Characteristics of a Descriptive Essay with Examples
Characteristics of a Descriptive Essay with Examples
Following are the four integral characteristics of a descriptive essay:
- Piquancy
Descriptive essays should have elements that are captivating, interesting, and engaging to grab readers’ attention. To learn how to write a hook, it’s important to integrate an intriguing one in the introduction and then create a creative background of what you are describing. A descriptive essay challenges your creative use of words, tone, and presentation to appeal to readers. The idea is to emphasize what will appeal to readers the most and keep them engaged throughout the writing.
Here’s an example: As I walked through the deserted alleyway, my heart was pounding with fear. The darkness engulfed me, and the only sound was the eerie creaking of a nearby abandoned building. Suddenly, I heard footsteps behind me, and I whirled around to face the unknown danger lurking in the shadows.
- Visualization
In a descriptive essay, it is essential to show rather than narrate or tell your story. It is about giving readers a visual idea of what you are describing. They should be able to envision the scenes, feel emotions, smell the fragrance, and hear the sounds. Follow the example below:
Telling: The room was messy.
Showing: Clothes were strewn across the floor, empty pizza boxes were stacked on the table, and a layer of dust covered every surface in the room. The overwhelming smell of musty sweat mixed with the odor of old pizza filled the air, and the cluttered chaos made it clear that the inhabitant had long abandoned any pretense of tidiness.
In this example, “showing” the mess in the room creates a more vivid and immersive experience for the reader, allowing them to imagine the scene and feel the emotions and perceptions associated with it, rather than just being told that the room was messy.
- Sensory Descriptions
In order to create a descriptive essay, it is essential to engage the reader’s senses. This can be achieved by including sensory details and descriptions that appeal to the senses of sight, touch, smell, hearing, and taste. Through the use of sensory and figurative language, the writer can convey their perceptions of the central theme. The ultimate goal is to transport the reader into the scene, making them feel as if they are experiencing it firsthand. Figurative languages such as simile, personification, metaphor, and onomatopoeia can further enhance the sensory experience, making the essay more engaging and interesting to read.
Here’s an example: The morning air was crisp and clean, the grass still moist with dew. The sun had just risen, casting a warm, golden light across the landscape. As I walked through the field, I could feel the soft blades of grass brushing against my ankles and the gentle breeze tousling my hair. The sweet aroma of wildflowers filled the air, mixing with the scent of fresh earth. In the distance, I could hear the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves. It was a moment of pure serenity, a moment that I wished would last forever.
- Subjective vs Objective Perception
Descriptive essays can either have a subjective (personal) or objective (factual, concrete) representation. A well-written and engaging descriptive essay should have a balance of both. It is essential to have a well-organized story that strikes a balance between objective and subjective factors. This can be achieved by including objective factors such as chronology, location, and order of significance, while also leaving room for readers to perceive personal opinions.
Here is an example:
Objective: The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 and is located in Paris, France. It is made of iron and stands at 324 meters tall.
Subjective: As I stood at the base of the Eiffel Tower, I felt a sense of amazement and wonder. The intricate lattice-work of the iron structure against the blue sky was a sight to behold. Looking up, I felt both small and significant in its shadow.
