Descriptive Paragraph

A descriptive paragraph is a focused and detail-rich account of a specific topic. Paragraphs in this style
often have a concrete focus but can also convey something abstract, such as an emotion or a memory.
Some descriptive paragraphs do both. These paragraphs help readers feel and sense the details that the
writer wants to convey.
STEPS TO A GOOD PARAGRAPH
To write a descriptive paragraph, you must study your topic closely, make a list of the details you observe,
and organize those details into a logical structure.
1. Find a Topic
The first step in writing a strong descriptive paragraph is identifying the topic (sometimes it is given).
2. Examine and Explore the Topic
After the selection of a topic, fill in the details. Spend time closely examining the subject of the
paragraph. Study it from every possible angle, beginning with the five senses: What does the object look,
sound, smell, taste, and feel like?
3. Organize the Information
After compiling a lengthy list of descriptive details, begin assembling those details into a paragraph in the
prescribed format.
4. Showing, Not Telling
Remember to show, rather than tell, even the topic and concluding sentences.
5. Edit and Proofread the Paragraph
The writing process isn't over until the paragraph is edited and proofread. Delete unwanted, unnecessary
and extra information which does not enhance the description of the topic.
FORMAT
Every descriptive paragraph will take a somewhat different form, but the following model is a
straightforward way to get started:
 A topic sentence that identifies the topic and briefly explains its significance.
 Supporting sentences that describe the topic in specific, vivid ways, using the details you've listed
during brainstorming.
 A concluding sentence that circles back to the topic's significance.
(A) Hints to describe a person
 Name, age, height, looks or appearance (face, eyes, lips teeth), hair (short, curly, black, unkempt),
clothes (jeans, skirt, formal, casual, well tailored), build (overweight, muscular, lean), complexion
(pale, dark, fair) etc.
 Personal & family background
 Education, training, professional skills
 Attitude, values, views
 Characteristics of personality and character (personal, professional, intellectual, moral qualities
like trust worthy, confident, sincere, sensitive, patient)
 Occupation and specialization
 Opinion of others about him/her.
 Achievements, honours, distinctions, etc.
 Relationship to the writer.
Sample paragraph

Mrs. Urmila Rathod – A Gem of a Teacher

Gorgeous! Stately! Intelligent! Eloquent! Graceful! Such words come to mind whenever I think
Topic
of Mrs. Urmila Rathod, our teacher of English, who is an MA, B.Ed. from Delhi University. Sentence
Voted the most beautiful teacher of the school, year after year, Mrs. Urmila has been the
cynosure of all eyes. Her limpid eyes, glowing face, long rich hair, shapely hands and exquisite
sarees have always garnered her a lot of admiration. Ever since, she joined the school in its
formative years, she has been an active contributor to its phenomenal growth. In her teaching
career spanning over two eventful decades, she has been a beacon-light and a powerhouse of
strength to her students who have always looked up to her for guidance, inspiration and
support. Difficult tasks turn into a cakewalk when they are entrusted to her – be it time-table
framing, administrative work, scripting and editing, activity and event planning, etc. And her
Supporting
classes have always been inspiring and lively. Countless students credit their success in their Sentence
lives and careers to her. A national award she won last year is a testimony to her hard work Concluding
Sentence
and dedication.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

1) Describe in about 100-120 words a famous person that you would like to meet.
2) Describe in about 100-120 words yourself to someone who has never met you.
3) Describe in about 100-120 words an interesting person in your neighbourhood.
PS: Descriptive Paragraph on place and event stands deleted by the CBSE for the
session 2020-21 (the below content given just for reference)

(B) Hints to describe a place

 Name and type of place (city, building, park, hospital, mall, etc.)
 Importance because of business, trade, religion, history, administration, etc.
 Shape, dimensions, colour, design, materials, etc.
 Location and surroundings (in the middle of, at the top/bottom, in front of, behind,
beyond
 Area, infrastructure, amenities, public transport, connectivity
 Kinds of buildings, roads and public places in it
 Purpose and use
 Climate/weather and atmosphere (pollution-free, green, hot/humid, cold, etc.)
  Sights, sounds smells, scenic beauty associated with it
Sample paragraph

Chandigarh – The Beautiful City

When a lot of roads criss-cross each other at right angles and the spaces in between are dotted
Topic
with similar looking, red-bricked, block like buildings, you get a city called Chandigarh. Named Sentence
after a deity ‘Chandi’ whose shrine in not far from the down town, this city is a marvel of the
modern architecture. It was designed by the French master Le Corbusier. The first planned city of
Independent India, Chandigarh serves as a capital to both Punjab and Haryana, and is home to a
motley of people from different cultures and regions. It is beautiful, green, peaceful and pollution
–free, thanks mainly to a veritable variety of trees adorning its avenues and its characteristic
roundabouts, and lack of polluting industries. Tourists throng it for its iconic landmarks like the
Supporting
Rose Garden and Sukhna Lake, the shopping arcades of the Sector 17, Nek Chand’s Rock Garden Sentence
and Elante Mall. This hub of art, culture, administration and higher education can be reached by
Concluding
Concluding
rail, road and air. It is arguably India’s most beautiful and most livable city. Sentence
Sentence
(C) Hints to describe an event
 Name of the event
 Date, time and venue
 Organizer(s) and participants
 Purpose, importance and theme/focus
 Items or contents
 Chief guest, guest of honour, audience
 Result, outcome or effect
Sample paragraph

Vishesham - The Annual School Show with a difference

Woven around the theme of ‘Special Needs, Special Care’, this year’s Annual Function was aptly
Topic
titled ‘Vishesham’. It took place at Tagore Theater on the eve of 2nd October, Mahatma Gandhi’s
Sentence
birth anniversary. Renowned paralympian Ms. Deepa Malik graced the occasion as the Chief
Guest. The entire show was designed and executed by the students themselves. After a grand
welcome and lighting of the lamp, the real thing began. This year’s Saraswati Vandana was a
scintillating dance recital by classes III to V. It was choreographed by a class X student Mallika
Sharma of D-I-D fame. Next came the crowning glory of the programmed “Kathin Dagar, Majboot
Irade’ (Difficult Path, Strong Determination), a play that highlighted the challenges of the people
with special needs. It brought tears to all eyes. The wheel chair dance by the students of Ek Prayas
– School for Special Children was a picture of perfect coordination and grace. The grand finale was
Supporting
a chorus song ‘Roshini Dena Bhagwan’ (O Lord, Light our Path) by the students of the Drishti Sentence
School for Visually Impaired. The programme concluded with the visual rendition of the national
Concluding
anthem by the students of Dhvani – School of the Hearing Impaired. Sentence