Descriptive Paragraph PDF

DESCRIPTIVE PARAGAPH DESCRIPTIVE PARAGAPH 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 skunk's spray—but can also convey something abstract, such as an emotion or a...

DESCRIPTIVE PARAGAPH DESCRIPTIVE PARAGAPH 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 skunk's 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. CHARACTERISTICS OF A DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPH  It has a subject worthy of description.  It has an emphasis , either direct or indirect , on the five senses.  It uses figures of speech to enrich the description and spark reader interest.  It has one of three patterns of organization: chronological, spatial , or an order of importance. HOW TO CONSTRUCT A DESCRIPTIVE PARAGRAPH 1.Read other writers' descriptions. This will help you recognize what works in descriptive writing and what doesn't. 2. Plan your description. Think about the subject. Close your eyes and immerse yourself in it. If describing a place, imagine you are actually there. Notice all the sights, smells and noises around you. If describing a character, imagine he is standing in front of you and look at him closely, visualizing all the details of his appearance. Imagine he is talking to you. 3. Make notes. Never attempt to write something until you have done this. Make notes based on all the thinking you imagined in the previous step. Write down notes relating to all five senses. Think about and jot down any strong adjectives and adverbs you could use in your description. Write down any ideas for metaphors, similes and personification. 4. Make a draft. Try out different sentences, words, adjectives and see if they work. If not, try new ones. Use a thesaurus to help you find alternative words if your writing is too repetitive or if you want a word that is more dramatic or descriptive. Try writing a sentence to describe each of the five senses. Attempt different ways of ordering your sentences to see which is the most effective. 5. Write your paragraph once you are pleased with your draft. Use your notes and your draft to help you. Make sure you include all the relevant information and that you use a variety of different kinds of sentences to make your paragraph interesting. Check that your sentences are grammatically correct and that you have used the right punctuation. 6. Read through your finished paragraph. Try reading it out loud so you can really hear how the vocabulary you have chosen creates a mood and brings your description alive. Have a friend or classmate read your paragraph to see if she can picture what it is you are trying to describe. Don't be frightened to change anything you are not satisfied with. Assessment Directions: On a letter-sized bond paper/paper, write a descriptive essay about a specific person, a place, or a thing that you are comfortable describing about. Write at least 3 paragraphs about your chosen topic/subject. You can also refer to the example, “My Room”, for more ideas.