This document provides information about descriptive writing. It discusses using details that appeal to the five senses to describe people, places, things, and experiences in a way that allows readers to visualize what is being described. Some tips covered include observing one's environment closely, using creative adjectives and imagery to create "word pictures", and showing rather than telling through specific sensory details and examples. Overall, the document outlines techniques for providing vivid descriptions that enable readers to experience what is being described.
3. What is description?
Description is giving details about a person, place,
thing, etc that allows the reader to experience what
you have observed.
In order to create a good description yu must appeal
to the five senses and create pictures in the readers
mind.
4. Look!
The first thing you have to do is observe your environment.
This includes the place, the people, the actions and the objects that
are around you.
Remember although you are writing, imagine that you are telling
your friend what you have experienced. Give them all the details
they need.
5. Create word pictures
You already use adjectives in your writing but you should be
even more creative.
You want to create pictures in thier minds. (word pictures or
imagery).
Imagery does not only include what you see it also includes
what you hear, smell, taste, touch and even feel.
6. Your reader must be able to close their eyes, listen to your
words and create a mental image of what you are describing.
7. Some descriptive details to consider when describing
an object
Examine:
Colours
Shapes
Sizes
Textures (how it feels)
8. Some descriptive details to consider while describing a
person:
Examine:
Physical appearance
Facial expressions
Attire
Gestures (body movements)
9. What should you consider when describing a place
Examine the location. Is it a
Natural world (trees, mountains, beaches)
Man-made world (buildings, objects, vehicles)
Imaginary world (aliens, unicorns)
10. Show not tell
One of the most important things to remember when youre
creating a description is to show not tell.
11. Show not tell
SCENARIO 1
One of the most important things to remember when you are
creating a description is to show not tell.
12. Scenario 1
A.
She was excited when her parents
gave her permission to go to the
party.
B.
Her eyes widened with surprise
and her lips parted as she
screamed with delight when her
parents said, Yes.
13. Show not tell
SCENARIO 2
You are in the midst of a thunderstorm. How would you
describe this?
14. Scenario 2
A.
The rain was falling heavily and
everyone was afraid.
B.
The raindrops attacked the
galvanized roof and the windows
rattled. We huddled under the
bed and hugged each other
tightly.
15. Which one is clearer?
The descriptions in the first
example (labeled A) tells you
what is happening but it
doesnt creates pictures in your
mind.
The descriptions in the second
example (labeled B) creates
images in the readers mind and
allow them to experience it
fully.