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Descriptive Paragraph and How to Write a Descriptive Paragraph

A descriptive paragraph is a collection of multiple sentences to convey a distinct message of a single person, place or thing. It begins with a descriptive sentence that clearly states the topic that will be rolled out in the following sentences. A well-written descriptive paragraph pulls in all five senses to engage the reader. The use of smell, sight, touch, sound and taste in expressive language captivates the reader on many levels. If done well, your short piece of descriptive writing will have the opportunity to leave a strong impression on the reader.

Types of Descriptive Paragraphs
A short piece of descriptive writing can go a few ways, depending on the writer’s intentions. There are mainly two types to consider when writing a descriptive essay. An objective description typically relies on neutral words that don’t arouse strong emotions in the reader. A subjective description reels the reader into the subject by evoking emotions through clear, concise copy with strong descriptions.

Writing a descriptive paragraph requires you to use observation, creativity and revision.

Observation is key to composing a descriptive paragraph. Spend time studying your subject. Make notes about what you see, smell, hear, taste or feel. Try to get as specific as you can.

As you begin writing, try to use specific language rather than general terms. For example, instead of writing “furniture,” write “rocking chair” or “bunk bed.” Avoid abstract words that are difficult for a reader to picture, such as “nice,” “beautiful” or “love.” Specific words will help the reader see your object in a much more powerful way.

One of the best ways to write a strong descriptive paragraph is to include sensory details. Involve all the senses in your paragraph -- not just sight, but also sounds, smells, tastes and touch. For example, if you were describing your family’s lakeside cabin, you could write about the sound of the lapping waves, the scent of pine trees, the reflection of the sun on the water or the feel of the worn porch steps beneath your bare feet. Avoid general descriptions and aim for specific, unique details.

Revision is a key step in writing a descriptive paragraph. Review your writing, looking for ways to turn a general word or phrase into something more specific. Check to make sure you included all five senses in your description if possible. Test your description by reading your paragraph to a friend or relative without telling them what you’re describing. If they’re confused or can’t tell what your subject is, you may need to include more details or be more specific.

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. After identifying that subject in a clear topic sentence, they proceed to describe it in detail while explaining its personal significance. If you want to immerse a reader in an essay or story, there’s no better way to do it than with a crisp, vivid descriptive paragraph. These paragraphs are best when you let your creativity take control, experimenting with structure and content and using unusual, striking phrases to hook your reader’s attention. Whether you’re describing a person, place, or thing, your paragraph should make your reader feel like they’re right there with you or your characters, experiencing the moment firsthand.

👥 Describing a Person
Step 1 : Start your paragraph with a general topic sentence that introduces the person. A succinct introduction sentence at the start of your paragraph will help catch the reader’s attention and shift their focus to the person you’re about to describe. Keep this first sentence clear and concise, focusing on one aspect of their appearance so you don’t overwhelm your reader with too much description right away. You can also split your topic sentence into 2 sentences for clarity and flow.
Step 2 : Focus on the most striking part of their appearance first. To hook your readers in even more, go straight from your general introduction to the most interesting or unusual part of the person’s appearance. Think of this as the thing that you notice first, or that makes the biggest impression on you when you first see it. If you’re writing a more creative piece, like a narrative, you can also use this as your introductory sentence.
Step 3 : Focus on physical details that hint at the person’s personality. By carefully choosing your descriptive words, your paragraph can paint a vivid picture of the person while giving the reader a sense of who they really are. Search for strong, resonant words that get across the point you want to make and create a tone that fits with the person.
Step 4 : Fill in any last details to give a good general picture. Make sure that your reader has a good sense for the most important parts of this person’s appearance. You want to at least touch on key aspects of their body and clothing, as well as their face, since these are the parts of the person that the reader will be most interested in. Continue to use strong, descriptive words and challenge yourself to describe them in unique ways.
Step 5 : Use figurative language and strong adjectives throughout your paragraph. Metaphors, similes, and striking, descriptive language will help you paint a picture of the person without losing the reader’s interest. You want to evoke the spirit and appearance of the person without getting too wordy, and strong, well-chosen language and phrases are the best way to do that. Challenge yourself to include a turn of phrase you’ve never heard before, or use a word in a new way to bring out new dimensions of your character or person.
Step 6 : End the paragraph with a resonant description or conclusion. The end of your paragraph is the part that will stick in your reader’s mind. Try to make your last sentence the most interesting one, either with an unexpected final description or by summarizing the material in a unique, surprising way.

🍀 Writing about an Object
Step 1 : Give an idea of the size and general shape of the object. The best way to set up a paragraph describing an object is to immediately give the reader a sense of the object’s position and size. How much space does it take up? Can it fit in the palm of your hand, or does it loom over you? Has it sat so long in one place that it’s gathered dust, or is it constantly in motion? Feel free to split your topic sentence into 2 sentences for clarity and flow.
Step 2 : Describe its sensory details, like color, texture, or taste. Strong sensory details can help your reader relate to an object they’ve never seen before, or cast new light on something familiar. These succinct descriptions, relating to the reader’s sense of touch, smell, taste, or sight, will make the object come alive. Talk about how heavy it is, whether it’s hot or cold, how strong it is, its smell, or even its taste. Get creative!
Step 3 : Talk about what it’s used for to give a sense of its purpose. How do you use this object—or do you not use it at all? Why, or why not? Showing the reader the object’s purpose through strong, descriptive adjectives can help them visualize it more strongly, or even imagine what it would be like to use it themselves.
Step 4 : End by telling or showing how the object is significant, depending on your tone. If you’re asking your reader to read a whole paragraph just about an object, you want them to know why it’s so important. You can do this by telling the reader directly, if your tone is more concise or succinct. For a more subtle option, try showing them its significance by including relevant, telling details about the object or the way someone treats it.

🛤️ Writing a Descriptive Paragraph About a Place
Step 1 : Start by describing the first thing that strikes you about the place. What’s the thing that you notice first when you walk into this house, into this office, or down that street? Is it a certain building, a sign, a window, or even a group of people? Whatever it is that makes this place interesting to you—whether real or made-up—that’s probably the thing that’ll hook your readers, too. Consider focusing on an attribute that you’ll be specifically elaborating on later in the paragraph. Feel free to split your topic sentence into multiple sentences for clarity and flow.
Step 2 : Highlight small place details to make your description interesting. Almost everyone has seen a bedroom before, or gone into a classroom or a grocery store. Focusing on specific aspects that make the room, classroom, or grocery store unique and different is what will hook your readers and help them visualize this place.
Step 3 : Use surprising, exotic language to make the place come to life. Even the most seemingly boring of locations can become vivid and fascinating when paired with strong language. Look for words that capture the spirit of the place, whether it’s a strange old house or a teenage boy’s bedroom. Try descriptive words you normally wouldn’t use and see how they work in your paragraph—you might be surprised by the results.
Step 4 : Add sensory details to appeal to your sense of scent, touch, and sound. Make your readers feel exactly what it’s like to be in this place, from the wind on their face to the sound of dogs barking or cars rushing past. Can they smell anything? What are they looking at? What do they hear?
Step 5 : Write about how you or your character react to the place. Huge chunks of place description can get a little boring for even the most dedicated reader. To keep their attention, add a little action into the mix. Placing a person in your location, even if it’s just a general “you,” can invite the reader to step into their shoes and actually interact with the place, and can also create an interesting, unique tone.
Step 6 : Include only the most important details so you don’t bog your reader down. Keep your place description paragraph to 3-4 sentences of just the most important aspects. Don’t overload your reader with things they don’t need to know! Include only the details that give them the sharpest picture of the place, contribute to the tone of your overall piece, or end up being important later in your story or essay.