THE DESCRIPTIVE ESSAY

Points to consider
A. Introduction - each aspect of the description should be presented in a
- brief information (who, when, where, how) separate paragraph
B. Main body - each paragraph should start with a topic sentence
- description of main elements (in separate - use a variety of linking words
paragraphs) - start with general aspects, continue with details
C. Conclusion - use a variety of adjectives
- your comments and/or your feelings - use narrative techniques (use of senses - hearing, sight, smell, taste, touch - to
describe weather, surroundings, use of direct speech, use of dramatic language to
create mystery/suspense, reference to feelings/moods)
- use examples instead of adjectives (e.g. His blue eyes light up whenever he sees his
grandchild instead of saying: He was kind or affectionate.)
- descriptions can be included in other writing tasks:
narratives, letters, etc.

DESCRIBING PEOPLE DESCRIBING PLACES DESCRIBING EVENTS

A. Introduction A. Introduction A. Introduction

 who the person is  name and location of the place/building  name/type, time/date, place of
 the place you met  the reason for choosing it the event
 how you heard of him/her  reason
B. Main body
B. Main body B. Main body
 (general) overall impression - landscape,  the preparations for the event
 physical appearance landmarks  the event itself
 personality  (particular) sights to see, places to go,
 behaviour interior/exterior of a building C. Conclusion
 lifestyle (hobbies, interests, everyday activities)  people’s feelings and comments
C. Conclusion on the event
C. Conclusion  express feelings or opinion concerning the
 why the person is of interest subject
express your feelings /opinion concerning the person