Descriptive Paper: Organization Created by Kathryn Reilly Descriptive Papers

Descriptive Paper Review A descriptive paper’s purpose is to describe a specific person, place, event, object or concept. A descriptive paper conveys its topic in vivid detail. A descriptive paper focuses on concrete language instead of abstract language.

Organizational Strategies Descriptive papers use three main organizational strategies: – Least to greatest – Greatest to least – Chronologically Writers should decide if they want to describe the topic’s characteristics from least important to most important or vice versa. If the writer is describing an event, he or she should consider organizing the event chronologically so the reader can visualize what happened first, second, third and so on.

Least to Greatest Order Topic: An influential person A writer should brainstorm and organize the reason why his or her person is influential by order of importance. Ending with the most influential characteristic would leave the reader with the strongest argument.

Greatest to Least Order Topic: Describe a Restaurant A writer may wish to describe the most important aspects first such as the menu and decor, before describing elements such as the kitchen or staff. Describing an item beginning with the most important characteristic first focuses the reader to an item’s most defining characteristics.

Chronological Order Topic: Learning to ski A writer should consider organizing this topic chronologically to describe the steps an individual must take in order to learn to ski. Chronologically describing the steps to skiing allows the reader to clearly visualize the process.

Not Choosing Any Order A writer may choose to avoid organizing characteristics, and that’s okay too. If the topic being described lacks an inherit order, then the writer should just focus on providing vivid details. Examples: Describe an ideal vacation. Describe happiness.

Descriptive Paper Organization Review A writer should select an organization pattern that best matches the topic. Common organizational patterns include – Least to greatest – Greatest to least – Chronological If the topic lacks characteristics that are easily ordered, then the writer should focus on vividly describing the topic.