Descriptive
Essays
Summary:
The Modes of Discourse—Exposition, Description,
Narration, Argumentation (EDNA)—are common paper assignments you may encounter
in your writing classes
What is a descriptive essay?
The descriptive essay is
a genre of essay that asks the student to describe something—object, person,
place, experience, emotion, situation, etc. This genre encourages the student’s
ability to create a written account of a particular experience. What is more,
this genre allows for a great deal of artistic freedom (the goal of which is to
paint an image that is vivid and moving in the mind of the reader).
One might benefit from
keeping in mind this simple maxim: If the reader is unable to clearly form an
impression of the thing that you are describing, try, try again!
Here are some guidelines
for writing a descriptive essay.
- Take time to brainstorm
If your instructor asks you to describe your favorite
food, make sure that you jot down some ideas before you begin describing it.
For instance, if you choose pizza, you might start by writing down a few words:
sauce, cheese, crust, pepperoni, sausage, spices, hot, melted, etc. Once you
have written down some words, you can begin by compiling descriptive lists for
each one.
- Use clear and concise language.
This means that words are chosen carefully,
particularly for their relevancy in relation to that which you are intending to
describe.
- Choose vivid language.
Why use horse when
you can choose stallion? Why not use tempestuous instead
of violent? Or why not miserly in place of cheap?
Such choices form a firmer image in the mind of the reader and often times
offer nuanced meanings that serve better one’s purpose.
- Use your senses!
Remember, if you are describing something, you need to
be appealing to the senses of the reader. Explain how the thing smelled, felt,
sounded, tasted, or looked. Embellish the moment with senses.
- What were you thinking?!
If you can describe emotions or feelings related to
your topic, you will connect with the reader on a deeper level. Many have felt
crushing loss in their lives, or ecstatic joy, or mild complacency. Tap into
this emotional reservoir in order to achieve your full descriptive potential.
- Leave the reader with a clear impression.
One of your goals is to evoke a strong sense of
familiarity and appreciation in the reader. If your reader can walk away from
the essay craving the very pizza you just described, you are on your way to
writing effective descriptive essays.
- Be organized!
It is easy to fall into an incoherent rambling of
emotions and senses when writing a descriptive essay. However, you must strive
to present an organized and logical description if the reader is to come away
from the essay with a cogent sense of what it is you are attempting to
describe.
American Elections (What Went Wrong)
Trump`s Full Victory Speech
Endangered Species
Poaching of African Elephants
Deforestation
Vocabulary
- conversion
- clear-cut
- destruction
- eliminate
- habitat
- clear-cut
- impact
- reforestation
- susceptible
- restriction
- carbon emissions
Writing Process
Argument
Arguments
Title_______________________________
What the discussion is about, and my opinion
The topic of this discussion is............
My opinion is that..............
Arguments for
There are a number of reasons why I Believe this.
1.First........
2. Secondly/ In addittion.........
3. Finally...........
Counter (arguments against)
1. On the other hand some people agree...........
2. In addtion..............
4. They also say................
Conclusion
However my view is that...........
because.............
Endangered Species
