Overview

Descriptive writing requires vivid details organized in a meaningful pattern. Topic sentences are as important in writing description as in other forms of writing. In descriptive writing, the details do not support the main idea but expand on it.

Through direct observation, you can collect striking details to include in your writing. Take notes while observing to help you re-create the scene later when you write.

When you write a description, keep in mind that exact verbs create strong images. Use a thesaurus or other collection of synonyms to assist you in finding the right words, especially verbs, to make your descriptions more vivid.

In describing a scene, consider the vantage point, or location, from which you want to re-create the scene for your readers. Be sure to organize your details in a logical way. One way is to arrange them in spatial order—that is, left to right, front to back, near to far, clockwise, or counterclockwise.

Poems are an excellent example of descriptive writing. Poems contain strong imagery condensed into fewer words than other forms of writing. You may be so affected by a poem that you need to respond to it in a creative way. Poetic word pictures can be turned into visual images—sketches, watercolors, or needlework projects!