Descriptive Essay Writing

A brief but concise presentation on descriptive writing, its basic rule and the five golden rules attached to it. Examples have been provided for each of the rules to make understanding easier. each rule is elaborated on to counter any confusion. Finally, I have added further writing tips as well. Descriptive Writing Show, don’t tell The most basic and important rule of descriptive writing: SHOW, don’t TELL Telling – She was excited when her parents gave her permission to go to the party. Showing – Her eyes widened with surprise and her lips parted as she screamed with delight when her parents said, “Yes.” Telling – The rain was falling heavily and everyone was afraid. Showing – The raindrops attacked the galvanised roof and the windows rattled. We huddled under the bed and held each other tightly. How Can You Show? Follow the Rules: 1. By creating images 2. By using active verbs 3. By using concrete nouns 4. By including figure of speech 5. By adding dialogue Rule #1- Creating Images Use of the five senses: a. Sight b. Sound c. Smell d. Taste e. Touch Example: Our brains were scrambled from the heat and our minds were going mad from the squeaking of the wheel from the golf caddie. Squuueeeeaaaak! Squeak! Squeak! “When will it shut up,” I shouted as I kicked the wheel. Rule #2 - Use of action words that show movement The Ferrari went down the SZR. The Ferrari raced/stormed down the SZR. Mike was in his chair during Maths exam. Mike sat fidgeting in his chair during Maths exam. Rule #3 Using Concrete Nouns • Abstract: It was a nice day. Concrete: The sun was shining and a slight breeze blew across my face. • Abstract: I liked writing poems, not essays. Concrete: I liked writing short, rhythmic poems and hated rambling on about my thoughts in those four-page essays. • Abstract: Mr. Smith was a great teacher. Concrete: Mr. Smith really knew how to help us turn our thoughts into good stories and essays. Rule #3 Using Concrete Nouns • Abstract Nouns Concrete Nouns 1. car 1. Lamborghini 2. tree 2. aspen 3. noise 3. chatter 4. emotion 4. desperation 5. animal 5. leopard Rule #4 Using Figures of Speech - Similes - Metaphors - Personification, et cetera Note: Avoid clichés. Boring. Example of personification and metaphor - A passion so strong wanted to leap out, but the prison of being a man had no room for crying, just anger. - The whole class burst into a ruthless laughter as my blood was swept to my face in shame by nature, to face the jeering crowd like disgraced offender. Example of adding dialogue - “You forgot your homework at school again?!” Mom spat. - “I-I-I’m s-s-s-o sorry, Sir – er – Ma’am,” I fumbled with my words under the Principal’s glowering glare.