Descriptive writing

Write about your important experiences by describing what you see, what you hear, what you feel, what you smell and what you taste. Example: The thick brown table cloth was a tasteful background for the delicate gold pattern on the elegant china dinnerware, adorned with deep, red silk napkins, twisted brilliantly into the shape of a turkey in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday. The mesmerizing aroma of browning gravy and spicy dressing drew me into the kitchen. A blast of warmth hit me in the face and I traced a heart onto the steamy window over the stove before dipping my finger into the smooth, brown sauce and tasting it’s sweet, salty richness.

TellingShowing  I am nervous. I have to perform soon. My throat is dry so I take a drink before they call my name. Then I walk out onto the stage. I can feel the sweat forming on my forehead. In seconds I will be out on the stage for my performance. I grasp the glass of water with clammy, shaking hands and take a gulp, trying to wet my parched throat. My heart pounds almost out of my chest as they call my name. I step out from behind the curtain on unsteady legs and take a deep breath.

TellingShowing  I went to the fair on a warm sunny day. It was so much fun. The rides were great. I went on them all.

 Now that you have practiced some descriptive writing, take a paragraph from your memoir and re-write it on a separate piece of paper in a more descriptive way. Remember to use all your senses: ◦ Sight, touch, taste, hearing, smell ◦ Pass in your paragraph to be marked.