A descriptive essay aims to describe a person, place, or object through vivid details that appeal to the reader's senses. It should choose a specific topic and include extensive sensory descriptions to help readers experience the topic. Descriptive essays focus on details beyond basic characteristics like color and shape, providing details that transport the reader to the location or help them see the person/object. The essay should carefully organize these details to logically paint a picture with words.

1. What is it?

2. Descriptive Essay Defined
 A descriptive essay is an essay in which a writer
describes a person, place, or object. This can be
accomplished through vivid language, examples,
comparing and/or contrasting, or playing on a
reader’s senses.
 Basically, its purpose is to describe.

3. The Basics
 Choose a topic that is very specific as the meat of your
essay will be spent showing your readers the topic
rather than telling them about it.
 Include expansive/numerous details and descriptions
so that your readers can experience the topic along
with you (remember to continually play on their
senses).
 Carefully organize the details in order to paint a
logical, progressive picture with your words.

4. It’s All In The Details
 Your work should focus on describing sensory details
 These details should go beyond the usual, color,
shape, etc., and work to transport your readers to the
place or see the person or object before them.
 Use details that help them to relive the experience
 A descriptive essay is a sort of virtual reality with
words.

5. Helpful Links
 The following are links to sites that can aid in the
creation and further understanding of the Descriptive
essay:
http://www.hancockcollege.edu/owl/pdf/Other%20Handouts/Descriptive%20words.pd
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/685/03
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/descriptive.html

6. Weekly Reading
 Don’t forget to read through The College Writing
Skills Text as it provides an in depth discussion on the
descriptive essay.
 It is a good idea to reference this as you discuss and
prove your understanding in the threads.

7. References
Jordan-Henley, J. (1988). A Brief Guide to Writing Descriptive Essays.
Retrieved October 1, 2009, from
http://www.rscc.cc.tn.us/owl&writingcenter/OWL/Describe.html
Vancouver School District. (1999). A Brief Guide to Writing Descriptive
Essays. Retrieved October 1, 2009, from http://www.vansd.org/inctr/
LaWEB/Descriptive.html