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A good descriptive paragraph is like a window into another world. Through the use of careful
examples or details, an author can conjure a scene that vividly describes a person, place, or thing.
The best descriptive writing appeals to multiple senses at once―smell, sight, taste, touch, and
hearing―and is found in both fiction and nonfiction. In the table below, there are two columns—
one containing a telling sentence and one containing a space for rewriting that sentence into a
descriptive scene. Rewrite each telling sentence into one or several sentences that recreate the
scene more vividly. Think of word choice and use senses (e.g., smell, touch, sight, taste, sound)
to show the scene—feel free to invent details within your revised sentences.
Regular Degular
Vividly Descriptive
The warm sun kissed grass caressed his bare feet and a smile softened his eyes. A warm
The old man stood in
breeze of air gently brushed against his wrinkled cheek as the iridescent sky gradually
the grass and relaxed
blended hues of Pepto-Bismol pink and glistening goldenrod; Crimson was creeping in,
as the sun went down.
and within a breath, electric indigo close behind.
The boy pulled a large
fish out of the river.
The girl stood on the
corner of the busy
intersection and
witnessed the accident
as it happened.
The woman had a
terrible headache.
The meadow slowly
came to life as the sun
came up.
The hunted creature
ran through the thick
forest and screamed as
the thorns cut into his
skin.