Writing a Descriptive Essay

Purpose: To inform a reader about something (place, event, object, subject…) To share an experience. To give a report. To entertain a reader.

Requirements: What should it look like? Strong sensory details (sight, touch, taste, hearing, feelings, thoughts…) Main idea/topic followed by supporting details and descriptions. Clear organization. Effective transitions.

The great thing about Descriptive writing is that you get to choose what the topic is going to be and what details you want to include!

You can… Describe an event that happened to you. Take the reader to a place. Teach the reader about something you know. Report on a subject/object of your choice (monkeys, planes, weather, volcanoes, historical events…)

Take the reader to a place with your words! Major Hints! Present your ideas in order as they happened or in a pattern that makes sense to the reader. Set a mood (suspense, calm, exciting…) Make the reader get a mental picture of what you are talking about. Take the reader to a place with your words!

What Next? 1) Find a topic that you want. 2) Read about it so that you are an expert in the area. 3) Take notes so that your details are fresh and accurate. 4) Think of ways to write that will keep your audiences attention (cool facts, humor, astonishing details…)

What Next? 5) Write your drafts in order and keep on the topic. 6) Get ready to share your essay with your classmates by rehearsing what you’ve written.

Optional Ideas… Dress up in something that has to do with your topic. (Zookeeper, wetsuit, soldier, scientist…use your imagination!) Bring in some objects that students can view/hold. Create a poster with images for everyone to see. Make a Powerpoint (with only images) that you can show as you read. Remember, these are all optional. The power of your words and writing are what is more important.