Download Descriptive Writing Rules

Descriptive Writing Rules
By definition a Descriptive Writing is the clear description of people, places, objects,
or events using appropriate details. Words should be selected to describe vividly
what the writer sees, hears, smells, touches, and tastes. In other words write in
sensory details.
Effective descriptive writing turns the page into a window. It creates a mood and
makes the reader see, hear, smell, touch or taste the experience along with the
writer. It makes the reader believe “you are there” in the writing.
Descriptive writings often start with a memory or an observation—something that
catches the reader’s attention. Asking yourself questions an s you begin to write can
guide you into a complete and thorough description. How does that feel? What did
I smell? What noise did I hear? All these can help with the sensory details.
Include vivid action verbs, adverbs, adjectives, and figurative language. Do less
story telling and more describing. The following are tips to improve your word
choice.
Instead of a general noun like dog….use a specific noun like beagle or the name
Rover.
Instead of a pale verb like walk, use a vivid verb like hike, tramp, stroll, or amble.
Instead of a vague adjective like thin, use one that will paint a picture like bony,
lanky, or gangly.
Write in the order you might draw or paint the picture. You might select top to
bottom, bottom to top, left to right, near to far, morning to night, etc. Have a plan
and follow it logically for success.
Use transition words to show how the details in a description are related. Some
transitions are as follows: over, under, beside, above, around, nearby, overhead, in
back of, in front of, to the left of, to the right of, just to name a few.
A descriptive writing prompt will usually have the word “Describe” in it.