Descriptive

Writing

Descriptive Writing
Writing that vividly portrays
a person, place, or thing in
such a way that the reader
can experience the writers
experience.
Sensory Language, Vivid
Detail, Figurative Language,
Showing, not Telling = Active
Verbs
Used in most genres of
writing/literature

So.
Descriptive writing is
used in most types of
writing: including
narrative writing.

Sensory Language
Language that uses the 5
senses:

Sight
Sound
Taste
Smell
Touch
Example: The acid smell
penetrated my nostrils as a
breathed deeply. The humidity
after the rain clung to my skin
as I walked to my crippled car.

Vivid Verbs

Replace general verbs with

vivid verbs.
Make writing more
interesting and enjoyable for
the reader.
Vivid verbs have more
specific meanings than
General
More Vivid Verbs
general verbs.

Dislike
Eat
Like/Love
Run
Walk

Despise, Hate, loathe, Scorn,

Shun
Consume, Devour, Gobble
Admire, Adore, Cherish, Fond of
Dart, Dash, Scurry, Sprint, Jog
Hike, March, Plod, Saunter, Stroll

Descriptive Adjectives
Largest group of adjectives.
They describe the noun in
detail so the reader can
visualize what is being read.
Examples:
Adorable, Helpful, Gifted,
Aggressive, Bored, Wild, Evil,
Fearless, Cowardly, Helpful,
Lovely, Knowledgeable,
Vivacious, Wise, Troubled,
Pleasing.

Example of Using Vivid Verbs

and Descriptive Adjectives
Boring:
The nice woman walked into
the restaurant.
Descriptive:
The vivacious woman
sauntered into the
restaurant.