. The structure of a descriptive essay is simple and mainly includes three sections which are:

an introduction,
the body section,
and the conclusion.

These three must be included in an essay if a student is to score high marks.

Tips Concerning Introduction Writing

An introduction provides a writer with the opportunity of making the first impression and impress the readers. It is, therefore, essential that a writer sets off on the right footing. Additionally, it is in the introduction where the writer shapes their essay and either impresses the readers to the point where they want to read the entire essay or scares them off. When given this chance, it is essential that writers make the best out of it and deliver their best. Writers should build their essays from the introduction and make it easy for their readers to comprehend whatever information they will share in the essay. A majority of readers make the decision to continue reading an essay after the introduction. Therefore, writers should strive to make them interesting and captivating enough.

Here are some tips to help you write a good introduction:

Start the introduction with a hook. Capture the reader’s attention with an interesting first sentence. You can make use of fun facts about a city or use a phrase.
Be brief and direct in your introduction. Be mean with the information you share in the introduction, however, you should include enough to entice the readers to read the entire essay.
Include a thesis statement. Have your main argument stand out and make sure your audience understands it.

Tips on Thesis Writing

A thesis statement mainly contains the writer’s main argument or the idea that will be prominent in the entire essay. Writers often use it to make their audience understand the purpose of their essay as well as reveal the scope of the subject under discussion.

When writing the thesis statement, consider the following:

Define your scope and make it narrow.
Avoid using clichés for example, “The focus of this article will be…”
Make the thesis statement intriguing.

Tips on Body Paragraphs

Descriptive essay writing is not a challenging task, but some students often find themselves struggling to support their thesis statement. The body of an essay should develop or offer support to the thesis statement. Writers should, therefore, express their points in a way that builds on the introduction.

Here are some tips concerning the development of the body paragraphs:

Use topic sentences. The main arguments should be the first sentences in the subsequent paragraphs after the introduction.
Use transition words. For example, firstly, secondly, additionally, subsequently, etc. These help the readers to follow an essay systematically.
The number of paragraphs differs and depends on the instructions provided. However, the length of each paragraph should be five to six sentences.

Tips on Conclusion Writing

The conclusion in a descriptive essay represents the last opportunity for the writer to impress the readers. Writers should ensure that their conclusions leave the readers with a lasting impression and in a way affects their thinking.

To write a good conclusion, consider the following tips:

Restate the essay’s thesis statement.
Provide a summary of the essay’s points.
Leave the readers with something intriguing. Make sure they think about the essay beyond the assignment.

Example of an Outline

A descriptive essay outline simply details the main points the writer will discuss in the essay. When writing an outline for a descriptive essay, it is essential to, first of all, understand what the essay`s structure is. The above is important because the writer needs to focus on the points they will include in each of the sections. Descriptive essay outline writing is, therefore, essential and will help you decide on the scope of an essay while also developing points for the essay.

Below is an example of a descriptive essay outline:

My Best Friend

Introduction

Start with a funny memory about your friend or a phrase that they often say.
Provide basic information about your friend. (Name, Age, School, Work, etc.)
Provide a small history of your friendship. For example, when you first met.
Thesis statement (focus on what makes them a great friend, what values they uphold, their favorite programs, and their most radical views about an issue such as abortion or divorce).
Physical attributes (short/tall, blonde/brunette/black/Asian/Latino).
Favorite TV programs and movies.
Most important Christian values.
Views on marriage and divorce.
What views or policies do they feel contradict their faith.
Their stance on the current issues, for example, their view on President Trump’s immigration policy, etc.
Restate the thesis statement.
Provide a summary of the main points. Try to emphasize their greatest qualities or their most intriguing quality. These tend to remain in the memory of the readers long after they have read the essay.

COMMENTS

How to Write a Descriptive Essay
An example of a short descriptive essay, written in response to the prompt "Describe a place you love to spend time in," is shown below. Hover over different parts of the text to see how a descriptive essay works. On Sunday afternoons I like to spend my time in the garden behind my house. The garden is narrow but long, a corridor of green ...
How to Write a Descriptive Essay Outline with Example
Step 2: Descriptive Essay Body Paragraphs. The body is the section where you provide a complete description and sensory details of the topic. All the ideas should be presented in separate paragraphs. A typical 5 paragraph essay consists of 3 body paragraphs, but they can be increased depending on the number of ideas.
Descriptive Essays
What Is a Descriptive Essay. A descriptive essay is a form of writing that employs vivid language and sensory details to create a vivid picture or experience for the reader. Unlike other types of essays that may focus on analyzing, persuading, or narrating, the primary goal of this type of an essay is to paint a compelling and detailed picture ...
Descriptive Essay
Descriptive Essay Outline. Like all the other essays, a descriptive essay also follows the usual 5-paragraph essay structure and format.Before starting, it is important to create an outline. Following are the fundamental elements of your descriptive essay outline: Descriptive Essay Introduction. The introduction sets the footing for the entire ...
Guide to a Perfect Descriptive Essay [Examples & Outline Included]
The use of literary devices such as personification and metaphor makes the banyan tree in the second example come to life. This is how you can make your writing more vivid, descriptive, and poetic. 2. Use your senses. Sensory descriptors are one of the most important aspects of a descriptive essay.
How to Write a Descriptive Essay (2021 Edition)
A descriptive essay is both expository and creative. When you write a descriptive essay, you use rich diction to make your chosen subject come alive. Your job is to describe in detail a person, place, or thing. You describe things every day of your life. Just think: you tell your friend about the date you had last night in great detail, or you describe how good that bowl of ramen was yesterday ...
How to Write a Descriptive Essay: Writing Tips & Examples
To write a good descriptive essay, focus on a specific topic and compile information to create an outline. Use vivid details, figurative language, precise language and thoughtful organization to make your writing come alive for the reader. Include a hook sentence in the introduction, a clear thesis statement and make sure to end with a ...
PDF Descriptive Essay
Create an Outline ' Provide background information and introduce the main idea or thesis statement. Divide each body paragraph into one specific aspect or detail of the subject. The conclusion should summarize the main points. Brainstorm Descriptive Details ' Use concrete details and images to support your overall topic.
How to Write a Descriptive Essay: 14 Steps (with Pictures)
A good descriptive essay creates a vivid picture of the topic in the reader's mind. You may need to write a descriptive essay as a class assignment or you may decide to write one as a fun writing challenge. Start by brainstorming ideas for the essay. Then, outline and write the essay using vivid sensory details and strong descriptions.
How to Write a Descriptive Essay
This brainstorming will give you the raw material for your descriptive essay. The next step is to create an essay outline. Typically, this will include: An Introduction - An outline of what you will describe and the "thesis" for your essay (i.e., a key theme that will run through your essay and guide your description). For instance, if ...
Descriptive Essay: Topics, Outline and Writing Tips
Descriptive essay is one of the hardest forms of writing. To master descriptive writing, you must be creative and craft a scene that all readers can picture with words alone. This freedom and creativity can make it one of the most rewarding and fun essays to write. It is the backbone of all artful writing like poetry, novels, and even ...
What is a Descriptive Essay? How to Write It (with Examples)
How to write a descriptive essay using a structured outline. Introduction: Hook: An opening statement that captures attention while introducing the subject. Background: Includes a brief overview of the topic the descriptive essay is based on. Thesis statement: Clearly states the main point or purpose of the descriptive essay. Body paragraphs: Each paragraph should have
Ultimate Guide To Writing A Descriptive Essay
2. Elements of a descriptive essay outline: A descriptive essay outline typically includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Within each of these sections, you may include subheadings or bullet points to further organize your ideas. 3. Examples of a descriptive essay outline: Here's an example of a basic descriptive essay ...
How to Write a Descriptive Essay
Descriptive Essay Outline and Structure. Though a descriptive type of essay is quite different from a typical academic paper, it still follows a classic 5 paragraph format. Always follow any directions though, sometimes you may need more or fewer body paragraphs. This is a general structure you should keep in mind for this type of essay.
How to Write a Descriptive Essay [Examples]
All descriptive essays are used to describe a person, object, place, or something else. However, they may be about explaining an emotion or a feeling you had at a specific time. This can make them even harder. As always, you will need a perfect descriptive essay outline in order to complete the task well and with the best outcome possible.
PDF Descriptive Outlining Handout and Sample
Sample Descriptive Outline Essay Title: A Commentary on Our Overuse of Cars Thesis: Cars may be on the way out as a major means of transportation. Plan: To support the thesis with two reasons. Intro Paragraph: Does: Introduces the proposition by describing the present situation. Says: Use of cars is at a peak, but there are signs of change.
Learn How to Write a Descriptive Essay Outline With Examples
The outline must follow the format of the descriptive essay. It should base on the topic and other smaller subtopics. Use clear and concise language in the outline. It includes all the main points that you would want to add to your essay. It should be the blueprint of the essay.
Descriptive Essay
Descriptive Essay Format. A descriptive essay should have three parts: beginning (introduction), middle (body), and end (conclusion). The total number of paragraphs may vary. Introduction: Get the ...
Descriptive Essay Outline
A well-structured descriptive essay outline is composed of three parts: 1. Descriptive Essay Introduction A good essay introduction will help the reader read further and get an idea of the entire essay. The introductory paragraph introduces the essay topic to the readers. Provide a little background information for the readers to understand ...
How to Write a Descriptive Essay: Topics, Outline, Examples
Outline for a Descriptive Essay. A descriptive essay format is much like any other essay where you need to capture the reader's attention. The best way to do that is with an 'attention grabber' thesis statement. This can be the first sentence in the introductory paragraph that evoke personal feelings in your reader. Next, you need to present ...
How to Write an Essay Outline
Expository essay outline. Claim that the printing press marks the end of the Middle Ages. Provide background on the low levels of literacy before the printing press. Present the thesis statement: The invention of the printing press increased circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.
Mastering Descriptive Essay Outline: Your Ultimate Guide
Crafting Your Descriptive Essay Outline. A descriptive essay is a type of academic writing that requires you to describe a scene, object, person, or experience in detail. The purpose of a descriptive essay is to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind using sensory language and emotional appeal.
How to Write a Descriptive Essay Outline
A descriptive essay outline simply details the main points the writer will discuss in the essay. When writing an outline for a descriptive essay, it is essential to, first of all, understand what the essay`s structure is. The above is important because the writer needs to focus on the points they will include in each of the sections.