Descriptive Text Structure

What is a descriptive paragraph? The author describes the topic by listing characteristics, features, and examples. The focus is on one thing or idea and its components.

Questions to ask yourself What person, place, idea, or thing is being described? How does the author organize the description? Which detail or details seem to be the most important?

Clue Words Such as Is like looks like/ sounds like etc. For instance Including For example To illustrate

Example of a descriptive paragraph The Florida worm lizard does not have legs or feet. It is about eight inches long and looks like a giant earthworm because it is pink. It doesn’t have eyes or ears, but it has a mouth that looks like other lizards’ mouths. Its body is covered with scales.

How do I organize the information in a descriptive paragraph?

Concept: Florida Worm Lizard

Definition Text Says: a burrowing reptile in the SE US I Say: a type of cold-blooded scaly animal that lives underground in Florida

Characteristics No legs, feet, eyes or ears Has a mouth Eight inches long Looks like earthworm Pink Scales

Examples Examples and Non-examples may be pictures or items that fit within the category being described.

Non-examples

Another Option: How do I organize the information in a descriptive paragraph?