CWE Dr.
Aicha RAFFAS
Semester 2
Lesson 3: types of paragraphs
A- Descriptive
In descriptive writing the author intends to make the reader see, touch, smell, or taste the
topic by using words that create a specific image in his mind.
Elements of a Descriptive Paragraph
A. Topic Sentence
Introduces the subject of the paragraph.
Sets the main idea.
Example: The beach at sunset is a breathtaking sight.
B. Sensory Details
Sight: Colors, shapes, sizes
Sound: Noises, music, silence
Smell: Perfume, food, flowers, garbage
Taste: Sweet, sour, spicy, bitter
Touch: Soft, rough, cold, smooth
Example: "Golden rays of the sun reflect on the gentle waves, while the salty breeze tickles
my skin. Seagulls call in the distance, and the warm sand squishes between my toes."
C. Strong Word Choice (Adjectives & Adverbs)
Instead of "The tree is tall," say "The ancient oak towers over the field, its thick branches
twisting toward the sky."
D. Figurative Language
Simile: Comparing two things using like or as
Example: The clouds were as fluffy as cotton candy.
Metaphor: A direct comparison
Example: The night sky was a velvet blanket sprinkled with stars.
Personification: Giving human qualities to non-human things
Example: The wind whispered through the trees.
Example of a Descriptive Paragraph
Topic: A Cozy Winter Evening
"The fire crackles softly, sending warm golden light flickering across the room. The scent
of cinnamon and hot cocoa fills the air, wrapping me in comfort. Outside, snowflakes drift
lazily from the sky, creating a soft, white blanket over the earth. My thick woolen socks
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keep my feet snug as I curl up in a cozy armchair, a warm mug cradled in my hands.
Everything is peaceful, as if the world has paused for a moment of pure serenity."
Steps to Write a Descriptive Paragraph
1. Choose a topic (a place, object, person, or event).
2. Brainstorm sensory details for each of the five senses.
3. Write a strong topic sentence to introduce the subject.
4. Use sensory details, strong word choices, and figurative language in the body.
5. End with a closing sentence that wraps up the description.
Practice Exercise
Task: identify the four elements in the following descriptive paragraph
The moonlight spills over the forest like silver paint, casting eerie yet beautiful shadows on
the ground. A cool breeze whispers through the towering trees, making their leaves rustle
like a secret conversation. The scent of damp earth and pine fills the air, mixing with the
faint aroma of blooming nightflowers. Crickets chirp in a rhythmic melody, harmonizing
with the distant hoot of an owl. Under my feet, the soft moss feels like a plush carpet, and
the night air brushes against my skin with a gentle, comforting chill. In this peaceful
moment, the forest seems alive, as if it is breathing and watching over everything in silent
wisdom.
Topic sentence Sensory details Strong word choice Figurative language
Task 2: write a descriptive paragraph about your favorite place.
Use:
✅A strong topic sentence
✅At least 3 sensory details
✅At least 2 strong adjectives
✅One figurative language device (simile, metaphor, or personification)
