The document provides information on three types of descriptive composition: describing a scene or event, describing a place, and describing a person. It gives guidelines for each type, such as including details of people and activities, capturing mood, and highlighting qualities. Sample descriptions are linked for each type. The document also lists dos and don'ts, such as having knowledge of the topic and giving a clear description rather than leaving out important details.

1. DESCRIPTIVE WRITING

2. THERE ARE THREE TYPES OF
DESCRIPTIVE COMPOSITION….
DESCRIBING A SCENE OR EVENT
DESCRIBING A PLACE
DESCRIBING A PERSON

3. DESCRIPTION - A SCENE OR EVENT
 When describing a scene or event, you are required to write in some detail about
the people and activities going on.
 Sample (http://goodessays.blogspot.com/2014/05/descriptive-essay-horrifying-
swim-spm.html)

4. Guidelines in Writing Descriptions of
Scenes/Events
 You have to be clear about what scene or event you are describing.
 Make your description lively and interesting.
 Describe the activities going on in some detail.
 Make sure the activities are arranged in order.
 Highlight the people involved and what they are doing.
 Capture the mood of the scene including the noise, lights and colours, if any.
 If you are describing a busy scene, your description must show that it is busy.
 If you are describing a quiet and peaceful scene, describe its effect on you.

5. DESCRIPTION - A PLACE
 When describing a place, you are required to describe the place in some detail. In
your description, include the people and activities going on.
 Sample (http://goodessays.blogspot.com/2007/12/night-market-descriptive-
essay.html)

6.  Have a good grasp of the topic.
 Write about the place or scene only if you have been to it or read about it.
 Describe the activities of the people in it.
 Write about your feelings or

7. Don’ts
 Choose the topic if you do not have knowledge of the topic.
 Try to describe the place or scene if you have not been to it or read about it.
 Leave out the activities of the people in it.
 Leave out your feelings about the place or scene.
 End your description without a conclusion.

8. DESCRIPTION - A PERSON OR
PEOPLE
 When describing a person or a group of people, you should give enough details about the
person or people. Include their lifestyle, contributions if any and daily activities.
 Sample 1. http://goodessays.blogspot.com/2011/07/descriptive-essay-my-mother.html
 2. http://goodessays.blogspot.com/2011/10/descriptive-essay-friend.html

9. Guidelines in Writing Descriptions of a
Person/People
 (1) You have to be clear about who you are describing.
 (2) It can be describing a person or a group of people.
 (3) If it is about a group, a knowledge of them is helpful.
 (4) If he is a famous personality, mention why he or she is famous.
 (5) You have to describe the person in some detail.
 (6) Make your description as interesting as possible.
 (7) Mention the special characteristics that make the person or people
outstanding.
 (8) Use the present tense if you are writing about a person who is still alive.

10. Do’s
 Write a clear description of the person or group of people.
 Highlight his or their qualities.
 Describe his or their interests and hobbies.
 Describe the lifestyle of the person or people.
 Conclude the description about the person and your feeling,
if any.

11. Don’ts
 Give a poor description of the person or group of people.
 Leave out his or their qualities.
 Leave out his or their interests and hobbies.
 Forget to mention about the lifestyle of the person or people.
 End the description abruptly.

12. Pair Work...
 Work with a partner .How many places are there in Penang.You may search for
the information on the internet.The first one is done for you.
Name of the
place
Location History Attractions Activities
Penang Hill 6km from the town It was used as a
retreat during the
British colonial
period, and is now
a popular tourist
destination in
Penang.
With the highest
peak standing at
833 meters above
sea level, it is the
oldest British hill
station in
Southeast Asia
rest and relax,
enjoy breathtaking
view from the top
of the hill,exercise

13. Brainstorm...
Brainstorm the
image. What do
you see in the
picture?What
are the details?
What do you
hear?

15. Brainstorm the
image. What do
you see in the
picture?What
are the details?
What do you
hear?

17. When describing an event you should also
describe the atmosphere, the people involved
and their feelings.
Phrases to describe the weather
 The sun was shining brilliantly...
 A golden glow spread across the sky...
 We watched the spectacular sunset...
 Palm trees swayed gently in the breeze....
Phrases to describe feelings
 Excited cheers
 Seething with anger
 Tears welled up in her eyes
 She was over the moon when she scored
an 'A'
 ...tears of joy
 Her hair stood on ends....

18. Explore the idioms
Happy
 over the moon
 be in seventh heaven
 on cloud nine
 walking on air
 made my day
 on top of the world
Sad
 down in the dumps
 feeling blue
 broke my heart
 dry in the mouth
 have a face like a wet weekend
 down-hearted

19. Let's Write
1)My Best Friend
2)My Mother
3)A Prominent Malaysian Leader
4)Describe an afternoon at the bus station
5) Describe an enjoyable event that you experienced in
the school
6)My Favourite TV Programme
7)The Night Market
8)Malaysia, a Unique Country

20. Let's treat our eyes with a video clip...
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2H6Z1Dkulw