Writing a

Descriptive Essay

Purpose:

• To

inform

a reader about something (place, event, object, subject…) • To

share

• To

give

an experience.

a report.

• To

entertain

a reader.

Requirements:

What should it look like?

• Strong sensory details (sight, touch, taste, hearing, feelings, thoughts…) • Main idea/topic followed by supporting details and descriptions.

• Clear organization.

• Effective transitions.

The great thing about

Descriptive

writing is that you get to choose what the topic is going to be and what details you want to include!

You can… • Describe an event that happened to you.

• Take the reader to a place.

• Teach the reader about something you know.

• Report on a subject/object of your choice (monkeys, planes, weather, volcanoes, historical events…)

Major Hints!

• Present your ideas in order as they happened or in a pattern that makes sense to the reader.

• Set a mood (suspense, calm, exciting…) • Make the reader get a mental picture of what you are talking about. Take the reader to a place with your words!

What Next?

• 1) Find a topic that you want.

• 2) Read about it so that you are an expert in the area.

• 3) Take notes so that your details are fresh and accurate.

• 4) Think of ways to

write

that will keep your audiences attention (cool facts, humor, astonishing details…)

What Next?

• 5) Write your drafts in order and keep on the topic. • 6) Get ready to share your essay with your classmates by rehearsing what you’ve written.

Optional Ideas… •

Dress up

in something that has to do with your topic. (Zookeeper, wetsuit, soldier, scientist…use your imagination!) • Bring in some objects that students can view/hold.

• Create a poster with images for everyone to see.

• Make a Powerpoint (with only images) that you can show as you read. • Remember, these are all optional. The power of your words and writing are what is more important.