How to Write a Descriptive Paragraph

Writing a descriptive paragraph can be challenging even for the best writers. You need to set up the groundwork correctly or it will come out as a jumbled mess. So, how do you write a descriptive paragraph? Here’s how:

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Find a topic

A descriptive paragraph focuses on one object, person, or location. You can practically use any random instance of those three into a descriptive paragraph. Be sure to take into account the goal of the descriptive paragraph. If you’re writing an assignment, make sure the topic is in line with the stated goal and purpose of the assignment.

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Explore the topic

It’s time to brainstorm. Collect every information you have about the topic at hand. At this stage create a rough outline of each feature of the topic. Don’t mind about writing whole sentences at this stage. You can scribble on a piece of paper if you want to.

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Organize the information

Now it’s time to organize the outline so they have a nice flow. Take a look at your goal once again. Are you writing for the sake of writing or to fulfill an assignment? Based on that goal, pick only the relevant information from the scribbles that you just made. Get rid of the information that has no or loose ties with the goal.

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Show, don’t tell

One of the keys to writing a good descriptive paragraph is to create a vivid mental image in your reader’s mind.

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Consider the five senses humans have; sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste. Most people rely on their sights when trying to describe something and it shows in their writing. Try to avoid this and describe the topic using as many senses as possible.

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For example, let’s describe an apple.

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What do you feel on your hand when you touch the apple? Is the texture smooth or rough? Is it still firm or starting to get mushy? What do you smell? Then move on to your sight. How does the apple look? Describe the shape, colors, and size. Is there any imperfection worth noting?

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And what should you do when describing a hectic subway station?

Don’t just tell that it’s loud. Show readers how it’s loud. Are people talking or shouting? Just how crowded the station is? What are the expressions people wear on their faces? Is there anyone blasting music? All these details can help the readers draw that mental image of the subway and get a good sense of what it’s like to be there.

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Edit and proofread

Read the completed paragraph again and rework the parts as needed. Is there anything that’s vague, confusing, or redundant?

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 If you’re writing this for an assignment, better double check for any spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes. To help you out, just run the passage through the online spelling and grammar checker. That tool can easily pick up mistakes that your eyes just missed.

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OK, now onto practice. Write one descriptive paragraph about one random topic. Ready, get set, go!