how to write descriptive essay format

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B.1.4 Descriptive Essay

Learning objectives.

• Read an example of the descriptive rhetorical mode.

America’s Pastime

As the sun hits my face and I breathe in the fresh air, I temporarily forget that I am at a sporting event. But when I open my eyes and look around, I am reminded of all things American. From the national anthem to the international players on the field, all the sights and sounds of a baseball game come together like a slice of Americana pie.

First, the entrance turnstiles click and clank, and then a hallway of noise bombards me. All the fans voices coalesce in a chorus of sound, rising to a humming clamor. The occasional, “Programs, get your programs, here!” jumps out through the hum to get my attention. I navigate my way through the crowded walkways of the stadium, moving to the right of some people, to the left of others, and I eventually find the section number where my seat is located. As I approach my seat I hear the announcer’s voice echo around the ball park, “Attention fans. In honor of our country, please remove your caps for the singing of the national anthem.” His deep voice echoes around each angle of the park, and every word is heard again and again. The crowd sings and hums “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and I feel a surprising amount of national pride through the voices. I take my seat as the umpire shouts, “Play ball!” and the game begins.

In the fifth inning of the game, I decide to find a concessions stand. Few tastes are as American as hot dogs and soda pop, and they cannot be missed at a ball game. The smell of hot dogs carries through the park, down every aisle, and inside every concourse. They are always as unhealthy as possible, dripping in grease, while the buns are soft and always too small for the dog. The best way to wash down the Ball Park Frank is with a large soda pop, so I order both. Doing my best to balance the cold pop in one hand and the wrapped-up dog in the other, I find the nearest condiments stand to load up my hot dog. A dollop of bright green relish, chopped onions, and two squirts of ketchup and mustard completes the dog. As I continue the balancing act between the loaded hot dog and pop back to my seat, a cheering fan bumps into my pop hand. The pop splashes out of the cup and all over my shirt, leaving me drenched. I make direct eye contact with the man who bumped into me, and he looks me in the eye, looks at my shirt, and tells me how sorry he is. Then I just shake my head and keep walking. “It’s all just part of the experience,” I tell myself.

Before I am able to get back to my seat, I hear the crack of a bat, followed by an uproar from the crowd. Everyone is standing, clapping, and cheering. I missed a home run. I find my aisle and ask everyone to excuse me as I slip past them to my seat. “Excuse me. Excuse me. Thank you. Thank you. Sorry,” is all I can say as I inch past each fan. Halfway to my seat, I can hear discarded peanut shells crunch beneath my feet, and each step is marked with a pronounced crunch.

When I finally get to my seat I realize it is the start of the seventh inning stretch. I quickly eat my hot dog and wash it down with what is left of my soda pop. The organ starts playing and everyone begins to sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” While singing the song, putting my arms around friends and family with me, I watch all the players taking the field. It is wonderful to see the overwhelming amount of players on one team from around the world: Japan, the Dominican Republic, the United States, Canada, and Venezuela. I cannot help but feel a bit of national pride at this realization. Seeing the international representation on the field reminds me of the ways that Americans, though from many different backgrounds and places, still come together under common ideals. For these reasons and for the whole experience in general, going to a Major League Baseball game is the perfect way to glimpse a slice of Americana.

Online Descriptive Essay Alternatives

• Suzanne Berne visits New York and describes her impressions in Where Nothing Says Everything , also called Ground Zero :
• Heather Rogers provides a detailed description (book excerpt) of a landfill that challenges the reader to consider his or her own consumption and waste in The Hidden Life of Garbage .

Putting the Pieces Together Copyright © 2020 by Andrew M. Stracuzzi and André Cormier is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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How to Structure an Essay

Essay writing is a fundamental skill, a basic task, that is expected of those who choose to pursue their undergraduate and master’s degrees. It constitutes a key requirement for students to complete a given course credit. However, many students and early career researchers find themselves struggling with the challenge of organizing their thoughts into a coherent, engaging structure. This article is especially for those who see essay writing as a daunting task and face problems in presenting their work in an impactful way.  

Table of Contents

• Writing an essay: basic elements and some key principles  
• Essay structure template 
• Chronological structure 
• Problem-methods-solutions structure 
• Compare and contrast structures 
• Frequently asked questions on essay structure 

Read on as we delve into the basic elements of essay writing, outline key principles for organizing information, and cover some foundational features of writing essays.  

Writing an essay: basic elements and some key principles

Essays are written in a flowing and continuous pattern but with a structure of its own. An introduction, body and conclusion are integral to it. The key is to balance the amount and kind of information to be presented in each part. Various disciplines may have their own conventions or guidelines on the information to be provided in the introduction.  

A clear articulation of the context and background of the study is important, as is the definition of key terms and an outline of specific models or theories used. Readers also need to know the significance of the study and its implications for further research. Most importantly, the thesis or the main proposition should be clearly presented.  

The body of the essay is therefore organized into paragraphs that hold the main ideas and arguments and is presented and analyzed in a logical manner. Ideally, each paragraph of the body focuses on one main point or a distinct topic and must be supported by evidence and analysis. The concluding paragraph should bring back to the reader the key arguments, its significance and food for thought. It is best not to re-state all the points of the essay or introduce a new concept here. 

In other words, certain general guidelines help structure the information in the essay. The information must flow logically with the context or the background information presented in the introductory part of the essay. The arguments are built organically where each paragraph in the body of the essay deals with a different point, yet closely linked to the para preceding and following it. Importantly, when writing essays, early career researchers must be careful in ensuring that each piece of information relates to the main thesis and is a building block to the arguments. 

Essay structure template

• Introduction 
• Provide the context and share significance of the study 
• Clearly articulate the thesis statement 
• Body  
• Paragraph 1 consisting of the first main point, followed by supporting evidence and an analysis of the findings. Transitional words and phrases can be used to move to the next main point. 
• There can be as many paragraphs with the above-mentioned elements as there are points and arguments to support your thesis. 
• Conclusion  
• Bring in key ideas and discuss their significance and relevance 
• Call for action 
• References 

Essay structures

The structure of an essay can be determined by the kind of essay that is required.  

Chronological structure

Also known as the cause-and-effect approach, this is a straightforward way to structure an essay. In such essays, events are discussed sequentially, as they occurred from the earliest to the latest. A chronological structure is useful for discussing a series of events or processes such as historical analyses or narratives of events. The introduction should have the topic sentence. The body of the essay should follow a chorological progression with each para discussing a major aspect of that event with supporting evidence. It ends with a summarizing of the results of the events.  

Problem-methods-solutions structure

Where the essay focuses on a specific problem, the problem-methods-solutions structure can be used to organize the essay. This structure is ideal for essays that address complex issues. It starts with presenting the problem, the context, and thesis statement as introduction to the essay. The major part of the discussion which forms the body of the essay focuses on stating the problem and its significance, the author’s approach or methods adopted to address the problem along with its relevance, and accordingly proposing solution(s) to the identified problem. The concluding part offers a recap of the research problem, methods, and proposed solutions, emphasizing their significance and potential impact. 

Compare and contrast structures

This structure of essay writing is ideally used when two or more key subjects require a comparison of ideas, theories, or phenomena. The three crucial elements, introduction, body, and conclusion, remain the same. The introduction presents the context and the thesis statement. The body of the essay seeks to focus on and highlight differences between the subjects, supported by evidence and analysis. The conclusion is used to summarize the key points of comparison and contrast, offering insights into the significance of the analysis.  

Depending on how the subjects will be discussed, the body of the essay can be organized according to the block method or the alternating method. In the block method, one para discusses one subject and the next para the other subject. In the alternative method, both subjects are discussed in one para based on a particular topic or issue followed by the next para on another issue and so on.  

Frequently asked questions on essay structure

An essay structure serves as a framework for presenting ideas coherently and logically. It comprises three crucial elements: an introduction that communicates the context, topic, and thesis statement; the body focusing on the main points and arguments supported with appropriate evidence followed by its analysis; and a conclusion that ties together the main points and its importance .  

An essay structure well-defined essay structure enhances clarity, coherence, and readability, and is crucial for organizing ideas and arguments to effectively communicate key aspects of a chosen topic. It allows readers to better understand arguments presented and demonstrates the author’s ability to organize and present information systematically. 

Yes, while expert recommend following an essay structure, early career researchers may choose how best to adapt standard essay structures to communicate and share their research in an impactful and engaging way. However, do keep in mind that deviating too far from established structures can hinder comprehension and weaken the overall effectiveness of the essay,  By understanding the basic elements of essay writing and employing appropriate structures such as chronological, problem-methods-solutions, or compare and contrast, researchers can effectively organize their ideas and communicate their findings with clarity and precision. 

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Writing: Descriptive Essay - JSS2 English language Lesson Note

A descriptive essay creates a way to describe objects, people , events , ideas , or experiences as there are.  My best friend, My pet, My Family etc 

A descriptive Essay emphasis on detailing what light should brought to a subject or object of description and it gives a mental picture of what is being intended to be described.  Features of a Descriptive Essay : 

Body of Introduction; 

Paragraph's ; 

Conclusion; 

An example of a Topic " My best Friend Alex".   Below are guidelines to enable you write your descriptive Essay.

1. Introduction: Begin by introducing your topic, which is your best friend, Alex. Provide some basic information about Alex, such as age, appearance, and how long you've been friends.

2. Expressing Emotions: Include a thesis statement that captures the essence of your friendship with Alex and what makes him your best friend.

3. Descriptive Details : Use vivid language and sensory details to describe Alex's appearance, personality, and character traits. Include details about his physical appearance, such as his height, hair color, and any distinguishing features. Describe his personality, interests, hobbies, and quirks that make him unique.

4. Anecdotes and Examples: Share anecdotes or specific examples that illustrate why Alex is your best friend. Talk about memorable experiences you've shared together, inside jokes, or moments that have strengthened your bond.

5. Emotional Connection: Express your feelings and emotions towards Alex. Explain why you value his friendship and how he has positively impacted your life.

6. Organization: Organize your essay in a logical manner, such as by describing Alex's physical appearance first, then his personality and interests, followed by anecdotes and examples that highlight your friendship.

7. Conclusion: Summarize the key points of your essay and reiterate why Alex is your best friend. End with a concluding statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Title: My Best Friend Alex

Introduction: Alex is not just a friend; he's my confidant, my partner in crime, and my rock. From our first meeting in kindergarten to our adventures in high school, Alex has been by my side through thick and thin.

Expressing Feelings: In this essay, I will describe my best friend Alex, highlighting his unique qualities and the bond we share that transcends time and distance.

Descriptive Details: Alex has a contagious smile that lights up the room and a mischievous twinkle in his hazel eyes. Standing at six feet tall, he towers over most of our classmates, yet his presence is never intimidating. His curly brown hair is always slightly tousled, a reflection of his laid-back personality.

Anecdotes and Examples: One of my favorite memories with Alex is the time we got lost in the woods during a camping trip. Instead of panicking, Alex turned it into an adventure, leading us on a wild scavenger hunt until we found our way back to camp. His spontaneity and sense of humor always turn ordinary moments into unforgettable experiences.

Emotional Connection: Alex's unwavering loyalty and unconditional support have helped me through some of the toughest times in my life. Whether it's staying up all night to listen to my worries or cheering me on from the sidelines, Alex has always been there for me, no questions asked.

Conclusion: In conclusion, Alex is more than just a friend; he's a kindred spirit who understands me like no one else. Our bond is unbreakable, forged through years of laughter, tears, and countless shared memories. I am grateful every day to have Alex as my best friend.

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BRITISH Course

Space to find reference of english, descriptive text (complete explanation).

August 21, 2017 British Course Explanation of Text Genre 1

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh😊

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim

DESCRIPTIVE TEXT, or in terms of writing only known as “description” is one of English lessons that should be mastered not only by junior high school students but also senior high school students, college students and anyone who loves English. Because after all, descriptive material is very necessary for the increasing of our English proficiency.

Some of the most famous authors, especially fiction writers, have good skill in writing descriptive text, so that their writing is very readable and easy to understand. Therefore, if we were able to master this lesson well, we might be able to become a great writer in the future.

Furthermore, I hope this explanation and example of the descriptive text can help my friend who is still in a long journey to learn English. Do not hesitate to read the explanation of descriptive text below, the more often we read about this text we will be able to understand it more. Furthermore it would be nice if we do not only understand mere, but we can also write descriptive text ourselves..

Maybe you are “bored” to learn narrative text, because of that, it’s time to discuss descriptive text so that our head is not merely contains stories and stories. Okey..

Definition of Descriptive Text

Descriptive Text is a text which says what a person or a thing is like. Its purpose is to describe and reveal a particular person, place, or thing.

In a broad sense, description, as explained by Kane (2000: 352), is defined like in the following sentence:

Description is about sensory experience—how something looks, sounds, tastes. Mostly it is about visual experience, but description also deals with other kinds of perception.

Thus, if we conclude it from Kane’s explanation above, the descriptive text is meaningful text that describes the experience related to the senses, such as what shape, sound, taste is. Most descriptive text is about visual experience, but in fact the experience other than the sense of sight, we can also use it to make descriptive text.

But in particular, the descriptive text is, “…… is a text which says what a person or a thing is like. Its purpose is to describe and reveal a particular person, place, or thing.”

So, it can be said that the descriptive text is a text that explains about whether a person or an object is like, whether its form, its properties, its amount and others. The purpose of the descriptive text is clear, that is to describe, represent or reveal a person or an object, either abstract or concrete.

Generic Structure of Descriptive Text

When writing descriptive text, there are some generic structures (actually not mandatory) for our writing to be true. The arrangement is:

# Identification: (contains about the introduction of a person, place, animal or object will be described.) # Description: contains a description of something such as animal, things, place or person by describing its features, forms, colors, or anything related to what the writer describes.

Purpose of Descriptive Text

– To describe person, thing or place in specific – To describe a particular person, thing or place

Language Feature of Descriptive Text

– Specific participant : has a certain object, is not common and unique (only one). for example: Bandengan beach, my house, Borobudur temple, uncle Jim – The use of the adjective (an adjective) to clarify the noun, for example: a beautiful beach, a handsome man, the famous place in Jepara, etc. – The use of simple present tense: The sentence pattern used is simple present because it tells the fact of the object described. – Action verb: verbs that show an activity (for example, run, sleep, walk, cut etc.)

Example Descriptive Text – My Favorite Teacher

My favorite teacher is my history teacher, and he is by far the best teacher that I have ever had. He has the ability to make a subject that many students find incredibly boring come to life through his enthusiasm and passion for history, and his love of being a teacher. Attending his lessons is something we look forward to, not dread, like we do with most other lessons.

It’s ever so funny to watch him get excited about something, which happens in every lesson. It’s easy to know that he’s getting excited because he begins bouncing up and down slightly in a way that no other sixty-something year old would ever managed without looking completely ridiculous. He has this dark (with more and more grey streaks these days), springy hair that lines the edge of his growing bald patch, and the hair bounces up and down with him like thousands of tiny little springs. Then, he takes on his whole new persona, often going into role and becoming the character or figure he is talking about, doing the voices, the actions, and parading up and down the room gesticulating wildly, but all the while there’s a gentle ‘bounce, bounce, bounce’, as though the springs are not just on his head but on the soles of his shoes too.

A teacher that doesn’t take himself too seriously always will be a big hit with teenagers, although he’s not afraid to impose his authority if he has to. I’ve only ever heard him properly shout once (although thankfully it wasn’t it me), but it isn’t an experience that I would like to repeat. When he lost it, the room suddenly became more silent than I’d ever known it to be before. We all sat slightly paralyzed, not even anting to breathe too loudly, because hearing such a jovial and jolly little man lose his temper was a huge shock. It certainly had the right kind of impact though, because he’s never needed to shout since.

It is actually this teacher that I have to thank for my love of history. In his lessons, history does not mean copying out of textbooks and writing pages and pages of notes. History is alive; history is something tangible, that you can see, hear and feel, and we can live it through dressing up and acting out scenes or taking trips to important places of historical interest. And although he’s getting on in years and may not be teaching for much longer, he will have an important place in history for many of his students, because there has never been a teacher able to bring a subject to life in quite the same way he does. ***

Text ini grammar nya not good

Sumber : “Descriptive Essay My Favorite Teacher” Scholaradvisor.com. 27 April 2015. http://www.scholaradvisor.com/essay-examples/descriptive-essay-my-favorite-teacher

Descriptive Text about Person – My Best Friend, Ernesto

My best friend is Ernesto and he is my classmate. We go to school together.

Ernesto comes from an educated family. His father is a school principal and his mother is also a teacher.

He is punctual, well-educated, and has good manners. He is really hard-working. He always does his homework. He is also well-dressed and well-behaved. All teachers have a high opinion of him.

Ernesto has a well-built body. He is gentle but fearless. He takes part in all sports, scout, trekking and mountaineering activities. He has a good heart. He is truthful, honest and obedient.

He also plays the guitar, and he makes his parents very proud of him. He secures good marks and is usually top of his class in examinations. He inspires me to work harder. He keeps me away from bad company. I am happy to have such a friend.

Taken from slideshare.net

Example Descriptive Text – Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas is a very famous and popular American actor.

He is about sixty years old. He is a slim person and he is average height. He has got light brown eyes and short fair hair.

His wife is a very beautiful British actress who is named Catherine Zeta-Johns, she has got green eyes and long straight black hair.

They have got a daughter who is two years old. They all live in the United States Of America.

Text descriptive bahasa Inggris ini diambil dari onefd.edu.dz

Michael Douglas adalah seorang aktor Amerika yang sangat terkenal dan populer.

Dia berumur sekitar enam puluh tahun. Badannya ramping dan tingginya juga rata-rata seperti kebanyakan orang. Matanya berwarna coklat muda dan rambutnya pendek berwarna pirang.

Istrinya adalah seorang aktris kebangsaan Inggris yang sangat cantik, yaitu Catherine Zeta Johns yang memiliki mata berwarna hijau dengan rambut hitam lurus dan panjang.

Mereka, Michael Douglas dan Catherine Zeta John, punya seorang putri yang berusia dua tahun. Mereka semua tinggal di Amerika Serikat.

THE DIFFERENTS BETWEEN DESCRIPTIVE AND REPORT TEXT

Tips to write descriptive text : 1. Make sure to choose a meaningful person, place, or thing. 2. Introduce the person, place, or thing you are describing. 3. Engage your reader’s sense of sight. 4. Describe smells and tastes if you can. 5. Describe how the moment or item feels. 6. Describe how your subject sounds. 7. Make unique observations. 8. Include some figurative language. 9. Wrap it up.

Related Articles : Report Text (Complete Explanation)

Oke. That’s all my explanation about descriptive text. I hope it will be useful for us. Thanks for your visiting this site.

Reference : Rudi Hartono, Genre of Texts, (Semarang: English Department Faculty of Language and Art Semarang State University, 2005). https://www.englishindo.com/2018/01/descriptive-text-full-materi-contoh-2018.html Text Genre, Grammar: Technologies for Teaching and Assessing Writing, Peter Knapp & Megan Watkins, New South Wales Press, Ltd : Australia Mark Andersons and Kathy Andersons, Text Type in English 1-2, Australia: MacMillanEducation, 2003.

Related posts:

• Spoof Text; Definition, Generic Structures, Purposes, Language Features
• Procedure Text (Materi Dan Contoh)
• Discussion Text (Materi Dan Contoh)
• Anecdote Text; Definition, Purposes, Generic Structures, Language Features
• What Is Descriptive Text?

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Top 50 Descriptive Essay Topics

Captivate your readers with the power of words! A descriptive essay can be a fantastic way to hone your observational skills and paint vivid pictures with language.

But where do you begin? This article unveils 50 captivating descriptive essay topics gathered by our descriptive essay writing service experts to spark your imagination and guide you toward creating a descriptive masterpiece. From breathtaking landscapes to cherished memories, get ready to unleash your inner wordsmith and explore a world of descriptive possibilities!

Descriptive Essay Topics: Activities

Do you ever struggle to find the right words to paint a vivid picture with your writing? Descriptive essays are all about using details to bring a scene or experience to life. The following descriptive essay prompts will challenge you to describe various activities using your senses.

• The Early Morning Jog: Capture the coolness of the air, the rhythmic sound of your footsteps, and the gradual awakening of the world around you.
• The Art of Baking: Describe the kitchen's warm aroma, the dough's smooth texture, and the enticing anticipation of a freshly baked treat.
• A Rainy Day at the Museum: Evoke the hushed tones of visitors, the soft glow of exhibits, and the rhythmic tapping of rain on the windows.
• The Thrill of a Rollercoaster Ride: Convey the adrenaline rush, the wind whipping through your hair, and the breathtaking views from the top.
• Gardening in Spring: Detail the earthy scent of freshly turned soil, the vibrant colors of blooming flowers, and the gentle hum of bees.
• Stargazing on a Clear Night: Describe the vastness of the sky, the twinkling points of light, and the feeling of awe at the universe's mystery.
• The Bustling City Market: Capture the cacophony of voices, fresh produce's vibrant colors, and street food's enticing aroma.
• Learning a New Skill: Describe the focus and concentration involved, the satisfaction of progress, and the sense of accomplishment.
• Building a Sandcastle: Detail the cool texture of wet sand, the feeling of accomplishment with each sculpted form, and the joy of creative expression on the beach.
• Reading a Captivating Book: Evoke the quiet comfort of a cozy corner, the turning of pages, and the feeling of being transported to another world.

Descriptive Essay Ideas: Daily Life

Though seemingly mundane, our daily routines can be surprisingly rich with sensory details. The following topics will challenge you to use descriptive language to capture the essence of these everyday experiences.

• The Morning Commute: Describe the sights, sounds, and smells encountered on your way to work or school.
• The First Cup of Coffee: Detail the rich aroma, the warmth on your hands, and the first invigorating sip.
• A Quiet Evening at Home: Evoke the feeling of relaxation, the soft glow of lamplight, and the comforting sounds of a familiar environment.
• The Daily Grind: Capture the rhythm of routine tasks, the focused concentration, and the satisfaction of accomplishment.
• A Rainy Afternoon Indoors: Describe the sound of raindrops on the windowpane, the feeling of a soft blanket, and the comfort of a good book or movie.
• The Weekly Grocery Shopping Trip: Detail the sights and smells of fresh produce, the careful selection of ingredients, and the sense of planning for the week ahead.
• The Sunday Brunch: Describe the warm atmosphere, the clinking of silverware, and the delicious flavors of a leisurely meal.
• Taking a Walk in the Park: Evoke the fresh air, the chirping of birds, and the feeling of peace amidst nature.
• Getting Ready for Bed: Detail the soft light of the bedside lamp, the feeling of cool sheets, and the anticipation of a restful sleep.
• The Comfort of a Loved One's Presence: Describe the feeling of security, the warmth of a hug, and the quiet understanding shared with someone close.

Descriptive Essay Topics: Family and People

The people in our lives and the moments we share with them are full of unique details waiting to be captured in words. These descriptive essay ideas will challenge you to use descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of the people and experiences that shape our lives.

• A Grandparent's Wrinkled Hands: Describe the skin's texture, the telltale signs of a well-lived life, and the warmth of their touch.
• A Sibling's Infectious Laugh: Evoke the sound, the contagious joy, and the shared memories it evokes.
• A Friend's Quirky Habit: Detail the specific mannerism, the amusement it brings, and the insight it reveals about their personality.
• A Family Reunion: Capture the cacophony of voices, the warm embraces, and the bittersweet mix of nostalgia and joy.
• The First Time You Met Someone Special: Describe the surroundings, the initial awkwardness, and the spark that ignited a connection.
• A Teacher Who Inspired You: Detail their passionate voice, captivating explanations, and the feeling of being challenged to grow.
• The Comforting Presence of a Stranger's Kindness: Evoke the unexpected gesture, warmth in a moment of need, and the reminder of shared humanity.
• The Crowded Bus Ride: Capture the diverse faces, the snippets of overheard conversations, and the feeling of being part of a bustling world.
• A Lively Street Performer: Describe their captivating performance, the vibrant costumes, and the energy they bring to the urban landscape.
• The Unspoken Bond with a Pet: Detail how you communicate through body language, their comfort, and the unconditional love they bring.

Descriptive Essay Ideas: Events

Events, both big and small, punctuate the flow of our lives.  The following topics will challenge you to use descriptive language to capture the sights, sounds, and emotions of these experiences.

• The Local Town Fair: Describe the vibrant lights, the cacophony of sounds from rides and games, and the delicious aroma of fairground food.
• The Anticipation Before a Big Game: Capture the buzz of excitement in the crowd, the vibrant team colors, and the nervous energy in the air.
• A Surprise Party: Evoke the gasps of astonishment, the joyful laughter, and the overflowing emotions of a cherished celebration.
• The First Day of School: Describe the nervous excitement of new beginnings, the unfamiliar faces, and the comforting presence of a familiar routine.
• A Live Concert: Capture the crowd's energy, the music's pulsating rhythm, and the artist's electrifying performance.
• A Cultural Festival: Describe the vibrant costumes, the exotic music sounds, and the delicious flavors of unfamiliar foods.
• The Solemnity of a Graduation Ceremony: Evoke the pride in graduates' eyes, the rustle of turning pages, and the anticipation of exciting futures.
• A Fireworks Display: Capture the dazzling bursts of light, the booming echoes in the night sky, and the collective awe of the crowd.
• The Peaceful Ambiance of a Wedding Ceremony: Describe the soft music, the nervous anticipation, and the overwhelming joy of a couple's commitment.
• The Bustle of a Holiday Shopping Spree: Capture the dazzling displays of decorations, the festive music, and the frenetic energy of people searching for the perfect gifts.

Descriptive Essay Topics: Traveling

The world is brimming with diverse landscapes and cultures, each offering a unique sensory experience. Each descriptive essay topic will challenge you to use descriptive language to capture the essence of your travels, transporting your reader alongside you.

• The Bustling Marketplace in a Foreign Country: Describe the cacophony of unfamiliar languages, the vibrant colors of exotic spices, and the enticing aroma of street food.
• Hiking Through a Lush Rainforest: Capture the chirping of unseen birds, the dense foliage overhead, and the feeling of being enveloped by nature's symphony.
• Gazing at a Sun-Drenched Beach: Detail the warmth of the sand beneath your feet, the rhythmic crashing of waves, and the vastness of the sparkling ocean.
• Exploring a Bustling City at Night: Describe the neon lights casting a vibrant glow, the constant hum of traffic, and the feeling of energy pulsing through the streets.
• Climbing a Majestic Mountain: Capture the thin, crisp air, the breathtaking panoramic views, and the sense of accomplishment reaching the summit.
• Wandering Through a Historical City Center: Detail the architectural grandeur of ancient buildings, the worn cobblestones underfoot, and the feeling of stepping back in time.
• Visiting a Serene Temple: Describe the calming atmosphere, the soft chanting of monks, and the intricate details of religious iconography.
• Witnessing a Cultural Performance: Capture the vibrant costumes, the captivating music, and the energy that transcends language barriers.
• Riding a Train Through a Picturesque Countryside: Detail the rolling hills, the quaint villages passing by, and the feeling of peaceful tranquility.
• Gazing at the Starry Night Sky from a Remote Location: Describe the vastness of the Milky Way, the twinkling constellations, and the feeling of awe at the universe's grandeur.

Summing It Up

Stuck picking a topic for your descriptive essay? It happens to the best of us. You want something juicy, with details that'll jump off the page, but everyday life can feel a little bland. Don't sweat it! EssayService experts can help you brainstorm ideas, narrow your pick, and ensure your essay is bursting with description.

Frequently asked questions

• Descriptive Essays - Purdue OWL® -  Purdue University. (n.d.-b). https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/essay_writing/descriptive_essays.html
• https://www.apsu.edu/writingcenter/writing-resources/Descriptive-Essay-2024.pdf
• Writing A Descriptive Essay - TIP Sheet - Butte College. (n.d.). Copyright Butte College, All Rights Reserved. https://www.butte.edu/departments/cas/tipsheets/style_purpose_strategy/descriptive_essay.html

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6: Types of Essays

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• Page ID 67164

• Kathryn Crowther et al.
• Georgia Perimeter College via GALILEO Open Learning Materials

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• 6.1.1: Narration
• 6.1.2: Section Introduction- Telling a Story
• 6.1.3: Techniques
• 6.1.4: Tips on Writing the Narrative
• 6.1.5: Activities
• 6.1.6: Model Texts by Student Authors
• 6.1.7: Section Introduction- Reflecting on an Experience
• 6.1.8: Techniques
• 6.1.9: Model Texts by Student Authors
• 6.1.10: Sample Student Essay
• 6.2: Comparison and Contrast
• 6.2.1: Why Write a Causal Analysis or Cause/Effect Essay?
• 6.2.2: Organizing the Causal Analysis Essay
• 6.2.3: Tips for Writing the Causal Analysis
• 6.2.4: Sample Student Essays
• 6.3.1: Why Write an Argument Essay?
• 6.3.2: Elements of Rhetorical Appeals in persuasion
• 6.3.3: The Basics of Argument
• 6.3.4: The Fallacies of Argument
• 6.3.5: How to Write an Argument Essay
• 6.3.6: Tips for Writing the Argument Essay
• 6.3.7: Assignment- Persuasive Research Essay
• 6.3.8: Sample Professional Essays
• 6.3.9: Sample Student Essays
• 6.3.10: Model Texts by Student Authors
• 6.4: Cause and Effect
• 6.4: Process Essay
• 6.5: Persuasive Writing Tips
• 6.5: The Analysis and Evaluation Assignment
• 6.6: Incorporating Facts, Opinions, and Visuals to Persuade