DESCRIPTIVE
PARAGRAPH
WRITING SKILL
INTRODUCTION
A paragraph is a group of sentences expressing a series of connected thoughts upon a
single topic. Sentences are so organised that at the end of a paragraph they all look to
be knit into an organic whole. The idea, the theme, the main point of the topic is
sufficiently presented in the body of the paragraph. A paragraph can stand by itself
because it is the development of a single main thought, idea or experience.
Practical hints on paragraph writing.
◦ Devote some time to think over and grasp the exact meaning, significance and
implication of the given topic.
◦ Arrange your ideas and write down the important points in the order in which you wish
to develop them. There should be no omission, no repetition, and no digression.
◦ The paragraph should begin with a striking sentence to express the main idea and
arouse the reader’s interest.
◦ The sentences should be arranged in a logical order and the paragraph should end
with a sentence that sums it up.
◦ A paragraph should read as a complete and coherent piece of composition couched
in an engaging style.
List of Descriptive words (sample)
List of Descriptive words (sample)
A few words describing place
Ancient Beautiful Boring Bustling Charming
Contemporary Compact Cosmopolitan Crowded Exciting
Expensive Famous Fantastic Fascinating Huge
Lively Inexpensive Popular Picturesque Polluted
touristy
Describing an event in 4 steps
◦ Introduce the event: Include important details like the event’s name, the date, and
where it happened.
◦ Explain the cause: Explain the reason why something happened.
◦ Describe the result or effect: After explaining the cause, describe what happened as a
result.
◦ Combine the cause and effect phrases: Put everything together to make complete
sentences or paragraph that makes sense.
Sample: A Fantastic Music Festival
Last Saturday, my friends and I went to a big music festival in Seoul. It was so crowded
that we could hardly move. The organisers did a fantastic job setting up the stages with
colourful lights and decorations. However, due to the rainy weather, the outdoor concert
got cancelled. We were all disappointed because we really wanted to see our favourite
bands. Instead, we decided to explore the food stalls and enjoy indoor activities. We ate
delicious food and make friends with other international students we met there. Thus, we
made the best out of the situation and I had a lot of fun with my friends.
A Friendly Clown
On one corner of my dresser sits a smiling toy clown on a tiny unicycle--a gift I received last Christmas
from a close friend. The clown's short yellow hair, made of yarn, covers its ears but is parted above the
eyes. The blue eyes are outlined in black with thin, dark lashes flowing from the brows. It has cherry-red
cheeks, nose, and lips, and its broad grin disappears into the wide, white ruffle around its neck. The clown
wears a fluffy, two-tone nylon costume. The left side of the outfit is light blue, and the right side is red.
The two colours merge in a dark line that runs down the centre of the small outfit. Surrounding its ankles
and disguising its long black shoes are big pink bows. The white spokes on the wheels of the unicycle
gather in the centre and expand to the black tire so that the wheel somewhat resembles the inner half of
a grapefruit. The clown and unicycle together stand about a foot high. As a cherished gift from my good
friend Tran, this colourful figure greets me with a smile every time I enter my room.
*(Note the usage of descriptive words of colours, shape, and size. Use such words in your writing to create
a word image of the thing or person you are to describe)
