How to Write a Descriptive Paragraph

A descriptive paragraph is a focused and detail-rich account of a specific topic. Paragraphs in this style often have a concrete focus—the sound of a waterfall, the stench of a skunks spray—but can also convey something abstract, such as an emotion or a memory. Some descriptive paragraphs do both. These paragraphs help readers  feel  and  sense  the details that the writer wants  to convey. To write a descriptive paragraph, you must study your topic closely, make a list of the details you observe, and organize  those details  into a logical  structure. Finding a Topic The first step in writing a strong descriptive paragraph is identifying your topic. If you received a specific assignment or already have a topic in mind, you can skip this step. If not, its time to start brainstorming. Personal belongings and familiar locations are useful  topics. Subjects that you care about and know well often make for rich, multilayered descriptions.  Another good choice is an object that at first glance doesnt seem to warrant much description, like a spatula or a pack of gum. These seemingly innocuous objects  take on entirely unexpected dimensions and meanings when captured in  a well-crafted descriptive paragraph. Before you finalize your choice, consider the goal of your descriptive paragraph. If youre writing description for descriptions sake, youre free to choose any topic you can think of, but many descriptive paragraphs are part of a larger project, such as a personal narrative or an application essay. Make  sure the topic of your descriptive paragraph aligns with the broader goal of the project. Examining and Exploring Your Topic After youve selected a topic, the real fun begins: studying the details. Spend time closely examining the subject of your paragraph. Study it from every possible angle, beginning with the five senses: What does the object look, sound, smell, taste, and feel like? What are your own memories of or associations with the object?   If your topic is larger than a single object—for example, a location or a memory—you should examine all of the sensations and experiences associated with the topic. Lets say your topic is your childhood fear of the dentist. The list of details might include your white-knuckled grip on the car door as your mother tried to drag you into the office, the gleaming white smile  of the dental assistant who never remembered your name, and the industrial buzz of the electric toothbrush.   Dont worry about writing full sentences or arranging the details into a logical paragraph structure during the prewriting phase. For now, simply write down every detail that comes to mind. Organizing Your Information After youve compiled a lengthy list of descriptive details, you can begin assembling those details into a paragraph.  First, consider  again the goal of your descriptive paragraph. The details you choose to  include in the paragraph, as  well  as  the details you choose to  exclude, signal to the reader how you feel about the  topic. What message, if any, do you want the description to convey?  Which details best convey that message? Reflect on these questions as you begin constructing the paragraph. Every descriptive paragraph will take a somewhat different form, but the following model is a straightforward way to get started:  Ã‚   A topic sentence  that identifies the topic and briefly explains its significanceSupporting sentences that describe the topic in specific, vivid ways,  using the details youve  listed during brainstormingA concluding sentence that circles back  to the topics  significance Arrange the details in an order that makes sense for your topic. (You could easily describe a room from back to front, but that same structure would be a confusing way to describe a tree.) If you get stuck, read model descriptive paragraphs for inspiration, and  dont be afraid to experiment with different arrangements. In your final draft,  the details should follow  a logical pattern, with each sentence connecting to the sentences that come before and after it. Showing, Not Telling Remember to  show,  rather than  tell, even in your topic and concluding sentences. A topic sentence that reads, I am describing my pen  because I love to write is  obvious telling (the fact that youre describing your pen should be self-evident from the paragraph itself)  and unconvincing (the reader cannot  feel  or  sense  the strength of your love of writing). Avoid tell statements by keeping your list of details handy at all times. Heres an example of a topic sentence that  shows  the subjects significance through the use of detail:  My ballpoint pen is my secret writing partner: The baby-soft tip glides effortlessly across the page, somehow seeming to pull my thoughts down from my brain and out through my fingertips. Edit and  Proofread Your Paragraph The writing process isnt over until your paragraph has been edited and proofread. Invite  a friend or teacher to read your paragraph and provide feedback. Assess whether the paragraph clearly conveys the message you intended to express. Read your paragraph aloud to check for awkward phrasing or cumbersome sentences. Finally, consult a proofreading checklist to confirm that your paragraph is free of minor errors.