Descriptive Essay

Definition

In a Descriptive Essay, the writer paints a word picture of a person, place, object, or event that appeals to one or more of the five senses (smell, taste, hearing, touch, and sight).  In this kind of essay, the writer works to give a clear representation of the object of his close observation and makes it clear why the subject is important.

Organization of an Observation Essay

Descriptions can be organized spatially (left to right, top to bottom); chronologically (in time order); or in order of importance (the thing that strikes you firs or that is dominant about what you are describing).

Thesis Statements

The thesis statement generally presents the subject of the description and/or establishes the tone or mood of the description.  It controls what details you will include.  It states why the subject is important.

Tips on Writing

– Have a purpose in mind for the description of your observation.  Are you trying to be objective, or are you trying to convey an attitude, opinion, or mood?

– If you are describing a person, try to help the reader see the person and his or her character by describing appearance, dress, mannerisms, actions, and/or speech.  Descriptive details can be used to suggest personality or character.

– If you are describing a place, scene or activity, you will need to select a physical perspective or viewpoint on the subject and stick to it.  Your perspective might be from a particular position, time, season, etc.

– If you are describing an object, try to help the reader see the object and its meaning to you.  Rely on the five senses to evoke the physical appearance and emotional association of the object.

– Do you have an emotional perspective of attitude toward your subject?  Keep it in mind as you select the words to describe the details.

Pitfalls

– Avoid disorganized descriptions.  If your description is haphazard, you will confuse your reader.

– Avoid inconsistent descriptions.  Don’t mix positive and negative perspectives; also don’t mix descriptions for varying viewpoints.

– Avoid generalizations and abstractions.  You want to recreate a specific person, place or event for your readers.  Give specific information.

Essay Guidelines

– Due dates:  Rough Draft due September 1; Final Draft due September 15

– Essay length:  at least 300 words (about 1 page)

– Rough drafts can be typed or hand-written, but must be double-spaced.

– Final draft format:

– Typed (if this is not possible, please let me know)

– 1 inch margins

– Name and date on the upper right hand corner

– Number the pages on the lower right hand corner

– Title centered above the text of the essay