DESCRIPTIVE TEXTS

DESCRIPTIVETEXTS

What is a descriptive text?

It can basically be summed up in one short statement: Show, don’t tell. Descriptive writing creates a clear image in the reader’s head. It describes something or someone accurately and in a way that makes it come alive for the reader.

the use of the five senses

One key element to good descriptive writing is using all five senses. Most of the time, you get into the habit of describing only what can be seen. However, it’s important to incorporate all of the senses: taste, touch, sight, smell and sound.

HOW TO BE DESCRIPTIVE IN YOUR WRITING

There are several ways to use descriptive writing in your text. We’ll cover a few of them below and provide examples. 1. Engage senses by using details. Adding specific details helps your readers visualize what you’re writing about. Ex: The bakery smelled good. As soon as I walked into the bakery, I was greeted by the warm, intoxicating air of freshly baked cookies. 2. Use precise synonyms. Some words are more accurate than others and can help you better portray what you’re writing about. Ex: She wore a red dress. She wore a scarlet-colored dress. 3. Use metaphors, similes, personification, or other figures of speech. Figures of speech can make your writing more relatable and easier to understand. Ex: I was excited. I felt like a young boy on Christmas morning getting ready to open all his presents.

USEFUL TIPS TO DO A GOOD DESCRIPTION

• Picture everything you are asked for to write ( from an object such as a pencil to a place such as New York).
• Make a list of ADJECTIVES of all types ( including those referring to the senses).
• Use some kind of COMPARISON by means of metaphors.
• All the grammar you know will be a 'must' in your description.
• Don't forget to use CONNECTORS and ADVERBS that can make your description more comprehensible for the reader.
• A little bit of IMAGINATION can be allowed particularly when describing real situations.

¿Sabías que Genially te permite co visualizarlo en cualquier dispositivo y darle difusión en cualquier lugar.

DESCRIPTION SAMPLE

Summer Escape My family has always looked forward to leaving Florida during the torrid summer months. It is a tremendous relief to get out of the heated hustle and bustle of summer living in Florida. Each summer, we follow the yellow brick road to our hometown in upstate New York. As we drive through state after state, it becomes apparent that the world around us is changing. In South Carolina, we already begin to notice changes. The trees appear to be touchable, offering soft, plush leaves which sway in the breeze, and the grass actually invites us to share its place. . As each state brings new surroundings, our anticipation builds, and home seems closer all the time. Leaving the flatlands and entering an area where we are suddenly surrounded by hills of purple and blue are by far the most awakening moments. Virginia and Pennsylvania offer brilliant scenery with majestic hills and checkerboard farmlands. As we descend through the curves and winds of the northern region of the United States, home is now very close: we are almost there. The journey home is almost complete. As we begin our final descent through the state of Pennsylvania into upstate New York, the surroundings become comfortably familiar. Before long, we are welcomed by a sign that reads “Waverly, 18 miles” and the familiar fields of grazing cattle. It is at this point that our family, even the youngest member, knows that our vacation in New York is about to begin. Our eldest son has joked for years that he can “smell” Grandma’s apple pie already. Approximately fifteen minutes pass and as our vehicle takes us over the final crest, we see the smoke stack from the local factory as we cross the border of Pennsylvania and New York and are aware of our surroundings. A couple of turns later, we are there. We have reached our destination; we are home.

DESCRIPTION SAMPLE

Title: Note how creative title relates to essay. 1. Introductory paragraph: First paragraph sets the stage: where the action happened, when it happened, and to whom it happened. Note descriptive words. First body paragraph: Note how writer provides details, translating an experience into written words that permit the reader to visualize the situation. Note descriptive details. Tense: This essay is written in the present tense; most narratives, however, will be written in the past tense. Either tense can be effective. Second body paragraph: Note use of details, especially adjectives. Writer makes use of figurative language (personification - flowers "waving hello"). Third body paragraph: Writer continues to appeal to readers' senses with visually descriptive words. Figurative language is again used with the simile "like a carriage created by nature." Imagery: Note how the writer creates images for the reader (bold type) by appealing to the senses. Conclusion: Writer alludes to another sense (smell) and uses words to indicate closing ("final crest"). Essay ends with strong concluding sentence.

examples of descriptive writing

Describe a life-changing experience that you have had. Life-changing experiences can be both positive and negative. For me, one of the most life-altering events I've ever had was a car accident that changed my outlook on life forever. On a sunny day in August, I was heading home from a friend's house when my car suddenly spun out of control and jerked to the side of the road. In a blur, I heard the sound of metal shattering and glass breaking. When I finally came to my senses, I was alone in a car that had been completely destroyed by the impact. The experience gave me an immense appreciation for life and all its possibilities. From that point on, I swore to make every moment count and be grateful for what I have. It taught me that there are no guarantees in life and that it can change in an instant. This realization made me realize how valuable time is and encouraged me to pursue my dreams instead of wasting any more precious moments away. While the accident was undoubtedly traumatic, it was also transformative in many ways. It showed me the fragility of life and reminded me to make the most of every day. It was a frightening yet enlightening experience that has shaped my outlook on life ever since.

Let's picture the whole thing!

Let's have some practice...

1. TRANSFORMING SENTENCES

You have to transform these sentences into more descriptive ones. Remember to use the five senses and some literary devices such as a simile or metaphora. 1. It was cold... 2. The car was red and fast... 3. My grandfather is old and tired... 4. I was hungry and sleepy...

2. Select a picture and try to describe it in 5 or 6 sentences using the five senses.

Picture 1

Picture 3

Picture 2

The Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer

The Siene at la Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat

The Scream by Edvard Munch

Picture 6

Picture 5

Picture 4

The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo

The Starry Night by Van Gogh

The Son of Man by René Magritte

3. Describe an object in 10 minutes ( We will try to guess...)

5 . Describe your favourite room in your house.

4 . Describe your best friend or family member. Use about 75 words

thanks a million!