Descriptive Writing
Description is writing that is designed to create a written impression of the subject, one that
paints a clear and detailed image in the mind of the reader.
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Can be used to describe anything – an object, person, place, experience, emotion,
situation, etc.
Falls into the genre of “creative non-fiction” where the author uses tools of poetry and
fiction to enhance the factual element.
This is not a story – while there may be an event being described, the focus is on the
visual, not on the series of events.
Should create an emotional impression as well as a visual one
Tips
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Use clear, concise language. One of the pitfalls of descriptive writing is that people overdescribe. Using excessive detail and redundant descriptions create “purple prose” – this
is writing that is so detailed it is often boring and silly.
Use words with strong connotations – one way to reduce wordiness is to use better words.
Select ones that are precise and descriptive. Ex. “horse” vs. “stallion” or “very angry” vs.
“enraged”
Appeal to the five senses – while description tends to focus on the visual, do not forget
other senses. Appealing to sound, smell, taste, and touch are effective ways to enhance
the impression you are creating.
Use figurative language – similes, metaphors, personification, and hyperbole often create
a stronger image than a literal description. It is also a good way to address non-visual
senses; you can discuss how fear smells or sounds, for example.
Always pay attention to the emotion you wish to create – remove any part of the
description that does not connect to it.
The common rule for description is “show, don’t tell” – instead of telling me how something
sounded, let me imagine it by describing it to me. If the reader is unable to clearly imagine your
subject, it is not true descriptive writing.
“Science and Beauty” – Activities
1. On the essay, highlight and underline examples of the rhetorical and stylistic devices, and
label each.
2. On the essay, locate strong examples of descriptive language. Be sure to find multiple
examples of figurative language, strong diction, and appeals to the five senses.
3. What emotion is this essay trying to provoke? Aside from the different devices, how
does Asimov do this?
4. According to Asimov, what do most people think about science? Explain.
5. Why does Asimov include the poem at the beginning of this essay?
6. What is Asimov’s thesis (what is his argument)? Explain.
English 11 Descriptive Essay
You will be writing a descriptive essay in the manner of “Science and Beauty”, where you
describe something in an unexpected way. This is not a persuasive, where you argue why
something is good or bad, but where you create the impression through description.
1. Select a topic that you feel strongly about, but one that you feel many people
misunderstand.
 It could be something you find fascinating that other people think is boring,
something you think is terrible that other people believe is good, something you
think is beautiful that other people think is ugly…
 It could be either a something you have strong positive feelings for, or something
you have strong negative feelings for.
 It can be a place, person, idea, object, activity… You can pick almost anything.
2. Plan – what is the impression that most people have of your subject? What impression do
you want to create of it? What details of your subject best reveal this contrast?
Brainstorm the details you will discuss and what impression you are hoping to create of
them. What devices best reveal the features of your subject?
3. Write. Your essay should describe your topic, with a focus on the impression you want
to create about it.
 Your essay should be 5 paragraphs (or more), following the proper format of
intro, body conclusion.
 Use formal language.
 Focus on description. Use descriptive techniques to enhance your impression.
 You MUST use at least 6 different techniques from the “rhetorical and stylistic
devices” handout. Highlight/underline and label each example.