English Language Descriptive Writing Worksheet 2022-2023 PDF

The Primary Stage of Grades (4-5) School Year 2022- 2023 Name : ___________ Subject : English Language Descriptive Writing Worksheet Date : / / Class : Grade 5CP(All...

The Primary Stage of Grades (4-5) School Year 2022- 2023 Name : ___________ Subject : English Language Descriptive Writing Worksheet Date : / / Class : Grade 5CP(All Sections) _____________________________________________________________ Descriptive Writing Objective/s: Descriptive Writing Descriptive language is a technique used to add depth to a piece of writing. It can be used in both fiction and nonfiction texts. Descriptive language is the use of descriptive words such as adjectives, adverbs or descriptive verbs to give the story added detail. It can also be created by using figurative language, such as similes and metaphors. Descriptive language is intended to create a vivid and specific picture in the reader’s mind to give them a better feel for the story. What is an example of descriptive language? Story writing is usually the kind of writing that people associate with descriptive writing, and not without good reason. After all, stories are all about enjoyment, and a big part of this is being able to experience things from the point of view of the main character. As mentioned in the previous section, descriptive writing can be used in lots of different genres. That being said, it does suit some kinds of writing better than others. If you’re confused about where to use descriptive writing, then here’s a list of where it might be most appropriate. 1  Journal or recount writing - Whether you’re writing a personal recount for yourself or for the enjoyment of others, it’s important to describe events as they actually happened. Travel writing - The whole point of travel writing is to give the reader an idea of what it’s like to visit a particular country or place, which means it’s important to give the reader a detailed description of it. Poetry - When exploring shorter forms of writing, it’s all the more important to be precise with your descriptions. The best kinds of poems create detailed descriptions using as few words as possible. Nature writing - As with travel writing, when you’re writing about nature, the reader often wants to feel like they’re experiencing a place or setting first-hand. Essay writing - Though not always the most appropriate place for the descriptive style, sometimes it’s important to give the essay reader a better idea of what you’re writing about. If you’re writing to persuade, then descriptions could be used for emotional appeals. How do you start descriptive writing? As with any piece of writing, descriptive writing should start in a way that captures the reader’s attention. Most commonly, this means a detailed description of a person or place. When describing something in the descriptive style, it can help to think about how it affects the senses. So, to get your story off the mark, think about what your character might see, smell, taste, touch and hear as they navigate the world you’ve created. When done properly, opening sequences like this can go some way to making the reader feel like they’re part of what’s going on. When you’ve outlined the setting for your story, you can then move on to introducing the main plot point. Usually, this is the first of a whole chain of events that forms the basis of your story. Sometimes, stories start with what’s known as a 'hook' - a short sentence that makes the reader want to read more. If you’re stuck for ideas, then here are some hooks you can use at the start of your story. The wind swirled around me and the world went black... 2  At first, I couldn't understand why I had woken up, then I felt the icy fingers close around my wrist... Walking through the graveyard, Katie couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched... 'Surprise!' They cried, leaping out from behind the door... It had been the happiest day of his life... What makes good descriptive writing? One of the most effective ways to make good descriptive writing is to make use of the five senses: sound, sight, smell, touch and taste. By exploring the senses, we can create a vivid picture that the reader can visualize. Think about it: when you go to the park or even when you sit at home, you don't just see things. You hear, feel, touch (and sometimes taste) them too. Using this helps to make the description more real, authentic and effective for the reader. 3 4 5  Descriptive Language and Adjectives Another vital part of good descriptive writing is understanding which adjectives to use, how to use them and when. Being specific with the adjectives you choose can help to make descriptive writing more effective. A general description won't give the reader a clear image of what you're describing, but using specific adjectives to describe certain details will. Try to use surprising words - Sometimes it’s possible to convey a certain mood by using words or phrases that aren’t usually associated with the thing being described. For example, in the phrase 'the stench of summer', the word 'stench' is usually used with things that smell bad. This could indicate the speaker’s general dislike of all things summer-related. Think about who is describing - Like the above, certain characters might have different views about what’s being talked about. Try to match the words you use with how the character might think. Don’t over-describe - There are certain things that don’t need to be described, but it all depends on what the story is about and what's important to it. While a kitchen table might not be important for one story, it might be the center-piece for another. Think about what's important and don't over-describe what's not. Figurative language - Metaphors, personification, onomatopoeia, alliteration, similes, idioms and hyperbole can all elevate the standard of descriptive writing. 6 7  A Sick Day Using descriptive details in your writing helps your reader to be able to see, hear, feel, taste, touch and smell what it is that you are writing about. The more precisely you convey what is going on, the more enjoyable a story is to read. DIRECTIONS: The paragraph below is boring. Improve it by adding details about how the characters look, feel, sound, etc. Feel free to add dialogue. Rewrite the paragraph on the lines below. Jane wanted to go to the party. But she had symptoms of the flu. Her mother told her she could not go. Jane was disappointed. She tried to convince her mother. But her mother would not be convinced. Jane became angry. She wanted to do something to express her anger, but she was too sick to even get out of bed. Finally, she had to admit to herself that she was not going to make it to the party. Being Under the Weather Jane was dying to attend the school Halloween party, but she was experiencing terrible flu symptoms. “You can’t go!” Grumbled her mother. Jane felt down the dumps, and begged her mum a million times in an attempt for a change of heart. However, her mother was as stubborn as a bull and remained unconvinced. Jane was boiling with anger; wanted to act out her frustration, but due to her weak body she wasn’t able to move out of bed. Finally, she had to face the fact that she wouldn’t be stepping foot out of bed, and she’s stuck as glue at home going nowhere. 8 Writing: Describe Your Favourite Place. Don’t forget to use adjectives, adverbs, figurative language and precise verbs. (from the lists provided) DESCRIPTIVE WRITING CHECKLIST ☐ TOPIC SENTENCE: The topic sentence is well-written, correctly placed, and introduces the topic. The topic sentence “hooks” readers, pulls them in. ☐ SUPPORTING DETAILS: The paragraph contains 6 or more “supporting detail” sentences that relate back to the main idea. ☐ WORD CHOICE (DICTION): The paragraph offers vivid adjectives or phrases that linger or draw pictures in readers’ minds, and the choice of words used seems accurate, natural, and not forced. ☐ SENSORY DETAILS: The paragraph includes details that appeal to three or more of the five senses (taste, touch, smell, sound, and/or sight). ☐ MECHANICS AND GRAMMAR: The paragraph has no errors in punctuation, capitalization, and spelling. More Writing Tools: The following tools will help your writing come to life. Please challenge yourself to use all four. ☐ Simile: a comparison of two unlike things that uses like or as. Example: The English assignments are as fun as a day at the beach. 9 ☐ Metaphor: a comparison that turns one thing into another (using a form of the verb “to be.”) Example: The English assignments are a fun day at the beach. ☐ Personification: giving human qualities to an animal, object, or idea. Example: The northern wind whispered her secrets to me. ☐ Onomatopoeia: “sound effect” words, words that sound like what they mean. Example: When we were camping in the Little Yosemite campground, the rustling leaves kept me awake all night. Some reminders: You are painting a picture with words. SHOW DON’T TELL! “Wow” your readers! Have Fun! __________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 10 Examples: Descripting a place – The forest. A crisp winter morning and there was a frosty chill in the air. A sweet surrendering scent of the moist morning dew that cascades all around the sublime forest. The mixed cool autumn leaves from the tall trees lay scattered on the forest floor; they were in the motion of turning a brittle brown. There was the sound of shattered glass that emphasised the leaves being crunched, as if you were to step on them, pushing their papery remains deep into the brilliant white snow, which lined the ground like a fresh white cotton sheet. The passive and daunting forest has the appeal of a forgotten land, which has been lost in time. The isolated forest remained in a capsule, untouched by the destructive essence of man. Describing a person: Frida Kahlo was like a hurricane in a dress. She had dark brown hair and a single eyebrow that made her look permanently fierce. She thought in colours that didn’t exist, and her sadness could give birth to new worlds. Andy Warhol wore his face like people wear a hat. His hair was almost as white as the snow but he had eyes of deep black. He thought in all the colours of the rainbow. Painting bright reds and blues on paper, walls, and people. Stephen Hawking could own a room like a cat in a classroom. His glasses mirrored his cheery disposition and his wheelchair flattened the toes of his enemies. He thought in all the ways of the universe. Particles, protons, and parallel universes. 11