Features of Descriptive Essay

1. The pictorial details

The biggest ever challenge of the writer is to pen down picture worded paragraphs in descriptive essay. Now, the question is-how to create pictures in the mind of the readers. As a writer, we should be showing rather than telling. Study the example given below:

Example 1

Dema is nervous. The is the example of telling the readers rather than showing. This sentence informs the reader rather than creating a picture of Dema being nervous. Now check the second example.

Example 2

Dema’s breathing became uneasy, her hands were sweaty and she could hear her heart pounding. Her throat became dry and she almost choked when she began to speak.

This is showing-here, the reader can picture how Dema is feeling.  As a writer, we have to remind that we should show instead of simply informing.

Exercise 1 

Dema is angry. (This is telling, show her anger using 2-3 sentences) 

 2. Figurative language

Use of figurative language is must in descriptive writing. it gives a fresh look to your sentences. the figurative language largely revolved around simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole and idiomatic phrases.

Example1  shows the absence of figurative language which should be avoided

Dema is nervous.

Example 2

Dechen began to feel butterflies in her stomach when was about deliver her speech. The underlined words is an idiomatic expression which cen be equated to a figurative language.

Example 3

Dema was as nervous as cat. She could only manage to stammer as she stood before the podium.  The underlined sentence is simile.

Meek like a mouse, she stood before a murmuring crowd. ( we can play with  figurative language however, we must be careful not to use it excessively.)

Exercise 2

Describe the image given below in 3-4 sentences. Remember? Show-don't tell! 

  

3. Sensory Details (imagery)

As a writer, one should include the sensory details. Describing using the sense of touch, smell, sound, taste and sight is key to descriptive writing. The graphical representation of the sensory language is shown below:

Exercise 3

Identify the sensory words from the given sentences below:

Sound	Smell	Touch	Taste	Sight
The door was creaking as I entered the room.	The room is musty due to monsoon season.	The floor felt wet and smooth to my tired feet.	I ate  a Salty,crunchy potatoes chips with an oily burger.	Dechen has a rosy cheek with a glittering blue eyes.

  

In the next session, I will show you a descriptive paragraph with all the four features.  We have discussed the three features above; the fourth feature will be discussed along with descriptive paragraph. In the mean time,  make notes and complete the exercise.