Naming Things Worksheets

How to Write Good Descriptions of Things

Your words have the power to bring events to life and transport your readers to your world. If you are looking for a way to build a fully formed picture in the reader's mind and for your writing to appeal to their sense of smell, taste, touch, sight, and sound, you must learn the art of drafting a good description. This way, you'll be able to engage the reader at all levels. By doing so, you can allow the reader to envision what you have so skillfully described. By following a few simple tips, the audience can fully immerse in your words and build a special connection with you. The ability to write good descriptions is crucial in your education and during day-to-day situations. According to research conducted by Joann Peck at the University of Wisconsin, if you are selling online, you don't have the advantage of allowing the consumer to hold the product in their hands and feel it. Hence, with the power of a good description, you can allow them to envision what your product would feel like and stir the consumer's imagination, prompting them to make a purchase. The primary purpose of descriptive writing is to describe a person, place, object, emotion, or scene. If your readers don't have a mental image of what you have written about, they may lose interest or not fully understand it. That is why one must understand the significance of a quality description. Follow these tips to write the best descriptions!

Start by brainstorming

Firstly, you must brainstorm and write whatever comes to your mind about your topic. Take a pen and paper and make small clouds with words that you think will help you write an accurate description. Try to organize your thoughts and ideas sequentially. You can connect the clouds with arrows to draw a sequence. This way, when you start writing, you will know where to begin your description and how to build on from there.

Keep it simple

Writing a description may not be the best time to exhibit your prowess and command in English. So keep it engaging, simple, and understandable for the reader! Use as many adjectives as you can to aid your writing, as these will enhance the image of what you are attempting to describe in the reader's mind.

Make use of sensory details

Remember one simple rule that will help you tap the reader's sense of taste, touch, smell, sight, sound, "show, don't tell." There is no best way to do this than by using sensory details. Allow your readers to fully experience what you have written and bring a sense of vividness to your writing. For example, if you describe the taste of something, instead of simply referring to taste, you can use sensory adjectives like "crispy" or "crunchy."

Put literary devices into play.

Figurative language is one of the most influential literary devices that goes above and beyond literal definitions. Make the best use of similes (for example, "cold as ice" or "tough as an old boot") and metaphors (for example, she is an early bird). These tools will help create an instant image of what you are describing in the reader's mind. However, you do need some creative know-how to utilize figurative language best.
As human beings, we are engineered to see patterns in things. So, whenever you attempt to make a comparison in a statement, it brings a new meaning of the subject to the reader's mind. Avoid using familiar and well-worn words. Attempt to describe something in a new and engaging manner for the reader.

Be specific, get to the point quickly

Don't confuse the reader with pointless over-writing. Attempt to write a description that is accurate and to the point, which constantly engages the reader's sensory perceptions allowing him/her to envision what you are writing about. Try not to place the most crucial phase of your description in the middle. To emphasize something, put it at the end of the sentence!

Avoid using unnecessary adjectives.

Using too many adjectives can potentially bog down your writing. Avoid using words that are too predictable to describe a sentence. If you notice that the meaning of your sentence is self-explanatory without the adjective, skip it! Instead, use a stronger noun to aid your writing. For example, avoid using words like "really" or "very" happy instead of using the word delighted. Another example could be, if you describe the clouds in a sentence, the reader would, by default, envision them as fluffy, so there is no need to write "fluffy clouds." Let the readers fill in some of the apparent details themselves!

Practice, proofread, and edit

There are several ways you can practice your descriptive skills. You can start by enjoying a walk in the park; when you sit down to rest, take out a pen and paper and start writing. Decide on the object you want to describe, close your eyes and create a mental image of it. Once you have the details ready, pen them down. Remember to proofread it for errors. Read the passage aloud to check it for awkward phrasing. If you spot unnecessary adjectives, leave them out. If the words used can be described better, swap them out with more relevant terms! Then rewrite your piece and invite a friend or a teacher to review your work. Feedback is a valuable step to becoming a better writer. Learn from your mistakes!

Descriptions are the most fundamental part of writing. Be creative but specific in your descriptions. Don't overdo it!. You can also benefit from reading descriptions written by others to take inspiration. A good description will also allow the reader to relate to what you have written. Writing good descriptions is an art, so paint pictures in the reader's minds with your words and allow them to experience what you have written indeed. Remember, practice, practice, and practice.

Email Newsletter