Definitely, this essay is going to contain and, actually, represent a description. At first sight, the task may seem quite easy. The describing technique is, probably, one of the simplest when it comes to writing different types of texts. It doesn’t normally confine a writer’s fantasy. On the contrary, it encourages the writer to apply to his or her own imagination, emotions and even memory in order to create a vivid and informative piece of writing.
Nevertheless, using something very personal, like feelings or impressions, as a base for creative work can become a real challenge both for you and your imagination. You’re certainly aware of that state of your mind when you’re like “Well, I know what I’m going to write my essay about but I can’t find any good words for it”.
Why Is There Such a Difficulty?
The creative pause like this may happen in two cases.
- In the first case, the images you see are so bright and contain so much information that your brain doesn’t have enough time to process it and reformat these images into written words.
- In the second case, your memory or feeling and the picture they draw in your head may be too blank and fuzzy to be expressed by words. It’s when you can’t see the clear outlines of what you want to write about, and when you’re more likely to start generalizing.
So what you need is a well-thought plan for your writing. It will help you shape the separate frames of all your impressions, emotions and memories into a single picture and put everything on the right place on it.
Let’s Start with a Particular Topic
In case you were assigned to write a descriptive essay but the choice of its topic is up to you, have a quick look at some things which can evoke your inspiration.
People
Each of us stores a special image of a person or several people in some very distant corners of our minds. Whether this is a dear relative, a close friend, an inspiring teacher or a casual passer-by who asked you how to get to the railway station or whatever, he or she has somehow left footprints in your memories and on your heart. By describing such person, you share the way only you see him or her with others.
Places
Another city with its mysterious avenues, your favorite clearing for your family picnics, a lonely bench on a picturesque park alley or even your backyard do deserve to be described in your essay. Also, mention why the place is so significant to you. You don’t need to go too personal. Just let your reader see and sense what you do.
Things
Have you got an extraordinary souvenir from one of your dear friends? Or is it your favorite toy you keep always by your side since you were a child? Describe what it is and how it’s come to you, whether some people or events are directly connected with this thing and why you attach so much weight to it.
Experience
This is how you can go absolutely unique. Write about a particular event or remarkable accident which has played an important role in your life and muse over the lesson it has taught you. Describe something that you will definitely keep in your memory for many years. Let it be your personal truth, your revelation which you’re ready to share with.
Tips to Adorn Your Descriptive Writing
After you have decided what you’re going to describe, let’s see how you can make your descriptive essay original, enticing and, of course, literate.
Tip #1 Stay Organized
Remember that your description should be logical, so that your reader could follow your thoughts and ideas easily.
Tip #2 Use Figures of Speech
Similes and metaphors are highly recommended. The Literarydevices.net online resource of literary terms points the difference between them. Although both of them imply a comparison , a simile makes it more direct with the help of the words “like” or “as”. In its turn, a metaphor creates a hidden comparison of the two unrelated things, basing on their common characteristics.
Tip #3 Address to Human Senses
Your impressions and memories aren’t abstract. They come from and stick to the physical phenomena we can experience with the help of our five senses. So help your reader see, hear, smell, taste or feel what you’re writing about.
Tip #4 Watch Your Language and Grammar
Rich vocabulary and proper grammar usage should always be the compulsory attributes of your every essay.