These examples make use of several descriptive writing techniques, including metaphors, similes, sensory writing, hyperbole, personification, and onomatopoeia. These descriptive writing techniques are specific ways to use language to help a reader imagine something in great detail.
- Sensory Details: Using details based on the five senses to describe something in detail. This allows the reader to experience the story as we experience the real world. What does the grass smell like? What does the breeze feel like? How does her voice sound? Details make a difference. Ex. Her voice was shrill and piercing. It rose above the murmur of the crowd.
- Metaphor: A comparison of two unlike things in which the author states that one thing IS the other. Ex: The crowd was an avalanche crashing toward her.
- Simile: A comparison of two unlike things in which the author states that one thing is LIKE or AS the other. Ex: He was as tall as a mountain.
- Sensory Writing: When the author focuses on providing the reader a sensory description (sight, smell, hearing, touch) of the events in his/her work. Ex: The summer evening was still and quiet, with just a handful of crickets in the distance out in the direction of the gold and red lines the setting sun left behind on the horizon.
- Hyperbole: A way of placing emphasis on something by exaggerating some quality of it to an extreme/impossible degree. Ex: It was the worst headache anybody has ever had!
- Personification: When the author gives human characteristics to non-human characters/objects in his/her writing. Ex: The dog smiled back up at her, hope in his eyes.
- Onomatopoeia: When the author chooses to use words in his/her writing that sound the same as their meaning. Ex: The sploosh and splash of the waves rocking against the boat was melodic.
When trying to write descriptively, authors should make sure to re-read and re-write. Re-read for places where the wording can be changed or elaborated upon to create a more detailed image for the reader, and re-write those sections using some of the above examples or other forms of descriptive writing. Authors should also be intentional when choosing the words/phrases to focus on, as these will be the areas that focus readers' interest.
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Descriptive writing is writing that aims to paint a picture of a scene or event in the minds of the reader. Authors use descriptive writing to create vivid images that are focused on sensory details and detailed descriptions. Descriptive writing contrasts with concise writing, the goal of which is to convey meaning in as few words as possible. There are several specific techniques that authors use in descriptive writing, including metaphor, simile, sensory writing, hyperbole, personification, and onomatopoeia.
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Video Transcript
Definition of Descriptive Writing
Take some time to think about the differences between a short and a long conversation that you've had with someone about a specific event. Chances are that the short conversation lacked details and got straight to the point. The long conversation most likely had so much detail that you could almost picture yourself being there now.
Or, think about getting directions from friends. If you were invited to a party, would you prefer the directions that just said, 'By the school,' or would you prefer detailed directions that provide specific streets? Description is an important part of daily life and has an even bigger role in writing.
Descriptive writing is a literary device in which the author uses details to paint a picture with their words. This process will provide readers with descriptions of people, places, objects, and events through the use of suitable details. The author will also use descriptive writing to create sensory details as a means of enhancing the reading experience. If done effectively, the reader will be able draw a connection through the use of sensory details that include seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, and tasting. These techniques will assist you in becoming not only a better writer, but will also make your writing more engaging for readers.
Descriptive Writing Techniques
Here are some examples of descriptive writing techniques that you can utilize and effectively apply to your own writing.
Choosing your focus: When you first begin writing, it's extremely important to decide what your topic is going to be. This will prevent you from losing focus on the theme or main idea of your writing. When you decide what you are going to write about, you can begin to add details about the specific event, object, or person.
Use of words: In most cases, you'll use adjectives to make your writing more detailed for the reader. For example, rather than just saying: 'The dog sniffs around,' you'd say: 'The big brown dog sniffed around the red rose bushes in the front yard.' The use of 'big,' 'brown,' 'red rose bushes,' and 'front yard' assists the reader in visualizing the event and what the dog looks like. This process will allow the reader to create a mental image through the use of your word choice.
Reader interest: As a writer, it's important paint a picture with your words. One of the best ways to do this is through the use of the five senses. This won't only engage your target audience, but it'll appeal to other readers as well. By using taste, smell, hearing, sight, and touch, you are creating an opportunity for the reader to develop an emotional connection to your writing.
Re-reading and redo: Re-reading what you write is an important step in the descriptive writing process. This gives you time to reflect on whether or not you need to add more details to your writing. Putting yourself in the readers' position is important. Ask yourself after reading your writing, 'Would I be able to understand the main topic of my writing if I had no prior exposure?' This should indicate whether or not more details are needed.
Always remember, good descriptive writing is done well if the main topic of your writing is understood by all readers.
Example of Descriptive Writing
Now, let's take a look at a few samples that show us the difference between writing that is descriptive and writing that isn't.
Sample One: Lacking descriptive writing
I was nervous about my first day of school. My mother dropped me off in the front of the school. I got out of the car, and heard the bell ring. I walked to class. I found my class, and sat down in the front. My teacher walked in and yelled at me.
Sample Two: Use of the techniques
I was nervous about my first day of high school. My mother dropped me off in the student drop-off zone located in front of the school. I got out of the car, and I saw the principal standing greeting everyone walking around. The kids were all taller than me; some of the guys even had beards! The first thing I wondered was how I would get around this huge school. I stood in the front looking for people that I knew to shake out the butterflies in my stomach. I walked around for a few minutes until I heard a loud ring; it was the school bell. Students began to rush inside; it was like a stampede of elephants. I followed the rest of the kids.
The hallways smelled like a combination of sunscreen and cheap body spray. After five minutes of walking, I finally found my first class. I walked in and found a seat in the front of the classroom. I sat next to a girl who was wearing a bright red sweater. She was annoyed because some of the kids were asking her why she was wearing a sweater during the summer. She said it was because she loved the feeling of cashmere, and it was her lucky red sweater. I sat there for another two minutes staring around to see if I recognized anyone. I looked on my schedule, and, to my surprise, class did not start for another three minutes, and finally I pulled out a stick of Doublemint gum.
Eventually the bell rang. The teacher walked inside, and that's when things started to go badly for me. The teacher yelled at me at the top of his lungs, 'No gum!' Everyone stood, quite shocked. I was scared and nervous, but then the teacher smirked and said, 'Unless you have some for me!'
Lesson Summary
Hopefully you see the difference! Descriptive writing is an important literary device. This allows the writer to create a connection with their readers through the use of details. There are several techniques a writer uses in their writing, such as word choice and sensory details to paint a picture with their words. If done correctly, all readers will be able to understand subject matter they have no background knowledge of. Some tips for using effective descriptive writing include choosing your focus, use of words, reader interest, re-reading and redo.
A Few Notes
- Descriptive writing is important since it provides readers with details on people, places, objects and events.
- Writing descriptively means including sensory details, considering word use and making sure to re-read and ensure that no details are omitted.
Learning Outcomes
Subsequent to finishing this lesson on descriptive writing, make sure that you can:
- Understand the purpose of descriptive writing
- Discuss the techniques one should use to add descriptive details to a text
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