How to write a Descriptive Essay in 10 steps: An Easy Guide for Beginners
Learn how to write good a descriptive essay in less than 5 minutes! Beginners do not need to worry with this detailed guide of 10 steps that are super easy to follow.
Wondering how to write a descriptive essay that is easy and also stands out?
Writing is not an innate skill, which means anyone can learn how to write with proficiency! All it takes is regular practice and of course a proper guideline to produce a work that is exceptional. Before we jump into tips and tricks of writing, let us first learn what descriptive writing actually is.
School and college students are usually assessed on their writing skills with the help of essays. In many cases, they are also given home assignments to write on various topics. But we must keep in mind that essays can be of multiple types. For instance narrative writing, argumentative essays, expository and descriptive essays. These four main categories are part of the English curriculum in most schools. Students are taught to understand the key differences among these in order to produce a written work that scores well. We have extracted some of the best tips from well-written descriptive writing examples so that it helps beginners overcome the challenges they encounter whilst writing.
So, what is descriptive writing?
Unlike the other three types, descriptive essays are the kind of literary that is written to describe something. The subject may either be an object, a place, a person, a situation, a setting, or an appearance. It encompasses all minute to major details of the subject under consideration. The genre allows students to portray their observation skills as in order to fully describe something, it is essential to observe. Those who have good observation skills will perhaps be able to write better than those who do not. Besides that, individuals must learn the key aspects of descriptive writing including what details are necessary and which ones can be discarded. Students can also go through various examples of descriptive writing available online.
How to Write a Descriptive Essay: Outline
Like every piece of writing, descriptive essays have a particular method and format that must be followed. It is not significantly different to other types of essays but there are certain additional things that the writer should take care of. Here is the structure and outline of descriptive essays:
Introductory Paragraph
The opening paragraph of any writing is called the introductory paragraph. It is aimed to prepare the reader for what they will be expecting from the essay, by giving a brief account of the subject. It starts off by introducing the audience to the main topic and how it is going to go about. Sometimes, people mistakenly add too much detail in this paragraph that is unnecessary and that is exactly where they lose marks. It must be remembered that the introduction must be brief as it only contains the gist of the essay.
Here is an introduction of a descriptive writing example:
‘It was quite a different setting near the beach. An event was being conducted..’ Here the subject under description is the event taking place at a beach. The writer has not yet dug into the details but has provided writers with background information.
Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is what follows the introduction. Its main objective is to inform the readers about the writer’s main arguments and claims regarding the topic. It is again a brief yet informative text that is an important part of descriptive writing.
Main paragraphs
The main paragraphs of any essay are the body paragraphs that take up most of the essay. The main arguments and claims are discussed here in detail to provide reasoning and a deeper understanding to the audience. In most cases, there are three body paragraphs but the count can be increased depending upon the details to be included or points to be discussed. The material the writer has collected will indicate the number of paragraphs needed in the essay.
However, a point highlighted in a good example of descriptive writing is that, if there is not much information on the subject, it is futile to drag it. In fact, unnecessary expansion may result in explanations going off the tangent, ultimately reducing marks.
Conclusion
A solid conclusion means a commendable essay. In other words, well-written conclusions that wrap up everything nicely, leave a lasting impression on the readers as well as the examiners. Some students underestimate the value of the closing paragraph. But it is just as significant as other paragraphs as it contains the whole essence of the essay.
The 10 Essential Steps to Descriptive Essay Writing
After a lot of research and going through various writing descriptions examples, we have collected the most effective and useful way to help you make your descriptive essay stand out!
Understanding the Purpose
Before starting on with any task it is essential to understand and acknowledge the purpose behind it. As mentioned before, a descriptive essay is written to provide the readers with important details about a particular subject. But most importantly, students must learn that their style of writing should be comprehensive enough for readers to picture the descriptions and make connections.
After reading the essay, the reader must have with them a picture in their mind, be it of a setting, a place, an object or a person
Choosing the Topic of descriptive essay
A significant thing about descriptive essays is that they do not go off the tangent, meaning they stick to their focus object at all times. Individuals must only opt for topics they can describe well and with comfort.
Use the senses
The main idea of descriptive writing is to give the reader a sense of what the subject under discussion looks and feels like. For that very reason, it is important to first awaken your own sense to the feel of it. For instance, if you are supposed to describe a garden, you must talk about what it smells like, looks like, the sounds a person will possibly hear and what the plants could feel like. You are not supposed to just tell details about the object, you have to make the reader see and feel it as well. When this goal is achieved, there is no way anyone can stop you from attaining good grades.
Listing Vocabulary
An essential step is to have your collection of relevant words ready. It makes the writing tasks a lot easier. Vocabulary for the essay must be chosen carefully so that they make the descriptions meaningful and imaginable. Moreover, since the aim of the essay is to describe the subject in detail, a long list of a variety of adjectives shall be prepared by the writer so that it does not slip off the mind while writing.
Compile Information by brainstorming
Prior planning is very important. When there is a plan drafted, things get a bit less challenging. Prior to writing, essay writers must do some brainstorming and write down key points to discuss. This helps in covering all areas of the subject also staying in line with the outline. Physical characteristics are what are going to be discussed the most. Therefore, it is advised in descriptive writing tips to note down all the adjectives associated with the object.
Start Writing
After all the relevant information and descriptive vocabulary have been garnered, the students can start off with writing. The structure of essay writing services must be kept in mind at all times in order to follow it correctly. As mentioned before, first an introductory paragraph will be written followed by a brief thesis statement. Next, the writer will start with their body paragraphs. For further assistance on how to construct sentences in this part, pupils can search for examples of descriptive paragraphs on the web. There is a lot of material in this particular subject to help beginners in writing.
Summarize
Conclusion holds immense importance in essay writing. It provides the readers with a brief summary by reiterating on the main arguments and claims discussed earlier. It is a subtle touchback on the key aspects of the subject under description. It helps in bringing the audiences back to the purpose of the descriptive essay, as they may get carried away by constantly imagining the appearances.
Revising Thoroughly
Before considering the essay complete, it is vital to do some proofreading and search for any mistakes or lack of detail. Writers must make sure the sensory details are vivid in order to enhance the reader’s experience. They must answer few important questions in mind such as; what is descriptive writing and has this essay been able to follow the correct method of it? Is it meaningful and detailed enough for audiences to picture the object?
Editing
Of course, you are not only restricted to revision of the essay, edits must be made right away. Any parts that need modifications or change of words, should be addressed instantly. This helps in making corrections quickly and easily. Editing also helps in improving style and clarity. Students might as well someone to read it and give them feedback so that they know where to improve.
Publishing or Submitting the Descriptive Essay
Submission to the examiner or sharing with friends, can both be exciting and scary. However, individuals must be open to positive criticism from their teachers and friends in order to further improve their descriptive essay writing. They must not only learn how to write descriptively but with clarity and comprehension. Excess details about a particular area may end up in making your writing boring. Thus, students must always try to take suggestions and advice with optimism.
Descriptive Writing Tips
Descriptive Essay Writing is a chance for students to share their perspectives and observations with others. It is perhaps a very unique form of writing that leads to imagination. To make your essay be graded well by examiners and teachers, it is important to be conscious and attentive while making up the content. Good usage of adjectives and correct description of appearances and traits will definitely help in scoring well. With an ample amount of information for guidance, students no more need to wonder how to write descriptive essays. Instead, should grab a paper and start writing!
